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- Björnwall, Amanda, et al.
(author)
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Eating Alone or Together among Community-Living Older People : A Scoping Review
- 2021
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In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. - : MDPI. - 1661-7827 .- 1660-4601. ; 18:7
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Research review (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Research on healthy aging commonly concerns problems related to loneliness and food intake. These are not independent aspects of health since eating, beyond its biological necessity, is a central part of social life. This scoping review aimed to map scientific articles on eating alone or together among community-living older people, and to identify relevant research gaps. Four databases were searched, 989 articles were identified and 98 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In the first theme, eating alone or together are treated as central topics of interest, isolated from adjoining, broader concepts such as social participation. In the second, eating alone or together are one aspect of the findings, e.g., one of several risk factors for malnutrition. Findings confirm the significance of commensality in older peoples’ life. We recommend future research designs allowing identification of causal relationships, using refined ways of measuring meals alone or together, and qualitative methods adding complexity.
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- Björnwall, Amanda, et al.
(author)
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Perceptions and experiences of eating alone among community-living retired Swedes : Loss, routine and independence
- 2023
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In: Appetite. - : Elsevier. - 0195-6663 .- 1095-8304. ; 186
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The practice of eating together, commensality, is often considered as something positive in later life, particularly regarding peoples' nutritional status and psychosocial well-being. Eating alone, in contrast, is treated as a risk factor, although literature indicates that it is not necessarily something negative. Still, analyses that specifically target older peoples' varied experiences and notions of eating alone are scarce. This study has explored perceptions and experiences of eating alone among older people in Sweden, a country considered highly individualistic, yet with relatively low levels of loneliness in the older population. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 community-living and retired Swedes, 70-90 years of age. A thematic analysis identified three themes: i) 'Eating alone as a manifestation of loss'; ii) 'Eating alone as an everyday routine'; and iii) 'Eating alone as independence and contentment'. General perceptions of eating alone were often related to the current living situation (e.g., cohabiting or single-living). One key finding was an identified tension between the idea of eating alone as something problematic among those living and eating with a partner and the practical experience of an uncomplicated routine among those living and eating alone. Eating together is discussed as a possible social need for many, but perhaps not for all. Some can feel content with eating alone or even enjoy it. Future studies should approach potential disadvantages of eating alone among older people as an open empirical question that is likely to depend on both the individual and the cultural context.
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- Englund, Davis A., et al.
(author)
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Nutritional Supplementation With Physical Activity Improves Muscle Composition in Mobility-Limited Older Adults, The VIVE2 Study : A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
- 2018
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In: The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1079-5006 .- 1758-535X. ; 73:1, s. 95-101
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Nutritional supplementation and physical activity have been shown to positively influence muscle mass and strength in older adults. The efficacy of long-term nutritional supplementation in combination with physical activity in older adults remains unclear.Methods: Mobility-limited (short physical performance battery [SPPB] ≤9) and vitamin D insufficient (serum 25(OH) D 9–24 ng/mL) older adults were recruited for this study. All subjects participated in a physical activity program. Subjects were randomized to consume a daily nutritional supplement (150 kcal, 20 g whey protein, 800 IU vitamin D, 119 mL beverage) or placebo (30 kcal, nonnutritive, 119 mL). In a prespecified secondary analysis, we examined total-body composition (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry), thigh composition (computed tomography), and muscle strength, power, and quality before and after the 6-month intervention.Results: One hundred and forty-nine subjects were randomized into the study [mean (standard deviation, SD) age 78.5 (5.4) years; 46.3% female; mean (SD) short physical performance battery 7.9 (1.2); mean (SD) vitamin D 18.7 (6.4) ng/mL]. After the intervention period both groups demonstrated improvements in muscle strength, body composition, and thigh composition. Nutritional supplementation lead to further losses of intermuscular fat (p = .049) and increased normal muscle density (p = .018).Conclusions: Six months of physical activity resulted in improvements in body composition, subcutaneous fat, intermuscular fat, and strength measures. The addition of nutritional supplementation resulted in further declines in intermuscular fat and improved muscle density compared to placebo. These results suggest nutritional supplementation provides additional benefits to mobility-limited older adults undergoing exercise training.
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- Grosicki, Gregory J., et al.
(author)
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Circulating Interleukin-6 is Associated with Skeletal Muscle Strength, Quality, and Functional Adaptation with Exercise Training in Mobility-Limited Older Adults
- 2020
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In: Journal of Frailty & Aging. - : EDITIONS SERDI. - 2260-1341 .- 2273-4309. ; 9:1, s. 57-63
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Human aging is characterized by a chronic, low-grade inflammation suspected to contribute to reductions in skeletal muscle size, strength, and function. Inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), may play a role in the reduced skeletal muscle adaptive response seen in older individuals.Objectives: To investigate relationships between circulating IL-6, skeletal muscle health and exercise adaptation in mobility-limited older adults.Design: Randomized controlled trial.Setting: Exercise laboratory on the Health Sciences campus of an urban university.Participants: 99 mobility-limited (Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) <= 9) older adults.Intervention: 6-month structured physical activity with or without a protein and vitamin D nutritional supplement.Measurements: Circulating IL-6, skeletal muscle size, composition (percent normal density muscle tissue), strength, power, and specific force (strength/CSA) as well as physical function (gait speed, stair climb time, SPPB-score) were measured pre- and post-intervention.Results: At baseline, Spearman's correlations demonstrated an inverse relationship (P<0.05) between circulating IL-6 and thigh muscle composition (r = -0.201), strength (r = -0.311), power (r = -0.210), and specific force (r = -0.248), and positive association between IL-6 and stair climb time (r = 0.256; P<0.05). Although the training program did not affect circulating IL-6 levels (P=0.69), reductions in IL-6 were associated with gait speed improvements (r = -0.487; P<0.05) in "higher" IL-6 individuals (>1.36 pg/ml). Moreover, baseline IL-6 was inversely associated (P<0.05) with gains in appendicular lean mass and improvements in SPPB score (r = -0.211 and -0.237, respectively).Conclusions: These findings implicate age-related increases in circulating IL-6 as an important contributor to declines in skeletal muscle strength, quality, function, and training-mediated adaptation. Given the pervasive nature of inflammation among older adults, novel therapeutic strategies to reduce IL-6 as a means of preserving skeletal muscle health are enticing.
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- Hagström, Naima, et al.
(author)
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A qualitative evaluation of the specific carbohydrate diet for juvenile idiopathic arthritis based on children's and parents' experiences
- 2023
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In: Pediatric Rheumatology. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1546-0096. ; 21:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BackgroundInsights into the immunological role of the gastrointestinal tract in autoimmune conditions have led to the investigation of diet as a potential adjunctive treatment option for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The specific carbohydrate diet (SCD) has shown promising results. However, studies on participants’ experiences of dietary interventions in JIA are rare. In this study we investigated the experiences of children and parents’ who had participated in a four-week intervention with SCD aiming to examine the potential anti-inflammatory effects.ObjectivesTo conduct a qualitative evaluation exploring children’s and parents’ experiences of the dietary intervention, how they navigated challenges, and their support requirements.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 children and 15 parents from 13 families, who were interviewed individually and together. The transcripts were analysed using systematic text condensation.ResultsMost participants interviewed found the intervention beneficial, with 12 out of 13 reporting positive effects, such as reduced pain and morning stiffness, and improved gastrointestinal function. Many participants reported being willing to repeat the intervention in the current form. Despite facing challenges, all children followed the diet for one to three months, with some continuing to follow a modified version. Facing the socio-emotional consequences of adhering to the diet was challenging for children. These were handled by focusing on the positive aspects and by relying on the supportive environment available. Parents struggled with practical issues since the diet required hard work, time, and money. Areas identified as requiring additional support include finding simple, quick, and child-friendly solutions, strengthening organizational food skills such as meal planning, and preparation prior to starting the intervention regarding socio-emotional aspects.ConclusionNavigating the dietary treatment was considered challenging, practically for the parents and socio-emotionally for the children. Based on the reported challenges and participants’ suggestions the intervention could be optimised by providing support and solutions in relation to the practical issues and better preparation regarding dealing with the socio-emotional consequences. Despite the difficulties, the participants reported overall positive experiences of, and attitudes towards, the current setup. Consequently, dietary interventions, such as the SCD, may be regarded as suitable targets for further research.
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- Kirn, Dylan R., et al.
(author)
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The Vitality, Independence, and Vigor in the Elderly 2 Study (VIVE2) : Design and methods
- 2015
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In: Contemporary Clinical Trials. - : Elsevier BV. - 1551-7144 .- 1559-2030. ; 43, s. 164-171
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Nutritional supplementation may potentiate the increase in skeletal muscle protein synthesis following exercise in healthy older individuals. Whether exercise and nutrition act synergistically to produce sustained changes in physical functioning and body composition has not been well studied, particularly in mobility-limited older adults. Methods: The VIVE2 study was a multi-center, randomized controlled trial, conducted in the United States and Sweden. This study was designed to compare the effects of a 6-month intervention with a once daily, experimental, 4 fl. oz. liquid nutritional supplement providing 150 kcal, whey protein (20 g), and vitamin D (800 IU) (Nestle Health Science, Vevey, Switzerland), to a low calorie placebo drink (30 kcal, non-nutritive; identical format) when combined with group-based exercise in 150 community-dwelling, mobility-limited older adults. All participants participated in a structured exercise program (3 sessions/week for 6 months), which included aerobic, strength, flexibility, and balance exercises. Results: The primary outcome was 6-month change in 400 m walk performance (m/s) between supplement and placebo groups. Secondary outcomes included 6 month change in: body composition, muscle cross-sectional area, leg strength, grip strength, stair climb time, quality of life, physical performance, mood/depressive symptoms and nutritional status. These outcomes were selected based on their applicability to the health and wellbeing of older adults. Conclusions: The results of this study will further define the role of nutritional supplementation on physical functioning and restoration of skeletal muscle mass in older adults. Additionally, these results will help refine the current physical activity and nutritional recommendations for mobility-limited older adults.
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- Koochek, Afsaneh, et al.
(author)
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Dietary differences between elderly Iranians living in Sweden and Iran a cross-sectional comparative study
- 2011
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In: BMC Public Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2458. ; 11, s. 411-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: During the last decades, global migration has increased and many immigrant groups have a higher prevalence than the native born population of several cardiovascular disease risk factors, including poor dietary habits. However, it is uncertain if dietary habits in immigrant populations reflect dietary habits in their country of origin or if the current diet is a consequence of the migration and possible change of dietary habits. The aim of this study was to examine possible dietary differences between elderly Iranians living in Stockholm, Sweden with elderly Iranians living in Tehran, Iran, taking into account sex, age, marital status, and education. Methods: Dietary intakes were assessed by semi - quantitative food frequency questionnaire in a cross-sectional study of 121 Iranians living in Stockholm and 52 Iranians living in Tehran, aged 60-80. Differences in dietary habits between the two groups was analysed by bootstrapped regression analyses with 1000 replications. Results: Iranians living in Sweden had significantly higher intake of protein, total fat, fiber than Iranians living in Iran, but lower consumption of carbohydrates. The observed differences in intake of macronutrients were reflected in consumed amount of all food items, which were higher among Iranians living in Iran with the exception of bread and grain consumption which was lower. Conclusions: There are general differences in dietary habits between Iranians living in Iran and Iranians living in Sweden. Parts of observed differences in dietary habits may reflect a favourable adoption process to the Swedish dietary habits after migration. Meanwhile other differences are point of concern in light of the high prevalence of overweight, among Iranians living in Sweden and can have unfavourable impact in particular in the context of cardiovascular health.
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