The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences
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J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · Aug 2012
Multicenter StudyHospital readmission in persons with stroke following postacute inpatient rehabilitation.
Readmission is an important quality indicator following acute care hospitalization. We examined factors associated with hospital readmission in persons with stroke following postacute inpatient rehabilitation. ⋯ Functional status, depressive symptoms, and social support were important predictors of hospital readmission. These variables are not included in most administrative data sets. Future research to develop useful risk-adjustment models for rehospitalization following postacute inpatient rehabilitation services should include large diverse samples and explore practical sources for additional meaningful information.
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J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · Jun 2012
Polypharmacy in nursing home in Europe: results from the SHELTER study.
This study assesses prevalence and patients characteristics related to polypharmacy in a sample of nursing home residents. ⋯ Polypharmacy and excessive polypharmacy are common among nursing home residents in Europe. Determinants of polypharmacy status include not only comorbidity but also specific symptoms, age, functional, and cognitive status.
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J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · May 2012
Comparative StudyPrognostic stratification of elderly patients in the emergency department: a comparison between the "Identification of Seniors at Risk" and the "Silver Code".
The increasing number of elderly patients accessing emergency departments (EDs) requires use of validated assessment tools. We compared the Identification of Seniors at Risk (ISAR), using direct patient evaluation, with the Silver Code (SC), based on administrative data. ⋯ Prognostic stratification of elderly ED patients with the SC is comparable with that obtained with direct patient evaluation. The SC, previously validated in hospitalized patients, predicts ED readmissions and future hospitalizations even in patients discharged directly from the ED.
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J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · Mar 2012
ReviewRespiratory impairment and the aging lung: a novel paradigm for assessing pulmonary function.
Older persons have an increased risk of developing respiratory impairment because the aging lung is likely to have experienced exposures to environmental toxins as well as reductions in physiological capacity. ⋯ Aging is associated with an increased risk of developing respiratory impairment, which is best defined by spirometric Z-scores. Alternatively, in selected cases, respiratory impairment may be defined by peak expiratory flow, also expressed as a Z-score.
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J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci. · Nov 2011
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter StudyThe Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders Study: design and methods.
As the number of older adults in the United States rises, maintaining functional independence among older Americans has emerged as a major clinical and public health priority. Older people who lose mobility are less likely to remain in the community; demonstrate higher rates of morbidity, mortality, and hospitalizations; and experience a poorer quality of life. Several studies have shown that regular physical activity improves functional limitations and intermediate functional outcomes, but definitive evidence showing that major mobility disability can be prevented is lacking. A Phase 3 randomized controlled trial is needed to fill this evidence gap. ⋯ Results of this study are expected to have important public health implications for the large and growing population of older sedentary men and women.