TOPIC

Geriatrics research

Everything we have read on geriatrics. Each paper is summarised from the full article rather than its abstract, so the limitations are in there too, and the funding wherever the paper declares it.

1,154 PAPERS · PAGE 2 OF 24 · NEWEST FIRST

• OTSLPRNQualitative2019Typology of Technology-Supported Dementia Care Interventions From an In-Home Telehealth Trial.Western journal of nursing researchDementia experts who reviewed caregivers' home videos mostly taught behavior management, disease expectations and safety skills, plus caregiver support. This maps what to assess and teach, not proof the telehealth programme works.
• PTOTRNCase-Control2020Falls in hospital: a case-control study.Scandinavian journal of caring sciencesHospital patients with poor or very poor balance were far more likely to fall. Older age, male sex and sedating or mental-health drugs were also linked. Check balance and review these drugs early.
• OTRNMeta-Analysis2019How do "robopets" impact the health and well-being of residents in care homes? A systematic review of qualitative and quantitative evidence.International journal of older people nursingRobopets significantly reduced agitation in residents with dementia, but showed no pooled effect on loneliness, depression or quality of life. Engagement varied widely: some residents sought them out, others found them irritating or infantilising. They are not a replacement for human interaction.
• PTOTRNOther2020Impact of Function Focused Care and Physical Activity on Falls in Assisted Living Residents.The Canadian journal of nursing research = Revue canadienne de recherche en sciences infirmieresModerate physical activity was associated with a slightly lower risk of falling in assisted living residents. Exposure to function focused care was not significantly associated with falls. Neither activity nor the care approach increased fall risk, challenging the belief that movement causes falls.
• OTQualitative2020A Qualitative Exploration of Choral Singing in Community-dwelling Older Adults.Western journal of nursing researchNineteen older adults in PACE day centers described weekly choir as something they loved, bringing joyful time together and feeling uplifted when performing for others. They noted few negatives, including too religious music and limited director availability.
• PTOTRNCohort2019The association of patient-reported improvement and rehabilitation characteristics with mortality.Geriatric nursing (New York, N.Y.)Older adults who reported their function got worse during rehabilitation had significantly higher odds of dying within a year compared to those who improved. This risk persisted even after accounting for age, sex, and health conditions, suggesting patient-reported outcomes can help identify high-risk patients.
• PTOTQualitative2020Strategies older adults use in their work to get back to normal following hospitalization.Geriatric nursing (New York, N.Y.)Older adults recovering from hospitalization described 'pushing themselves' through exercise and resuming daily tasks to regain function. They relied heavily on family encouragement and provider feedback to set safe limits, while pain and lack of energy stopped progress.
• PTOTRNMeta-Analysis2020Meta-analysis and GRADE profiles of exercise interventions for falls prevention in long-term care facilities.Journal of advanced nursingExercise did not significantly reduce falls overall, but balance-focused and longer-than-six-month programs showed promise. Frail residents faced an increased fall risk from exercise. Technical devices showed moderate-confidence benefits, while tai chi reduced fear of falling without reducing actual falls.
• PTOTRNOther2020Gender Differences in Function, Physical Activity, Falls, Medication Use, and Life Satisfaction Among Residents in Assisted Living Settings.Research in gerontological nursingIn assisted living residents, women reported higher satisfaction with activities and received more medications than men. Function, physical activity, falls, and other satisfaction scores did not differ by gender.
• PTOTRNSystematic Review2020Promoting Behavioral Change in Mobile Health Interventions for Older Adults: A Scoping Review.Research in gerontological nursingMobile health interventions for adults 60 and older generally increased physical activity, medication adherence, and disease self-management. Feedback, monitoring, and goal-setting were the most common techniques used to drive these changes.
• OTRCT2019Attention control group activities and perceived benefit in a trial of a behavioral intervention for older adults.Research in nursing & healthIn the attention control arm of a home-based trial, older adults with daily-living difficulty often chose conversation and games. They reported perceived benefit, but this is self-report, not proof an intervention works.
• PTOTRNMeta-Analysis2019Frailty syndrome and cognitive impairment in older adults: systematic review of the literature.Revista latino-americana de enfermagemThe pooled results were mixed. Frail older adults were 1.24 times more likely to have cognitive decline in one analysis, but another analysis did not show a significant association.
• PTOTRNSurvey2020Outcome Priorities for Older Persons With Sarcopenia.Journal of the American Medical Directors AssociationOlder adults with sarcopenia valued mobility most (30%), then household tasks (22%), falls (18%), fatigue (17%), and quality of life (14%). Ask which outcomes matter before setting goals.
• PTOTRNMeta-Analysis2020Prevalence of Hospital-Associated Disability in Older Adults: A Meta-analysis.Journal of the American Medical Directors Association30% of older adults lose independence in daily activities such as bathing, dressing, toilet use or eating after acute hospitalization. Check ADL status on admission and discharge, because loss is associated with nursing home placement and death.
• OTRNOther2019Predictors of instrumental activities of daily living in community-dwelling older adults.Archives of psychiatric nursingOlder adults who were better at holding and changing information in working memory performed more accurately at managing medications and finances. No measured thinking skill predicted shopping or phone and letter tasks.
• PTOTRNQualitative2020Using the Social Ecological Model to Identify Drivers of Nutrition Risk in Adult Day Settings Serving East Asian Older Adults.Research in gerontological nursingEast Asian older adults described eating more when meals were familiar and peers encouraged them. Staff noted language, cognition, swallowing, medication, and family barriers.
• OTCohort2020Residential Greenness and Frailty Among Older Adults: A Longitudinal Cohort in China.Journal of the American Medical Directors AssociationLiving in greener neighborhoods was linked with less frailty among 16,238 older Chinese adults. The link was seen in urban areas but not rural areas.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2020A new conceptual model of experiences of aging in place in the United States: Results of a systematic review and meta-ethnography of qualitative studies.International journal of nursing studiesAging in place is an active negotiation, not passive residence. Older adults balance threats to identity, connection, and home against their agency. Without resources, staying put can mean isolation, loss of dignity, and unsafe conditions rather than preferred independence.
• PTOTSLPRNCohort2020Effect of Age on Longitudinal Changes in Symptoms, Function, and Outcome in the First Year After Mild-Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury.The Journal of neuroscience nursing : journal of the American Association of Neuroscience NursesOlder adults with mild-moderate brain injury report more balance and coordination problems and worse physical health than younger adults in the first year. They also have higher risk of repeat falls. Screen for these specific issues and refer to balance programs.
• PTOTSLPOther2020Social Participation of Older Adults: A Concept Analysis.International journal of community based nursing and midwiferySocial participation for older adults requires active engagement in community activities, interaction with others, resource sharing, and personal satisfaction. It is distinct from social support or networks. Nurses and therapists can use this definition to identify patients who are isolated versus those who simply have low activity levels.
• PTOTRNCohort2020Determinants of Maintenance and Recovery of Function in a Representative Older Community-Resident Biracial Sample.Journal of the American Medical Directors AssociationAbout three quarters of older adults stayed independent in basic self-care over six years. Nearly half of those who became impaired recovered, and recovery was linked to younger age, no recent hospitalization, and larger household.
• PTOTRCT2020Effects of Ving Tsun sticking-hand training on upper-limb sensorimotor performance in community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults: A randomized controlled trial.International journal of nursing sciencesThree months of Ving Tsun sticking-hand training did not improve elbow-joint position sense or maximum upper-limb strength in community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults. It did reduce the time shoulder flexors took to reach maximum force.
• OTRNRCT2020One Year of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Adherence Improves Cognition in Older Adults With Mild Apnea and Mild Cognitive Impairment.Nursing researchMemory did not show a significant improvement, but in 17 older adults with mild sleep apnea and mild cognitive impairment, those who used CPAP at least 4 hours nightly with adherence support showed better processing speed than those who used it less.
• PTOTRNRCT2020Effect of Delirium on Physical Function in Noncardiac Thoracic Surgery Patients.American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care NursesDelirium after major noncardiac thoracic surgery did not significantly change muscle strength scores. Patients with delirium had lower self-reported independence at discharge, but this was a secondary outcome in a small analysis.
• PTOTRNCohort2020Effects of Statins for Secondary Prevention on Functioning and Other Outcomes Among Nursing Home Residents.Journal of the American Medical Directors AssociationStarting statins after AMI in frail nursing home residents was associated with an average 16-day increase in survival time over one year. It was not associated with differences in functional decline or rehospitalization.
• PTOTRNOther2020Sensory and cognitive functions, gait ability and functionality of older adults.Revista latino-americana de enfermagemIn older adults, slower gait, shorter steps and lower cadence were linked to more dependence in daily activities. Some sensory tests were not. Use gait and function scores as markers, not proof that treating them prevents dependency.
• OTCohort2020Development and Validation of a Nomogram for Predicting the 6-Year Risk of Cognitive Impairment Among Chinese Older Adults.Journal of the American Medical Directors AssociationA simple chart using age, daily function, MMSE, stroke, chewing, vision, TV/radio, and pets estimated six-year cognitive impairment risk in Chinese adults aged 65 and above without baseline impairment and matched observed risk in a second cohort.
• PTOTSLPRNSurvey2021Comorbid Conditions, Mental Health and Cognitive Functions in Adults with Fibromyalgia.Western journal of nursing researchPeople with fibromyalgia in their 50s reported the most comorbid conditions and worse sensory symptoms. Those in their 70s reported the best self-rated cognitive function and least severe anxiety. Age shapes the symptom profile but does not predict pain severity.
• OTRNCohort2020Cognitive impairment no dementia and associations with health literacy, self-management skills, and functional health status.Patient education and counselingOlder adults with cognitive impairment not dementia often had limited health literacy and poorer self-management, including medication dosing and recalling spoken guidance. The study did not find links to physical function, depression, or anxiety.
• OTCohort2020Predictors of Residential Care Admission in Community-Dwelling Older People With Dementia.Journal of the American Medical Directors AssociationIn older people with dementia, the person or relative saying they would be better off living elsewhere was the strongest factor associated with later residential care. Lower cognition, depression, and living alone raised risk.
• PTOTRNCohort2020Risk of Hospitalized Falls and Hip Fractures in 22,103 Older Adults Receiving Mental Health Care vs 161,603 Controls: A Large Cohort Study.Journal of the American Medical Directors AssociationOlder adults using mental health services had twice the rate of hospitalized falls and 4 times the rate of hip fractures compared with local residents. Substance use, bipolar disorder, dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and delirium carried particularly high risk.
• PTOTSLPRNNarrative Review2021Important perioperative factors, guidelines and outcomes in the management of hip fracture.Journal of perioperative practiceThis review summarises perioperative care for hip fracture patients. It highlights the need for early surgery, prompt mobilisation, and awareness of physical and psychosocial complications. It notes that current risk prediction tools do not yet account for social factors.
• OTRNSystematic Review2020Effects of non-facilitated meaningful activities for people with dementia in long-term care facilities: A systematic review.Geriatric nursing (New York, N.Y.)In dementia long-term care, non-facilitated music, dolls, PARO and plush toys showed mixed short-term effects. Some reduced agitation or increased pleasure during activity, but lasting benefit was not established.
• OTRNQualitative2020Exploring dementia family caregivers' everyday use and appraisal of technological supports.Geriatric nursing (New York, N.Y.)Dementia family caregivers used phones, calendars, alarms, and home devices to coordinate care, manage safety, and find information. Acceptance depended on clear benefit, familiarity, and family tech help. They often tried and changed devices until one fit.
• OTSLPQualitative2020Multi-cultural perspectives on group singing among diverse older adults.Geriatric nursing (New York, N.Y.)Diverse older adults described group singing as "feeling good," helping them reconnect with cultural roots and find their voice. They reported improved memory and breathing, but these were subjective experiences, not measured clinical outcomes.
• OTPilot2021Implementation effectiveness of psychosocial and environmental care practices in assisted living.Geriatric nursing (New York, N.Y.)Staff in four assisted living communities used aromatherapy, familiar music, robotic pets, and natural light unevenly. Robotic pets were used most days, natural light least. Staff reported improved confidence, but no resident behavioral outcomes were measured.
• OTQualitative2021Reactions to COVID-19, information and technology use, and social connectedness among older adults with pre-frailty and frailty.Geriatric nursing (New York, N.Y.)Older adults with pre-frailty or frailty described feeling stressed and isolated during early pandemic restrictions. They used online tools, family, and community support to stay connected, and many said they would use telehealth for minor medical needs.
• PTOTRNSurvey2020A Study of Physical Activity, Frailty, and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Taiwan.The journal of nursing research : JNRIn 150 community-dwelling older adults, better upper limb strength and flexibility, along with higher physical activity, were linked to higher health-related quality of life. Being prefrail was associated with lower quality of life scores. These are correlations, not evidence that exercise improves outcomes.
• PTOTRNQualitative2021How Context Influences Hospital Readmissions from Skilled Nursing Facilities: A Rapid Ethnographic Study.Journal of the American Medical Directors AssociationHigh-performing hospitals had better communication flow and shared team expectations, while low-performing sites faced delays from missing nurse huddles and unsigned PT notes. Insurance status and physical office layouts also shaped discharge speed.
• PTOTRNNarrative Review2021A Paradigm Shift for Movement-based Pain Assessment in Older Adults: Practice, Policy and Regulatory Drivers.Pain management nursing : official journal of the American Society of Pain Management NursesPain scores at rest may miss pain that limits older adults' movement and function. This review recommends assessing pain during walking, turning, or daily activities, but these are expert recommendations, not tested interventions.
• PTOTSLPRNCohort2020Predicting hospital outcomes with the reported edmonton frail scale-Thai version in orthopaedic older patients.Journal of clinical nursingPreoperative frailty screening with the REFS-Thai predicted postoperative complications and delirium better than standard medical assessments in older orthopaedic patients. Frail patients had higher odds of complications and longer stays, while apparent frailty also predicted delirium.
• PTOTCohort2020Executive Function, Dexterity, and Discharge Disposition in Older Intensive Care Unit Survivors.American journal of critical care : an official publication, American Association of Critical-Care NursesIn older ICU survivors, worse attention and task switching were linked to worse hand dexterity. Those discharged to a facility had lower dexterity and task-switching scores than those discharged home.
• OTRNSurvey2020Insomnia and Daily Function in Older Adults With Asthma.Journal of gerontological nursingIn older adults with asthma, insomnia alone was not linked to daily activity limits after adjustment. 40% had insomnia, and insomnia plus moderate to severe depressive symptoms was more likely to co-occur with limits.
• OTRNQualitative2021Assessing acceptability and patient experience of a behavioral lifestyle intervention using fitbit technology in older adults to manage type 2 diabetes amid COVID-19 pandemic: A focus group study.Geriatric nursing (New York, N.Y.)Older adults with type 2 diabetes described accepting a Fitbit-based lifestyle program. They said tracking diet and activity helped motivation, routines, and perceived blood sugar and weight changes, while pandemic restrictions disrupted exercise and shopping. Some found the app confusing.
• OTSLPRNSystematic Review2021Nutrition and hydration for people living with dementia near the end of life: A qualitative systematic review.Journal of advanced nursingFamilies and staff found feeding decisions in advanced dementia ethically hard. Tube feeding was often seen as prolonging life or protecting rights, despite evidence it does not work. Comfort-focused eating, texture changes, routines, and knowing preferences were reported as supports.
• PTOTRNRCT2021A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial Testing the Impact of Function and Behavior Focused Care for Nursing Home Residents With Dementia.Journal of the American Medical Directors AssociationA nursing home program increased resident activity and reduced resistiveness to care at 4 months, but these gains disappeared by 12 months. There were no improvements in daily function, mood, or agitation. The intervention requires ongoing staff mentoring to sustain changes.
• PTOTSLPRNSurvey2020Factors Affecting Quality of Life Among the Elderly in Long-Term Care Hospitals.The journal of nursing research : JNRDepression and care dependency were the strongest links to lower quality of life in 202 elderly inpatients. Nurse-patient interaction scores did not predict quality of life. Family visits and cognitive status also correlated with well-being in this convenience sample.
• OTRNCohort2021Hospitalized older adult: predictors of functional decline.Revista latino-americana de enfermagemIn hospitalized adults aged 70 or older, restraint, cognitive deficit, recent hospitalization, social support before admission, and no partner predicted decline during stay. Delirium, older age, and high risk predicted worse function after discharge.
• OTCohort2021Social relationships and survival in the older adult cohort.Revista latino-americana de enfermagemOlder adults who went out daily had 39% lower death risk, and party attendance had 17% lower risk, after accounting for other factors. Functional difficulty with daily activities was linked to 95% higher risk. These are associations, not proof.
• OTSurvey2021Spouse and Adult-Child Dementia Caregivers in Chinese American Families: Who Are More Stressed Out?Journal of the American Medical Directors AssociationSpouse caregivers of people with dementia in Chinese American families reported higher burden and depressive symptoms than adult-child caregivers. Care tasks did not differ after controls. Wives reported the highest burden and depressive symptoms.