The efficacy and safety of short-acting testosterone ointment (Glowmin) for late-onset hypogonadism in accordance with testosterone circadian rhythm

Introduction: It is well known that there is a reduction of circadian rhythm in blood testosterone levels with aging. Our previous report revealed that 3?mg of short-acting testosterone ointment (Glowmin: GL) elevated serum testosterone levels to within the physiological range for 4–6?h. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical efficacy and safety of GL used topically once every morning, to enhance the circadian rhythm of testosterone, for late-onset hypogonadism (LOH).

Methods: A total of 61 LOH patients received 3?mg of GL topically once a day in the morning on scrotal skin for 24 weeks. The clinical efficacy of GL was evaluated by the aging males symptoms (AMS) scale, and blood sampling tests were measured before and after GL treatment.

Results: Mean patients age was 55.3?±?9.2 years old. Total AMS scores at 4, 12, and 24 weeks after GL treatments significantly decreased. The results of sub-analysis of AMS, including psychological, physical, and sexual factors also significantly improved after GL treatments. No severe adverse reactions or abnormal laboratory data were reported.

Conclusions: This study shows that TRT for LOH with once daily GL treatment supports testosterone circadian rhythm and should be considered to be an effective and safe therapy for LOH.     

Eating Disorders Across the Life Span

SUMMARY

Eating disorders have traditionally been considered afflictions of adolescents and young women. Recent evidence, however, suggests that eating disorders often occur across the life span. Although the incidence of these disorders among mid-life and older women appears to be on the rise, it is not clear if this reflects a true increase in prevalence, better recognition among clinicians, or both. This paper presents an overview of the etiology and treatment of eating disorders, with particular emphasis on developmental factors impacting older women. Recommendations for the treatment of eating disorders among older women are offered. An emerging clinical literature suggests various lines of research that are needed to explore the development and treatment of eating disorders in older women.     

Breast Cancer:

Cancer is a major problem for elderly individuals. Overall, it is the second leading cause of death after heart disease and 50% of all documented cases occur in 12% of the population over the age 65. About 50,000 women in the United States age 65 and older are diagnosed annually with breast cancer, making it one of the most serious health oroblems for women in this age ~ O U D I. t is the second leading causk of cancer deaths after lung cancer in women. While breast cancer is not preventable, the survival rate is near 100% if detected earlv. However. late staEe of diamosis remains a concern in this age groip. ~ ~ ~ r o x & n ai0t%e lo~f women with breast cancer present with metastases as the first indication of a malignancy. Early detection and screening offer the only solution to this dreaded situation. Society must find ways to make these practices available to the elderly.     

Beliefs About Diet and Health:

Low income older women (N = 20) in South Carolina were recruited from congregate meal sites for qualitative interviews to assess beliefs about general health, physical functioning, and preventive health behaviors. A loosely structured interview guide of topics was used to encourage free expression of informants' ideas. The Ethnograph analysis package was used for data analysis. In response to open-ended questions, the women spontaneously shared their beliefs about diet and health. Implications for health promotion in rural areas are discussed.     

Elderly Women Show Neither a Shortage of Strategies nor an Overreliance on Drugs in Handling Aging and in Dealing with Minor Health Problems

ABSTRACT

Women 65 years old and over make up the fastest growing population segment in North America. They are, particularly among the underprivileged, known to be heavy consumers of prescribed and over-the-counter drugs. The objective of this study was to identify the role of medication in underprivileged elderly women's strategies for aging well and dealing with minor health problems. A qualitative study was conducted among 40 women aged 65 to 75. Results show that elderly women seldom mention resorting to medication to “age well” although they report using this strategy to deal with minor health problems. Overall, the elderly women mentioned a wide range of strategies to cope with aging and minor health problems, which suggests that they are well equipped to face the challenges of aging.     

Anxiety Disorders and Older Women

SUMMARY

Anxiety is a problem for millions of Americans. It poses special challenges for women as they grow into advanced age. This paper provides a general overview of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, agoraphobia, specific phobia, social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Etiology, assessment and treatment strategies are then addressed. Special focus is directed at biological and psychosocial issues as they relate to older women in the development, experience, treatment and prevention of anxiety disorders.     

老年人居住问题研究

在世纪之交 ,我国正快速进入人口老年化社会。本文试图通过分析我国人口老龄化的现状及问题 ,探讨解决我国人口老龄化下老年人居住问题的多方案途径。     

Gender Differences in Expectations Predictive of Volunteer Experience Among Older Chinese Professionals in Hong Kong

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine gender differences in expectations predictive of volunteer experience. Volunteering is one pathway to remaining actively engaged in later life and active engagement is considered one of the cornerstones of successful aging. The global feminization of aging underscores the need to consider gender differences when exploring factors associated with volunteerism. There is also a growing international interest in volunteerism among older adults. A sample of 438 Chinese professionals in Hong Kong ages 45-79, including retired (36.3%) and employed (63.7%), were asked about their expectations for volunteer work. Gender was evenly distributed, with 49.8% male and 50.2% female. Forty-three percent (43%) had volunteer experience. A multivariate logistic regression model was fit to sub-samples by gender, and gender differences emerged. For males, married and the expectation to utilize own skills were associated with volunteer experience. For females, self-rated health, retired, and the expectation to meet the needs of others were associated with volunteer experience. These results suggest that gender differences in expectations may influence volunteer activity.     

Civic Engagement Among Older Adults in a Rural Community

Abstract

This is a report of the second and final stage of a research project evaluating courses for community activists in Israel. We compared 286 graduates of Schools for Community Activists, of whom 198 were still active in their communities and 98 were not, with 138 activists and 131 non-active residents of the same neighbourhoods who had never participated in courses for activists. We noted no significant socio-economic or demographic differences between the graduates and the non-graduates. However, on a range of variables, we found consistent and generally significant differences between the graduate and non-graduate activists: the former reported higher levels of activism, knowledge and skills, higher community involvement and deeper community roots, and assessed more highly the prestige of community involvement. Few differences were noted on their assessment of the benefits and losses of community activity. Since the graduates and non-graduates come from similar backgrounds, we conclude that the courses made a significant contribution to the development and socialization of those activists who participated in them.     

湖南农村人口老龄化对社会主义新农村建设的影响

湖南省农村地区已进入老龄社会且农村人口老龄化已较过去明显加快。这种状况对湖南农村地区的社会主义新农村建设带来深刻的影响。新农村建设必须解决了农村地区老年人的养老、医疗等问题,因此,必须建立一个以社会保障为主体的健康老龄社会,以建设人人共享改革发展成果的社会主义和谐农村。