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Movement behavior and longevity: an evolutionary concept — the Physical Activity and Longevity Interest Group of the Brazilian Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology
No full textThe concept of 24-hour movement behavior proposes an integrated approach that considers physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep as interdependent elements in promoting health and longevity. Evidence suggests that small reallocations of time among these behaviors — such as replacing some minutes of sedentary behavior or sleep with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity — can significantly reduce mortality risk and improve cognitive and physical functions in older adults. This evolutionary perspective was extensively discussed at the 25th Brazilian Congress of Geriatrics and Gerontology, marking the beginning of the activities of the Physical Activity and Longevity Interest Group of the Brazilian Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology. Guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, strength and balance exercises, 7-8 hours of sleep, and less than 8 hours of sedentary behavior per day. However, evidence shows low adherence to these recommendations among older adults, reinforcing the importance of multidisciplinary efforts to reorganize routines and foster healthy habits. In addition to metabolic and cardiovascular benefits, physical activity is recognized as a functional biomarker of healthy aging. Multicomponent strategies with personalized prescriptions are central to preserving independence and reducing morbidity. Thus, 24-hour movement behavior is established as a practical, evidence-based recommendation to guide public policies, clinical actions, and educational strategies aimed at active and functional aging.</p
Medication-related adverse events in older Brazilians
No full textOBJECTIVE: To describe suspected adverse drug events in older adults reported in VigiMed, the Brazilian National Health Surveillance Agency’s reporting system.
METHODS: This descriptive study investigated suspected adverse drug events in older adults reported between January 2019 and March 2023. The following data were collected: patient age; the proportion of medications listed in the World Health Organization’s “A PINCH” mnemonic; and a description of the reaction/event. A disproportionality analysis compared reports involving older adults (aged ≥ 60 years) vs those involving adults aged ≤ 59 years for the following categories: 1) those involving ≥ 1 serious reaction/event; 2) those involving medications in the “A PINCH” list. The reporting odds ratio and 95% CI were used for this purpose.
RESULTS: A total of 34 319 reports were identified. Most contained ≥ 1 serious reaction/event (52.0%; n = 17 838) and 61.7% (n = 21 173) involved medications in the “A PINCH” list. Disproportionality analysis revealed both a higher proportion of reports containing serious reactions/events in older adults than adults (OR 1.35; 95%CI 1.31–1.39) and a higher proportion of reports involving medications included in the “A PINCH” list in older adults than adults (OR 1.58; 95%CI 1.53–1.62).
CONCLUSION: These findings can help prevent medication-related harm in older adults and characterize VigiMed system notifications, helping identify critical points that require adjustment and improve notification quality.</p
Promoting and strengthening the principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in Geriatrics, Gerontology and Aging
No full textSong-based methods and critical reflection: experiences of Brazilian older adults in music therapy
No full textOBJECTIVE: To explore the lived experiences of Brazilian older adults participating in group music therapy sessions that incorporated song-based methods, with a focus on how these experiences fostered dialogue and critical reflection.
METHODS: This phenomenological study involved a music therapist facilitating 12 weekly 1-hour sessions with a group of 12 Brazilian older adults. Audio recordings from all sessions were transcribed and analyzed using a thematic approach grounded in phenomenology. The artificial intelligence tool GPT-4 and member checking were employed to ensure the reliability of results.
RESULTS: The analysis revealed that song-based methods encouraged discussion and critical reflection on the aging process, relationships, ageism, gender roles, and cultural change over time.
CONCLUSION: The song-based methods created a reflective space that supported expression and social dialogue among older adults. Future research should explore their long-term effects and adaptability across diverse contexts.</p
Neglected no more: why exercise interventions for older cancer survivors in Latin America are paramount
No full textCancer incidence rates are rising in Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly among individuals over the age of 60. While treatment advances have improved patient survival, considerable efforts are still required to enhance other aspects of care following a cancer diagnosis. Despite growing evidence of the benefits of exercise interventions during the post-diagnosis period, older adults remain significantly underrepresented in related research. In fact, we found no studies that specifically examine the effects of exercise exclusively in adults over 60 years of age. Moreover, some studies have used this age threshold as an exclusion criterion. In light of these findings, we underscore the urgent need to include older adults with cancer in exercise interventions in Latin America and the Caribbean. The potential benefits of exercise for this population are supported by evidence from broader age groups and international research on older cancer survivors. These include the development of tailored intervention programs, an approach based on geriatric medicine, strategies to enhance adherence, education for patients and their support networks, and addressing the unique challenges faced by older cancer survivors.</p
In-hospital exercises programs in older patients: a mandatory intervention to prevent hospital-associated disability
No full textSocioeconomic context, individual characteristics, and multimorbidity among older adults: a nationwide cross-sectional study
No full textObjectives: The study investigated the prevalence of multimorbidity among older adults and its association with socioeconomic context and individual characteristics.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was based on data from the 2019 National Health Survey. Multimorbidity was assessed using a list of 14 physical and mental morbidities, with the cut-off considered ≥ 2 simultaneous conditions. The Municipal Human Development Index represented the contextual factors. The association between multimorbidity, individual characteristics, and socioeconomic context was assessed through multilevel logistic regression with random intercepts.
Results: The overall prevalence of multimorbidity was 58.12% (95% CI 57.00–59.23). Individual factors associated with multimorbidity were: female sex, older age, divorced/single marital status, lower education level, physical inactivity, and non-smoking status. The likelihood of multimorbidity was 24% higher among residents of more developed areas (95% CI 1.07–1.44).
Conclusion: According to our results, over half of older Brazilians have multimorbidity. One noteworthy finding of this study is the association between multimorbidity and socioeconomic context, i.e., residents of states with a higher Municipal Human Development Index had higher odds of multimorbidity.</p
New exercise programs for older adults in the community: evidence and applicability in the Latin American context
No full textStriatal deformities in an older woman with Parkinson’s disease resembling rheumatoid arthritis: a case report
No full text INTRODUCTION: Musculoskeletal abnormalities, such as striatal deformities of the hand and foot, are recognized but frequently underdiagnosed complications of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Their resemblance to rheumatological conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), poses a significant diagnostic challenge, potentially impacting clinical management.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this report was to describe the case of an older patient with PD who developed prominent joint deformities and pain, highlighting the process of differential diagnosis.
CASE DESCRIPTION: A 67-year-old woman with a 5-year history of PD, demonstrating good response to dopaminergic therapy, sought evaluation for fixed joint deformities. Clinical examination revealed features characteristic of striatal deformities, including swan-neck deformity of the fingers, ulnar deviation of the hands, and toe flexion. Despite mild pain, there were no signs of active inflammation, such as edema, local warmth, or prolonged morning stiffness. Diagnostic workup included laboratory tests; inflammatory markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein) and autoantibodies (rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide) were within normal limits. Hand and foot radiographs demonstrated no erosions, subchondral cysts, or joint space narrowing. These clinical, laboratory, and radiographic findings supported the diagnosis of striatal deformities secondary to PD.
DISCUSSION: This case underscores the importance of recognizing the characteristic patterns of striatal deformities, allowing accurate diagnosis, avoiding unnecessary immunosuppressive treatments, and guiding PD-specific management, which differs substantially from the management of autoimmune rheumatological diseases. Systematic diagnostic evaluation, including normal inflammatory markers and autoantibodies, is essential to distinguish between these conditions.</p
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