Impact of a home-based nutrition and exercise intervention in improving functional capacity associated with falls among rural seniors in Canada

Behaviour change techniques used in interventions targeting dementia risk factors amongst older adults in rural and remote areas: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Behavioural interventions targeting health risk factors within rural areas are often not tailored to effectively address the needs and socio-environmental barriers to access and behaviour change faced by these communities. Little is known about the underlying behaviour change mechanisms that contribute to reducing dementia risk for communities living in regional and rural areas. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarise the effectiveness of behavioural interventions targeting late-life single modifiable dementia risk factors (physical inactivity, poor diet, social isolation and depression) and the mechanisms used to contribute to behaviour change. Six databases were searched to identify regional and rural behavioural interventions targeting modification of late-life dementia risk behaviours between 2000 and 2024. Behaviour change techniques (BCTs) and outcomes for each intervention were extracted. Where possible, meta-analyses were performed to assess the effectiveness of the behavioural intervention on outcomes related to dementia risk. Out of 42,529 articles, 49 studies were included: 22 on physical inactivity, 6 on poor diet, 9 on social isolation, and 12 on depression. Many BCT categories were applied (M = 14.8, SD = 10), with high use of goals and planning (49/49 interventions; 100 %), shaping knowledge (47/49 interventions; 95.9 %), social support (43/49 interventions; 87.8 %) and comparison of outcomes (38/49 interventions; 77.6 %). Social isolation interventions used the most BCTs (M = 18.3; SD = 8.5), followed by depression (M = 17.6; SD = 10.7), physical inactivity (M = 16.0; SD = 11.5), and poor diet (M = 5.2; SD = 3.1). Although effectiveness was limited across interventions, apart from cognitive behavioural therapy for depression (SMD -0.39, 95 % CI -0.55 to -0.24), future programs targeting dementia risk factors would benefit from incorporation of BCTs. Simultaneously, consideration of the socio-environmental context, accessibility, and community involvement in rural and regional areas may improve the sustainability of interventions.

Effectiveness of Home-Based Exercise and Nutrition Programs for Senior Adults on Muscle Outcomes: A Scoping Review

This scoping review investigates the volume of evidence for home-based exercise and nutrition programs and their effect on muscle quality among senior adults to inform implementation and future research. It aims to answer the research question: What are the evidence, challenges, and needs for research regarding a home-based exercise and nutrition intervention program to improve muscle outcomes in senior adults? This scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA extension for Scoping Review. The following databases were searched: PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Applied filters were used to help condense the research articles. A total of 13 studies met the inclusion criteria for this scoping review. Most exercise interventions were either resistance or multi-component exercise programs. The nature of the nutrition intervention varied between different supplements, foods, education, or counseling. Muscle outcomes included muscle mass in nine studies, muscle function in all the studies, muscle strength in ten studies, and biochemical analyses in two studies. Two studies found improvements in muscle mass; two studies revealed improvements in all their muscle function tests; and three studies revealed improvements in muscle strength. Muscle biopsy in a study revealed enhanced muscle fibers, but both studies did not reveal any biomarker improvements. The scoping review findings revealed mixed results on the effectiveness of a home-based exercise and nutrition program. However, the current evidence does have many gaps to address before recommending this form of intervention for senior adults as an effective way to prevent and manage sarcopenia. Since this review identified multiple knowledge gaps, strengths, and limitations in this growing field, it can be a starting point to help build future study designs and interventions in this population.

The effectiveness of nutrition interventions in improving frailty and its associated constructs related to malnutrition and functional decline among community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition interventions on frailty and factors related to frailty, including malnutrition, sarcopenia and functional ability, among community dwelling older adults. A secondary aim was to synthesise current clinical guidelines for the identification and management of frailty, and then identify whether they aligned with the findings of the literature review.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was undertaken using four electronic databases to identify randomised controlled clinical trials that assessed the effect of nutrition interventions on frailty and outcomes related to frailty in community-dwelling older adults (PROSPERO #CRD42017069094). The quality of the included studies was appraised. A rapid review was conducted using the Google Scholar database to identify existing clinical recommendations relating to the second aim.

RESULTS

The search strategy identified 13 studies. Multifactorial interventions with nutritional education and protein-energy supplementation improved frailty stratus and physical performance in 75% and 58% of studies, respectively. Weight and nutritional status improved in 80% of studies that used oral nutritional support. The recommended process for clinical management of frailty involves screening, followed by full assessment using validated instruments and the development of a comprehensive management plan with a multidisciplinary team.

CONCLUSIONS

Multifactorial interventions were found to be more effective than nutrition intervention alone for improving frailty and physical performance. Protein-energy supplementation tended to be effective only in malnourished older adults. The results were inconclusive for the use of micronutrient supplementation for frailty and outcomes related to frailty. Existing clinical guidelines are aligned with the evidence recommending comprehensive interventions to improve frailty.

Shifting to Primary Prevention for an Aging Population: A Scoping Review of Health Promotion Initiatives for Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Canada

Older adults are healthier and living independently within our communities for longer. This demonstrates the need to build capacity in geriatric preventative services, with the potential to utilize health promotion to encourage successful aging. This scoping review examines the availability and potential of health promotion initiatives for community-dwelling older adults in Canada. Two research databases were searched for empirical articles published in Canada, in English, since 2000. A total of 17 articles met our inclusion criteria. The empirical literature demonstrates successful implementation of different primary prevention programs, with various facilitation methods used to address several health issues in late life. Most programs targeted falls prevention, often using education or exercise programming. Participants reported positive results in various biopsychosocial aspects of aging. Reported positive health outcomes and high engagement rates across examined programs may represent the ability for health promotion to successfully address the needs of older adults in the community, as well as meet the existing desire for participation in such initiatives. Further implementation and investment into health promotion for older adults can increase the accessibility of these programs across Canada, address new needs amongst this population, and alleviate the future healthcare burden posed by the growing aging demographic. The need for preventative services in gerontology is universal, thus the success seen in health promotion programs and policy, and the need for expansion, in Canada may also be relevant in countries with similar demographics.