Search results

1

Perceived constraints on exercise in the group of the elderly: a pilot study

100%

Baceviciene M., Alisauskas J.

|

EN

The aim of this study was to evaluate psychometric properties of the perceived constraints on the physical exercise scale and to indicate the most important perceived constraints that restrict the elderly from exercise.160 persons (aged 60–89) living in Lithuania, Kaunas city were interviewed in 2011. Physical activity was assessed using a short version of International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Constraints on physical exercise were determined according to a structured list of statements consisting of five domains: poor health, fear and negative experiences, lack of knowledge, lack of time and interest, and unsuitable environment. Perceived constraints on the exercise scale demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency and good construct validity: Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of internal reliability were above the standard (≥0.7) with the exception of lack of knowledge domain. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a fivefactor solution that accounted for 67.4% of the variance. Fear and negative experience during exercise increased the odds of insufficient physical activity by 3.3 (1.16–9.59) times whereas lack of time and interest - by 7.2 (2.98–17.31) times. Perceived constraints on the exercise scale is a suitable measure for the elderly investigations. Perceived constraints that most restrict elderly people from exercise were lack of time, interest, fear of falling and injuries.

2

With Nature and the Outdoors as a Resource:A Case of a One-Footed Elderly Man in a Wheelchair

88%

Terese L.

|

vol. 65

|

issue 1

24-30

EN

The older population is a greatly increasing group, and municipalities meet more and more demands regarding the health of elderly people. Ageing results in a loss of mobility and reduced independence, but there are different measures and practices possible that may contribute to maintain independence. By being active, elderly people can prevent disease, reduce disability, and increase wellness. Among these measures, research has discovered that older adults can benefit from contact with nature. This case study presents an old man in a wheelchair and his way of living an independent life despite being physically disabled. Harald is 88 years old and lives in the suburb of Ålesund, a town in Norway. Eight years ago, he had his left leg amputated due to cancer and experienced a long and tough recovery process. Harald‟s way back to restoring his mobility was highly enhanced by the outdoors and natural surroundings, which helped him to restore his independence. His experience, together with other theoretical findings, calls to our attention that nature is a resource on both the mental and the physical level. People who have access to nearby natural settings are healthier overall than other people. Natural surroundings lead one away from daily life and help one to forget about stress and worry. Natural surroundings make one more relaxed and offer a lot of time to reflect on life.

3

Community acquired infections in elderly population

88%

Kucukardali Y., Oncul O., Kunter E., Turhan V., Solmazgul E., Terekeci H., Sayan O., Oktenli C.

Open Medicine

|

2009

|

vol. 4

|

issue 2

171-178

EN

In geriatric practice, data regarding infections including the epidemiology, morbidity, and mortality are lacking. Our aim was to evaluate the frequency, location, microbiological and laboratory characteristics of infectious diseases in elderly population admitted to a training hospital. The patients were included total of 330 patients, aged over 65 with infection, seen between January 1, 2005 and January 1, 2006. In the result, of patients 136 (41%) had respiratory system infection, 90 (27%) urinary system infection, 39 (12%) gastrointestinal system infection, 34 (10%) bloodstream infections, 17 (5%) soft tissue infection, 8 (2%) central nervous system infections, and 6 (2%) others. Average length of hospitalization was 8.6±7.7 days. Mortality rate from all causes was 57 (17%). The most common infections in elderly patients were respiratory tract and urinary system infections, and there were no fever, leukocytes and high CRP levels in approximately 1/3 of cases. Infectious diseases may occur even in the absence of such infection indicators as fever, raised WBC count and high CRP level in the elderly population.

4

Tailored treatment of intestinal angiodysplasia in elderly

88%

Compagna R., Serra R., Sivero L., Quarto G., Vigliotti G., Bianco T., Rocca A., Amato M., Danzi M., Furino E., Milone M., Amato B.

Open Medicine

|

2014

|

vol. 10

|

issue 1

EN

Background: Angiodysplasia of the gastrointestinal tract is an uncommon, but not rare, cause of bleeding and severe anemia in elderly. Different treatments exist for this kind of pathology. Methods: The aim of this work was to study 40 patients treated for intestinal angiodysplasia with two different kind of endoscopic treatments: argon plasma coagulation (APC) and bipolar electrocoagulation (BEC). Results: Age of patients was similar in both groups (76,2 ± 10.8 years vs 74,8 ± 8,7 years, P = 0,005). Angiodysplasia treated were located in small bowel, right colon, left colon, transverse colon and cecum. We analysed number of treatment, recurrence, hospital discharge, needs of blood transfusions before and after endoscopic treatment. Number of treatment was the same in both groups (1,2 ± 0,2 vs 1,1 ± 0,1, P < 0,001). We had more recurrence in patients treated with BEC (4/20 vs 2/20, P < 0,001). Hospital discharge was comparable in both groups (5,3 ± 3,1 days vs 5,4 ± 2,8 years, P < 0.001) Conclusions: Treatment of angiodysplasia in elderly is not easy. Different kinds of treatment could be adopted. APC and BEC are both safe and effective. The choice of a treatment should consider several factors: age, comorbidity, source of bleeding. In conclusion we think that treatment of bleeding for angiodysplasia in elder population should be a tailored treatment.

5

Population-based cardiovascular risk factors in the elderly in Turkey: a cross-sectional survey

75%

Ozkara A., Turgut F., Kanbay M., Selcoki Y., Akcay A.

Open Medicine

|

2008

|

vol. 3

|

issue 2

173-178

EN

Hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, obesity and smoking are known to be the most important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Because the elderly population has been increasing globally, CVD may become a more important public health problem in the future. This report examines the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in the elderly in Ankara, Turkey. This was a cross-sectional survey and included a total of 2720 individuals living in the Ankara district. Trained research staff administered a standard questionnaire in the participants’ homes and worksites. The questionnaire collected information on clinical and demographic characteristics and a self-reported medical history, including past history of hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, coronary artery by-pass graft operation, and cerebrovascular accident. The mean age of the study participants was 69.5 ± 7.2 years. The study identified 1298 women (78.1%) and 753 men (71.2%) with hypertension, and the overall prevalence of hypertension was 75.4%. A total of 739 (27.2%) people had diabetes mellitus, and, of these people, 603 (81.6%) were hypertensive. A total of 1361 people had hyperlipidemia, and 1103 of these patients were also hypertensive. The overall prevalence of obesity was 27.2%. A total of 553 (20.3%) people were smokers. Our findings indicate that cardiovascular risk factors are very common in the elderly. To maximize risk reduction, physicians must take aggressive measures to decrease cardiovascular risk factors.

6

Differences in reporting somatic complaints in elderly by education level

75%

Stankunas M., Soares J., Stankuniene A., Gabriella Melchiorre M., Torres-Gonzales F., Ioannidi-Kapolou E., Barros H., Lindert J.

Open Medicine

|

2013

|

vol. 8

|

issue 1

125-131

Refine search results

Perceived constraints on exercise in the group of the elderly: a pilot study

With Nature and the Outdoors as a Resource:A Case of a One-Footed Elderly Man in a Wheelchair

Community acquired infections in elderly population

Tailored treatment of intestinal angiodysplasia in elderly

Population-based cardiovascular risk factors in the elderly in Turkey: a cross-sectional survey

Differences in reporting somatic complaints in elderly by education level