Search results for ‘Subject term:"older people"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 10 of 12
Effect of exercise on depression severity in older people: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
- Authors:
- BRIDLE Christopher, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 201(3), September 2012, pp.180-185.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
There is uncertainty concerning the effect of exercise on depression among older people with clinically significant symptoms of depression. The primary aim of this meta analysis was to estimate the effect of exercise on depression severity in this group of patients. A secondary objective was to examine any variation between pre-specified subgroups stratified by depression eligibility criteria. Nine randomised controlled trials, including 667 patients, met the inclusion criteria and seven were used in the analyses. Medium term, 3-12 months, of mixed exercise was associated with significantly lower depression severity (standardised mean difference –0.34), irrespective of whether participant eligibility was determined by clinical diagnosis or symptom checklist. The authors conclude that, for older people who present with clinically meaningful symptoms of depression, prescribing structured exercise tailored to individual ability will reduce depression severity.
Motivators and barriers to exercise adherence
- Author:
- ROLLER Maureen
- Journal article citation:
- Nursing and Residential Care, 14(9), September 2012, pp.482-485.
- Publisher:
- MA Healthcare Ltd.
- Place of publication:
- London
Adults over the age of 65 are at increased risk if disabling injuries, diminished independence and vitality owing to a decline in strength, endurance and balance. Assisting this population in increased adherence to exercise programmes may promote a healthier life and improved function and quality of life. This article details findings from research which examined motivators and barriers to a 12-week exercise programme. The pre-study motivator scores were lower than the post-study scores, indicating that motivation factors increased after the programme. The more that people participated in the exercises, the lower the barriers became. The author concluded that access to exercise that is convenient may encourage older people to adhere to similar programmes and overcome any remaining barriers.
A survey of community exercise programmes for stroke survivors in Scotland
- Authors:
- BEST C., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Health and Social Care in the Community, 20(4), July 2012, pp.400-411.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Physical fitness is often reduced after stroke, but training can improve fitness and function. Clinical guidelines recommend long-term exercise participation for stroke survivors, yet there has been no previous research into what services are available to support this. This study sought information on session content, referral and assessment processes, and the qualifications of exercise instructors for 14 Exercise after Stroke services in Scotland. The majority of services were run by charity collaborations, followed by leisure centre services and health services. This information was cross-referenced with current clinical and exercise guidelines to determine whether existing resources were sufficient to meet stroke survivors’ needs for safe, effective and sustainable access to exercise. Findings suggested a shortage of stroke-specific community exercise programmes. The authors concluded that further service development was required to ensure appropriate instructor training and referral pathways are in place to enable stroke survivors to access exercise services in accordance with guidelines.
Back from the brink: ageing, exercise and health in a small gym
- Authors:
- TULLE Emmanuelle, DORRER Nika
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 32(7), October 2012, pp.1106-1127.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
This study explored older adults' experiences of becoming regular exercisers in a gym, triggered by health problems, and their interactions with their younger gym instructors. Interviews were held with 15 men and women aged 55 to 83 years in Scotland. While participants reported significant benefits (greater health capital, expanded social networks and a return to active life after illness), they nevertheless were engaged in a complex and ambiguous negotiation of attitudes to bodily ageing and meanings of fitness and competence. In contrast, the instructors subscribed to a model of physical activity oriented towards physical capital as greater fitness. The paper suggests that these positions manifest competing understandings about what constitutes appropriate and desirable physical capital in later life. The authors concluded that there is a need to develop ways of breaking down barriers in communication to overcome divergent understandings of what constitutes legitimate physical capital people age.
Clinical and sociodemographic factors in a sample of older subjects experiencing depressive symptoms
- Authors:
- BARCELOS-FERREIRA Ricardo, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 27(9), September 2012, pp.923-930.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Clinically significant depressive symptoms (CSDS) decrease quality of life and are associated with excess morbidity and mortality in older adults. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of CSDS in a community sample of older Brazilians and to examine their relationship with sociodemographic factors, cognitive and functional impairment (CFI), and medical illness. The participants were 1145 individuals aged 60 years or older living in the City of Ribeirao Preto, Brazil. The participants completed the following instruments: a 10-item scale for screening of depressive symptoms in older people, the mini mental state examination, the Fuld Object Memory Evaluation, the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly, the Bayer Activities of Daily Living Scale, and a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire. The findings showed that the prevalence of CSDS in this community-based sample was 15.7%. Logistic regression analysis indicated that being previously depressed, having CFI, having lower level of education, using psychotropics, and not engaging in physical exercise were related to CSDS. On the other hand, being a woman, older, medically ill, employed, or married was not associated with CSDS.
Integration of balance and strength training into daily life activity to reduce rate of falls in older people (the LiFE study): randomised parallel trial
- Authors:
- CLEMSON Lindy, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Medical Journal, 18.8.12, 2012, p.14.
- Publisher:
- British Medical Association
Participants aged 70 years or older who had two or more falls or one injurious fall in past 12 months, recruited from Veteran’s Affairs databases and general practice databases in Sydney, Austraila. Exclusion criteria were moderate to severe cognitive problems, inability to ambulate independently, neurological conditions that severely influenced gait and mobility, resident in a nursing home or hostel, or any unstable or terminal illness that would affect ability to do exercises. Three home based interventions were tested: Lifestyle integrated Functional Exercise (LiFE) approach (n=107; taught principles of balance and strength training and integrated selected activities into everyday routines), structured programme (n=105; exercises for balance and lower limb strength, done three times a week), and sham control programme (n=105; gentle exercise). LiFE and structured groups received five sessions with two booster visits and two phone calls; controls received three home visits and six phone calls. Assessments made at baseline and after six and 12 months. Results found a significant reduction of 31% in the rate of falls for the LiFE programme compared with controls; the corresponding difference between the structured group and controls was non-significant. Static balance on an eight level hierarchy scale, ankle strength, function, and participation were significantly better in the LiFE group than in controls. LiFE and structured groups had a significant and moderate improvement in dynamic balance, compared with controls. It was found that the LiFE programme provides an effective alternative to traditional exercise to consider for fall prevention. Functional based exercise should be a focus for interventions to protect older, high risk people from falling and to improve and maintain functional capacity.
Sensory stimulation and seated physical activity
- Author:
- DUKE Tony
- Journal article citation:
- Nursing and Residential Care, 14(5), May 2012, pp.246-249.
- Publisher:
- MA Healthcare Ltd.
- Place of publication:
- London
For the first time, physical activity guidelines specifically for adults aged 65 years and over have been published. The suggested amount of exercise should add up to at least 150 minutes a week and be of moderate intensity. People working in nursing and residential care are required to provide appropriate physical and mental stimulation for their residents. This article aims to advice service providers on promoting healthy living in line with these guidelines. Specifically, it describes 2 types of activities. Sensory activities involve the stimulation of the senses, and include various activities from opening a window and smelling fresh cut grass to spending time in a sensory room. Seated physical activities involve regular, therapeutic movement and often entail touching equipment or hearing instructions or music. Sensory stimulation and seated physical activity can be provided together to give mental and physical benefits to patients. The article describes simple and cost-effective ways of providing this service in homes.
Have you been down to the woods today?
- Author:
- MAPES Neil
- Journal article citation:
- Working with Older People, 16(1), 2012, pp.7-16.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
To date, research exploring the benefits of “green” exercise and experiences of people living with dementia in care taking activity out in nature is very limited. This paper reports on findings from the Wandering in the Woods action research project conducted by Dementia Adventure, based in Essex, England. The project is designed to help people living with dementia connect with nature. Qualitative and quantitative data were gathered using the participatory appraisal method in small groups both before and after woodland adventure days out. The research was conducted with three relatively small groups, which varied in composition across the study, for practical reasons associated with care and capability of participants. Findings revealed a 41% increase in participants rating exercise as a factor which was very important to them. A number of potential physical, emotional, and social benefits of activity out in woodlands were identified. Practical implications for changing practices in the dementia care and health and well-being sectors are discussed.
Therapist and patient perspectives on cognitive-behavioral therapy for older adults with hoarding disorder: a collective case study
- Authors:
- AYERS Catherine R., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 16(7), September 2012, pp.915-921.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This study investigated therapist and patient perspectives on a specialised cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) protocol for clinically significant hoarding in older adult patients. Data were derived from therapist observation, CBT consultant observation, clinical treatment notes, participant feedback and participant in-session notes and completed homework assignments. Findings revealed that the value of homework, treatment session compliance, and deficits in executive functioning were common themes among participants as viewed by the therapist. Patients reported that exposure exercises and the therapeutic relationship were the most helpful aspects of their treatment, while cognitive strategies had limited success. Treatment for hoarding in older adults may be improved by focusing on exposure therapy elements, providing simplified homework assignments, and decreasing the emphasis or modifying cognitive restructuring techniques. Implications for practice are discussed.
Lifestyle, social factors, and survival after age 75: population based study
- Author:
- RIZZUTO Debora
- Journal article citation:
- British Medical Journal, 29.9.12, 2012, p.17.
- Publisher:
- British Medical Association
To identify modifiable factors associated with longevity among adults aged 75 and older a population based cohort study was carried out in an area of Stockholm, Sweden. 1810 participant were followed up for 18 years. Comparison data included lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol and body mass index), social networks and leisure activities (mental, physical, social and productive activities). The results found that lifestyle behaviours such as not smoking and physical activity were associated with longer survival, even after the age of 75. A low risk profile added five years to women's lives and six to men's lives.