The Trend of Healthcare Needs among Elders and Its Association with Healthcare Access and Quality in Low-Income Countries: An Exploration of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

Global, regional and country burden of high BMI-related liver cancer among individuals aged above 70: trends from 1990 to 2021 and projections to 2044

Background

Liver cancer (LC) is a major global health concern, being the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Older adults are more susceptible, though mortality rates for those over 70 are declining. However, disability from non-communicable diseases remains high. High body mass index (BMI) is a notable risk factor for LC, with high BMI-related liver cancer (HB-LC) being a major concern.

Methods

This study utilized Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 dataset to assess the impact of HB-LC on individuals aged 70 and older from 1990 to 2021, with forecasts extending to 2044. Disease burden across socio-demographic index (SDI) regions was evaluated using age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Joinpoint regression and age-period-cohort models were used to analyze DALY trends and demographic influences, and decomposition analysis assessed the effects of population aging, growth, and epidemiological shifts.

Results

Our findings revealed significant geographical disparities in HB-LC mortality, with East Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of West Africa showing the highest rates. Global HB-LC DALYs increased by 2.49% annually, with low SDI regions experiencing recent acceleration. Gender disparity persisted, with males facing a steeper rise in HB-LC burden. Age-related DALY rates peaked in the 80-89 age groups, showing complex patterns across SDI regions. Epidemiological changes primarily drove the increased HB-LC burden in high SDI regions, while population growth was more significant in low SDI regions.

Conclusion

This data analysis underscores necessity for region-specific public health strategies and demographic-focused interventions, enhancing surveillance and targeting efforts to mitigate the increasing burden of HB-LC among the older adults.

Living longer but in poor health: healthcare system responses to ageing populations in industrialised countries based on the Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to examine changes in life expectancy (LE), health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE), unhealthy years of life, and disease burden of older people in industrialised countries and associations with health systems.

METHODS

We used estimates of LE and HALE, unhealthy years of life, years of life loss (YLL), years lived with disability (YLD) for individuals aged 70 years and over in 33 industrialised countries from 1990 to 2019 from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. A linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the association of health outcomes with the Healthcare Access and Quality (HAQ) index.

RESULTS

LE and HALE increased with improved HAQ index from 1990 to 2019. However, the number of unhealthy years of life increased. An increased HAQ index was associated with decreases in YLL. However, changes in YLD were relatively small and were not correlated with HAQ index.

CONCLUSIONS

The healthcare system needs to more address the increased morbidity burden among older people. It should be designed to handle to healthcare needs of the ageing population.

The Association between Physical Activity and Anxiety in Aging: A Comparative Analysis

(1) Background: As the worldwide aging population is growing, there is a need to embrace the role of physical activity in the anxiety of older people. Objectives: To analyze anxiety in older people practitioners and non-practitioners of physical activity; (2) Methods: ample composed of 690 older people of both genders, unselected volunteers, residing in Brazil, present (as participants or observers) in selected street races in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, between 30 October 2019, and 12 March 2020. An instrument composed of the sociodemographic questionnaire and questions from the Beck Anxiety Inventory, BAI, and the Physical Activity Inventory for older people, Baecke-Old. Design: Ex-post-facto observational analytical descriptive research; (3) Results: The average age of the sample was in the range of 65 to 69y, 74% female, 94% completed high school, 69% living with the family, 84% practicing physical activity. Anxiety levels were 26% (without), 35% (mild), 21% (moderate), and 18% (severe). The comparison of anxiety showed a difference between the groups of active and sedentary elderly. Logistic regression analysis considering anxiety (yes or no; dichotomous variable) and physical activity (yes or no; dichotomous variable) and Odds Ratio were performed to identify possible influences of the independent variables PA, gender, marital status, and education on anxiety. Only physical activity was associated with anxiety. (4) Conclusions: The sample data of this research point to the conclusion that physical activity influences anxiety levels with 98% certainty, and it is suggested that it be enriched in the future with different studies with different designs. The older people practitioners of physical activity with a high level of education presented as 26% without, 35% mild, 21% moderate, and 18% severe anxiety. More active individuals are less likely to develop anxiety.