The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of hearing loss (HL), vision loss (VL), and dual sensory loss (DSL) in Canadians 45–85 years of age. Audiometry and visual acuity were measured. Various levels of impairment severity were described. Results were extrapolated to the 2016 Canadian population. In 2016, 1,500,000 Canadian males 45–85 years of age had at least mild HL, 1,800,000 had at least mild VL, and 570,000 had DSL. Among females, 1,200,000 had at least mild HL, 2,200,000 had at least mild VL, and 450,000 had DSL. Among Canadians 45–85 years of age, mild, moderate, and severe HL was prevalent among 13.4 per cent, 3.7 per cent, and 0.4 per cent of males, and among 11.3 per cent, 2.3 per cent, and 0.2 per cent of females, respectively. Mild and moderate, or severe VL was prevalent among 19.8 per cent and 2.4 per cent of males, and among 23.9 per cent and 2.6 per cent of females, respectively. At least mild DSL was prevalent among 6.4 per cent of males and 6.1 per cent of females.

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data from a prospective cohort study to investigate whether frailty is associated with pain intensity, disability caused by low back pain (LBP), and quality of life in an older population with acute non-specific LBP. Six hundred and two individuals with a mean age of 67.6 (standard deviation [SD] 7.0) years were included in the analysis. In relation to frailty status, 21.3 per cent of the sample were classified as robust, 59.2 per cent were classified as pre-frail, and 19.5 per cent were classified as frail. In the unadjusted analysis, pre-frail and frail groups showed significantly higher pain and disability scores than the robust group. Moreover, the same two groups exhibited lower scores in both physical and mental domains of quality of life than the robust group. After adjusting for socio-demographic and clinical variables, disability scores and the physical component of quality of life were significantly associated with frailty. In older adults with acute LBP, frailty is associated with more disability and worse scores in the physical component of quality of life.

This qualitative descriptive study presents the experience of an abrupt disruption of daily activities among community-dwelling older adults during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sixteen older adults (age: 71 ± 6.4) were interviewed in April–June, 2020. Five themes were identified: (1) Understanding and applying COVID-19 guidelines: guidelines were clear and participants adhered closely to them, motivated mainly by fear; ageing-specific guidelines are needed. (2) Daily life during lockdown: the abrupt occupational disruption was managed by transitioning to virtual activities, and/or performing more activities at home. New daily activities were generally more sedentary and less meaningful. (3) Social context: family assistance aroused mixed feelings, as it compromised independence; limited compliance at the community level created stress. (4) Mood and affect: mood often fluctuated, and participants employed various coping strategies. (5) Aging: participants became more aware of their age and were concerned about negative health implications of adherence to COVID-19 guidelines.

Self-reported health is a predictive measure of morbidity and mortality across populations. A comprehensive understanding of the factors that shape self-reported health among community-dwelling older adults, a growing population globally, is lacking. The aim of this review was to summarize the factors that are associated with self-reported health among this population and identify key areas for future research. Accordingly, we conducted a scoping review using the stage-wise framework developed by Arksey and O’Malley. We summarized 42 factors, as identified in 30 publications, and organized them into four categories. Key factors shaping self-reported health included the presence of chronic conditions and depressive symptoms. As the population of community-dwelling older adults continues to increase, there remains a need to understand how these identified factors shape self-reported health. To date, empirical research has been limited to observational and cross-sectional designs. There is a need to further explore these factors in longitudinal data.

Case-Finding for Complex Chronic Conditions in Seniors 75+ (C5-75) is a systematic approach to identify frailty using gait speed and hand-grip strength and to screen for co-morbid conditions. We identified the C5-75 features offering the highest yield for identifying frailty and to streamline the screening program. Analyses included 1,948 C5-75 assessments completed from 2013 to 2018. Age 85 or older, less than regular physical activity, and more than two falls in the previous six months had the strongest associations with frailty. Exempting patients under 85 who reported regular physical activity and less than two falls excluded 39.1 per cent of the cohort while maintaining a sensitivity of 95.2 per cent and a negative predictive value of 99.4 per cent for frailty. These findings provide insight into optimizing screening for frailty, making it more feasible to implement and to identify co-existing conditions that may contribute to or be affected by frailty.

There is increasing recognition that using assistive devices can support healthy aging. Minimizing discomfort and loss of function and increasing independence can have a substantial impact physically, psychologically, and financially on persons with functional impairments and resulting activity limitations, as well as on caregivers and communities. However, it remains unclear who uses assistive devices and how device use can influence social participation. The current analysis used CLSA baseline data from 51,338 older adults between the ages of 45 and 85. Measures of socio-demographic, health, and social characteristics were analyzed by sex and age groups. Weighted cross-tabulations were used to report correlations between independent variables and assistive device use for hearing, vision, and mobility. We found that assistive device use was higher among those who were of older age, had less education, were widowed, had lower income, and had poorer health. Assistive devices were used differently according to sex and social participation, providing insight into assistive device use for the well-being of older adults and their families.

The Geriatric Anxiety Inventory (GAI) and its short form (GAI-SF) are self-reported scales used internationally to assess anxiety symptoms in older adults. In this study, we conducted the first critical comprehensive review of these scales’ psychometric properties. We rated the quality of 31 relevant studies with the COSMIN checklist. Both the GAI and GAI-SF showed adequate internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Convergent validity indices were highest with generalized anxiety measures; lowest with instruments relating to somatic symptoms. We detected substantial overlap with depression measures. While there was no consensus on the GAI’s factorial structure, we found the short version to be unidimensional. Although we found good sensitivity and specificity for detecting anxiety, cut-off scores varied. The GAI and GAI-SF are relevant instruments showing satisfactory psychometric properties; to broaden their use, however, some psychometric properties warrant closer examination. This review calls attention to weaknesses in the methodological quality of the studies.

Public health messages and societal discourse during the COVID-19 pandemic have consistently indicated a higher morbidity and mortality risk for older people, particularly those with multiple health conditions. Older adults’ interpretations of pandemic messaging can shape their perceived vulnerability and behaviours. This study examined their perspectives on COVID-19 messaging. Eighteen community-dwelling older adults residing in Manitoba (Canada) participated in semi-structured telephone interviews between July and August 2020, a period of low COVID-19 cases within the province. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify key themes that described participants’ processes of information interpretation when consuming pandemic-related messages, their emotional responses to messaging and consequent vulnerability, and the impacts of messaging on their everyday lives. Understanding how older adults have construed COVID-19 and pandemic-related messages, and the subsequent impact on their daily behaviours, is the first step towards shaping societal discourse and sets the stage for examining the pandemic’s long-term effects.

Cette étude a pour objectif d’adapter et de valider une échelle de satisfaction des besoins psychologiques fondamentaux chez les personnes âgées (ESBP-PA). Un total de 270 participants gabonais âgés de 60 à 100 ans ont répondu au questionnaire composé de l’ESBP-PA et d’une échelle du bien-être psychologique. L’analyse factorielle exploratoire réalisée a permis d’extraire trois facteurs correspondant aux trois types de besoins psychologiques. La consistance interne, estimée par l’alpha de Cronbach et la fiabilité composite, est satisfaisante pour les trois dimensions. En ce qui concerne la validité convergente, l’analyse de corrélation a soutenu des liens significatifs entre la satisfaction des trois besoins et le bien-être psychologique. Ces résultats rendent compte des bonnes qualités psychométriques de l’instrument. Celui-ci peut être utilisé pour mesurer la satisfaction des besoins d’autonomie, de compétence et d’appartenance sociale.

Psychological resources can help individuals adjust to changes associated with aging. In this study, we examined the effect of demographic, health, and psychological resource variables in explaining driving status among adults 55 years and older. A convenience sample of 222 adults between the ages of 55 and 91 years (mean = 72.20 years) completed questionnaires that included measures of driving status, self-rated health, and psychological resources (e.g., life control, life purpose, and locus of control). Multiple logistic regression models that controlled for confounders were constructed with driver status (i.e., current driver or former driver) as the outcome. Former drivers were older, reported being in poorer health, and reported more depression symptoms. After controlling for age and health, current drivers reported higher levels of life control and life purpose and a more internal locus of control. Results highlight the importance of considering psychological resources when examining driving cessation.

Given the rising numbers of older adults in Canada experiencing falls, evidence-based identification of fall risks and plans for prevention across the continuum of care is a significant priority for health care providers. A scoping review was conducted to synthesize published international clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) and recommendations for fall risk screening and assessment in older adults (defined as 65 years of age and older). Of the 22 CPGs, 6 pertained to multiple settings, 9 pertained to community-dwelling older adults only, 2 each pertained to acute care and long-term care settings only, and 3 did not specify setting. Two criteria, prior fall history and gait and balance abnormalities, were applied either independently or sequentially in 19 CPG fall risk screening algorithms. Fall risk assessment components were more varied across CPGs but commonly included: detailed fall history; detailed evaluation of gait, balance, and/or mobility; medication review; vision; and environmental hazards assessment. Despite these similarities, more work is needed to streamline assessment approaches for heterogeneous and complex older adult populations across the care continuum. Support is also needed for sustainable implementation of CPGs in order to improve health outcomes.

COVID-19 has had a devasting impact on older adults in Canada, including persons living with dementia. This intrinsic case study sought to understand the perceptions of persons living with dementia regarding how COVID-19 has impacted their well-being. Ten persons living with dementia participated in in-depth qualitative interviews about their experience with COVID-19. Using thematic analysis, four themes were identified: (1) expressing current and future concerns; (2) social connections and isolation; (3) adapting to change and resilience through engagement and hope; and (4) we’re not all the same: reflecting individual experiences of the pandemic. Results highlight that while COVID-19 contributed to isolation, concerns, and frustrations, persons with dementia also demonstrated adaptation and resilience. This study reinforced that persons with dementia and their responses to challenges are unique. Therefore, interventions to support persons with dementia must also be individualized to each person’s abilities and circumstances.

Older persons experiencing a longer length of stay (LOS) or delayed discharge (DD) may see a decline in their health and well-being, generating significant costs. This review aimed to identify evidence on the impact of cognitive impairment (CI) on acute care hospital LOS/DD. A scoping review of studies examining the association between CI and LOS/DD was performed. We searched six databases; two reviewers independently screened references until November 2019. A narrative synthesis was used to answer the research question; 58 studies were included of which 33 found a positive association between CI and LOS or DD, 8 studies had mixed results, 3 found an inverse relationship, and 14 showed an indirect link between CI-related syndromes and LOS/DD. Thus, cognitive impairment seemed to be frequently associated with increased LOS/DD. Future research should consider CI together with other risks for LOS/DD and also focus on explaining the association between the two.

In the context of demographic aging, preventing autonomy loss is a major issue. Adapting care systems to help keep seniors at home is a daily challenge. “La Mutualité Française”, a national mutual insurance company, has implemented in one of its healthcare services an innovative program to strengthen well-being: “The Well-Being Autonomy Pole.” This program comprises five Prevention and Support Care components and hypothesizes that strengthening the well-being of elderly people already suffering from physical limitations would prevent their autonomy decline. The originality of this program is its focus on elderly people who have rarely been studied in terms of preventing autonomy loss, given their existing functional limitations. A first evaluation was carried out over three months to verify the methodological feasibility of an impact assessment and to provide preliminary results on the effectiveness of the program. Key findings suggest improved levels of self-esteem, physical well-being, psychological autonomy and decreased anxiety. Methodological limitations of this first feasibility assessment and perspectives for future research are discussed.

This investigation derives its impetus from public health concerns around detecting, mitigating, and preventing the deleterious effects that alcohol use can cause particularly in advanced age. We aim to complement gerontological research by exploring the interactive effects of quality of life and related factors on alcohol use outcomes assessed by the Drinking Problem Index. The study is based on cross-sectional data collected from questionnaires mailed to a randomly drawn sample of 6,000 Norwegian adults aged 62 and older (participation rate: 32%). According to the Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detection (CHAID) analysis, constellations of interactive factors emerged differently for women and men, and, between non-problem and problem drinkers. For women, drinking outcomes were related to intra-psychic functioning, and for men, to physical health and social situation. An ongoing quality-of-life assessment may be very important in the comprehensive assistance provided to those older people who are vulnerable to undergoing alcohol-related harms.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has had profound consequences on collective mental health and well-being, and yet, older adults appear better off than younger adults. The current study examined mental health impacts of the pandemic across adult age groups in a large sample (n = 5,320) of Canadians using multiple hierarchical regression analyses. Results suggest older adults are experiencing better mental health and more social connectedness relative to younger adults. Loneliness predicted negative mental health outcomes across all age groups, while the negative association between social support and mental health was only significant at average and high levels of loneliness in the 65–69 age group. Results point towards differential mental health impacts of the pandemic across adult age groups and indicate that loneliness and social support may be key intervention targets during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future research should further examine mechanisms of resiliency among older Canadian adults during the pandemic.

The purpose of this study was to update our understandings of older adults’ experiences and perceptions of alcohol use. Taking a community-based research approach, three Knowledge Café workshops hosted 66 older adults and service providers in Vancouver, BC. Thematic analysis identified three overarching categories: (a) reasons older adults use alcohol, including out of habit, social expectations, or to self-medicate; (b) personal experiences of alcohol use, including reduced consumption over time as a result of the cost of alcohol, the physical effects, and increased knowledge about the effects of alcohol; and (c) older adults’ perceptions of alcohol use outcomes, including positive outcomes from drinking in moderation and negative outcomes that can worsen one’s health, lead to tolerance, and harm others. Developing and promoting healthy drinking behaviours in later life is needed as the general population continues to age.

Our study objective was to develop and validate a questionnaire assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of family physicians regarding dementia care and dementia strategies in Canada. Using a multistage process with a panel of experts, we developed and distributed an 83-item questionnaire to 542 eligible family physicians in 42 interdisciplinary primary care teams participating in the Quebec Alzheimer Plan implementation. Altogether, 369 physicians (68%) returned questionnaires. Median item-specific non-response rate was 0.8 per cent (0.3%–8.1%). Exploratory factor analyses and scale correlation supported the questionnaire validity. The final questionnaire contained five factors and 31 items. The KAP questionnaire has proved to be a reliable instrument for assessing the KAP of family physicians regarding dementia care and dementia strategies. This questionnaire provides researchers, clinicians, managers, and decision-makers with a tool to assess an intervention, a program, or a policy change implemented in primary health care for patients with dementia.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and mandated physical distancing requirements significantly impacted volunteer programs for older persons with many long-standing programs either ceasing altogether or pivoting to connecting through virtual technologies. In this study, we collected qualitative interview data from 23 clients and 33 volunteers to investigate their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and the effects on the volunteer–client relationship. Three themes were identified: pandemic emotions, negotiating social interactions, and growing through the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings provide important insights into the experiences of hospice organizations and their volunteers and clients during the COVID 19 pandemic, further highlighting the importance of acknowledging both older persons’ vulnerability and their resilience, of building in compassionate community approaches to care, and of finding innovative ways to foster volunteer–client relationships during times when physical visiting is not possible.

This article challenges the dominance of age homophily in the literature on friendship. Using findings from a recent study on intergenerational friendship, we put forward a new conceptualization of a homophily of doing-and-being in friendships between adults who are of different generations. This research took a qualitative approach using constructivist grounded theory methodology. Homophily of doing-and-being has three components: being “friends in action” (pursuing interests and leisure activities, or simply spending time together), being “not only old” (sharing identities beyond age), and sharing attitudes and approaches to friendship and life. Additionally, “differences” were an important element of interest between the intergenerational friends. Our discovery of the centrality of doing-and-being, and the relative insignificance of age homophily, constitute a novel way of looking at friendship, and a new way of conceptualizing how and why (older) adults make and maintain friendships.