Exploring Interventions to Reduce Cognitive Decline in Aging

As the population ages, risks for cognitive decline threaten independence and quality of life for older adults and present challenges to the health care system. Nurses are in a unique position to advise older adults about cognitive health promotion and to develop interventions that optimize cognition in older adults. A literature review was conducted to provide nurses in mental health and geriatric care with an overview of research related to the promotion of successful cognitive aging for older adults. Research evaluating cognitively stimulating lifestyles and the effects on cognitive function in older adults of interventions targeting cognitive training, physical activity, social engagement, and nutrition were reviewed. Overall research findings support positive effects of cognitive and physical activity, social engagement, and therapeutic nutrition in optimizing cognitive aging. However, the strength of the evidence is limited by research designs. Applications for health promotion to optimize cognitive aging and future directions for research are discussed

Older People, Loss, and Loneliness: The Troublesome Nature of Increased Contact With Adult Children

Older people may experience considerable loss when they endure emotional or social loneliness. Emotional loneliness is related to the loss or absence of a confidant whilst social loneliness describes the discrepancy between the nature of one’s desired and actual social network. In this article, both concepts are examined in relation to new attendees at time-limited day centre reablement programmes in Northern Ireland. Using group work activities, reablement programmes aim to motivate participants to continue to live independently, often in the face of later life losses. Out of a total of 91 initial respondents (range 61-94), 13 lived with adult children (ten of whom were lone parents). Those living with, or who had daily contact with, adult children had significantly higher levels of emotional loneliness at the start of their programme, but not at the end. For this sample, reductions in emotional loneliness in certain cohorts of older adults who attend these programmes has been identified. In conclusion, it is proposed that fourth age losses mediate older people’s living arrangement and may create greater vulnerability to emotional loneliness in those living with adult children. Additionally, social groups may be effective in helping reduce emotional loneliness

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