BackgroundSelf-perceptions of aging have been implicated as independent predictors of functional disability and mortality in older adults. In spite of this, research on self-perceptions of aging is limited. One reason for this is the absence of adequate measures. Specifically, there is a need to develop a measure that is theoretically-derived, has good psychometric properties, and is multidimensional in nature. The present research seeks to address this need by adopting the Self-Regulation Model as a framework and using it to develop a comprehensive, multi-dimensional instrument for assessing self-perceptions of aging. This study describes the validation of this newly-developed instrument, the Aging Perceptions Questionnaire (APQ).MethodsParticipants were 2,033 randomly selected community-dwelling older (+65 yrs) Irish adults who completed the APQ alongside measures of physical and psychological health. The APQ assesses self-perceptions of aging along eight distinct domains or subscales; seven of these examine views about own aging, these are: timeline chronic, timeline cyclical, consequences positive, consequences negative, control positive, control negative, and emotional representations; the eighth domain is the identity domain and this examines the experience of health-related changes.ResultsMokken scale analysis showed that the majority of items within the views about aging subscales were strongly scalable. Confirmatory factor analysis also indicated that the model provided a good fit for the data. Overall, subscales had good internal reliabilities. Hierarchical linear regression was conducted to investigate the independent contribution of APQ subscales to physical and psychological health and in doing so determine the construct validity of the APQ. Results showed that self-perceptions of aging were independently related to physical and psychological health. Mediation testing also supported a role for self-perceptions of aging as partial mediators in the relationship between indices of physical functioning and physical and psychological health outcomes.ConclusionFindings support the complex and multifaceted nature of the aging experience. The good internal reliability and construct validity of the subscales suggests that the APQ is a promising instrument that can enable a theoretically informed, multidimensional assessment of self-perceptions of aging. The potential role of self-perceptions of aging in facilitating physical and psychological health in later life is also highlighted.

BackgroundStroke is a leading cause of death and functional impairment. While older people are particularly vulnerable to stroke, research suggests that they have the poorest awareness of stroke warning signs and risk factors. This study examined knowledge of stroke warning signs and risk factors among community-dwelling older adults.MethodsRandomly selected community-dwelling older people (aged 65+) in Ireland (n = 2,033; 68% response rate). Participants completed home interviews. Questions assessed knowledge of stroke warning signs and risk factors, and personal risk factors for stroke.ResultsOf the overall sample, 6% had previously experienced a stroke or transient ischaemic attack. When asked to identify stroke risk factors from a provided list, less than half of the overall sample identified established risk factors (e.g., smoking, hypercholesterolaemia), hypertension being the only exception (identified by 74%). Similarly, less than half identified established warning signs (e.g., weakness, headache), with slurred speech (54%) as the exception. Overall, there were considerable gaps in awareness with poorest levels evident in those with primary level education only and in those living in Northern Ireland (compared with Republic of Ireland).ConclusionKnowledge deficits in this study suggest that most of the common early symptoms or signs of stroke were recognized as such by less than half of the older adults surveyed. As such, many older adults may not recognise early symptoms of stroke in themselves or others. Thus, they may lose vital time in presenting for medical attention. Lack of public awareness about stroke warning signs and risk factors must be addressed as one important contribution to reducing mortality and morbidity from stroke.

It is possible to design effective, pragmatically useful memory interventions for persons with Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type (DAT). A review of successful memory interventions for such populations is presented. A particularly effective intervention technique, spaced‐retrieval, is described and the theoretical basis for its effectiveness is discussed. A detailed account is presented of a spaced‐retrieval intervention in which persons with DAT are trained to learn and utilize a strategy, i.e., remembering to use a calendar listing daily activities. Directions for future research in this area are offered.

No abstract

LOFTIN, MARK, MELINDA SOTHERN, LAURA TROSCLAIR, ANN O'HANLON, JAMES MILLER, AND JOHN UDALL. Scaling VO 2 peak in obese and non-obese girls. Obes Res. 2001;9:290 -296. Objective: The conventional ratio method (milliliters O 2 per mass) typically is used to express VO 2 peak. The goal of the current study was to compare VO 2 peak of obese girls with normal-weight girls by ratio and allometric scaling methods. Research Methods and Procedures: We compared VO 2 peak by ratio and allometric methods in 46 obese and 47 normal-weight girls. Indirect calorimetry was used to measure VO 2 peak during either treadmill running or walking. Regression analysis was used to determine coefficients for mass and stature for each group with ANOVA used to compare data between groups. Results: The obese girls were taller and had higher values of body fatness (p Յ 0.05). Absolute VO 2 peak (liters per minute) was similar between groups; however VO 2 peak relative to mass was 50% lower (p Յ 0.05) in the obese girls. When VO 2 peak (milliliters per minute per kilogram) and mass were correlated, r ϭ Ϫ0.48 was found in the obese group. Allometric scaling of logarithmic transformed stature and mass reduced this to r ϭ Ϫ0.002, thus eliminating the bias associated with the ratio method. Adjusting VO 2 peak allometrically scaled for mass, stature, and the combination of mass and stature reduced the difference between groups from 50% (ratio method) to 10% to 11% (p Յ 0.05) with higher values found in the normal-weight girls. Discussion: These results demonstrate the bias associated with the ratio method when comparing VO 2 peak in obese girls with VO 2 peak in normal-weight girls. Allometric scaling eliminated the bias and thus may reflect a truer comparative response.