Age and ageing
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In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the UK government introduced social distancing measures and identified specific populations at high risk from the virus. People ≥70 were deemed 'Clinically Vulnerable'. Distancing measures were introduced to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. However, these may have a negative impact on older people who are vulnerable to social isolation and may have challenges accessing services and provisions. ⋯ Most participants reported good health with low levels of health anxiety, anxiety and depression. Many were able to identify positive aspects to lockdown and may be better equipped to deal with lockdown than anticipated. Strategies may be required to ameliorate the negative impact of loneliness for a minority of older people, and help some resume previous activity levels and pursuits.
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Geriatric medicine is the clinical specialty that focuses upon the care of older people-especially those with frailty (a state of increased vulnerability). In hospital, older people living with frailty are at high risk of developing a range of unpleasant outcomes such as delirium, falls, fractures, pressure sores and death. Comprehensive geriatric assessment is a form of holistic care that incorporates a specific set of clinical competencies that are able to reduce these adverse outcomes. ⋯ The challenge now is to work out how best to deliver geriatric care across the whole hospital (older people with frailty are not just cared for in geriatric wards!). The themed collection published on the Age & Ageing journal website outlines key articles that are attempting to develop solutions to this challenging conundrum. We hope that you enjoy reading them.
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The aim of this systematic review was to quantify the association between frailty and COVID-19 in relation to mortality in hospitalised patients. ⋯ Whilst the majority of studies have shown a positive association between COVID-19 related death and increasing frailty, some studies suggested a more nuanced understanding of frailty and outcomes in COVID-19 is needed. Clinicians should exert caution in placing too much emphasis on the influence of frailty alone when discussing likely prognosis in older people with COVID-19 illness.
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SARS-CoV-2 has disproportionately affected nursing homes (NH). In Ireland, the first NH case COVID-19 occurred on 16 March 2020. A national point-prevalence testing programme of all NH residents and staff took place (18 April 2020 to 5 May 2020). ⋯ this study demonstrates the significant impact of COVID-19 on the NH sector. Systematic point-prevalence testing is necessary to reduce risk of transmission from asymptomatic carriers and manage outbreaks in this setting.
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the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of emergency department (ED) stay-associated delirium on older patient's functional and cognitive status at 60 days post ED visit. ⋯ seniors who developed ED stay-associated delirium have lower baseline functional and cognitive status than non-delirious patients, and they will experience a more significant decline at 60 days post ED visit.