elderly

The elderly population faces numerous challenges threatening their quality of life, autonomy, and mobility. Therefore, it is essential to implement activities that address and enhance these issues. This study aimed to examine the effects of rehabilitation exercises on the mechanics of transitional movements among the elderly.

The present study was a systematic review. Articles in Persian and English were searched from December 2020 to May 2024. The study examined the effects of various rehabilitation exercises on the biomechanics of transfer movements in elderly individuals. Specialized databases, including Magiran SID, Scopus، PubMed، ISC، WOS, and Google Scholar were utilized for the review. Initially, 74 relevant articles were selected, and ultimately, 21 articles related to different types of rehabilitation exercises for the elderly were analyzed based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.

The results showed that a variety of rehabilitation exercises can effectively enhance the reduction of peak ground reaction forces during transitional movements. Additionally, it was observed neuromuscular exercises improved the balance index. Conversely, resistance exercises improved both static and dynamic balance and reduced the risk of falling among the elderly.

Prolonged participation in combined exercises, which merge two or more rehabilitation exercises, might yield more beneficial results. However, further research is needed to determine the best type and intensity of exercise for improving the biomechanics of transfer movements in the elderly.

A significant increase in the elderly population with chronic diseases, including diabetes, has been accompanied by numerous challenges worldwide. Stress is recognized as one of the influential factors in the occurrence and exacerbation of diabetes complications. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of stress-coping skills training on the levels of anxiety and quality of life (QOL) in elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes in Shiraz City, Iran, in 2018.

The present study was conducted using a semi-experimental educational intervention design on 100 elderly individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: the intervention and control. After conducting pre-tests and blood glucose tests, stress-coping skills training sessions were held over 6 sessions, each lasting 90 minutes, including  primary and secondary assessment of diabetes, training on how to deal with the stress caused by the disease in order to reduce the symptoms of the patients, assigning homework with the aim of calming the body, getting familiar with cognitive concepts, a test of dealing with negative thoughts, concentration of thought, and various other materials. Three months after the last session, post-tests and blood tests were conducted for both groups. The control group received their regular treatment program until the end of the study. The assessment tools used included a demographic information questionnaire, the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Diabetes Quality of Life questionnaire (DQOL). The data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software and independent t-test, paired t-test, and chi-square test.

The intervention and control groups did not have a significant difference in demographic characteristics, and also before the intervention, there was no significant difference in the mean scores of QOL, anxiety, and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) levels between the two groups. The findings of the study indicate that after the intervention, the QOL of the intervention group and its dimensions significantly increased, and anxiety significantly decreased (P < 0.001). However, a significant change in the level of HbA1C was not observed in the intervention group (P > 0.001).

The results of this study indicate that stress-coping skills training has a positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving the QOL in elderly individuals with diabetes and can be considered an effective educational method in this area. However, these skills did not have a significant effect on the level of HbA1C, and further investigation is needed in long-term studies and different age and gender groups.

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the attitude towards the old age and determining its predictive role on general health of the elderly.

This was a descriptive study and included a sample of 156 elderly individuals referred to six comprehensive health centres in Sabzevar, Iran, selected through stratified sampling. Questionnaires were used to collect data on attitudes towards ageing and general health of the elderly. The data was then entered into Stata software and analyzed using multiple linear regression statistical tests

The results showed that the score for attitude towards old age was 78.07±0.51 and general health was 20.18±0.71. Based on the analyzes conducted in this study, a significant relationship was observed between the physical dimension of old age, the mental-psychological dimension and the dimension of psychosocial problems of old age with general health (P<0.001).

Based on the results, it can be concluded that promoting motivation in the elderly in order to have a positive attitude towards the physical, psychological and psychosocial dimensions of old age can make the elderly more dynamic in order to improve the quality of life, and ultimately increase the level of general health of the elderly.

 The incidence of cancers, especially stomach, colorectal, and esophageal cancers, is increasing in the Iranian elderly population. At present, family members often identify the needs of cancer patients and provide their main care. Therefore, the present study determines the relationship between caregiver burden and quality of life in the caregivers of elderly patients with digestive system cancers referred to selected hospitals in Tehran City, Iran, in 2023.

 This was a descriptive-analytical study. In this article, the relationship between caregiver burden and quality of life was investigated in 270 caregivers of elderly patients with digestive system cancers referred to selected hospitals in Tehran City, Iran, in 2023. Sampling was done using a cluster sampling method, and the time limit was from March to December 2023. In this research, personal and social profile questionnaires, Zarit care burden questionnaire, and cancer caregiver quality of life index were used. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software, version 22, along with statistical tests. Descriptive statistics, one-sample t test, and univariate linear regression were used, and P<0.05 was considered significant in all stages.

 The average score of caregiver burden among those caring for elderly patients with gastrointestinal cancer was 30.63±14.10, indicating  the average care burden in the caregivers of elderly patients with gastrointestinal cancer(P<0.001) The average score of quality of life in the caregivers of elderly patients with gastrointestinal cancer was 70.39±18.12, reflecting a low quality of life score (P<0.001). A significant negative relationship was observed between caregiver’s care burden and caregiver’s quality of life (P<0.001), meaning that as caregiver burden increases, quality of life decreases. Caregiver burden accounted for 30% of the variation in quality of life. Caregiver burden was significantly associated with increasing average age (P=0.04), number of children (P=0.03), duration of care (P=0.002), retired caregivers (P=0.03), and living with others (P=0.03). On the other hand, the average social support increases (P=0.002), and this increase has been significant. Quality of life scores significantly declined among older caregivers (P=0.001), had more children (P=0.001), were retired (P=0.04), lived with a spouse (P=0.01), had low to moderate social support (P=0.001), or had chronic conditions such as depression, arthritis, diabetes, asthma, or angina pectoris (P=0.003).

 Caregiving burden can play an effective role in reducing the quality of life of caregivers of the elderly with gastrointestinal cancer, and by reducing the caregiving pressure, we can observe an increase in the quality of life of caregivers of the elderly.

Sleep disorders are among the most prevalent issues impacting the quality of the elderly. Sleep hygiene training, aimed at modifying beliefs and habits related to sleep, is a non-pharmacological method for treating these disorders. This study determines the effect of sleep health education, delivered via a mobile application, on the sleep quality of elderly individuals covered by the national pension fund in Rasht City, Iran, in 2022.

 This semi-experimental study was conducted in two phases. Initially, 330 elderly individuals were included, and their sleep quality was assessed using a designated tool. Subsequently, 96 individuals with low sleep quality were randomly divided into two groups of 48 subjects, namely an intervention group and a control group. Data were collected using a two-part questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic information and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). The intervention group received training on using the mobile-based sleep health educational application during two face-to-face sessions and was instructed to implement its programs daily for four weeks.

The results of the study indicated that the average age of the elderly participants was 68.98±6.52 years, with the majority being female (60.1%), married (83.3%), living in urban areas (91.5%), and having a university education (52%). The mean sleep quality score for the elderly was 5.37±3.88, which was influenced by factors such as gender, education level, marital status, living arrangements, underlying health conditions, and employment status (P≤0.05). Among the sleep quality components, sleep onset delay presented the greatest challenge, while the use of sleep medications was the least problematic. Multivariate analysis of covariance analysis indicated that sleep hygiene education significantly improved sleep quality across all areas, except for sleep efficiency (P≥0.05).

 Sleep health education utilizing accessible and practical methods enhances the sleep quality of the elderly. Given the high prevalence of sleep disorders and their associated complications in this demographic, this model is recommended as a non-pharmacological treatment for managing sleep disorders, targeting healthcare workers, the elderly, and their caregivers.

The aging population is increasingly recognized as a significant demographic that requires focused attention in mental health research and interventions.The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of reminiscence therapy on social functioning and emotional well-being in the elderly.

This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test, post-test, and two-month follow-up, including a control group. The statistical population consisted of all depressed elderly individuals with a history of trauma residing in Qazvin in the year 1402 (2023). The sample included 20 depressed elderly individuals with a history of trauma, identified based on a cutoff score of 21 on the Beck Depression Inventory and a cutoff score of 4 or higher on the Walker and Stang (1987) Elderly Questionnaire, along with clinical interviews. Participants were matched by gender and assigned to either the reminiscence therapy group or the control group (10 individuals in each group). The study utilized the social functioning questionnaire developed by Farokhnia et al. (2017) and the emotional well-being questionnaire by Keyes et al. (2003). The experimental group received 12 sessions of Butler’s reminiscence therapy. Data analysis was conducted using repeated measures ANOVA with SPSS-26 software.

The results indicated that reminiscence therapy had a significant effect on social functioning and emotional well-being (P < 0.001), and this effect remained stable during the follow-up period.

This research underscores the importance of reminiscence therapy as an effective method for improving the psychological and social status of depressed elderly individuals and suggests that this approach should be incorporated into therapeutic programs for this age group.

 Ageism can marginalize and discriminate against the elderly in healthcare services, and ageism among nurses and healthcare providers leads to unfavorable services. This study investigates the relationship between nurses’ attitudes about old age and age discrimination in caring for hospitalized patients in hospitals in Kashan City, Iran.

 This study is a descriptive-analytical research conducted on 600 nurses working in Kashan University of Medical Sciences teaching hospitals. All the nurses of Shahid Beheshti and Naqvi hospitals were surveyed. This research includes two questionnaires that measure attitudes about old age, namely the Kogan attitudes toward older people scale and measures of discriminatory practices against the elderly. To analyze the results using descriptive statistics (prevalence and average) and inferential statistical tests, including the Chi-square test, independent t test, and variance analysis with the Pearson correlation coefficient or the Spearman correlation coefficient, were employed. Meanwhile, the SPSS software, version 25 was used. The significance level was considered 0.05 in this research.

 The mean and standard deviation of age were 31.78±6.34 years. The results show no significant relationship between gender, type of employment, job satisfaction, caring for the elderly with COVID-19, and nurses’ attitudes (P>0.05). Also, among the mentioned variables, only the mean job satisfaction score significantly correlates with nurses’ discriminatory actions (P=0.004). In addition, age (t=-2.485, P=0.013), attitude (t=-8.613, P<0.001), job satisfaction (t=2.133, P=0.036), and caring for elderly patients with COVID-19 (t=2.308, P=0.021) could predict the score of discriminatory actions in the regression model.

 The positive attitude of nurses towards the elderly can play an important role in reducing age discrimination in providing care. Therefore, it is important to address the factors affecting attitudes, such as nurses’ training, and factors related to the work environment, such as job satisfaction by managers and health policymakers, to ensure the provision of high-quality care services without discrimination against the elderly.

Sleep quality and overall quality of life are key factors in improving the health and well-being of the elderly. Given the preference for non-pharmacological methods, this study examines the effects of sleep hygiene training and reflexology massage on sleep quality and the quality of life among the elderly.

This randomized controlled trial, conducted in 2023, included 127 elderly individuals in Sari. Participants were divided into three groups: two intervention groups and one control group. The intervention groups received either sleep hygiene training (delivered in small groups of 2–5 participants) or black seed oil massage (administered in 8 sessions over 4 weeks). The control group received no intervention. Sleep quality and quality of life were assessed at three time points: before the intervention, immediately after, and one-month post-intervention, using standardized questionnaires. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis, Tamhane post-hoc tests, and generalized estimating equation tests.

Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in sleep quality between the groups (P = 0.763). However, post-intervention and one month later, significant improvements in sleep quality were observed in both intervention groups (P= 0.001). Similarly, quality of life was significantly higher in both intervention groups compared to the control group (P= 0.05). No significant difference in quality of life was found between the intervention groups immediately after and one-month post-intervention (P= 0.525).

These results indicate that non-pharmacological methods, such as sleep hygiene training and foot reflexology massage, can significantly improve both sleep quality and quality of life in the elderly. Based on the findings, both methods are recommended, with foot reflexology massage showing greater effectiveness. It should be considered as a primary approach to enhancing sleep quality and overall well-being in the elderly.

“Given the increasing population of elderly individuals and the various psychological challenges they face, such as feelings of loneliness and anxiety stemming from rejection, there is a growing necessity to focus on effective intervention methods. Mindfulness, as a psychological technique, can help individuals engage with their emotions and thoughts in a more constructive manner. Therefore, the present study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of mindfulness on loneliness, sensitivity to rejection, and rumination in the elderl

The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness on loneliness, sensitivity to rejection, and rumination in the elderly. The research method was semi-experimental, utilizing a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up design with a control group. The statistical population included all elderly individuals residing in government-run nursing homes. Using a convenience sampling method, 50 individuals were selected and randomly assigned to an experimental group (15 participants) and a control group (15 participants). Data were collected using the Ruminative Response Scale by Nolen-Hoeksema (1991), the Russell Loneliness Scale (1980), and the Downey and Feldman Sensitivity to Rejection Scale (1996). The mindfulness program was implemented for the experimental group over eight 90-minute sessions, once a week. Data analysis was performed using repeated measures analysis of variance with SPSS version 26.

The results indicated that mindfulness training significantly affected loneliness, sensitivity to rejection, and rumination in the elderly, and this effect remained significant during the follow-up period (P < 0.001).

Therefore, based on the findings, it can be concluded that these results emphasize the importance of utilizing mindfulness techniques to enhance the mental health of the elderly and can serve as a foundation for designing effective intervention programs for this age group.

 The most effective and practical strategy to maintain the health of the elderly against infectious diseases is prevention through vaccination, and despite the production of numerous vaccines around the world, the success of vaccination depends on its public acceptance. Despite the beneficial effects of vaccination in recent years, many advertisements from various groups in Iran have been against vaccination, which has targeted the elderly community in particular. The present study was designed with the aim of determining the validity and reliability of the Persian version of "Vaccination Attitude Tool (VAX)" in Iranian elderly.

The present study was a methodological study and was conducted on 240 Persian-speaking elderly people who referred to health centers in Abadan city with available sampling . The data were analyzed using Cronbach's alpha, confirmatory factor analysis, content validity ratio and content validity index and using SPSS software, version 22, and AMOS software, version 22.

The average age of the elderly was 67 years old, and 61.3% of the participants were male. The face and content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed, and the convergent validity between the VAX and Co-VASA questionnaires was reported with a Spearman correlation coefficient of -0.78. With confirmatory factor analysis, it was found that the 4 factors proposed by the instrument manufacturer are approved and the model obtained from these factors has a good fit. The reliability of the questionnaire was also calculated and reported through Cronbach's alpha, internal consistency and inter-rater reliability of 0.89, 0.9 and 0.71, respectively.

The final form of the Persian version of the VAX instrument has 12 items, whose face and content validity is confirmed. The internal reliability coefficient and stability of this test are acceptable and excellent. Therefore, the Persian version of the VAX questionnaire can be used as a valid and reliable tool to determine the attitude of the elderly towards vaccination.

The prevalence of psychological problems in elderly Parkinson's patients is high, and interventions are needed to alleviate these problems. This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of mindfulness-based therapy on anxiety and depression in elderly Parkinson's patients.

The research method was a quasi-experimental, pre-test, post-test design with a control group. The statistical population included all patients with Parkinson's disease with anxiety and depression who referred to psychiatric and psychological centers in Yazd in 2023, of which 30 people (15 in the experimental group and 15 in the control group) were selected by convenience sampling. The data collection tools were Beck Anxiety Inventory (1961) and Beck Depression Inventory (1961). Mindfulness-based therapy intervention was performed in 12 sessions of 20 to 90 minutes, twice a week, on the experimental group, and the control group did not receive any intervention. Data analysis was performed using descriptive tests (mean and standard deviation) and analysis of covariance using SPSS version 24. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.

In the anxiety variable, the mean and standard deviation of the experimental group before the test was 93.36±17.77 and after the test was 73.13±11.77, and in the depression variable, the mean and standard deviation of the experimental group before the test was 67.30±13.95 and after the test was 80.20±4.02. (P <0.01).

Based on the findings of the study, mindfulness-based therapy can be used to reduce anxiety and depression in elderly patients with Parkinson's disease.

 Individuals undergoing chronic hemodialysis face various daily challenges due to their unique lifestyle, which significantly reduces their quality of life. Self-care plays a crucial role in improving health behaviors and delaying the progression to the final stages of the disease. Since self-care is comprehensive, learnable, and improvable, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between loneliness and self- care in elderly patients undergoing hemodialysis.

This cross-sectional study involved 138 elderly patients undergoing hemodialysis at the Citizen Dialysis Center in Sari, selected through a census method. Data collection tools included a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Standardized Elderly Self-Care Scale, and the Russell Loneliness Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22, employing both descriptive and inferential statistics. The significance level was set at P≤ 0.05.

The average age of the participants was 68.67±6.28 years, and the majority (51.4%) were female. Pearson correlation analysis revealed no significant association between total self-care scores and loneliness (r=0.14,P=0.108), physical self-care scores and loneliness (r=-0.03,p=0.694), or illness-related self-care scores and loneliness (r=0.11,P=0.218). However, a significant negative correlation was observed between spiritual self-care scores and loneliness (r=-0.33,P=0.001) and between social self-care scores and loneliness (r=-0.20,P=0.018). As loneliness scores increased, spiritual and social self-care scores declined.

The findings underscore the importance of addressing the emotional and social needs of elderly hemodialysis patients along with their physical health needs to enhance their overall quality of life. Healthcare providers and policymakers should implement self-care interventions, particularly those emphasizing spiritual and social aspects, into care plans for elderly hemodialysis patients to reduce the negative impact of loneliness and promote their well-being.

A smart phone with advanced hardware and software capabilities is able to perform complex tasks. The use of this tool has become an inseparable part of the lives of people all over the world in all ages. Considering the importance of memory in the independence and well-being of the elderly in doing daily life tasks and the effective effect of smartphones on memory, the purpose of this study is to determine the effect of using a smartphone on the performance of prospective and retrospective memory in the elderly who own a smartphone.

The current study is cross-sectional and analytical, and the sample size was 220 people according to similar studies. Sampling was carried out in a simple random manner and the research members completed Crawford's demographic and prospective and retrospective memory questionnaires according to the inclusion criteria. Data analysis was done using Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis test and correlation coefficient.

The results of the study showed that there is a positive and significant correlation between the use of a smartphone (in terms of year) and total memory performance (P=0.022). There is a positive correlation between the duration of using a smartphone during the day and total memory performance. It exists, but it is not significant. (p=162)

In general, it can be said that the duration of using a smartphone in terms of years had a positive effect on the overall, retrospective and prospective memory of the elderly and it was statistically significant.