Assessing Impact of Service-Learning Project on Older,Isolated Adults in Rural America

ABSTRACT

With help from a grant from the Corporation for National Service, service learning was infused into four classes of a graduate gerontology course, Aging Well. Thirty-one students were paired with 31 older adults for a period of up to twenty hours. The impact on the emotional and social wellness of the older adults was assessed through student journals, electronic e-mail reflection, and the administration of a survey to older adults. A quantitative assessment of the older adults was attempted using the Life Satisfaction in the Elderly Scale and the Geriatric Depression Scale. Analysis indicated that the service provided to the older adult had a positive impact on their emotional and social wellness.     

A randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled trial of testosterone gel on body composition and health-related quality-of-life in men with hypogonadal to low-normal levels of serum testosterone and symptoms of androgen deficiency over 6 months with 12 months open-label follow-up

Introduction: The clinical significance of low to low-normal testosterone (T) levels in men remains debated. Aim: To analyze the effects of raising serum T on lean body mass (LBM), fat mass (FM), total body mass, and health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL). Methods: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Men, aged 50–80 years, with serum total T<15 nmol/L and bioavailable T < 6.68 nmol/L, and a Aging Males’ Symptoms (AMS) total score >36, received 6 months treatment with transdermal 1% T gel (5–7.5?mg/day; n =183) or placebo gel (n =179), followed by 12 months open-label with T in all. Results: After 6 months, LBM increased in T- treated patients by 1.28?±?0.15?kg (mean ± SE) and FM decreased by 1.16?±?0.16?kg, with minor changes with placebo (LBM +0.02?±?0.10?kg and FM ?0.14?±?0.12?kg; all p < 0.001, T group vs. placebo). Changes were largely similar across subgroups of age, baseline total testosterone, and baseline BMI. Total HRQoL improved compared with placebo (p < 0.05, T group vs. placebo). Conclusions: Six months 1% T gel improved body composition and HRQoL in symptomatic men with low to low-normal T, with further improvements over the following 12 months.     

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.