Conference Schedule

Day1: April 22, 2019

Keynote Forum

Biography

Susan T Lindau, MSW, LCSW (PhD candidate) has a clinical practice in Los Angeles, CA in which she treats individuals with severe depression and chronic suicidality. She has also been teaching in the Suzanne Dworak School of Social Work of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles for 13 years. She has an online presence in a blog, Therapist of Last Resort, a novel, Comfort Food and is CEO of Santa Monica Center for Acceptance and Change.

 

Abstract

Depression affects more than 19 million Americans every year. Of the 34 million Americans age 65 and over more than 2 million have some form of depression. In the United Kingdom over 16.7% of the population over the age of 16 displayed symptoms of depression; however, between 2015 and 2016, there was a 3.6% drop in the number of suicides in the UK. Understanding that this disorder can be treated and more importantly, depression can be prevented strengthens the knowledge that suicide is preventable. As health care providers it is our responsibility to assist our clients in enhancing their resilience as well as guiding their families in enhancing their own resiliency. We live in stressful, times and it is essential that we all have the tools required to support our clients in continuing to experience the best quality of life for all of their days. For this reason, our clients and we, as health care providers, must understand that depression is treatable.

 

Biography

Joseph Herbert is the Emeritus Professor of Neuroscience
in the University of Cambridge. He was the former director
of graduate training and previously, he was the coordinator
at Marie Curie Initial Training Network. His research areas
are: Neurochemical coding of behavioural and endocrine responses,
with reference to the action of neuropeptides and
steroids on adaptive responses. The cellular and molecular
action of neuropeptides. The neuro recording regulation of
hippocampal neurogenesis. The role of genes, stress, steroids,
amines and peptides in affective disorders. Neural and
genetic factors in the control of financial decision-making.

Abstract

Two of the most significant changes in hormones
with increasing age are those in cortisol and
dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Cortisol levels tend
to increase and the daily cortisol rhythm is altered.
Both have potentially deleterious consequences for
the brain. Unlike its peripheral action, cortisol is proinflammatory
in the brain. Microglial activation, and the
consequent release of cytokines, alters the permeability
of the blood-brain barrier which removes some of
its regulatory and protective actions on the brain,
the constitution of the extracellular matrix, including
perineural networks, that play essential roles in synaptic
plasticity and memory, and in the formation of new cells
in the hippocampus, also a major component of the
mnemonic system. The actions of additional cortisol
are amplified by the coincident decrease in DHEA, a
prominent feature of ageing humans. DHEA moderates
the action of cortisol, including those on immune
function, inflammation and the rate of hippocampal
neurogenesis, but also has cellular actions of its own.
Astrocytes, because of their multiple influences on the
blood-brain barrier, extracellular matrix and synaptic
function, are major contributors to the process of
ageing in the brain. These steroids act both directly on
astrocytes, but also indirectly though their role on the
low-grade inflammation that characterises old age.
The combined change in these two hormones has
profound consequences for cognitive and emotional
function, including processing speed, executive
function, semantic, episodic and working memory (socalled
‘fluid’ domains), but also emotional recognition
and perception. Though age-related alterations in these
steroids are a general phenomenon, there are marked
individual differences in the rate at which they occur.
This may explain some of the corresponding individual
differences in brain function in older people.

Tracks

  • Geriatric Nutrition | Cognitive Ageing | Ageing Demographic | Genetics of Ageing | Ageing Technology | Ageing Disorders | Health Science and Geriatrics | Geriatrics and Mental Health
Location: Bayswater
Speaker

Irene Maeve Rea

Queens University, United Kingdom

Chair

Wan He

US Census Bureau, USA

Co Chair

Biography

Mr. Larry Carlson is president & CEO of United Methodist
Communities which owns and operates nine senior communities
and a homecare agency throughout the state of New
Jersey providing service to 1,400 residents, by over 1,000
associates. Mr. Carlson has over 40 years of leadership experience
in multiple aspects of eldercare including CCRC,
long-term skilled nursing, post-acute rehabilitation, congregate
housing, adult day health, and assisted living. He earned
a Master of Business Administration Degree from Babson
College in Wellesley, MA.

Abstract

Today we utilize technology in virtually every facet of
our lives. We’re connected 24/7 to the world at large
through email, Skype, smartphones, laptops, tablets
and a myriad of other applications and devices. Yet
many older adults, particularly those individuals living
with dementia, have been left out of the technological
revolution. This presentation will feature a U.S. provider
(United Methodist Communities) that has helped shatter
this perception by utilizing engagement technology to
improve the lives of the residents they serve. United
Methodist Communities, located in New Jersey, has a
110-year history of serving elders. These elders range
from the very healthy to the very frail. Inspired by their
mission “compassionately serving in community so that
all are free to choose abundant life”, United Methodist
Communities recognized they needed to jump into
the world of technology. They have been willing to
do this by serving in pilot program opportunities that
advance both wellness and social engagement of
their residents. The ultimate success of their work is
achieved through a team approach involving various
disciplines and job functions. The presentation will go
into detail how this team approach-including activity
directors, nursing assistants, therapists, social workers,
volunteers and family-has worked to integrate the
engagement technology into the community’s day-today
programming. At this session, attendees will be
able to learn about the types of technologies utilized;
hear the reactions of the residents and families, and
learn the outcomes from their work.

Biography

Wan He is a Senior Technical Expert on aging research at US
Census Bureau. Her main research focus is the population aging
process and socio-demographic-health characteristics of
the older population in the United States and other countries in
the world. She has extensive experience conducting analyses
using large datasets, and has authored/co-authored numerous
publications on population aging. Some of the popular
reports include subjective well-being of eldercare providers;
older Americans with a disability; an aging world series; 65+
in the United States series, and health and well-being of older
populations in SAGE countries series.

Abstract

Eldercare needs are growing as increasingly longer life expectancy coupled with chronic diseases at older ages have produced a larger number of older people with functional limitations or ill health. Data show that the vast majority of elderly live at home and their care is provided by unpaid, informal caregivers who are usually family members. Research on eldercare often focuses on care recipients, but it is important to understand the health and well-being of those who provide eldercare. This study uses data from the American Time Use Survey Well-Being Module and examines eldercare providers’ experienced feelings during their daily activities. We found that eldercare providers in general reported relatively high levels of positive well-being or low levels of negative well-being on the six measurements in the survey (happy, meaningful, sad, stressed, tired, and in pain). Older eldercare providers at ages 65 and over were better able to cope with tiredness and stress while younger providers at ages 15 to 34 experienced less pain. There are also gender differences in well-being. Women reported a higher level of positive feelings (happy and meaningful) than men. Living arrangements can make a difference. Married eldercare providers reported being happier and feeling more fulfilled than those who weren’t. We also found that eldercare providers fared less well than their non-providers counterpart, but interestingly they were more likely to feel that what they were doing was meaningful, and this pattern was observed across age, sex, race and ethnicity.

 

Biography

Devan Nambiar has been providing LGBTI2S and HIV training,
education and lectures for over 20 years. He is a Guest Lecturer
on 2SLGBTI2S+ cultural and clinical competencies for MDs,
NPs, RNs, RSW and psychologists. He was a Co-investigator
of the National Trans Needs Assessment Project, CAS in 2015
and Co-Principal Investigator of Improving the Capacity of the
HIV Sector to respond to the Ethno-Racial MSM.OHTN in 2008.
At CATIE, he has co-authored four national publications. In
1998-2002, he has initiated an antiretroviral recycling program
at Government Hospital of Thoracic Medicine, Chennai, India.
He was the Recipient of the Canadian AIDS Society Leadership
Award in 2006.

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, intersex and two-spirit
seniors (LGBTI2S) have experienced high levels of
discrimination and homo/bi/trans-phobia. LGBTI2S
seniors grew up in an era when it was a criminal offense
to be LGBTI2S. LGBTI2S was diagnosed as a mental
illness until 1973 in DSM III. The years of criminalization,
imprisonment, harassment, fired from jobs, internalized
shame, assault, medical assessment of their sexual lives
have created a huge burden on their mental, emotion,
sexual, spiritual and physical health. Due to societal and
institutional homophobia many LGBTI2S seniors have not
accessed primary health care and afraid to disclose their
sexual orientation or gender identity. This has resulted
in chronic health conditions for them and they continue
to remain an invisible aging population. HIV positive and
transgender seniors have higher rates of health disparities
and are at risk of experiencing greater stigma. Health care
and social service providers are a crucial link to provide
culturally sensitive and clinical services to aging LGBTI2S
seniors. This presentation will explore the practical steps
to engage in best practices in homecare, HRT, geriatric
and palliative care. The interactive case studies will probe
and stimulate discussions on how to work with LGBTI2S
seniors, diffusing fear, shame, stigma experienced by
them. The session uses a blended learning style utilizing
didactic, research, videos and case scenarios to build
knowledge and practical tools in becoming confident to
provide optimal care to LGBTI2S seniors.

Biography

Daniel Rossiter graduated from St George’s Hospital Medical
school in 2013 with a merit in basic sciences and a 1st class
honours degree in Anatomy from King’s college London. He
became a specialist registrar on the Kent, Surrey and Sussex
training scheme in 2017 and has spent his last two years at
the Royal Surrey County hospital, Guildford. He has an interest
in both trauma surgery and elective hip and knee orthopaedic
surgery.

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this review is to compare the delivery
of care and outcome differences between total hip
replacement (THR) performed for fractured neck of
femur and elective THR at a District General Hospital.
Methods: Retrospective analyses of 20 consecutive
patients undergoing THR for trauma were compared
with 20 consecutives elective THRs. The patients were
compared in terms of age, ASA (American Society of
Anesthesiologists) score, number of comorbidities,
length of stay from date of surgery, time to surgery, AMTS
(Abbreviated Mental Test Score), mobility, discharge
destination and the number of physiotherapy and
occupational therapy sessions undertaken.
Results: A statistically significant difference in the postoperative
length of stay was found between the groups
(elective THR v THR for Fracture, 3.9 v 5.8 days P<0.05;
median length of stay 3 v 5 days). This difference was
seen despite no statistical difference in the age, number
of comorbidities or ASA scores of both groups. Further
analysis shows that there was a significant difference in
the number of physiotherapy sessions provided between
the two groups (elective THR v THR for fracture, 1.46 v
1.24 sessions, p<0.05). In addition, differences were
also seen in the timing of initial occupational therapy
assessment.
Discussion: Patients treated with elective THRs are
not receiving the same post-operative care as those
undergoing THR for trauma in our department. The main
differences were seen in the number of physiotherapy
sessions and the timing of the occupational therapy
assessment. This is potentially contributing to an
increased length of stay in the THRs performed for
trauma.
Conclusion: We propose that the care of fractured neck
of femur patients treated with THR needs to closer follow
discharge pathways in place for elective THR.

Biography

Irene Maeve Rea has completed her Medical degree at Queens
University, Belfast before carrying out research towards her
MD Postgraduate research at Stanford University, School of
Medicine. She is a Consultant Physician in Geriatric Medicine,
an Emeritus Professor at Queens University Belfast, and a Visiting
Professor at the University of Ulster in the Northern Ireland
Centre for Stratified Medicine. Both her clinical and research interests
are in the areas of immunology and genetics specializing
in the ‘Oldest Old’ members of the population in innovative
studies of 90-year-old siblings with support by an EU-funded
European collaboration (Genetics of Healthy Ageing) and the
Wellcome Trust.

Abstract

The question why some people age well and reach ninety years of age in apparent good health while others develop a plethora of age-related disease, remains a perplexing question. But there are some recent signposts and insights into the understanding of the role of inflammation in both healthy aging and age-related diseases. The inflammatory response must be tightly controlled to ensure effective immune protection thorough out life otherwise uncontrolled inflammation can become damaging and destructive. Cytokine dysregulation is believed to play a key role in the remodeling of the immune system at older age, where lose of the fine-control of systemic inflammation seems to be associated with both good quality ageing and age-related disease. The reshaping of the cytokine expression pattern, with a progressive tendency toward a pro-inflammatory phenotype has been called inflammaging and it seems to be associated with most major age-related diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and ageing itself. Several common molecular pathways have been associated with low-grade inflammation, and activation of the NF-B cytokine and the IL-1-mediated inflammatory cascade. The age-related change in redox balance, the increase in age-related senescent cells and senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), and the decline in effective autophagy can trigger the inflammasome, which is central to the inflammatory cascade. Here we will discuss some aspects of the present understanding of the molecular mechanisms that trigger inflammation and related it to findings in various age-related diseases and from long-lived nonagenarian cohorts who exemplify good quality ageing.

 

Biography

Christophe de Jaeger is one of the founders of longevity medi­cine in Europe. He started his career as a geriatrician (member of the French Medical Committee of Geriatrics) and he is also a human aging physiologist (member of the French College of University Professors of Health Physiology) and professor of medical physiology at Megatrend University in Belgrade. He is also the director of the first worldwide Longevity Chair in Belgrade. He founded and he is the president of the French Society of Physiology and Medicine of Longevity. Christophe de Jaeger is a specialist of evaluation (physiological age) and management of ageing in Paris, France. He is the author of many articles and several books on aging management. He is an international speaker and his works focuses principally on age improvement. He’s the medical head of the Longevity Medical and Physiological Institute and the Longevity Institute in Paris.

Abstract

As adults age, central nervous system function slows appreciably. This phenomenon has been assessed with a wide variety of behavioral paradigms and originates from neurobiological factors related to aging. Given the growth of the elderly population and the concomitant increase in the proportion of cognitively impaired individuals, accurate measurement of the mental changes stemming from aging is an important scientific and social problem. Moreover, because neuro electric measures have provided some of the most direct evidence for the relationship between central nervous system function and age-related cognitive changes, they have played an increasingly important role in the quantification and understanding of these effects. A particularly successful application of electrophysiological techniques has employed event-related brain potentials (ERPs). More specifically, the P300 component of the ERP has demonstrated considerable utility in the study of aging because it is thought to result from neural activity associated with attentional and memory processes. For example, P300 amplitude age-variation indexes changes in neural activity across the scalp, the timing of its peak provides a measure of mental processing speed that is independent of behavioral responding, and characterization of its normative values has yielded baseline measures against which cognitive illness can be evaluated. Even though much progress has been made in the 30 years since the P300 potential was discovered, the primary question remains: What cognitive events does the P300 component reflect? The answer is still uncertain, with the interpretation of the P300 based on neurophysiological investigations of the brain mechanisms that underlie its generation, evidence from experimental studies that manipulate psychological variables, and results obtained from neuropsychological reports that examine the correlational relationships between P300 values and responses from behavioral tests. The P300 component is often elicited with a simple discrimination task. This procedure has been dubbed the “oddball” paradigm because two stimuli are presented in a random series such that one of them occurs relatively infrequently, that is, the oddball. The auditory version of this task uses two different tones, inter stimulus intervals of 1-3 s, and a target stimulus occurring less frequently than the non-target or standard stimulus (e.g., probabilities of .20 and .80, respectively). The subject is required to distinguish between the two tones by responding to the target (e.g., mentally counting, pressing a button, etc.) and not responding to the standard. This task has been used to study a wide variety of information processing issues and has been the paradigm most often employed when normative aging data are acquired. The P300 is measured by quantifying its amplitude (size) and latency (timing). Amplitude (ItV) is defined as the voltage difference between a pre-stimulus baseline and the largest positive going peak of the ERP waveform within

a latency range (e.g., 250-400 ms, although the range can vary depending on subject characteristics, stimulus modality, task conditions, etc.). Latency (ms) is defined as the time from stimulus onset to the point of maximum positive amplitude within the latency window (with 300 ms being the modal latency when the component is elicited by using auditory stimuli in young adults-hence the name).

 

Biography

Lyn Griffiths is the Executive Director, Institute of Health and
Biomedical Innovation at QUT. She is a Molecular Geneticist
who has been studying the genes involved in common human
disorders for many years with a particular focus on neurovascular
disorders. She has completed her Graduation in Biochemistry,
UNSW and a PhD in Medicine, University of Sydney.
She has published over 350 research papers, supervised 48
Postgraduates and received significant competitive grant and
industry funding. She plays a significant role in the Human Genetics
Society, Australasia as past Queensland President, current
Chair Diagnostic Genomics Board of Censors and Director
Masters in Diagnostics Genomics.

Abstract

Our research is interested in identifying genes that relate to ageing, specifically focusing on epigenetic modification in genes with age-specific methylation sites. Methylation of these CpG sites may reflect changes in the expression of associated genes over time and development. The Norfolk Island (NI) population isolate is a unique founder population derived primarily from 18th century English Bounty mutineers and Polynesian women who relocated to NI from Pitcairn in the 1850s. In 2000 we initiated the Norfolk Island Health Study to dissect the genetics of complex disorders including migraine and cardiovascular disease. Health information, as well as blood samples, was collected in 2000 and at subsequent visits in 2007 and 2010. This data has been used for a range of genomic studies of complex traits including investigations of DNA methylation and expression data. We have been utilizing samples to identify CpG sites in the genome that are age dependent or change longitudinally and are investigating the relationship between DNA methylation and gene expression levels in such genes. Our studies investigating CpG sites in healthy adults over a 10-year longitudinal period have revealed genes in which both transcript and CpG methylation showed evidence of a conjoint association with age (P<0.05 for both factors), suggesting a functional link between CpG and ageing in these genes. Interestingly, gene set enrichment analysis of these genes has implicated biological processes related to the cardiovascular system. We are continuing studies in this population and are currently undertaking whole genome epigenetic analysis in the NI cohort.

Biography

Wang Gang, Associate Professor and elderly services and management professional leaders of Institute of Elderly Man­agement, Jiangsu Vocational Institute of Commerce; PhD of School of Psychology, Nanjing Normal University Nanjing, Ji­angsu, China. Mainly engaged in teaching and research work in the fields of geriatric psychology and aged care services. Once obtained chinese outstanding scholars of gerontology and Ex­cellent elderly scholars in Jiangsu Province. As a member of the Committee of Gerontology of the Chinese Psychological Association and the Senior Psychology Committee of China Mental Health Association.

 

Abstract

Attitudes toward own aging can effectively predict physical and mental health and the degree of successful aging among the elderly. With age, attitudes to aging in the elderly are influenced by internal factors (including health status, cognitive function and personality characteristics) and external factors (including social environment and social support). This study used the 2014 China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS) to explore the relationship between the activities of daily living, cognitive function, social support, and attitudes toward own aging. After omitting the missing values of the key variables, 5,430 valid samples were obtained, and a structural equation model was established using Mplus7.0 to test the mediating effect. The results showed that Pearson correlations were performed between the total scores on each scale, and the activities of daily living were significantly negatively correlated with cognitive function and social support; significant positive correlations were positively correlated with attitudes toward own aging. Cognitive function was significantly positively correlated with social support but significantly negatively correlated with attitude toward own aging; social support was significantly negatively correlated with attitude toward own aging. The conformity indicators of the validation models for each measurement model (activity of daily living, cognitive function, social support, attitude toward own aging) were robust: RMSEA=0.034; CFI=0.976, TLI=0.958. According to the model, the activities of daily living among the elderly can directly predict attitudes toward own aging and can indirectly predict attitudes toward own aging through cognitive function and social support. It is also possible that a chain-mediated role occurs through cognitive function and social support; that is, the negative activities of daily living predict cognitive function, cognitive function predicts social support positively, and inversely predicts attitude toward own aging.

 

Biography

Xiaolei Liu has completed her EdD at The Education University of Hong Kong. She is the Associate Professor of Beijing Sport University, Martial art and health qigong world champions. She has published more than 10 papers in reputed journals. She has presided over and participated in more than 10 scientific research projects.

 

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to observe the influence of Health Qigong on Parkinson’s disease (PD) prevention and treatment and attempt to provide a feasible adjuvant therapy for PD patients. In this study, 41 mild-to-moderate-PD patients (N=41) were randomly divided into experimental and control groups; the 23 PD patients in the experimental group were treated with medication plus Health Qigong. The other 18 PD patients in the control group were given only regular medication. 10 weeks intervention had been conducted, and participants completed the scheduled exercises 5 times per week and 60 minutes each time. Data on each participant’s heart rate variability (HRV), Heart Rate and frequency of Heart (HR+fR), muscle hardness, the one- legged blind balance test, physical coordination and stability were collected before and after the intervention. The results showed that after 10 weeks of Health Qigong exercises, PD patients demonstrated significant improvement in HRV, HR+fR, muscle hardness, the timed ‘up and go’, balance, and hand-eye coordination (the turn-over-jars test). There were no significant differences between the two groups in gender, age and course of differences (P<0.05). The study concluded that Health Qigong could reduce the symptoms of PD and improve the body functions of PD patients in both mild and moderate stages. It can be added as a method of rehabilitation therapy for PD.

 

 

Biography

Sabrina Ching Yuen Luk is an Assistant Professor in Pulbic Policy and Global Affairs at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. She has completed her Bachelor degree in Social Science and MPhil at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and PhD at the University of Birmingham, the United Kingdom. Her research interests lie broadly in aging and healthcare reforms, e-government and governance in Asia, digital health, smart cit­ies and cyber security and China studies. Her recent publica­tion is financing health care in China towards universal health insurance.

 

Abstract

Singapore faces the challenge of rapidly aging population. According to Department of Statistics, the proportion of residents aged 65 years and over increased from 8.5 per cent in 2007 to 13.0 per cent in 2017. By 2030, one in four Singaporeans will be aged 65 years and older. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of people being diagnosed with young-onset dementia in Singapore. The number of calls to the dementia helpline has increased by 40 per cent and attendance at caregiver support groups has also increased by 20 per cent in the nation. How to provide effective and proper care for older adults with dementia as well as assistance for their caregivers have become one of the major challenges facing the government. Since 2016, six dementia-friendly communities have been created in Singapore to provide care and support to older adults with dementia and their caregivers. Dementia-friendly communities are inclusive communities. In these dementia-friendly communities, residents, businesses, grassroots and volunteers are trained with the knowledge and skills to identify older adults with dementia, communicate with them and help them live independently and with dignity. This study examines how dementia-friendly communities are created in Singapore and their impact on quality of life of older adults with dementia and their caregivers. It also examines the implications of dementia-friendly communities in Singapore for other rapidly ageing countries.

 

Biography

Hannah Evangeline Sangeetha is currently a teaching Facul­ty of Social work in the Department of Social work at Loyola College for the last 10 years and was previously a Social work Practitioner in the field of Medical and Psychiatry, Adoption, HIV/AIDS and Family and child welfare. She has completed her Doctoral Studies in Gerontology and submitted her research on the title “Active ageing and quality of life of rural elderly women” focusing on the quality of life of the most unprivileged elderly women in families living in rural Tamil Nadu. She has served as a Senior Peer Reviewer for the International Academic forum conference on Ageing and Gerontology-AGEN-2018 held at Kobe, Japan and also published articles in journals and books.

 

Abstract

Ageing is an inevitable change in the life span of an individual. India’s old age population has increased from 19 million in 1947 to 100 million in the 21st century. The United Nations World Population ageing reports that the grey population has immensely increased from 9.2% in 1990 to 11.7 % in 2013 and it is expected to triple by the year 2050 growing from 737 million to over 2 billion persons 60 years of age and older. Ageing is a period of physical, mental and social decline which brings a host of challenges to the individual and the family, Hence it requires attention at the micro, mezzo and the macro levels of the society. The concepts of healthy and successful aging are being used to help people to change their negative attitude towards aging. This perspective is important to make people realize their potentialities to bring about a change in the minds of senior citizens as well as the society. The objective of this study was to understand the level of active ageing among the rural elderly women and its impact on the quality of life. 330 elderly women from 12 villages of Sriperumbudur associated with the Mobile medical care of Help age India were interviewed using census method. The study revealed the following findings; most respondents in this study were young old between the age group of 60 to 75 years. All the three major religious groups were represented, 85.5percent were Hindus. Majority of the respondents 73.3percent had no education. It was interesting to know that majority of the respondents were self-reliant (83.94 percent) and 82.73 percent of them very independent and took care of them by themselves (activities of daily living) without any support from their families. 76.9 percent of the senior women worked based on their competencies, 75.5 percent of them were involved in plenty of activities everyday including their occupation and household chores, which enabled them to be physically active. The chi square values that there is a significant association between the overall active ageing score, religion and number of members in the family. The other demographic variables like age, occupation, income marital status, age at marriage, number of children in the family and Socio-Economic Status were not significantly associated with the overall active aging score. The p-value 0.032 showed Social network and being self-reliant are significantly associated. The study surprisingly shows that most women enjoyed freedom and Independence in their family which is a positive indicator of active ageing.

 

Biography

Rita El-Hayeck has obtained her Medical degree at Saint Josph University, Lebanon. She continued her Family Medicine train­ing at Saint Joseph University and at the University of Montreal, Canada. This was followed by a fellowship training in Geriatrics at Strasboug University, France. She is actually practicing geri­atrics and responsible of a long term care facility of 500 beds and a rehabilitation facility of 70 beds in Lebanon. She also has a Diploma in Public Health and a Master’s in Neurosciences.

 

Abstract

Background & Objectives: The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is a validated tool to assess cognition among the elderly. We aimed to evaluate the validity of an Arabic version of the MMSE developed by the “Groupe de Travail sur les Démences de l’Université Saint Joseph” (A-MMSE (GTD–USJ)) and to provide normative data by age, gender and education in adults over 55 years of age.

Methods: Study design: National cross-sectional survey. Study population: 1010 literate community-dwelling Lebanese residents. Outcomes: reproducibility, internal consistency, sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and area under the curve of the A-MMSE(GTD-USJ) for the detection of cognitive impairment using the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) as the gold standard. MMSE scores corresponding to the 5th, 10th, 50th percentiles were identified by gender, age groups and education levels.

Main Results: Intra-rater and inter-rater test-retest score correlations were 0.89 and 0.72 respectively. Cronbach alpha coefficients for internal consistency of the A-MMSE(GTD-USJ) was 0.71. A threshold value of 23, provided a sensitivity of 80 % and a specificity of 89.4% for the diagnosis of dementia. Area under the curve was 0.92. A-MMSE(GTD-USJ) scores increased with education level and decreased with age. Women had significantly lower scores than men. Normative data for A-MMSE (GTD-USJ) stratified by age, gender and education were generated.

Conclusion & Recommendations: Using CDR as a reference, the A-MMSE(GTD-USJ) was shown to be a reliable tool to assess cognitive status in the Lebanese population aged 55 and above. Normative data will help health professionals in detecting cognitive impairment in this population.

 

Biography

Dr. Alba Lucia Diaz-Cuellar is Associate Professor of Health

Promotion in the School of Health and Human Services - Department

of Community Health at National University (NU).

She has more than 25 years of experience in public health and

education fields, working with diverse communities of all ages

and ethnic backgrounds. She earned her Ed.D in International

Multicultural Education, with emphasis on bilingual education

and health advocacy from University of San Francisco in 2007.

 

 

Abstract

The Ulysses Syndrome is a series of symptoms experienced by migrants facing chronic and multiple stressors. The identification and reduction of complications of the symptoms associated with the Ulysses Syndrome, pertains entirely to the areas of prevention and psychosocial wellbeing, not to the medical one. In other words, Ulysses Syndrome is immersed in the mental health scope not in the scope of mental disorders.

Socially healthy environments have a deep effect on older people, changes in living conditions, where people experience a sense of stronger social cohesion and social belonging, have demonstrated to improve their health and well-being.

Cultural and social support to elder migrants experiencing chronic and multiple stress symptoms associated with the Ulysses Syndrome, have a significant effect for migrants’ psychosocial wellbeing, which may be affected by events and conditions in the place of origin, the migratory journey, and or the adaptation processes, especially considering the challenges of their older age psychosocial challenges, including varied forms of recurring and protracted stress experienced by immigrants in their departure from the home country, and the adaptation to a different environment.

The key contribution of this concept to the discipline of cultural psychology is the elucidation of the direct correlation between the extreme levels of stress and the onset of psychosomatic symptoms, which belong to the area of mental health, but not necessarily to that of psychopathology.

Key Words: Ulysses Syndrome –Elder care - Community Care & Resource Integrators.

 

Biography

Selerio Percy Moroka completed BCOM at the age of 3 years from Mancosa and I am the chairman of leadingage founda­tion.

 

Abstract

I have been dealing with the oldage people for the past 10 years. Our foundation advocate for social and economic walfare of the elderly.We tacle isolation and loneless in oldage.In Africa the old people do not agree with old age homes, due to family structures and stigma associated with it. So i have been doing more reseaches and coming up with strageries on how to deal with this problem especially in southern african countries. It came to my attention that the elderly have suffer the problem of civilasation especially the mode of communication of todat,social nertworks and others which are mostly used to communicate, hence it is difficult for the elderly to axcess services since they do not have more information.

 

Biography

Gustave Mabiama has studied Applied Biology, Human Biolo­gy, Food Sciences-Nutrition and Health Sciences. He is a Lec­turer-Researcher of Gerontology and Nutrition at the University of Douala in Cameroon. He has led and/or supervised several studies on psychosocial, biological, medical and nutritional as­pects of ageing in Cameroon. He is a Member of the African Francophone Network of Gerontology and Geriatrics. He is currently conducting, in collaboration with the University of Li­moges in France, a study on the nutritional status of the elderly in Cameroon, as well as associated factors.

 

Abstract

The ageing of population is a universal trend that spares no continent. It leads to important changes in the age pyramid with an increase in the proportion and number of aged persons (AP). The ageing process is complex and multifactorial. Food has long demonstrated its leading role in diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, some cancers and more recently dementia. The main objective of this study is to determine the different eating behaviour and their influence on the pathologies of aging. Four hundred and three (403) AP (age≥60 years) consenting from urban areas in Cameroon were submitted to a questionnaire including socio-demographic characteristics, pathologies, past and current eating behaviour. The error retained is 5% and the confidence is 95%. More so, the data obtained were analyzed by the SPSS 20.0. It was noted that AP are mostly women (53%), the majority (80%) do not have pension and are cared for by families. Furthermore, milk and dairy products are less consumed (35%) than other food groups. Moreover, this behaviour is also characterized by a high-fat diet (96.0%), Hypertension (41.7.3%), osteoarthritis (35.7%), stroke (10.4%), cataract (11.9%) and diabetes (14.4%) are the main pathologies observed. Pathologies are correlated with eating behaviour (R=0.90, 95%). All APs with hypertension had a high-fat diet while 69% nibbled between meals. Osteoarthritis appears to correlate with excessive high red-meat diet (R=0.89, 95%). The eating behaviour seems to influence the appearance of certain pathologies related to ageing in Cameroon.

 

Biography

Rami Aldwikat is an early career researcher and registered nurse at The Royal Melbourne Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. His professional experience in providing acute care to patients with delirium inspired him to pursue further studies in this field. Rami graduated from The University of Melbourne in 2017 with a Master of Advanced Nursing Practice, where he completed his thesis in incidence and risk factors for delirium in patients undergoing elective total hip and knee arthroplasty. Rami has previous degrees in Public Health and Clinical Nursing, special­ising in perioperative, as well as over ten years as a practicing clinician through-out Australia. He is originally from Jordan. His current research with Deakin University focuses on inci­dents and risk factors for accurate delirium in older patients with a hip fracture. His PhD extends this further to examine and evaluate screening tools for delirium in the PACU. Rami is engaged in research around cognitive care in older people and the nursing responsibility of caring for patients with delirium.

 

Abstract

Background & Aim: Delirium is a serious and common postoperative complication in older patients with a hip fracture. This preventable condition increases the risk of physical and cognitive decline, dementia and even death. The overall aim of the study was to examine delirium in older patients undergoing surgical fixation of a hip fracture by determining the incidence and risk factors. More specifically, the aims of the study were: To determine the incidence of postoperative delirium in older patients undergoing surgical fixation of a hip fracture; To examine the association between preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative factors and the development of delirium in the postoperative period in older patients undergoing surgical fixation of a hip fracture.

Materials & Method: A retrospective audit of medical records of patients who underwent surgical fixation of a hip fracture was conducted between June 2017 and October 2018 at a University- affiliated tertiary care hospital in Victoria, Australia. In total, 260 patients’ records were included in the study. Patients’ demographic, clinical and perioperative information was collected from the hospital information system registers, ‘Inpatient Manger (IPM) and Electronic Content Manager (ECM) patients’ medical records. Comorbidity was assessed using the Charlson comorbidity index instrument and cognitive impairment was assessed using the 4 As test (Alertness, Attention, AMT4, and Acute changes for fluctuation course) (4AT) tool. Predisposing and precipitating risk factors were compared between the patients who developed delirium postoperatively with those who did not develop delirium.

Results: The mean age of included patients was 82.1 years (SD=8.7) with 177 females (68%) and 83 males (32%) included in the study. The mean 4AT score was 1.5 (SD=1.0). Of the 260 patients, 63 patients (24.2%) were diagnosed with delirium in the postoperative period. Univariate analysis revealed that predisposing risk factors, including advanced age (p=0.0001), comorbidity (p=0.002), cognitive impairment (p=0.0001), and dementia (p=0.0001), were statistically significant factors for the development of postoperative delirium. Precipitating risk factors including; American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) score of 3 or more (p=0.001), antipsychotic usage (p=0.0001), preoperative paracetamol dosage (p=0.030), postoperative paracetamol dosage (p=0.006), intraoperative fentanyl dosage (p=0.006), postoperative fentanyl dosage (p=0.007), and postoperative diazepam usage (p=0.017), were statistically significant to the development of postoperative delirium. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that comorbidity (p=0.032) and cognitive impairment (p=0.0001) are independent statistically significant risk factors for the development of postoperative delirium.

Conclusion: In this retrospective study, predisposing and precipitating risk factors for the development of delirium in patients undergoing surgical fixation of a fractured hip were identified. These factors were; advanced age, comorbidity, cognitive impairment, dementia, ASA score of 3 or more, antipsychotic usage, pre and postoperative paracetamol dosage, intra and postoperative fentanyl dosage, and postoperative diazepam usage. Despite the

availability of cognitive function and delirium assessment tools in the health care setting, identification and recognition of delirium is poor. As a result, a consistent and objective approach to delirium assessment, using a validated tool, is required to identify delirium in patients postoperatively, following major orthopedic surgery, to improve quality of care and reduce poor outcomes.

 

Biography

Patricia Barbato is a Senior V P for Innovation and Strategic Partnerships at Revera Inc. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants Association, Author of “Inspire Your Career” and a frequent speaker. She is a Recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award. She holds an Economics degree from the University of Waterloo.

 

Abstract

This session will be completely interactive, beginning with an introduction into what design thinking is and its framework of Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test. Participants will then be introduced to the tools of design thinking and use them to tackle the real-world challenge of ageism. Participants will be broken into groups to brainstorm as many ideas as possible around the issue of ageism. By the end of the workshop, each participant will be asked to take away at least one idea that they ‘pledge’ to implement in their own environment. Participants will acquire the following skills: An understanding of what design thinking is; Practice in using design thinking tools that can be used together, or individually, within their own work environment; Experience in thinking beyond their usual boundaries; Using deep creativity to solve a problem; and Identify one or more practical solutions to combat ageism that can be implemented in their context or environment.

 

Biography

Susan Theresa Lindau is doing her Clinical Practice in Los Angeles, CA in which she treats individuals with severe de­pression and chronic suicidality. She has also been teaching in the Suzanne Dworak School of Social Work of the Univer­sity of Southern California in Los Angeles for 13 years. She has an online presence in a blog, Therapist of Last Resort. She is the CEO of Santa Monica Center for Acceptance and Change.

 

Abstract

To ensure that we both respect the education our years have given us and that this learning does not simply end when we die, it is essential that we understand wise aging and we are able to share, even teach wise aging to the generation behind us. The topics identified as fundamental to implementing that form of growing older are the core of this discussion. This presentation will be limited because understanding needs time for discussion, questioning and exploration. Author’s goal is to raise questions, perhaps even confusion. Confusion has been described as a very high state of mind. It is the state of mind that occurs just before enlightenment. With confusion, we ask questions. The questions asked and explored lead to learning.

 

Biography

Cassandra Hill has completed her Internship at the Area Agen­cy on Aging. She has completed her Bachelor’s degree in So­cial Work in 2004 earning several national recognitions such as National Dean’s List and All American Collegiate Scholar; Master’s degree in Gerontology completing a thesis on “How Does Place of Residence Affect Depression among Senior’s” in 2006. Her career experience includes hospice, geriatric psychi­atry and at a long-term acute care hospital. She is very active in volunteering with non-profit organizations. Currently, she is on the Advisory Committee of the Alzheimer’s Cure Foundation; serving on the Governor’s Advisory Council on Aging for the state of Arkansas. She also owns and operates Holistic Living Consulting LLC, a wellness consulting business, helping indi­viduals on their path to healthy living.

 

Abstract

Common ailments associated with growing old are directly linked to types of food and beverage consumed. Specifically, we will focus on improving cognitive functioning through diet; exploring various modalities such as essential oils and the acid-alkaline diet. Changes associated with normal aging increase nutritional risk for seniors. Aging is symbolized by a weakened organ system. Age related changes related to nutrition include: Xerostomia declining production of saliva. There is an increase in gastric acid secretion which can limit intake of iron and vitamin B12. Peristalsis is slower, and constipation can be an issue because fluid intake decreases. Sarcopenia is the loss of lean muscle mass usually indicated by loss of strength, functional decline and endurance. Two nutritional screening tools appropriate to assess older adults are the mini nutritional assessment and the short nutritional assessment questionnaire. These tools will identify seniors at risk for malnutrition. Since there are two out of four seniors at risk of becoming malnourished addressing older adult nutritional challenges is of utmost importance.