Physical Activity Interventions Framed by the Health Action Process Approach for Adults with Long-Term Conditions: A Scoping Review.

Background: Interventions that use the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) model show promise for increasing PA frequency, duration, and intensity. However, there is limited understanding of how HAPA model variables have been operationalized for PA interventions in chronic disease to promote behavior change and sustained PA or whether the phase or continuous form of the HAPA model was used. The aim of this scoping review is to describe how the HAPA model variables for PA interventions were operationalized and provide details of implementation.

Validity and reliability of handgrip dynamometry in older adults: A comparison of two widely used dynamometers.

Background: Among older adults, decreased handgrip strength is associated with greater risk of frailty, and loss of physical function, mobility, lean mass, and overall muscular strength and power. Frailty is also associated with sarcopenia, for which handgrip strength measurement has been recommended for diagnostic purposes. Specific cutoff points for diagnosis have been identified, but use of different devices may affect measurement.

Self-Perception of Aging Among Older Adults and Participation in Prevention.

Many older adults do not engage in age-based prevention despite evidence to support reduced health risks and enhanced successful aging. The purpose of this study was to determine whether self-perceived aging (SPA) differed among older adults by age (young-old vs. old-old), participation in healthy lifestyle behaviors, screening, vaccinations, and self-rated health.

Validity of a Single Activity Question for Clinical Assessment of Older Women.

Physical activity is an important part of clinical assessment. However, objective measurement can be expensive and burdensome. The current study validated a single activity question for use in clinical assessment.

Improving staff reports of falls in assisted living.

This study examined falls data reported by staff to (a) describe characteristics of falls in this population and (b) analyze the quality and utility of the data available from incident reports (IRs) to improve fall prevention. Data from 34 incident reports were analyzed. Descriptive and frequency analyses were conducted to describe fall characteristics, use of assistive devices, high-risk medication use, and prevalence of omitted data on IRs.

Effects of a physical activity and healthy eating intervention to reduce stroke risk factors in older adults.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of a theory-based physical activity and healthy eating intervention aimed at reducing stroke risk factors among overweight/obese and sedentary older adults.

Methods: Between 12/2009-1/2011, participants (n=69) were randomly assigned to an 8-week group motivational intervention or biweekly newsletters by mail. Physical activity (blinded pedometer, 7-day recall) body composition, theoretical mediator, and dietary (24-hour recall) variables were measured at pre-test and post-test.

The Palisades: an interdisciplinary wellness model in senior housing.

Purpose: The conceptual model and implementation strategies for a university-private housing collaboration in a multilevel housing campus for older adults are described. The faculty and private developers viewed senior housing as an opportunity for people to downsize their space in order to upsize their lives within a community rich with resources to support their developmental needs.

Methods: A wellness program that includes assessments developed and performed by a multidisciplinary team provides the basis for the development of resources and interventions aimed at upsizing residents' lives.

Restructuring life: preparing for and beginning a new caregiving role.

Family caregivers of stroke survivors who are just beginning their role must learn new skills and incorporate new knowledge into their daily activities. This can be a time of increased anxiety and stress for them. Nurses and other health professionals need more knowledge about this transition from the perspective of the caregivers.

Positive gain: rethinking the outcomes of dependency.

While independent behavior by older adults is routinely encouraged, some individuals can benefit from engaging in dependent behavior. In traditional views of dependency, dependent behaviors are considered maladaptive and dysfunctional. The purpose of this article is to consider the interactions between health professionals and older patients, the ways that dependent behaviors can lead to both positive outcomes for older adults, as well as serve as barriers to self-care and examine the role of nurses and institutions in interactions with older adults.

Effect of the BACE intervention on agitation of people with dementia.

Purpose: This study tests the effectiveness of the theoretically driven BACE (i.e., Balancing Arousal Controls Excesses) intervention in decreasing agitation in residents of long-term care with moderate or severe dementia.