American Research Journal of Geriatrics and Aging

Janna L Hawthorne1*, Leslie J Warford2*, Lisa C Hutchison1, Amanda K Pangle1 Elvin T Price3, Jeanne Y Wei1, Gohar Azhar1

Objectives: To evaluate medication use in the oldest old residing in Arkansas with a retrospective chart review at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Medical records from individuals aged 95 years or older treated at a medical center between January, 2011 and June, 2013 (n = 121) were reviewed to determine the frequency of medication use and category of medications used. Results: Of the 121 individuals studied, 13.2 % (n=16) were not on any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications. The remaining 105 patients consumed a mean of 4.8±2.7prescription medications daily. The most commonly used category of prescription medications were those for cardiovascular health. Seventy six percent of those taking any medication (n=80)took at least 1 antihypertensive daily (ranging from 1-5 daily). Approximately 46% (n=55) were on diuretics and about 11% (n=12) were prescribed an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. Medications for endocrine disorders, diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism were taken by 27% of the subjects who were prescribed any medication. Other commonly prescribed medications for the 105 individuals taking medication included anti-depressants (47%) and opioids (29%). Aspirin was the most commonly used OTC medication at 44%, followed closely by acetaminophen and calcium & vitamin D supplements. Other high frequency OTC included laxatives (34%) and stool softeners (22%). Issues with polypharmacy appear to continue in the oldest nonagenarian and centenarian population.The fact that these individuals still survived beyond the ninth decade speaks to their resilience and favorable genetic profile. 

Steliana Rizeanua, Emil Razvan Gatej*b, Mihai Valentin Ciolacuc

This paper intends to show the degree to which a personal development training in defensive driving techniques influences positively the driver’s emotional intelligence. Emotions are one of the factors that define us as human beings, and the ability to recognize and manage one’s emotions can sometimes translate in avoiding a psychological and physical risk when driving a car.

Stephen Foster1, Amanda Pangle1, Amy Schrader1, Jeanne Y. Wei1, Gohar Azhar1

The deployment of technology in today’s environment has led to significant advancements in communication, socialization, and information sharing. We hypothesized that the benefits of these technologies might be underutilized in the geriatric population. Previous methods of assessing an individual’s capacity for independent living relied on tools such as the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). In recent years, with a proliferation of devices requiring technology, there exists a need for new instruments to evaluate the functional capacity of older individuals in the understanding and use of technology. We developed a structured survey to investigate the frequency of utilization of technology (cell phones, computers, blood pressure monitors, etc.) and the application and understanding of these technologies by older patients (50–90+yrs., n=127) at a geriatric out-patient university clinic. Our results indicated that while >97% of individuals surveyed possessed a cell phone, only 83% made calls daily, with less than 55% utilizing text messaging. 83% of individuals owned a computer and only9% lacked internet connectivity. There were several differences in the understanding and use of technological devices between the octogenarian-nonagenarian compared with younger age groups. Never the less, 75% of seniors were either interested in learning more about their cell phones and how to use the different features, or already knew how to use their cellphones. In summary, our results showed that older individuals were utilizing technology and were interested in advancing their technological skills. It is important to test the ability of older adults in their understanding and use of technology because its appropriate use can be helpful for monitoring health, security, communication and maintaining an independent lifestyle.

Lee Hyer, PhD, ABPP1, Kristin A.J.Wagner, M.S. 2

 Holistic training involves a variety of cognitive behavioral techniques designed to improve overall health as well as delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as those associated with aging. This is a multifaceted approach, incorporating Cognitive Training (CT), nutrition, physical activity, socialization, stress reduction, and general health.While the research on CT is not conclusive, it has been shown to have clinical utility, particularly with motivated subjects who have some internal and external resources. Two such cases are discussed. These subjects, both older adults, participated in a holistic Memory Clinic. Each had particular weaknesses and strengths, and both showed some improvement.