Ernährung und Migration

Die Diabetologie - Migranten/?innen haben häufig ein anderes Ernährungsverhalten als die einheimische Bevölkerung, denn unsere Esskultur wird geprägt durch die...     

Frauen,Verkehrsmobilität und Alter

The observation that the topic "older women in traffic" does not hold a prominent position within existing literature in this field is the starting-point of this paper. Apart from a mere numerical deficiency of respective contributions, we assume in addition the existence of a conceptual weakness in the scientific discourse. Therefore we try to develop a general concept of mobility along age-relevant and gender-related dimensions, present afterwards-as an empirical supplement-some selected examples from focus group and in-depth interviews, and finally outline a proposition for a concept of mobility of older women (and men), which is intended to provide some practical reference for operationalization in empirical research. The frame of this concept is constituted by the assumption that outdoor mobility is rooted in social structures and their change, as they are represented in a certain historical time, and simultaneously, by purposeful action of the individuals involved, from which these structures finally emanate.     

Altern und Alter in der Türkei

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Körper und Alter(n)

Ohne Zusammenfassung     

Diabetes und kardiovaskul?re Erkrankungen im Alter

The treatment of cardiovascular diseases in diabetic geriatric patients needs an individual risk-benefit analysis. The overtreatment of hyperglycemia in the sense of metabolic control that is too tight (HbA(1)c level <6%) may lead to increased mortality. As a rule, the target HbA(1)c level in geriatric patients with diabetes mellitus should be between 7 and 8%.     

Neurobiologie posttraumatischer und somatoformer Störungen im Alter

Background

Clinically relevant posttraumatic stress disorders are almost always associated with physical symptoms, which are, on the one hand, classified as somatoform and, on the other hand, may also present as somatic comorbidities. The psychological, neurobiological, endocrinological and immunological correlations are only now beginning to be understood. Thereby, integration into a meaningful biopsychosocial model is still pending.

Purpose

The following article gives a concise summary of the knowledge concerning the relationship between body and psyche in posttraumatic stress spectrum disorders and provides the neuroscientific foundation which could establish a biological link between the phenomenologies of the disorder.

Results

Neurobiological data on posttraumatic disorders and somatoform disorders are diverse and not uniform. This is even more true when it comes to those disorders that are within the intersection of these two entities and, above all, their special features in the elderly. Psychophysiological, neuroanatomical, endocrine–immunological, genetic, and epigenetic factors play an important role here. With regard to posttraumatic stress disorder, for example, higher autonomic reactivity was observed, which indicates an acquired general sensitization of the nervous system.     

Mundgesundheit, Zahnstatus und Ernährung im Alter

The loss of natural teeth impairs essentially the chewing function and can only partly be restored by the insertion of dental prostheses. Equally, xerostomia and dysphagia may aggravate the nutritional intake in older adults. Often denture wearers do subjectively not notice the adjustment of their food choice and the employment of special preparation techniques. Finally the dental state influences the nutritional intake. A reduced number of teeth correlates with the intake of less calories, proteins, fat, non-starch polysaccharides and vitamins. Often missing calories are compensated by an increased consumption of sugar and fat. Especially edentulous persons with a low level of education choose a diet which is rich in fat and sugar. Further the daily intake of fruit and vegetables diminishes along with fewer occlusal contacts in posterior teeth. The restoration of the chewing function by dental intervention does not lead to an improvement of the nutritional intake by itself and should therefore always be complemented by nutritional advice.     

Hinfälligkeit und Begrenztheit als Entwicklungschance im Alter

The main focus of this article is the meaning of particular experiences of the aging body for identity and development with respect to very old age. This experience of embodiment results from a dynamic development between unpleasant experiences of physical aging, positive bodily experiences of the pleasure of living, and reflections on this direct engagement with the aging body. The interaction of those three dimensions requires a constant rebalancing, which, in view of the frail body, becomes increasingly demanding. Beyond one's own experiences with aging through direct engagement with the body, established social relationships give room for an individual's physical nature and support the maintenance of identity and development. People who look after and care for old aged people have to recognize their own embodiment and have to acknowledge their aging body. This applies not only to contact with old aged people, but also requests that the potential for developing one's own identity be recognised. The inclusion of the body in the discourse on the aging process demands a mindset change in social gerontology and for the individual it means to submit oneself to the ethics of embodied existence.     

Kognitive Leistungsfähigkeit,chronische Nierenerkrankung und Alter

Introduction

With a general increase in life expectancy, the number of patients with cognitive disorders and dementia is expected to rise. Adequate treatment of these patients requires an early diagnosis of cognitive impairments and therapeutic adjustment to the special needs of affected individuals.

Materials and methods

This review is based on a selective search of the PubMed database in order to identify publications on cognitive function in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Results

The problem of cognitive disorders in dialysis patients is complex and has only recently been studied in more detail. It was found that patients on dialysis are more likely to be affected by cognitive impairment and dementia than age-matched comparison groups. Cardiovascular risk factors as well as neurological effects related to uremia seem to promote the development of cognitive disorders; however, the exact reason for this phenomenon remains unclear.

Conclusion

As dementia disorders can be treated most effectively at early stages of the disease, it is important to establish the diagnosis as soon as possible. Treatment of this patient population will be a major challenge in the future.     

Religiosität und Spiritualität im Alter

The present paper presents results regarding religious attitudes and behaviors as well as the perceived social support by religious communities in n = 593 elderly over 60 years (31.2% female, mean age 69.5 years) from the German general population. The results are based on the German 15-item version SBI-15R-D of the "Systems of Belief Inventory" (Holland et al., 1998). Furthermore, religiosity was analyzed as a potential protective factor regarding body complaints in the elderly. Higher scores on religiosity could be found in women compared to men and in elderly from Western Germany compared to those from Eastern Germany. There were no significant correlations between religiosity and body complaints. It is discussed whether the self-ratings of religiosity reflect conventional ideas of a religious orientated person rather than a genuine spiritual attitude.     

Diagnostik und Training von Kraft und Gleichgewicht zur Sturzprävention im Alter

The proportion of elderly people in societies of western industrialized countries is continuously rising. Biologic aging induces deficits in balance and muscle strength/power in old age, which is responsible for an increased prevalence of falls. Therefore, nationwide and easy-to-administer fall prevention programs have to be developed in order to contribute to the autonomy and quality of life in old age and to help reduce the financial burden on the public health care system due to the treatment of fall-related injuries. This narrative (qualitative) literature review deals with a) the reasons for an increased prevalence of falls in old age, b) important clinical tests for fall-risk assessment, and c) evidence-based intervention/training programs for fall prevention in old age. The findings of this literature review are based on a cost-free practice guide that is available to the public (via the internet) and that was created by an expert panel (i.e., geriatricians, exercise scientists, physiotherapists, geriatric therapists). The present review provides the scientific foundation of the practice guide.     

Adipositas im Alter und ihre Bedeutung für Funktionalität und Frailty

In later life a high body mass index (BMI) is associated with the lowest age-related mortality rate. The BMI range used by the World Health Organization (WHO) to classify overweight, a BMI of 25–30 kg/m², can be regarded as normal weight in old age; nevertheless, obesity is associated with an increased risk of disability and of a deterioration in physical functionality, particularly among older age groups. This relationship to obesity has also been established for frailty. For this reason, a reduction in weight may be appropriate under functional aspects if BMI values exceed 30 kg/m²; however, such a decision cannot be made on the basis of an individual BMI alone. The functional status, body composition, comorbidities and, in particular the life perspectives of the patient should also be taken into consideration. If weight loss is intended, it must always be performed under strict medical supervision involving optimized protein intake, a carefully calculated moderate reduction in calories and adequate physical training. In the case of chronically ill elderly patients, weight reduction is not usually appropriate. Restrictive diets of any kind should principally be critically viewed in old age because even temporary inadequate energy intake may lead to accelerated deterioration of muscle and bone structure.     

Alter(n) und die Identitätsrelevanz von Leib und Körper

The article is concerned with the question to what extent does the body – the body itself as an object (Körper; body) and body that we live in and experience (Leib; self) – have an self-promoting influence on the process of aging. To solve this question, four physical categories are presented that are generally of substantial importance for the development and support of one’s personal identity: physical biography, physical image, physical limiting experience and physical control. These categories are consequently discussed with their relationship to aging. Thereby, the extent and the diversity of physical alterations during the course of the life of an individual appears to make alterations with one’s inner self mandatory.     

Selbstverantwortung im Alter – Möglichkeiten, Grenzen und Intervention

Ohne Zusammenfassung