Consumer Perceptions of Noni Juice Health Benefits during a 90-Day In-Home Use Test

Noni juice, made from the fruit of Morinda citrifolia, is a health-promoting food from the Pacific Islands with an extensive history of traditional use. Human clinical trials have revealed that noni juice has antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Previously, regular noni juice consumers in Europe and traditional healers in Fiji were surveyed to identify potential noni juice health benefits. But to better understand the perception of its health benefits among those with no previous experience with noni juice, an in-home study was conducted in the United States. Three hundred and nineteen adults with untreated chronic health conditions were provided with a 90-day supply of a blinded (unlabeled) commercial noni juice product (Tahitian Noni® Juice), instructed to consume 4 fluid ounces (1/2 cup) each day, and responded to a questionnaire given on days 30, 60 and 90 to evaluate product appeal and perceived effectiveness. A total of 299 people (94%) felt that their health improved in some way after drinking TNJ for 90 days. More than 80% of the subjects reported feeling better or healthier in general. Most participants also concurred with more than two dozen additional positive health perception statements, especially on days 60 and 90. More than 70% of consumers also indicated that noni juice helped them feel better than other wellness supplements they had tried in the past, including other so-called “super fruit” products. These findings seem to corroborate the results of clinical trials and previous consumer surveys regarding the potential for noni juice to provide discernable health benefits when used consistently over time. Such findings may help guide additional placebo-controlled clinical trials in which specific effects may be evaluated more rigorously.

The Experiences of the Elderly and Caregivers in Respect of Caring for the Elderly in Windhoek and Rehoboth Namibia: An Exploratory and Descriptive Study

In many instances, care for the elderly, especially in long-term care institutions, is provided under minimal supervision by caregivers who are lay people. This can lead to poor quality care or neglect of the elderly. The research question was: “How competent are lay caregivers for the elderly in old age homes, who often lack the opportunity for training to improve their knowledge and skills, in delivering care to the elderly? The aims of the study were to explore and describe the experiences of both the caregivers and the elderly in respect of caring for the elderly in old age homes. The objectives of the study were to explore and describe the experiences of the caregivers and the elderly with respect to caring for the elderly and in respect of nursing care they received. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive, contextual and phenomenology design was used to perform this study. In the situational analysis, the experiences and needs of the caregivers were described. Themes in terms of interpersonal relationships that could be positive or negative regarding the elderly were identified. These included lack of regular in-service training sessions for caregivers. Likewise, sub-themes like communication, support and caring for elderly people were revealed. Inadequate knowledge of caregivers in caring procedures, a shortage of staff, equipment and absence of policies which should support and guide the work of caregivers impacts negatively on the care of the elderly. From the experiences of the elderly and caregivers, the competencies under scrutiny emerged and were measured qualitatively by the perceptions of the elderly, in respect of the caring they were exposed to.

Correlation of Depression with the Functional Profile of Elderly People Living in Homes for the Aged

Introduction: Due to the growth of the elderly population, there is a notable lack of preparation among family members and society to face the challenges of this new reality, resulting in an increasing demand for homes for the aged (HA). It is necessary to understand how the impairment of physical health, mental health and the level of depression can affect the functional capacity of the institutionalized elderly who live in homes for the aged. Objective: To describe the correlation between depression and functionality of elderly people who live in homes for the aged. Method: A cross-sectional, descriptive study with 70 elderly people of both sexes, aged 60 years or older, who live in HA in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Result: It was verified that the female gender was predominant in the HA consulted. The majority of elderly live in HA voluntarily 48.6% and that 41.43% did not complete elementary school. The majority of the elderly 81.43% had the ability to perform basic activities of daily living and the elderly 52.86% had normal psychological pictures. The worsening of the depressive picture is associated with the worse functioning of elderly who live in HA (p < 0.02). Conclusion: Depression is a factor that is associated with the functional capacity of the institutionalized elderly. The worse the functional level of the institutionalized elderly, the greater the chances of presenting a depressive state.

Drug Utilization in Homes for the Aged in Brasilia, Brazil

This paper aims to describe the socioeconomic and epidemiological profile, as well as the standards of medicine consumption in a group of 154 elderly people from five homes for the aged in Brasilia, in order to expand the understanding about some characteristics and individual needs of this population and its influence on the quality of drug’s therapy. Data were collected between January and December of 2007, it was used a questionnaire adapted from Dader’s method (2002) and a pharmacotherapeutic follow up method and it was responded by the elders and caregivers. Data were supplemented with information from medical records and prescriptions available in the institutions. The studied group has an average age of 74.6 years, living in their current homes for about 5.4 years and the group consists mainly of men with preserved cognitive status. The members of the group have low monthly income, low education level and are sedentary. They consume 4 - 5 drugs and are affected mainly by cardiovascular and psychiatric diseases. Results suggest that low monthly income, low education level, the prevalence of sedentary lifestyle, elders with compromised cognitive status, the increasing number of chronic diseases and the high consumption of drugs in the researched group may be important factors for the emergence or injury drugs-related problems (DRP) as non-adherence to treatment, medication errors, drug interactions and adverse drug reactions compromising the quality of medication therapy. This study points out the necessity of including a pharmacotherapeutic follow-up for the elderly people in order to minimize such problems and provide better quality of life for patients.

A Home for the Aged in a Rural Community

Both in their mid-70s, Shan Baorui and his wife are now living at a model home for the aged in north China.The couple lives in a single room with heating in winter and an indoor toilet. Outside is a garden-like compound with flowers colorfully bright in the refresh- ing breeze.

Living Buddha-Run Home of Respect For the Aged

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Perception of Reasons of Decision Making for Home Hospice, Benefits and Difficulties in Home Hospice Care by Family Caregivers

Objective: Home hospice is one of the most important places to spend time at the end of life. It is necessary to clarify the perception of home hospice for family caregivers in order to choose home hospice. The aim of the study was to examine the perceptions of family caregivers about the reasons of decision making for home hospice care, benefits, difficulties with home hospice, and copings. Methods: Ten family caregivers who were taking care of a patient with a terminal illness at home at the time of the study participated voluntary. They participated in two interviews in the narrative approach. In the first session, they narrated reasons of decision making for home hospice, benefits, difficulties, and copings. In the second session, they narrated importance or growth in self. We analyzed narratives in the first session using qualitative analysis. This study was approved by the Ethical Board at St. Mary’s College. Results: Categories of the reasons for the decision making to undergo home hospice were “Being natural to take care of a loved one at home” or “Home hospice matching a family caregiver’s life”. Categories of benefits at home hospice were “To strengthen family’s ties” or “Both a loved one and a family spending time together”. Categories of difficulties were “Difficulty of economic problems” or “Difficulties of mental and physical symptoms”. Conclusion: We concluded that family caregivers perceived benefits and difficulties, and they could cope with difficulties, though spiritual pain remained. We need continuous support for family caregivers at home hospice.

Evidence of Care of the Aged in Ghanaian Communities—A Scoping Review

Sub-Saharan Africa population is increasing in age with little acknowledgement on the consequences of the issues of ageing. Aim: To explore and describe evidence in published literature on care given to the aged at home and how they prepare for their ageing. Method: The study applied the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) framework for systematic literature reviews using the population, intervention, comparison and outcome (PICO) method to track the eligibility of research questions. This method was the most appropriate for use in exploring the current position in available literature for that of Ghana. The research was performed using five electronic databases from January to July 2017 taking into consideration the set inclusion and exclusion criteria. Only studies written in English were considered and a total of 18 articles met the study criteria. Reviewers extracted primary studies comprising quantitative, qualitative and critical reviews. Result: The literature review showed shortcomings in care for the aged at home. From the search, six core themes were generated: neglect of aged care;aged care for the younger generation;aged living arrangements;government neglect;preparedness;and care of the aged in Ghana. Conclusion: This review offered significant insight into care for the aged in their homes. The inclusive nature of the rigorous approach used provided a good understanding of underlying issues on the needs of the aged. Challenges for future are broadened in scope for more research and effective awareness for interventional projects, services on care given to the aged.

Homes for The Aged

These hames are welfare-oriented units run by villages and another form of old age support in rur al China.in addition to family support of the elderly.They are dlesigned to accommodate the helpless el-derlies and orphans enjoying fve guaran-tees,and are mainly funded by villages and townships with a subsidy from local dlepartments of avil affairs.Recently some of these homes begin to qpen to the public and take in with pay retirees who live separately from their sons and daugh-ters.

A Well-run Home for the Aged

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Welfare for the Aged in Nigeria,a Sustenance for the Declining Older Population and Aged Male in Nigeria

A buttress on the need for welfare program in Nigeria and the important obligation to consider the Economics’and CIA’s contextual position for the dependency ratios,both total and elderly dependency ratio alongside the consideration of the age structure and demography statistics of Nigeria relatively to other economies,particularly as an elixir for the declining older population in Nigeria and the aged male contraction in the nation.Although,older female population is higher in every country as obtainable globally,the Nigerian case is that of drastic contraction in both aged male and older population generally.Therefore,the submission is that the government has to consider the total dependency ratio to the elderly dependency ratio,which is all-encompassing in order to cater for the declining older population and to appropriate the requisite welfare cum benefits programs in the nation.

A family nurse-led intervention for reducing health services’utilization in individuals with chronic diseases:The ADVICE pilot study

Objectives:Intensive health services'utilization is common in older individuals affected by chronic diseases.This study assessed whether a structured family nurse-led educational intervention would be effective in reducing health services'use(readmissions and/or emergency service access)among older people affected by chronic conditions.Methods:This is a non-randomized before-after pilot study.A sample of 78 patients was recruited from two general practices in Italy and 70 among them were followed for 8 months.Standard home care was provided during the first four months'period(months 1-4),followed by the educational intervention until the end of the study(months 5-8).The intervention,based on the teach-back method,consisted of by-weekly 60-min home sessions targeting aspects of the disease and its treatment,potential complications,medication adherence,and health behaviours.Rates of health services'use were collected immediately before(T0),and after the interventions(T1).Differences in utilization rates were examined by the McNemar's test.Potential factors associated with the risk of health services'use were explored with a Cox proportional hazard regression model.Results:The sample(n=78)was predominantly female(n=50,64.1%),and had a mean age of 76.2(SD=4.8)years.Diabetes mellitus was the most frequent disease(n=27,34.6%).McNemar's test indicated a significant reduction in health services'use at T1(McNemar χ^(2)==28.03,P<0.001).Cox regressions indicated that time and patient education,as well as their interaction,were the only variables positively associated with the probability of health services'use.Conclusion:A teach-back intervention led by a family nurse practitioner has the potential to reduce health services'use in older patients with chronic diseases.

Depression among elderly living in Briddashram (old age home)

Introduction: Depression is a common public health issue with the increasing life expectancy worldwide and depression is associated with morbidity as well as disability among the elderly. There are very few studies related with depression among elderly from developing countries. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of depression and its correlates among the elderly living in Briddashram (old age home). Methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried out in 2012. Data were collected by face-to-face interview using short version of Geriatric Depression Scale. The data were analyzed using percentage, mean, simple correlation and regression. Results: The subjects (N = 185) were elderly aged 60 years and above living in Devghat area, Nepal. Mean age of the subjects was 73.67 (±3.23) years old and 51% were male. 94% elderly belong to Khas ethnicity. Nearly one third (31%) elderly were from nuclear family back ground, 25% were married, and only 18% elderly were literate. Majority of the elderly (93%) had health problems and self reported health shows 86% elderly reported their health fair. This study shows mean functional disability score was 2.53 (±2.05). Finding shows the prevalence of depression was 57.8%. Among them 46.7% had mild, 8.9% had moderate and 2.2% had severe depression. A statistically significant correlation was found between feelings of depression and age, sex, previous family type, ethnicity, feeling of loneliness and instrumental activities of daily living. Regression analysis shows that being women, feeling of loneliness and higher the dependency in IADL were predictors of depression. Conclusion: This study indicates that many elderly living in the Briddashram are suffering from depression. There should be some interruption from the concerned authorities so that depression can be reduced which will support to the well-being and quality of life of elderly.

Relationship between life satisfaction and sympathovagal balance in healthy elderly males at home at night

The aim of this study is to clarify how well-being correlates with autonomic nervous system (sympathovagal) balance in healthy elderly males at home at night awake and resting. The RR-interval and body acceleration of 39 healthy elderly male subjects were recorded with an ambulatory device for 72 hours. The normalized high-frequency (0.15 - 0.4 Hz) power (HFnu) of RR-interval variability (sympathovagal balance index) was calculated from 10 min long data sets that satisfied all of the following conditions: 1) average body acceleration was less than 30 mG, 2) the subject was at home, 3) the subject was awake, and 4) more than 95 percent of the time-series of instantaneous heart rate was within 40 to 160 [bpm]. Subjects recorded their subjective well-being level, including life satisfaction level, on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) questionnaire. We investigated the correlation between the subjective well-being level and mean HFnu. A significant negative correlation between life satisfaction level and mean HFnu (r = –0.47, p = 0.004) was observed. This result implies that sympathovagal balance becomes the predominant state of the sympathetic nervous system in healthy elderly males with relatively high life satisfaction while at home at night awake and resting.

深圳市重度残疾人居家康复体育活动的健康效益

目的分析残疾人居家健身的需求和活动现状,制定不同类型残疾人居家康复健身服务实施方案,评估重度残疾人居家康复体育活动的健康效益。方法以世界卫生组织(WHO)《2018-2030年促进身体活动全球行动计划:加强身体活动,造就健康世界》《WHO关于身体活动和久坐行为的指南》为依据,为重度残疾人制定功能定向、个别化的居家康复健身活动方案。2023年5月,对37例重度残疾人进行康复体育活动干预6个月。干预前后,采用国际身体活动问卷(IPAQ)、WHO残疾评定量表(WHODAS 2.0)、WHO生活质量量表简表(WHOQOL-BREF)进行评定。结果干预后,重度残疾人IPAQ低强度休闲身体活动时长显著提高。WHODAS 2.0认知、活动性、自我照护、与他人相处、与生活相关的各项活动、社会参与各维度的评分和总分显著下降,WHOQOL-BREF生理领域、心理领域、独立性领域和环境领域评分和总分显著提高。结论功能定向和个别化重度残疾人居家康复健身活动方案能有效提升重度残疾人活动水平,减轻功能障碍,提高生活质量。

养老机构失能老人自立行为影响因素的质性研究

目的 探讨影响养老机构失能老人自立行为的因素,为制订自立提升策略提供参考。方法 采用目的抽样选取养老机构的9名失能老人和12名工作人员进行半结构式深入访谈,采用内容分析法分析资料。结果 归纳出4个主题和7个子主题:个人特质(促进、阻碍自立行为的特质),认知偏差(照护服务即“伺候”、照护者即“保姆或佣人”),益处感知(增强身心功能、获得积极心理体验、获得护理员的关心),自我效能感。结论 养老机构失能老人的自立行为受到多种因素影响,可通过纠正老人的认知偏差、引导其及早发现自立行为的益处、培养自立习惯提升自我效能感,调动失能老人自立的积极性。

641名上海市老年人机构养老意愿及其影响因素

目的·了解上海市老年人的机构养老意愿情况,探讨影响其意愿的因素。方法·采用方便抽样法抽取641名在上海市6个社区卫生服务中心就诊的60周岁及以上的老年人,对其社会人口学因素、机构养老意愿、感知障碍和感知利益进行问卷调查。结果·调查问卷的结构效度(KMO统计量为0.862,Bartlett’s球性检验P=0.000)和内在信度(Cronbach’sα系数取值范围为0.739~0.824)良好。46%的受访者表示将来愿意入住养老机构;在人口学因素中,仅不同年龄层次之间入住意愿差异有统计学意义(P=0.045)。校正年龄后的多因素Logistic回归分析结果表明羞耻感(OR=0.76,95%CI=0.62~0.94)、适应性(OR=0.61,95%CI=0.50~0.74)以及感知利益(OR=1.63,95%CI=1.32~2.03)与老年人机构养老意愿显著相关(均P<0.05)。结论·上海老年人整体对机构养老的接受度已有所提高,其中60~69岁老年人接受度最高;羞耻感、适应性,以及养老机构所能提供的服务质量和种类是影响老年人机构养老意愿的主要影响因素。

养老机构护理员照顾失能老人获益体验的质性研究

目的 深入了解养老机构护理员照顾失能老人的获益体验,为养老机构管理者采取措施维持护理员队伍稳定性提供借鉴。方法 采用现象学研究法,以目的抽样法选取某养老机构照顾失能老人的14名护理员为研究对象,并对其进行半结构式访谈,以Colaizzi 7步分析法分析访谈资料。结果 获取5个获益体验主题,分别是物质获益、能力获益、情感获益、精神获益、成长获益。结论 养老机构护理员能从失能老人的照顾工作中获得丰富的获益体验,管理人员可利用其获益体验,增加护理员正向职业感知,稳定养老护理服务队伍。

多归属情形下产业间平台合作的经济效应

本文针对合作后平台用户固有收益水平提高这一特征,在用户多归属情形下构建双寡头Hotelling竞争模型,分析了产业间平台合作的经济效应。研究发现,随着合作带来参与平台用户固有收益提高,该平台两边用户定价、价格非对称性和用户规模均上升。对非合作平台,合作会降低其双边用户定价和用户规模,而合作对定价非对称性的影响,则须视平台差异的程度而定。研究还表明,合作提高了参与平台利润,降低了非参与平台利润,同时还增加了消费者总剩余和社会总福利。这启示规制机构在对双边平台合作进行规制时要特别谨慎,切忌过度干预。

帕金森病病人随访研究进展

从随访主体、随访内容、随访形式、随访的成本效益、随访管理等方面综述帕金森病病人居家随访国内外研究进展,以期为帕金森病病人随访提供参考。