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Knutsson B, Jong M, Sayed-Noor A, Sjödén G, Augutis M. Waiting for lumbar spinal stenosis surgery: suffering and a possibility to discover coping abilities. Orthop Rev (Pavia) 2022; 14:30716. [PMID: 35106129 DOI: 10.52965/001c.30716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The objective of this study was to describe aspects of suffering related to being a person with LSS and how suffering is managed before LSS surgery. Methods/design/setting A Swedish county hospital. Interviews with 18 consecutive patients on the waiting list for LSS surgery. The themes that emerged from content analysis were further interpreted using Antonovsky salutogenic model as a sensitizing concept. Results The suffering from LSS before surgery included the main theme of experiencing an impaired physical and social life and struggling to be believed and taken seriously. This had coping strategies to manage symptoms before surgery: a good physician-patient relationship alleviates the burden of long waiting times; ways to manage pain and disability; ambiguous expectations and hope for recovery, and; ways to handle concerns before surgery). Conclusion Being a person with LSS includes suffering and a possibility to discover coping abilities or having support structures for doing so. Our study emphasizes the importance of a supportive dialogue, where physicians and patients make the suffering from LSS and care before LSS surgery more comprehensible and manageable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Knutsson
- Department of Surgical and Perioperative Science, Umeå University
| | - Mats Jong
- Department of Health Sciences/Public Health, Mid Sweden University
| | - Arkan Sayed-Noor
- Department of clinical science and education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm
| | - Göran Sjödén
- Department of clinical science and education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm
| | - Marika Augutis
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society. Division Clinical Geriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm
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The perspectives of successful ageing among older adults aged 75+: a systematic review with a narrative synthesis of mixed studies. AGEING & SOCIETY 2021. [DOI: 10.1017/s0144686x21001070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Older adults 75 and above are a fast-growing segment of the population. However, few studies have investigated what it means to age successfully from their perspective. This group of older adults face challenges that might characteristically differ from younger older adults. Therefore, the aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the perspectives of older adults aged 75 and above regarding what it means to age successfully and to summarise the findings through a narrative synthesis. We also aimed to provide a snapshot of inhibitors and facilitators to achieve successful ageing. A systematic review of the 75+ older adults’ perspectives was conducted across PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science and PsycINFO. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods original peer-reviewed studies were included. After reviewing 4,661 articles, 15 articles met the inclusion criteria and 15 themes were identified. They ranged from biomedical components such as physical functioning to psychosocial components such as relationships, reflections on life and past experiences, preparations for death and environmental factors. The findings revealed that as people age, their definition of successful ageing changes, expanding the current conceptualisation of successful ageing by including additional factors that can act as facilitators and/or inhibitors, such as death and environmental factors. The findings also highlight the need for further research on theory development by considering age-related differences and the perspectives of under-studied populations.
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Nari F, Jang BN, Kim S, Jeong W, Jang SI, Park EC. Association between successful aging transitions and depressive symptoms among older Korean adults: findings from the Korean longitudinal study of aging (2006-2018). BMC Geriatr 2021; 21:352. [PMID: 34107866 PMCID: PMC8191095 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-021-02250-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The importance of SA (Successful aging) has been emphasized in recent years, with focus shifting towards attaining healthier aging rather than longevity. However, the influence of SA and its changes on mental health such as depression remains a relatively unexplored area in gerontology. Therefore, we investigated the longitudinal association between changes in SA and depressive symptoms in Korean older adults. Methods This study comprised a longitudinal sample of older adults aged ≥ 45 years, drawn from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (2006–2018). Changes in SA status was determined using the Rowe and Kahn model over two consecutive years. Using an adjusted generalized estimating equation model, we examined the association between changes in successful aging status, namely SA and NSA (Non-successful aging), and depressive symptoms. Results Compared to the SA→SA group, depressive symptom risk in the NSA→NSA and SA→NSA groups were higher in men [(OR, 1.16; 95 % CI, 1.13–1.18), (OR, 1.11; 95 % CI, 1.08–1.13), respectively] and in women [(OR, 1.15; 95 % CI, 1.13–1.18), (OR, 1.11; 95 % CI, 1.09–1.14), respectively]. Subgroup analysis of the dimensions of successful aging revealed that low or worsening criteria of successful aging status in men and women were associated with depressive symptoms. Conclusions Korean older adults who continuously failed to attain or maintain successful aging status had the highest risk of depressive symptoms. These results could further assist in establishing policies and interventions that promote successful aging and subsequently protect the mental health of the Korean older adult population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Nari
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bich Na Jang
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Selin Kim
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonjeong Jeong
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-In Jang
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50 Yonsei-to, Seodaemun-gu, 03722, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Cheol Park
- Institute of Health Services Research, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50 Yonsei-to, Seodaemun-gu, 03722, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Gillsjö C, Nässén K, Berglund M. Suffering in silence: a qualitative study of older adults' experiences of living with long-term musculoskeletal pain at home. Eur J Ageing 2021; 18:55-63. [PMID: 33746681 PMCID: PMC7925717 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-020-00566-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term musculoskeletal pain is a major, disabling, and often undertreated health problem among the increasing number of older adults worldwide. However, there is limited knowledge of community-dwelling older adults' experiences of living with this type of pain. The aim of the study was to deepen the understanding of the phenomenon: how older adults experience living with long-term musculoskeletal pain at home. The study design was an inductive qualitative Reflective Lifeworld Research approach grounded in phenomenological epistemology. Data were obtained from 20 community-dwelling older adults, aged 72-97 years. Data were collected through open-ended interviews and analyzed to understand the meanings of the phenomenon. The essence of the phenomenon entailed suffering in silence and encompassed the following constituents: loneliness and restrictions in daily living; ways to endure and distract from pain; not being taken seriously; fear of the future; and valuing joy and meaning in life. Living with long-term musculoskeletal pain restricts access to the world and leads to a suffering in silence. Finding ways to endure and distract from pain and to focus on issues that give joy and meaning in life is predominant in efforts to balance restraints from pain in life. Suffering is reinforced by loneliness, a sense of not being taken seriously by health care providers and fear of an uncertain future. It is necessary to foster increased attentiveness and sensitivity in meeting the needs of each older adult and provide a care that alleviates suffering and preserves and promotes health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catharina Gillsjö
- School of Health Sciences, University of Skövde, P.O. Box 408, 541 28 Skövde, Sweden
- College of Nursing, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, USA
| | - Kristina Nässén
- Academy of Care, Working Life and Social Welfare, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| | - Mia Berglund
- School of Health Sciences, University of Skövde, P.O. Box 408, 541 28 Skövde, Sweden
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Abstract
Successful aging is a prominent theory that describes the aging process and the expected activities and behaviors older adults should engage in or exhibit to age successfully. Although this theory is used to gauge the extent to which older adults are aging successfully, older adults' experiences and perspectives of what successful aging means to them are missing from the theory. A five-step scoping review framework was used to explore and synthesize the existing research that investigated older adults' perspectives on successful aging. Twelve main themes were found and ranged from the importance of social relationships and interactions to having a good death. Findings indicated older adults do not define successful aging as strictly as is found in the literature. Old age and the aging process from the views of older adults provide future directions for theory development and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbra Teater
- Department of Social Work, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, Staten Island, NY, USA
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Bubbico G, Chiacchiaretta P, Parenti M, di Marco M, Panara V, Sepede G, Ferretti A, Perrucci MG. Effects of Second Language Learning on the Plastic Aging Brain: Functional Connectivity, Cognitive Decline, and Reorganization. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:423. [PMID: 31156360 PMCID: PMC6529595 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Learning a new language requires the use of extensive neural networks and can represent a powerful tool to reorganize brain neuroplasticity. In this study, we analyze how a 4 months long second language learning program (16, 2 h sessions) can lead to functional changes in the brain of healthy elderly individuals. A large number of studies point out a decline of brain-skills with age; here it is analyzed how cognition together with functional brain organization can be improved later in life. Twenty-six older adults (59–79 years old) were enrolled in the present study. A complete neuropsychological examination was administered before and after the intervention to measure global cognition levels, short- and long-term memory, attention, language access and executive functions. At the end of the program, in the intervention group, the results showed a significant improvement in global cognition together with an increased functional connectivity in the right inferior frontal gyrus (rIFG), right superior frontal gyrus (rSFG) and left superior parietal lobule (lSPL). These findings can be added to the current neurobiological breakthroughs of reshaping brain networks with a short language learning practice in healthy elderly subjects. Therefore, learning a foreign-language may represent a potentially helpful cognitive intervention for promoting healthy aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Bubbico
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Piero Chiacchiaretta
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Matteo Parenti
- Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Marcin di Marco
- Department of Medicine and Science of Aging, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Valentina Panara
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Section of Diagnostic Imaging and Therapy, Radiology Division, Department of Neuroscience and Imaging, "SS Annunziata" Hospital, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Gianna Sepede
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University "A. Moro" Bari, Chieti, Italy.,National Health Trust, Department of Mental Health, Chieti, Italy
| | - Antonio Ferretti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Mauro Gianni Perrucci
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Institute for Advanced Biomedical Technologies, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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Stensland ML, Sanders S. Not So Golden After All: The Complexities of Chronic Low Back Pain in Older Adulthood. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2019; 58:923-931. [PMID: 29319801 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnx154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives The study objective was to understand how Chronic low back pain (CLBP) impacts key aging concepts such as retirement, housing, health, and independence. Research Design and Methods Twenty-one pain clinic patients (66-83 years old) with CLBP engaged in 23 in-depth semistructured interviews, which were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Guided by van Manen's phenomenological method, researchers used line-by-line thematic coding to analyze data through an iterative process. Results Participants' accounts illustrate the interplay between aging and living with CLBP. Under the larger theme "Not so golden after all," results are reflected in five subthemes: (a) Falling apart; (b) Pain stigmatizes aging; (c) Hurting slowly, aging quickly; (d) Pain threatens independence; (e) The reality of unrealized futures. Discussion and Implications This study improves our understanding of how CLBP complicates growing older with regard to tarnished retirements and stigmatization. Findings highlight the importance of coordinated care and recognition of pain-related loss.
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Pain that does not interfere with daily life—a new focus for population epidemiology and public health? Pain 2018; 160:281-285. [DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Wiles J, Miskelly P, Stewart O, Kerse N, Rolleston A, Gott M. Challenged but not threatened: Managing health in advanced age. Soc Sci Med 2018; 227:104-110. [PMID: 29941204 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Revised: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
In this paper we reflect on discussions with people of advanced age in Āotearoa New Zealand, and draw on theoretical frameworks of resilience and place in old age, to explore insights about the ways older people maintain quality of life and health. Twenty community-dwelling people of advanced age (85+) were recruited in 2015-16 from a large multidisciplinary longitudinal study of advanced age. These twenty participated in interviews about health in advanced age, impact of illnesses, interactions with clinicians, access to information, support for managing health, and perceptions of primary care, medications, and other forms of assistance. We use a positioning theory framework drawing on thematic and narrative analysis to understand the dynamic ways people in advanced age position themselves and the ways they age well through speech acts and storylines. People in advanced age saw themselves as challenged, rather than threatened, by adversities, and positioned themselves as able to draw on a lifetime of experience and resourcefulness and collaborations with supporters to deal with challenges. Key strategies include downplaying illness and resisting biomedical discourses of complexity, positioning embodied selves as having agency, and creative adaptation in the face of loss. People in advanced age exhibit resilience, maintaining wellbeing, autonomy and good physical and mental quality of life even while living with challenges such as functional decline and multi-morbidities. These findings have significance for supporters of older people, emphasising the need to move away from a narrow focus on problems to working together WITH people in advanced age to offer a more holistic approach that encourages and enhances adaptation and flexibility, rather than rigid and counterproductive coping patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Wiles
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, PO Box 92019, Auckland, 1071, New Zealand.
| | - Philippa Miskelly
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, PO Box 92019, Auckland, 1071, New Zealand.
| | - Oneroa Stewart
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, PO Box 92019, Auckland, 1071, New Zealand.
| | - Ngaire Kerse
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, PO Box 92019, Auckland, 1071, New Zealand.
| | - Anna Rolleston
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, PO Box 92019, Auckland, 1071, New Zealand.
| | - Merryn Gott
- Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, PO Box 92019, Auckland, 1071, New Zealand.
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Lee K, Cooke J, Cooper G, Shield A. Move it or Lose it. Is it Reasonable for Older Adults with Osteoarthritis to Continue to Use Paracetamol in Order to Maintain Physical Activity? Drugs Aging 2017; 34:417-423. [PMID: 28258536 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-017-0450-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis is a common progressive disease in older adults, and those affected often have impaired physical function, co-existing disease states, and reduced quality of life. In patients with osteoarthritis, pain is reported as a primary cause of mobility limitation, and guidelines recommend a mix of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic strategies for pain management. The benefits of exercise in the management of osteoarthritis are well established; however, pain appears to be the biggest barrier to patients engaging in, and adhering to, physical activity programs. Attitudes towards the use of pain medications differ widely, and lack of efficacy or fear of side effects may lead to sub-therapeutic dosing. Furthermore, a recent review suggesting that short-term paracetamol use is ineffective for osteoarthritis has added to the confusion. This narrative review investigates limitations of current medications, summarizes patient attitudes toward the use of analgesics for osteoarthritis pain (with a focus on paracetamol), and explores the uptake of physical activity for osteoarthritis management. Evidence suggests that, despite clear guidelines, symptoms of osteoarthritis generally remain poorly managed. More research is required to investigate clinical outcomes in patients with osteoarthritis through optimized medication plans to better understand whether longer-term analgesic use in conjunction with physical activity can assist patients to overcome mobility limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Lee
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Locked Bag 1, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Julie Cooke
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Locked Bag 1, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Gabrielle Cooper
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Locked Bag 1, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Alison Shield
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Locked Bag 1, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
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Oude Engberink A, Lognos B, Badin M, Carbonnel F, Lalau M, Blain H, Bourrel G. [Primary care pain management in the elderly population: The opening to non-pharmacological interventions. Qualitative study focused on GP experiences]. Presse Med 2016; 45:e377-e387. [PMID: 27597302 DOI: 10.1016/j.lpm.2016.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Revised: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES First of all, understand the management of pain in the elderly population through GP experiences and, secondly, explore their implication to the benefit of well aging. METHOD Qualitative study with data collection combining 2 focus groups and 5 in depth interviews centered on the lived experience of 16 GPs in the Languedoc-Roussillon region in southern France. A semiopragmatic phenomenological analysis of the fully transcribed verbatim interviews was used to establish the significant categories in relation with our objectives. RESULTS The GPs feel that the pain management still needs improvement even though it has become one of their priorities. GPs often notice iatrogenic effects in the care taking process of multiple pathologies which make them choose for the use of non-pharmacological interventions. The complex nature of pain, which has multiple significations for the elderly population, needs an overall approach by the GPs. They feel that it's their job to manage this because of the proximity and knowledge of the patient and his weaknesses. For them, aging well is a patient experience, they are only a support in this process. DISCUSSION GPs think that they are expert in the complex process of pain management. This process has to be seen in a multidimensional approach of an older person with multiple pathologies. Therefore, they make use of non-pharmacological interventions. CONCLUSION These interventions need to be developed to improve the quality of life in the elderly population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Oude Engberink
- Département de médecine générale, faculté de médecine de Montpellier, Nîmes, France; CEPS Platform, university of Montpellier, France.
| | - Beatrice Lognos
- Département de médecine générale, faculté de médecine de Montpellier, Nîmes, France; CEPS Platform, university of Montpellier, France
| | - Melanie Badin
- Département de médecine générale, faculté de médecine de Montpellier, Nîmes, France
| | - François Carbonnel
- Département de médecine générale, faculté de médecine de Montpellier, Nîmes, France; CEPS Platform, university of Montpellier, France
| | - Marion Lalau
- Département de médecine générale, faculté de médecine de Montpellier, Nîmes, France
| | - Hubert Blain
- Département de gérontologie, CHRU de Montpellier, France
| | - Gérard Bourrel
- Département de médecine générale, faculté de médecine de Montpellier, Nîmes, France; CEPS Platform, university of Montpellier, France
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