The social determinants of health influencing obesity for the aged in the Pakpoon community context:A qualitative study

Objective:This study aimed to describe the social determinants of health influencing obesity for the aged in a community context and based on the perspectives of various stakeholders.Methods:This was qualitative content analysis study using data from the focus group,individual in-depth interview,and observation.The study population was domiciled in Pakpoon Village,Mung Dis-trict,Nakhon Si Thammarat Province,a tight-knit settlement typical of most retirement communities.Data were collected through two focus group discussions,direct observation,and in-depth interviews with 19 participants.Respondents represented key community groups:local nurses and public health officers,elderly residents,family caregivers(family members),and village health volunteers.Results:The participants shared similar perspectives about the social determinants of health influencing obesity in the aged,which spanned three themes.These were:1)neighborhood food environment(easy access to unhealthy food,no choice to recruit healthy food);2)social networks influencing obesity(family affects food choices and prohibitions on exercise;belief,and socially imposed body image per-ceptions contributing to obesity in the aged);and 3)knowledge,attitudes,and beliefs behind lifestyle choices that cause obesity in the elderly(lack of awareness,personal attitudes,job and familial duties as barriers to engaging in physical activities;over-consumption behaviors lead to obesity in older people).Conclusion:These three themes were the root causes of obesity in the elderly in Pakpoon’s retirement community.This finding suggests that policymakers and nurses can create healthy environments,both to treat and prevent obesity,by raising awareness in younger generations,providing aging the provision of healthy food choices for older adults,encouraging health care professionals to share knowledge,and by modifying the attitudes and beliefs of both caregivers and older adults.

Validation of the Portuguese version of the social isolation scale with a sample of community-dwelling older adults

Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties(reliability and validity)of the Social Isolation Scale(SIS)in a sample of Portuguese community-dwelling older adults.Methods A transversal descriptive study was carried out with a convenience sample of 250 community-dwelling older adults(≥65 years).The survey comprised a sociodemographic questionnaire,SIS,Geriatric Depression Scale-4(GDS-4),6-item Lubben Social Network Scale(LSNS-6),a loneliness self-assessment question,and Satisfaction with Life Scale(SWLS).Construct validity(confirmatory factor analysis)and convergent validity were analyzed,and ISI internal reliability(composite reliability),external reliability(test-retest,intraclass correlation coefficient)and inter-rater reliability(Cohen’s kappa coefficient)were evaluated.Results Confirmatory factor analysis showed a two-factor model with an excellent index of fit.The SIS showed significant correlations with LSNS-6(rs=0.47),SWLS(rs=0.26),the loneliness self-assessment question(rs=0.35),and GDS-4(rs=−0.16).SIS composite reliability was good(0.708).The inter-class correlation coefficient varied from 0.84 to 0.98.The Cohen’s kappa coefficient ranged from 0.936 to 1.Conclusions SIS has been shown to be a valid and reliable instrument for assessing social isolation among Portuguese community-dwelling older adults.Healthcare professionals,particularly nurses working in community settings,can use SIS to assess social isolation in older adults to design,implement,and evaluate interventions.

Experiences of Social Isolation in Older Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 and Their Close Relatives: A Qualitative Study

Background: Proximity between older patients and their close relatives is essential during hospitalisation. During the first wave of the pandemic, the Danish Patient Safety Authority restricted no hospital visitors. Aim: To explore how older patients with COVID-19 and their close relatives experienced physical separation during hospitalization. Method: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis was employed. Findings: Six interviews were conducted: three patients with a mean age of 81 years and three close relatives—two daughters and one spouse. The patients felt boredom, loneliness, and a sense of imprisonment, yet they felt safe and satisfied. Isolation was known beforehand from the media. Close relatives emphasised that information, involvement, and collaboration with hospital staff were crucial. Conclusion: Although older patients with COVID-19 and their close relatives widely accept their situation during hospitalization, they experience negative consequences from social isolation.

A Cross-Cultural Comparison of the Providing-Receiving Social Supports in Sports Teams--Japanese and American Student＇s Athletes

The purposes of this study were to examine the relationships between providing and receiving social supports with teammates, and to clarify the particularities of Japan, based on an examination of differences between Japan and the U.S. The subjects were 123 collegiate student＇s athletes from Japan and 115 from the United States. They participated organized sports activities in their universities （including intramural and varsity level）. The participants completed questionnaires measuring the providing and receiving social supports for sports participation and persistency. Providing and Receiving Social Support Scale for Sports Team （Hagiwara and Isogai, 2014） were adopted to investigate the amount of social supports with teammates in a sports team. The results of correlations in providing and receiving social supports demonstrated that the amount of providing social support for teammates related to the amount of receiving social support from teammates in both Japanese and American student＇s athletes. The results of comparison Japan and the U.S. indicated that American student＇s athletes provided more social supports for teammates than Japanese. The present findings might be an important material to better understand Japanese student＇s athletes.

Exploring the type of social support available to aged male hypertensive clients in Ghana

Objective: To explores the social support available to aged hypertensive male clients in a municipality in Ghana.Methods: The inclusion criteria were as follows: age ≥60 years and are known hypertensive patients. Data were collected from 186 selected aged male hypertensive patients for 3 months. The questionnaire was self-developed and open-ended. The data were processed and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Some of the variables were subjected to statistical tests and ranks in the order of impor tance to respondents. The enrolled respondents were allowed to par ticipate in the study after their informed consent was obtained. It was evident that respondents do not obtain much support or help in taking care of their condition.Results: The result revealed that the repondents has no support to help take care of their condition as evident by the responses in the study. The scores on average mean for some variables are(AM = 2.25, SD = 0.381) more than the test value of 2.50. Some of these supports were on feeding support(M = 3.97, SD = 0.278, n = 186), health support(M = 2.87, SD = 0.167, n = 186), and cleaning support(M = 2.59, SD = 0.868, n = 186). Supports such as clothing, socialization, medication, washing, transportation, and financial support were lacking.Conclusions: Based on the finding that certain forms of support were lacking, the study concludes that steps undertaken by the government, community, religious bodies, and family toward improving these supports can be of immense help for aged male hypertensive patients living in the Ejura-Sekyedumase municipality.

The Research of Social Organizations Participating in the Urban Community Aged Care＇ s Problems--Base on the City of Shanghai in China

With the deepening of China＇s aging population, the conmmnity aged care gradually become endowment new options. Social organization for its own characteristics, play an important role in participating in community aged care. But the extent to which the current social organizations to participate in the community aged care is still very low, the reason is mainly affected by the community aged care access mechanism. Article in the Shanghai community, for example, starhng fiom the present situation of the current social organizations to participate in the community aged care, analysis of the problems arising fi-om the social organizations in the community aged care, probe into its reasons in access mechanism, put forward the corresponding countermeasures and Suggestions, encourage social organizations play an effective role in the community aged care.

Correlation between social support and depression in elderly stroke patients in the sequelae stage from five communities of Shanghai, China

Using a convenience sampling method, 81 aged patients who were between 6 and 24 months post-stroke were selected from five communities of Shanghai, China. The correlations between social support and depression, as well as other influential factors, were investigated. Results revealed that 46% （37/81） of the stroke patients suffered from depression. Depression was correlated with social support total scores and the two domains of subjective support and utilization. Older age, male gender, low income, absence of spouse and cerebral hemorrhage were risk factors for depression and identify more vulnerable groups.

Roles of mutual help of local community networks in community health activities: Improvement for the quality of life of older people in Thailand

Objectives: This study aimed to describe work and activities of community networks focusing on the improvement of the quality of life (QOL) of older people in Thailand.The understanding of the work can help enhancing the community development and strengthening of local communities and their networks.Methods: Qualitative methods including in-depth interview,observation,and focus group discussion were employed to the study.64 participants participated to the study and were recruited from 4 key actors within the community.Content analysis was used to analyze the obtained data.This study was conducted in 6 local administrative organizations (LAOs) which selected from the outstanding areas of the project.Each LAO represents one sub-district of the regions of Thailand namely;(1) the upper north,(2) the lower north,(3)the upper eastern,(4) the lower eastern,(5) the central and (6) the south.Results: The findings of this study were categorized into three main themes: (1) Social capital including people in the community,social groups,and organizations,(2) Mutual help/collaboration activities composed of six sets of activities related to social capitals working on the improvement of QOL of older people,and (3) Impacts of the mutual help/collaboration activities on older people and local communities who help to improve of QOL of older people.Conclusion: The findings are important features for the community development.These themes should be recommended for community nurses,health related groups and organizations for the improvement of QOL of older people in the community.

The Role of Government in the Socialization of Old- age Service

In the different stages of the development of the old-age service, the responsibility and function of the government will be different. In the new period, the government should redefine its role in advancing the socialization of the old-age service. The level of socialization of old-age services is not high, the lack of vitality of the pension market, the imperfect system and other problems arise because the government is not clear. The government should deal with the relationship between the main body of the market and avoid the ＇double failure＇ of the government and the market. The government should play a guiding role in the policy, laws and regulations and other aspects of good service work for the social services of the elderly to provide a good development environment.

Quantitative estimation of social stock for metals Al and Cu in China

Social stock for metal determines secondary or recoverable resources to a certain extent.Top-down analysis method for the studying of metal in social stock was given.Influences of metal consumption under three circumstances,that is keeping constant,varying in a linear trend and in an exponential trend,on one kind of metal’s social stock,recyclable ratio and average age were analyzed.Al-contents and Cu-contents in social stock for China during the period 2006-2009 were calculated.The results reveal that Al-contents and Cu-contents in social stock kept increasing and reached 88.9 million tons and 51.4 millions tons in 2009,respectively,their average recyclable ratios are 1.45% and 0.30%,and the average ages are 4.65 years and 6.89 years,respectively.The recyclable ratios and average ages of Al-contents and Cu-contents in social stock will rise in future along with the decline of the increasing rate of aluminum consumption and copper consumption.

The impact of social capital on children's (6–12) use of ICT in urban communities: A field survey from Zhengzhou City, Henan Province

Purpose： This paper focuses on the impact of social capital on urban children＇s use behavior of information communication technology （ICT）.Design/methodology/approach： Using the field survey and in-depth interviews, we interviewed 40 children aged 6 to 12 and their parents from a staff residential quarter of the Zhengzhou University--＂Shengheyuan＂ community （SHY）, and a commercial residential quarter--＂Wanfenghuicheng＂ community （WFHC） in the high-tech zone of Zhengzhou City, Henan Province. We used the social capital theory to analyze the interviewees＇ record.Findings： In urban communities, social capital is the most important factor for children （aged 6 to 12） in their ICT use. Our findings indicate that children in families with higher levels of social capital, such as internal resources, family income, parent educational backgrounds and parents＇ social network, have more-highly developed ICT skills. Personal motivation and obstacles, such as lack of access to computers on a regular basis, also have an impact on children＇s ICT use. External social capital, including schools, libraries, and public service institutes, have little impact on children＇s ICT use, if not combined with internal social capital factors.Research limitations： Our research samples were collected from two communities within the same city, which may influence the generalization of this research result.Originality/value： To explore the social capital＇s influence on children＇s ICT use, we used field observation for ICT use of children aged 6 to 12 in urban communities in China, and studied the children＇s ICT behavior from the perspective of internal and external social capital.

The Influence of Various Intervention Types on Treatment Success Rates among Category II Tuberculosis Patients

Background: Category II tuberculosis (TB) patients (i.e. re-treatment TB patients) are at an increased risk for defaulting on treatment compared to Category I TB patients. Therefore, extra steps need to be taken to help Category II TB patients follow through with their treatment. The goal of this study was to examine the effectiveness of three different types of interventions to help improve treatment success rates among Category II patients. Materials and Methods: Three different interventions that were implemented among Category II TB patients in the Bardhaman, Hugli, Malda and Murshidabad districts in West Bengal, India, were: 1) setting up group patient provider meetings (PPMs), 2) making home visits and reinforcing the message of full course of treatment, and 3) linking poor TB patients to social welfare schemes (SWSs) to incentivize them to complete treatment. Results: PPMs and SWSs improved treatment success rates among Category II patients. The treatment success rates for patients who received PPMs and patients who received SWSs were 94.2% and 90.7%, respectively, compared to the 74.5% treatment success rate of patients who received no intervention. The effectiveness of home visits, however, depended on the number of home visits the patient received. Conclusion: PPMs and SWSs improve treatment success among Category II TB patients and may easily be incorporated in Directly Observed Treatment, Short-Course programming as feasible ways. A conclusion regarding home visits, however, could not be drawn from this study.

Relationship between Self-Perceived Age and Social Activity in Older Japanese Adults: The KAGUYA Study

Youthful feelings were shown to have a positive effect on the mental and physical conditions of the elderly. On the contrary, elderly people whose self-perceived age is older than their chronological age were shown to experience negative health outcomes. This study investigated whether the self-perceived age (younger or older) relative to chronological age promotes social activity. The baseline data acquired from 3094 older adults as part of the Keeping Active across Generations Uniting the Youth and the Aged study was used in the current study. The participants completed a questionnaire that solicits information pertaining to sociodemographic factors, felt age, self-rated health, physical activity, depression, disease burden, fall history, fear of falling, level of instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) and social activity. The discrepancy between felt age and chronological age was defined as the self-perceived age. Self-perceived age was calculated by subtracting the participant’s chronological age from the felt age, and the score for the difference was divided by the chronological age. The Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence was used to evaluate social activity. Regression analysis results revealed that a younger self-perceived age was associated with higher social activity after controlling for sociodemographic factors, self-rated health, depression, physical activity, disease burden, level of IADL, fall history and fear of falling. Fall history was significantly associated with higher social activity in young-old participants (65 - 74 years) (p = 0.014) but not in old-old participants (>75 years). This study suggests that a younger self-perceived age in older adults would lead to a high-level living function. This finding may provide useful information for interventions aimed at the promotion of health and/or the prevention of frailty.

Historical Course Follows Climate Change: Patterns of the Northern Hemisphere — From Peoples’ Migration until the Industrial Revolution (3^rd-18^thCentury)

This paper relates to the statement that the so-called “Little Ice Age” (RCC 6: 1.350-1.800 A.D.) represents—besides the 8k-Event (8.200-8.000 yr cal. B.P.)—the fastest and strongest onset in Holocene History [1]. Its intention focuses on the correlation of interplaying natural processes (i.e. solar energy variation, aerosols, oceanic currents, volcanism as part of plate tectonics, heat flow) with social/political evidence through the time-span of Peoples’ Migration until Industrial Revolution (3rd-18th Century). The time-span comprises the cool/wet/respectively dry climate phase of the P.M. (260-550), a Climate Optimum (600-1.100 A.D.) owning a final Thermal Maximum (1.100-1.260 A.D.) and the “little Ice Age” (1.350-1.800 A.D.), the latter intercalated by the Spörer Minimum (1.460-1.550 A.D.) and the Maunder Minimum (1.650-1.720 A.D.). Thereby, an average temperature difference of 1.0°C - 2.0°C seems sufficient for incising climatic/cultural consequences [2]. It has become obvious that a Climate Optimum primarily provides constructive life conditions;however with a problematic final as the following “Effect-Chain” tells: balanced agricultural/cultural population growth → rich harvests → satisfying nourishment → health, encouragement → overpopulation under favorable materialistic conditions → increasing stress → lack of food, high prices → revolts → migration. In contrast, cool/wet/resp. dry conditions originate destructive/depressive conditions (see Peoples’ Migration) which initiate the following “Effect Chain”: bad agricultural conditions → poor/no harvesting → famine → disease, growing death rate → social, political revolts, wars → human cruelties with psychic/religious background (inquisition, witch-combustion → general chaos (30 yr-war) → death, migration (maritime endeavors, colonization). Furthermore, it should be stressed that volcanic aerosols play besides the solar influx variation—an important role on climate/cultural change [3]. However, the effects of oceanic currents’ heat flow of Mid-Oceanic Ridges and Hot Spots, as well as Earth-Magnetism and Sun/Earth Geometry are poorly understood in this context (Example: Iceland as hot spot situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge having been working since 40 Ma). The Chapter-introducing citations play a challenging role in regard to Science Criticism and touch the so-called 95% Confidence line (accepted realm of causal interrelation and according recommendation to Society [4]).

The Experience and Enlightenment of the Development of Old-age Care Services in Russia

Through the analysis of the history and current situation of Russia＇s old-age care services system, this paper analyzes and studies the old-age care services system in Russia. By means of law and social policy, Russia can promote the active participation of the elderly in politics, economy, culture and other activities to promote the positive image of the elderly. The active aging policy in Russia and the development trend of the old-age care service to promote the social adaptation and re-employment of the elderly are of positive significance to the development of our country＇s old-age care service.

Differences in social isolation between young and old elderly in urban areas of Beijing, China: A cross-sectional study

Objectives:To understand the differences in social isolation among older adults and to identify risks associated with social isolation.Methods:Totally 485 participants aged 60 and older were recruited for this study.The Lubben Social Network Scale-6 and the Chinese version of the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey were used to measure social isolation and the different types of social support that the participants experienced.Results:The proportions of young elderly(60-74 years of age)and old elderly(greater than 74 years of age)that experienced social isolation in this study were 24.4%and 33.1%,respectively.For the young elderly,three types of social support were observed to be protective factors to help avoid social isolation,and the positive effect of social support obtained from friends and neighbors was slightly stronger than that of family members.Old elderly with only a senior high school education background were at high risk of being socially isolated.Only support from friends was observed to be a protective factor for the old elderly.Conclusions:The study indicated that different ages of older adults experienced different aspects of social relationships.We propose that nursing interventions for the elderly should focus on individualized social support as a protective factor to help older adults avoid being socially isolated.

Associations of social participation, demographic, socioeconomic and disease factors with nutritional risk in a group of older Hong Kong adults

Aims: To identify the impact of social participation, socio-demographic, socio-economic and disease factors on nutritional risk among older persons in Hong Kong. Background: Few published work has investigated the relative risks of social participation, demographic, socioeconomic and disease factors with malnutrition in community-living older people, this study is to investigate the associations of these risk factors on the nutritional status in better nutrition support for the old age group. Design: A crosssectional study. Methods: It was a secondary analysis of a database in a mobile community centre between January 2008 and December 2009. One thousand seven hundred and thirty one participants aged between 54 and 103 were collected. With 319 full Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) completed, the participants’ demographic, socio-economic data, diseases, and nutritional status were analyzed with relative risk and 95% confidence interval level to identify the factors that make them vulnerable to nutritional risk. Results: The prevalence of malnutrition in the community-dwelling old was 3.95% and 83.7% of the sample was at risk of malnutrition. Living on allowances, young old who was socially engaged and good relationship with family members were at less risk to malnutrition. Conclusions: Special attention should be taken to these groups as they are prone to develop malnutrition.

Immigrants,Citizenship and Social Integration in French Urban Society in the Late Middle Ages:A Case Study of Avignon

An important feature of the urban demographic structure in France in the late Middle Ages was the significant increase in immigrants as a proportion of the population.The influx of immigrants and their successful assimilation were necessary for urban society to cope with the crisis of the late Middle Ages.There were two principal pathways for integration.Firstly,the municipal authority granted citizenship to some selected immigrants,accepting them legally into the citizen community.Secondly,immigrants constructed spontaneous and autonomously diversified social relationships and interacted with other residents through religious-based confraternities.The two routes were mutually complimentary and promoted the absorption of multiple immigrants into urban society achieving a revival in early modern times.That said,social participation was the only way for all immigrants to integrate into urban society and reveals the initiative and autonomy of the newcomers.

Age Identity and Elderly Job Participation in China

In the context of rising life expectancy,there is a significant discrepancy between Chinese seniors’self-perceptions of the start of old age and the expectations of society around this age.The traditional paradigm,which forecasts individual economic behavior and formulates economic policies based on societal standards of age,is put to the test by this disparity.This study,which draws from the China Longitudinal Aging Society Survey(CLASS),examines the factors,processes,and improvement strategies that affect how older people choose to work.The following are our conclusions:(i)Chinese elderly believe their old age starts from 70 years on average;delaying perceived old age is a denial of aging and raises the likelihood of finding work.Elders who are youthful at heart have a 2.4%higher chance of remaining employed than elders who are old at heart.(ii)In contrast to old-at-heart elders,young-at-heart elders are more likely to maintain their middle-age lifestyles,continue working,become motivated to engage in social activities,and gain the confidence to face challenges and continue in their career.(iii)If the perceived old age is above 70 years,the milestone event of aging is retirement from work,and there are external pressures,particularly pressures from family intergenerational support,the perception of old age will have a more proactive impact on older workers.(iv)Despite rising pension benefits,older people’s decision to remain in the workforce is still heavily influenced by their perception of their age.However,this effect is notably gender-specific,as older women’s decision to remain in the workforce is not greatly influenced by their own perception of their age.