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        <title>Frontiers in Aging | Interventions in Aging section | New and Recent Articles</title>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging/sections/interventions-in-aging</link>
        <description>RSS Feed for Interventions in Aging section in the Frontiers in Aging journal | New and Recent Articles</description>
        <language>en-us</language>
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        <pubDate>2026-05-07T07:58:40.585+00:00</pubDate>
        <ttl>60</ttl>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1780260</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1780260</link>
        <title><![CDATA[eDEM-CONNECT: agitation ontology for the intelligent support of informal caregivers of people with dementia]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-01T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Sumaiya Suravee</author><author>Christiane Pinkert</author><author>Iris Hochgraeber</author><author>Margareta Halek</author><author>Bernhard Holle</author><author>Kristina Yordanova</author>
        <description><![CDATA[People with dementia (PwD) face cognitive decline, placing added stress on family caregivers. Challenging behaviour, such as agitation, is one of the prominent behaviours exhibited by PwD, and family caregivers are often faced with the challenge of finding an appropriate intervention strategy to cope with it. To address this problem, current research focuses on developing digital solutions for the support of unprofessional caregivers, allowing them to ease the stress factor while dealing with agitation. A major challenge in any digital solution is the required domain knowledge. This knowledge includes information about the types of agitated behaviour, living and socio-economic conditions of the PwD and non-pharmaceutical interventions, which the caregiver can apply. We refer to this structured knowledge as an ontology. This study focuses on the development of the eDEM-Connect Ontology: Ontology of Dementia-related Agitation and Relationship between Informal Caregivers and Persons with Dementia (EDEM-CONNECTONTO) as the formalised domain knowledge for providing adequate support to caregivers. The knowledge is elicited through a systematic literature review, analysis of existing ontologies, workshops with experts, and interviews with informal caregivers. EDEM-CONNECTONTO consists of 252 Concepts, 16 relations, and 241 individuals. The ontology is implemented in the Web Ontology Language (OWL) and validated with the Protégé ontology development software. The results from the evaluation show that it meets the standard for biomedical ontologies. Furthermore, EDEM-CONNECTONTO is applied in several tasks related to the development of digital support systems for caregivers of PwD, demonstrating its practical applicability within the domain. The proposed ontology provides a structured semantic foundation for ontology-guided data annotation, knowledge graph construction, and GraphRAG-based caregiver-support applications. By formally modelling types of agitation, causes, consequences, PwD-caregiver relations, and non-pharmacological interventions, EDEM-CONNECTONTO enables explainable digital tools that support informal caregivers in identifying agitation patterns and selecting appropriate care strategies, thereby contributing to improved caregiver support and reduced caregiving stress.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1752530</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1752530</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Therapeutic potential of stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in aging and regeneration]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-30T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Isobel K. Dunstan</author><author>Daniel C. Anthony</author><author>Francesca Lugarini</author><author>Sherif Idriss</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Aging is characterized by measurable reductions in tissue repair, immune balance, and metabolic regulation. Increasing evidence suggests that these changes may arise, in part, from an insufficiency or altered quality of endogenous extracellular vesicle (EV) signaling. EVs, including exosomes, carry regenerative and immunoregulatory cues, and age-related alterations in their abundance, cargo, and bioactivity have been linked to impaired cellular communication across organ systems. This has fueled growing interest in stem cell-derived EVs, which provide biologically more youthful vesicles that reproduce key paracrine functions of their parent cells while avoiding the limitations of cell transplantation. By transferring defined protein, lipid, and RNA cargoes, these vesicles influence pathways central to aging biology, including mitochondrial function, inflammatory control, and maintenance of stem cell niches. Preclinical studies support their efficacy in models of neurodegeneration, wound healing, musculoskeletal decline, and systemic inflammation. However, their function depends on stem cell origin, donor age, and environmental conditioning, variables that complicate standardization and clinical scalability. As interest expands across therapeutic and cosmetic domains, a comparative understanding of EV sources and their mechanistic actions is required. In this review, we examine stem cell-derived EVs across biological sources, outline how aging and environmental factors shape their regenerative potency, and evaluate current progress in clinical translation. The field has reached a point where future advances depend less on further demonstrations of efficacy and more on resolving challenges related to manufacturing, quality control, and regulatory alignment. Addressing these constraints will determine whether stem cell-derived EVs can progress from experimental promise to practical interventions for aging and regenerative medicine.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1780401</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1780401</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Sleep quality and life satisfaction in urban-dwelling solitary Chinese older adults: a study of parallel mediation by depression and cognitive function]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-14T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Min Wang</author><author>Jingli Yu</author><author>Qinshan Huang</author><author>Shuxun Chi</author><author>Luping Qu</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundWith the rapid aging of the global population, the wellbeing of urban-dwelling older adults living alone is linked to increasing research attention.MethodsData were derived from the 2017–2018 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). A sample of 1,261 urban-dwelling older adults living alone was analyzed. Sleep quality, depression, cognitive function, and life satisfaction were assessed. Parallel mediation analysis was conducted using the PROCESS macro (Model 4) with 5,000 bootstrap samples. To validate the robustness of the mediation model, a 5-fold cross-validation procedure was performed, ensuring the stability and association consistency of the indirect effects.ResultsPoor sleep quality was significantly associated with higher depression scores and lower cognitive function, both of which were negatively associated with life satisfaction. The mediation analysis revealed that depression and cognitive function independently mediated the relationship between sleep quality and life satisfaction, with depression was associated with a significantly stronger indirect effect (20.22% of total effect) than cognitive function (2.52%). The cross-validated estimates closely matched the full-sample results, confirming model stability.ConclusionThese findings highlight the crucial role of sleep quality in enhancing life satisfaction among urban solitary older adults, primarily in association with the reduction of depressive symptoms. The study highlights the need for community-based interventions integrating sleep hygiene and depression screening, which is particularly relevant to women living alone.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1675989</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1675989</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Evaluation of bempedoic acid in elderly patients: real-world evidence from the REALIST study]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-11T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Brief Research Report</category>
        <author>Saverio Muscoli</author><author>Emanuele Di Marco</author><author>Fiorella Puttini</author><author>Sara Sposini Ghezzi</author><author>Mihaela Ifrim</author><author>Mobina Amtaeh</author><author>Emanuele Maria Renga</author><author>Caterina Cappello</author><author>Giulio Barone</author><author>Gaetano Chiricolo</author><author>Giuseppe Massimo Sangiorgi</author><author>Andrea Natale</author><author>David Della-Morte</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Statin intolerance and PCSK9 inhibitor reimbursement restrictions limit lipid-lowering options for elderly patients at high cardiovascular (CV) risk. Bempedoic acid (BA), an ATP-citrate lyase inhibitor, is a promising alternative. This study analyzed 54 patients over 81 years, selected from 2,564 individuals with medium to very high CV risk, who received BA for 52 weeks. Lipid profiles, renal and hepatic function, and adverse events were assessed. BA significantly reduced Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, and total cholesterol while maintaining stable HDL-C levels. Renal and hepatic function remained unchanged, with increased uric acid as the only notable adverse event. No treatment discontinuations occurred. During follow-up, five patients underwent coronary angiography, two developed atrial fibrillation, and two were hospitalized for heart failure. BA demonstrated efficacy and tolerability in this high-risk, elderly population. It represents a viable lipid-lowering option for statin-intolerant patients or those ineligible for PCSK9 inhibitors. Further studies are needed to confirm long-term cardiovascular benefits.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1768671</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1768671</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Anshen Bunao syrup as a potential anti-aging agent: mechanistic insights and pharmacological evidence]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-10T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Yuanfang Sun</author><author>Qi Xia</author><author>Ruolan Wu</author><author>Gang Liu</author><author>Yongkuan Wang</author><author>Shikai Yan</author><author>Huizi Jin</author><author>Xiuyun Zhang</author><author>Xue Xiao</author><author>Shasha Li</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundAnshen Bunao Syrup (ABS) is a commonly used traditional Chinese patent medicine for insomnia and amnesia, and also has the potential to anti-aging but lacks scientific support of pharmacological and mechanism research. This study aims to investigate the anti-aging effect of ABS and its underlying mechanism.MethodsChemical constituents of ABS were analyzed by LC/MS. ABS effects were assessed on d-galactose induced aging rat model through open field tests, histopathological examinations, senescence-associated secretory phenotypes and biochemical assay. Integrated analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes and metabolites and to elucidate the potential mechanism.Results159 chemical constituents in ABS were profiled and structurally presumed. ABS can significantly alleviate skin aging, neural damage and other aging related symptoms, and as well can reduce the expression of senescence-associated secretory phenotypes. Integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics revealed that ABS treatment modulates the expression levels of CYP2J10, CBR3, and LPAR3, and restores sphingolipid and arachidonic acid metabolism. ELISA results indicated that ABS reduces pro-inflammatory factor levels and relieve oxidative stress.ConclusionABS exerts anti-aging effects by regulating sphingolipid and arachidonic acid metabolism, thereby inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress. This study is expected to provide research foundation for the development of ABS as a new anti-aging drug.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1640220</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1640220</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Research hotspots and trends in intrinsic capacity of older people in the context of population aging based on CiteSpace]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-04T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Minhua Ren</author><author>Hongtao Guo</author><author>Ye Tian</author><author>Yingjie Guo</author><author>Wanjun Guo</author><author>Liangjin Zhu</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectiveTo employ bibliometrics to identify the research hotspots and development trends of the intrinsic capacity of older people, thereby providing novel insights for future studies on the management of intrinsic capacity in older adults and further facilitating the advancement of healthy aging.MethodsThe literature on the intrinsic capacity of older people, published by China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP, and SinoMed, as well as the Web of Science Core Collection, was searched from January 2015 to December 2024. The Note Express 4.1.0 software was used for literature management, and the CiteSpace 6.4. R1 software was used to visually analyze the characteristics of the number of publications, countries, institutions, authors, and keywords, and to plot the relevant graphs.ResultsA total of 97 Chinese literature and 745 English literature were included. The number of publications on the older adults’ intrinsic capacity has shown an increasing trend both domestically and internationally. In the past 5 years, intrinsic capacity has received extensive attention, with 96.9% of Chinese papers and 79.6% of English papers published from 2020 to 2024. European researchers collaborate closely, whereas Chinese research shows weaker collaboration and strong regionalism. Keyword analysis identified 6 clusters in Chinese literature and 17 in English. Chinese hotspots mainly include influencing factors, evaluation tools, chronic disease, grip strength, frailty, and falls. Future directions focus on quality of life, social support, and the recovery period. English studies center on association, management, muscle strength, frailty, exercise, and social support, with potential future directions in supplementation and inflammation.ConclusionCurrently, Chinese research primarily focuses on analyzing influencing factors, with relatively few studies examining intervention measures, while English research has progressed to exploring of intervention strategies. As population aging accelerates, cross-institutional and interdisciplinary cooperation is becoming a key trend. Future research should deepen understanding, particularly for high-risk groups, and explore the effects of supplements, the predictive role of inflammatory markers, and the effectiveness of interventions for this population. These endeavors will contribute to providing precise and personalized management programs for older adults, enhance social support and quality of life, and promote the comprehensive implementation of healthy aging strategies.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1709281</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1709281</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Effect of milk and dairy intake on cognitive function in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-25T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>Yessica Giraldo-Castrillon</author><author>Juan Diego Mendoza</author><author>Marianne Lopez-Cabrera</author><author>Jose P. Lopez-Lopez</author><author>Patricio Lopez-Jaramillo</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionCognitive aging represents a growing challenge for global public health. Nutrition could have a beneficial effect in preserving cognitive function, and dairy products have been proposed as neuroprotective due to their nutrient density and bioactive compounds. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we evaluated the association between milk and dairy product intake and cognitive function in older adults.MethodsThe systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, LILACS, and Google Scholar through 9 August 2025, including randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies evaluating dairy intake versus low or no intake in adults aged ≥60 years. Meta-analysis were conducted using a random-effects model, and methodological quality was assessed using RoB 2.0 (Risk of Bias), ROBINS-I (Risk Of Bias in Non-randomized Studies), and GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation).Results22 studies were included (11 RCT, 11 observational studies; n = 47.100), of which 5 RCT (n = 369) and 5 observational (n = 5.302) studies were analyzed by meta-analysis. RCT revealed significant positive effects on global cognition [Standardized Mean Difference -SMD-) = 0.45; 95%CI: 0.30–0.60], memory, and processing speed. This effect was associated in fermented and fortified products, with moderate to high certainty. In observational studies no positive effect emerged (Odds Ratio [OR] = 0.95 95%CI: 0.89–1.02).ConclusionOur findings support the potential of dairy intake as a nutritional strategy to preserve cognitive function in older adults, with implications for clinical practice, public health, and food policy design.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1768935</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1768935</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Use of sensing technologies to assess sleep quality and physical activity levels in nursing home residents with dementia taking nightly psychotropic drugs for sleep disturbance: a cross-sectional study]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-25T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Lydia D. Boyle</author><author>Brice Marty</author><author>Kristoffer Haugarvoll</author><author>Ole Martin Steihaug</author><author>Bettina S. Husebo</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundSleep disturbances are common in people with dementia and nightly prescribed psychotropic drugs, such as sedatives or antidepressants, can increase risks such as injury, inactivity, and behavioral symptoms. Treatment decisions currently rely on periodic, proxy-rated questionnaires that may miss important daily fluctuations in sleep and activity. We explore whether sensing technologies provide insights into distinct differences in sleep characteristics and activity levels in nursing home residents with dementia who are prescribed nightly psychotropic drugs for sleep disturbances.MethodsForty-seven participants were recruited from four nursing homes in Bergen, Norway, and stratified according to prescribed nightly psychotropic drug use for sleep disturbance: 1) none, 2) medications with short half-lives, 3) medications with long half-lives. Garmin Vivoactive5 and Venu3, Vital Things Somnofy sleep monitor, and traditional questionnaires (Physical Self Maintenance Scale and Neuropsychiatric Inventory-Nursing Home version) were used for data collection. Digital metrics included Euclidean Norm Minus One (ENMO; day/night/24-h), Sleep Regulatory Index (SRI), Sleep Efficiency (SE), Total Sleep Time (TST), Sleep Fragmentation Index (SFI), and no presence (time out of bed).ResultsThirty participants (73–100 years old) were included for analysis. Groups taking psychotropic medications were awake for longer periods (WASO: chi2 = 8.7, p = 0.01) and had poorer sleep regularity (SRI: chi2 = 20.6, p = 0.0001). Participants taking psychotropic drugs had less physical activity (day/night/24-h ENMO), with greatest differences between those on medications with a long half-life (day: chi2 = 9.48, p = 0.009; night: chi2 = 12.83, p = 0.002; 24-h: chi2 = 8.23, p = 0.02) and those not on nightly psychotropic medications.ConclusionThe digital biomarkers collected using the selected sensing technologies offered nuanced information regarding sleep behaviors and physical activity levels, providing detailed distinction between the groups. Sensing technologies may be a promising companion to the currently used proxy-rated assessment tools for sleep disturbance and physical activity levels for people with dementia residing in nursing homes.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1730672</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1730672</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Non-pharmacological mental health interventions for older adults in Mexico: a systematic review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-23T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>María Fernanda Zapata-De la Rosa</author><author>Harvey Apolonio-Cortés</author><author>Rodrigo Ramirez-Rodriguez</author><author>Rafael Fernández-Demeneghi</author><author>Yuliana Yessy Gomez Rutti</author><author>Fabiola Ortiz-Cruz</author><author>Angel Puig-Lagunes</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionThe accelerated aging of the Mexican population presents an urgent public health challenge, particularly regarding geriatric mental health. While non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs) offer a promising therapeutic avenue, national evidence remains fragmented. This systematic review critically evaluates the efficacy of NPIs implemented in Mexico to improve mental health outcomes among adults aged 60 and older.MethodAdhering to PRISMA 2020 guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251033051), we conducted a comprehensive search across PubMed, Scopus, and the Virtual Health Library (2010–2025). We included randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies, assessing risk of bias via Joanna Briggs Institute tools.ResultsSeven studies (N = 267; mean age 71.9 ± 7.3) met the eligibility criteria. Synthesis of findings revealed distinct efficacy patterns: physical exercise interventions yielded the most robust outcomes, demonstrating large effect sizes for reducing depressive symptoms (ηp2 = 0.35) and enhancing resilience (ηp2 = 0.46). In contrast, cognitive and reminiscence-based therapies proved highly effective for improving self-esteem (d = −0.89) but showed inconsistent results for mood regulation.Discussion and ConclusionCurrent evidence confirms that NPIs—specifically structured physical activity—are potent and scalable tools for promoting geriatric mental health in Mexico. However, the existing literature is limited by heterogeneity and a lack of geographic coverage. To bridge the gap between research and practice, it is imperative that policymakers transition from isolated pilot interventions to the integration of standardized, evidence-based NPIs protocols within the national geriatric care system.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251033051, identifier CRD420251033051.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1728121</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1728121</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Cardiovascular risk factor changes associated with six-year circuit training in older adults: a retrospective cohort analysis]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-16T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Marcelo Pereira de Lima</author><author>Renata Miyabara</author><author>Lujain Fouad Khalaf</author><author>Shady Salah Bagady</author><author>Saed Fawaz Raddawi</author><author>José Antônio Silva Júnior</author><author>Ovidiu Constantin Baltatu</author><author>Luciana Aparecida Campos</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundPhysical exercise can significantly impact chronic disease prevention and health promotion in older adults. This retrospective cohort study evaluated the association between participation in a multidisciplinary physical exercise program and cardiovascular health outcomes in older adults over 6 years.MethodsThe Active Life circuit resistance training program incorporated aerobic, strength, balance, and flexibility exercises delivered in a community-based setting. While the Active Life Program was prospectively planned and implemented as a 6-year community-based intervention, the present study is a retrospective analysis of participants selected based on adherence (≥75% attendance) and availability of complete data from a digital platform. Thirty participants (n = 30; mean age 70.2 ± 5.4 years) completed the program, with 30 sedentary controls (n = 30) included for comparison. Eligibility criteria included age ≥60, presence of chronic cardiovascular risk factors, and ability to engage in moderate physical exercise. A concurrent sedentary control group (attendance <25%) was selected from the same eligible population. Cardiovascular risk factors were assessed at 6-month intervals.ResultsCompared to the sedentary group, the Active Life group demonstrated significantly lower systolic arterial pressure (p = 0.0009, η2 = 11.53%), with an average between-group difference of 10.5 ± 2.4 mmHg over the 1.5–6.0-year period. A significant reduction in the triglyceride-to-HDL-C ratio was observed starting at 2.5 years (p = 0.0146, η2 = 7.09%). Additionally, the Active Life group exhibited lower triglyceride levels (p = 0.0134, η2 = 5.73%; average difference: 33.9 ± 5.8 mg/dL) and fasting glucose levels (p = 0.0163, η2 = 6.23%; average difference: 16.1 ± 4.9 mg/dL) over the 3.0–6.0-year period compared to controls. No significant differences were observed in diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL-C, or HDL-C.ConclusionThis retrospective analysis suggests that sustained participation in a circuit resistance training program may be associated with favorable cardiovascular and metabolic profiles in older adults. However, given the non-randomized design, small sample size, and potential selection bias, these findings should be considered preliminary and exploratory. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these associations and establish causality.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1681481</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1681481</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Unwanted loneliness among older adults in rural areas: associated factors and guidelines for community intervention]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-05T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>A. Yurrebaso</author><author>E. Picado-Valverde</author><author>E. García-Valverde</author><author>R. Guzmán-Ordaz</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundUnwanted loneliness among older adults has become a growing public health concern, particularly in rural contexts characterized by population aging, depopulation, and limited access to services. While many interventions focus on functional and social dimensions, the subjective and emotional roots of loneliness remain insufficiently explored. This study aims to identify profiles at greater risk of loneliness and to analyze personal and community activities that may help mitigate it in highly depopulated rural municipalities.MethodsA cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted in five rural areas of western Salamanca, in municipalities with fewer than 500 inhabitants. A total of 153 individuals aged 60 and over participated. Structured interviews were carried out, including a sociodemographic questionnaire, variables related to available services, personal and community activities, and the UCLA Loneliness Scale Version 3. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests.Results41.2% of participants reported moderate or severe levels of loneliness. Living alone, having a low educational level, and not engaging in social or leisure activities were associated with higher levels of loneliness. Significant associations were found between loneliness and variables such as living alone (p = 0.012), not talking on the phone (p = 0.024), not reading (p = 0.010), and not engaging in community activities like going out, spending time with family, or exercising (p < 0.01). The availability of services in the municipality showed no statistically significant relationship.ConclusionIn rural contexts, loneliness among older adults appears to be more strongly influenced by the quality and frequency of social relationships than by the mere availability of services. Interventions should address not only structural or functional needs but also the emotional and relational dimensions, through personalized and community-based strategies that promote overall wellbeing. It is crucial to distinguish between social isolation and subjective loneliness, and to guide policies toward the strengthening of human connection.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1687784</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1687784</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Promoting healthy aging in a digital world: leveraging technology for enhanced elderly care and wellbeing]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-04T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Patrizio Armeni</author><author>Irem Polat</author><author>Leonardo Maria De Rossi</author><author>Lorenzo Diaferia</author><author>Sara De Padova</author><author>Athena Gatti</author><author>Severino Meregalli</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The rising demands of an aging population underscore the need for digital health technologies (DHTs) in elderly care. Traditional services, which rely heavily on face-to-face, human-dependent interactions by medical and nursing staff, may struggle to meet these needs amid growing healthcare workforce shortages. This review examines the emerging role of DHTs—including wearable sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and virtual reality (VR)—in supporting healthy aging. These technologies offer promising solutions to challenges such as chronic disease management, mobility impairments, cognitive decline, and social isolation. However, despite their potential, their adoption and integration into care systems remain limited due to a range of barriers. While we identify these barriers in detail, we also aim to open a broader discussion on why the urgency to act is particularly pronounced in Europe. The continent faces a sharp demographic shift, combined with uneven digital readiness across countries, under-resourced long-term care systems, and regional disparities in access to innovation. To fully harness the potential of DHTs in promoting healthy aging, this review outlines six strategic priorities: improving user-centered design; expanding real-world validation; promoting digital inclusion; addressing ethical and regulatory concerns; defining appropriate reimbursement and funding pathways; and innovating care delivery models. Advancing these areas will be critical to ensuring that DHTs contribute meaningfully to equitable and sustainable aging.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1644669</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1644669</link>
        <title><![CDATA[A comprehensive review of artificial intelligence as a catalyst in aging research: insights, gaps and future perspectives]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-01-28T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Tasnuva Binte Mahbub</author><author>Parsa Safaeian</author><author>Salman Sohrabi</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Aging is driven by interconnected genetic, epigenetic, molecular, and physiological processes spanning from unicellular to organismal levels. The surge in high-throughput data, from clinical and imaging to multi-omics, has outpaced traditional analysis methods; driving the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into aging research. This comprehensive review examines the application of machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision across four canonical aging models (yeast, Caenorhabditis elegans, Drosophila melanogaster, and mice), highlighting AI’s role in lifespan prediction, biomarker and gene discovery, aging-clock construction, and assay automation via automated animal counting and imaging. However, only 3% of the reviewed studies incorporated in vivo biological validation with common issues including small and imbalanced datasets, dataset bias, prediction noise, lack of cross-species analyses, absence of cytotoxicity testing, and overreliance on synthetic data. These drawbacks pose AI as just an aiding tool rather than a standalone solution, and without improvements in these sectors, AI-derived findings should be considered hypothesis generating rather than definitive conclusions. To address these issues, we propose the development of a standardized scoring system, AI Quality Assessment Metric (AI-QAM), for aging research that will evaluate studies on six criteria: (1) dataset size, (2) feature dimensionality, (3) biological validation type, (4) species diversity, (5) model generalizability, and (6) interpretability. Moreover, to mitigate the problem of lacking a unifying of a framework integrating AI approaches with biological mechanisms of aging, we present a conceptual framework, mapping AI applications across biological levels and aging hallmarks. AI will fulfill its potential in aging research only when it is firmly grounded in biological principles, systematically benchmarked, and rigorously validated through experimental studies.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1712500</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1712500</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Dementia prevention through the eyes of individuals at risk: insights from a satisfaction survey within the programme for dementia prevention in Luxembourg]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-01-16T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Dorothee Erz</author><author>Valerie E. Schröder</author><author>Amna Skrozić</author><author>João M. Loureiro</author><author>Nina Possemis</author><author>Rejko Krüger</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionEstablishing a nationwide prevention programme can be challenging, particularly in the field of dementia, as role model projects are lacking, and the topic is still associated with stigma. Hence, a satisfaction survey for the programme dementia prevention (pdp) in Luxembourg was conducted to obtain direct feedback from the participants on how the programme and its multidomain interventions are accepted and evaluated.MethodsIn 2023 and 2024, a satisfaction survey was sent out to all eligible pdp participants (n = 575). Participation was voluntary and anonymous, and the survey could be completed in paper form or online. The questionnaire contained 12 closed-ended questions rated on a Likert-scale and 3 open questions.Results302 (52.5%) participants returned the survey. The analysis revealed a high level of satisfaction with an overall average satisfaction of 4.7/5 points (SD = 0.6). 281 participants (95.9%) would recommend the pdp to others. A breakdown of the statements provided insights into areas of interest from the participants’ perspective.DiscussionOur study shows that the pdp is well received by its participants, underlined by a high level of satisfaction and positive responses to what pdp offers. Findings showed that interactions were perceived as informative to gain insights into one’s own cognitive performance and raised awareness of possibilities to reduce dementia risk, i.e., via lifestyle changes. Our results can serve as orientation for the implementation of emerging prevention programmes in different healthcare settings.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2025.1659284</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2025.1659284</link>
        <title><![CDATA[On demographic transformation: why we need to think beyond silos]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-01-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Opinion</category>
        <author>Nicholle Mae Amor Tan Maravilla</author><author>Myles Joshua Toledo Tan</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2025.1715756</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2025.1715756</link>
        <title><![CDATA[The Timed Up and Go dual-task test’s cognitive and motor outcomes show promising test-retest reliability in older adults with perceived memory impairment]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-01-08T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Niklas Löfgren</author><author>Vilmantas Giedraitis</author><author>Kjartan Halvorsen</author><author>Erik Rosendahl</author><author>Anna Cristina Åberg</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundIt is of utmost importance to identify older adults at risk of cognitive impairment at the earliest possible stage. Previous research supports the potential of investigating step parameters and turn duration during Timed Up and Go (TUG) during single and dual-task (TUGdt) conditions to detect subtle impairment. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the test-retest reliability and measurement error of novel outcomes related to TUG and two TUGdt tests, TUGdt-NA (naming animals) and TUGdt-MB (reciting months in reverse order), in older adults with perceived memory impairment.MethodsThirty-four participants (18 women, mean age 76) were included and assessed with TUG, TUGdt-NA and TUGdt-MB on two different occasions, 5–10 days apart. Tests were video recorded for data extraction of spatiotemporal step parameters and turn duration. Reliability of motor and cognitive outcomes were analyzed with intraclass correlations (ICC2.1), standard errors of measurement and minimal detectable change (MDC). The proportional measurement error was presented with MDC%.ResultsThe results showed very good reliability (ICC2.1 ≥ 0.85) regarding total completion times, although the measurement error and proportional measurement error (MDC%) was higher during TUGdt conditions than TUG. The reliability of cognitive outcomes during TUGdt favored TUGdt-MB (ICC2.1 ≥ 0.77, MDC% ≤39.8). Step length was the step parameter with highest reliability (ICC2.1 ≥ 0.86) and lowest proportional measurement error (MDC% ≤21.4) across conditions, whereas turn duration showed good reliability during TUG and TUGdt-MB (ICC2.1 ≥ 0.74, MDC%≤38.9).ConclusionThe results support the potential of including TUG and TUGdt outcomes in cognitive risk evaluations among older adults.Trial Registration NumberUppsala-Dalarna Dementia and Gait Project | ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT05893524.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2025.1594513</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2025.1594513</link>
        <title><![CDATA[The effectiveness of social support interventions on loneliness among older people in the community: a meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-01-07T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Guangting Huang</author><author>Xiaotong Yang</author><author>Li Yao</author><author>Xiaofang Li</author><author>Yuanping Wu</author><author>Shiqi Zhou</author><author>Yinhua Wang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundTo combat loneliness among elderly individuals, it is crucial to identify effective strategies that can alleviate the negative impact of loneliness on their overall well-being.ObjectiveThis study evaluated social support programs’ impact on loneliness in community-dwelling older adults. The goal was to inform tailored interventions that decrease loneliness and improve quality of life.MethodsWe systematically searched ten electronic databases (EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Weipu, WanFang, CBM) from inception to December 31, 2023, with citation chasing. Included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) tested social support interventions for loneliness reduction. Two independent reviewers extracted participant details, study characteristics, interventions, and outcomes. The methodological rigor of the included studies was assessed by JBI critical appraisal checklists.ResultsNineteen studies met inclusion criteria, with over half from China (n = 7) and the United States (n = 4). Meta-analysis showed that social support helped alleviate loneliness and the difference was statistically significant [SMD = −0.60, 95%CI (−1.00, −0.20), I2 = 93%, P = 0.003, random effect model]. Subgroup analysis showed significantly lower loneliness scores in experimental groups at less than 3 months [SMD = −0.68, 95%CI (−1.31, −0.06), I2 = 93%, P = 0.03, random effect model]. In addition, multiple-intervention groups also showed significantly lower scores versus controls. The combined result was [SMD = −1.26, 95%CI (−2.20, −0.32), I2 = 97%, P = 0.008, random effect model].ConclusionSocial support interventions effectively reduce loneliness among community-dwelling older adults. For practical application, community health professionals are encouraged to implement short-term (≤3 months) multicomponent programs that combine emotional, peer, and technological support, delivered through group counseling, tele-support, or structured social activities. Integrating these interventions into routine community nursing services and local age-friendly programs may enhance mental wellbeing and social connectedness among older adults.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2025.1737277</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2025.1737277</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Impact of digital health interventions on quality of life and mental health in older adults with chronic diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-01-05T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>Enliang Hu</author><author>Haozhe Wang</author><author>Jiayi Yao</author><author>Mingyu Liao</author><author>Wenjia Chen</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundChronic diseases significantly impact the health of older adults globally. While digital health technologies offer new avenues for management, existing evidence remains inconsistent with methodological limitations.MethodsWe systematically searched eight databases, including PubMed and Web of Science (from inception to 31 July 2025), for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving patients aged 60 and above with chronic conditions. A random-effects model was used to synthesize data to evaluate the impact of digital health interventions on general quality of life (QoL), disease-specific QoL, and mental health. The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE system.ResultsFifteen RCTs (n = 3253) were included. The meta-analysis showed that digital health interventions significantly improved general QoL (SMD = 0.54, 95% CI [0.30, 0.78]), disease-specific QoL (SMD = 0.39, 95% CI [0.17, 0.60]), and mental health status (SMD = 0.36, 95% CI [0.22, 0.50]) in older adults with chronic diseases. Although heterogeneity was observed in some outcomes, sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results. The GRADE assessment indicated that the quality of evidence for mental health improvement was high.ConclusionDigital health interventions effectively enhance the quality of life and mental health of older adults with chronic diseases, demonstrating clear clinical significance. The evidence supports the integration of digital health technologies into routine care systems, particularly standardized interventions for patients with respiratory and metabolic diseases.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD420251107861, identifier CRD420251107861.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2025.1693043</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2025.1693043</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Dietary phenolics and exercise complementation to delay aging at its source: a comprehensive review highlighting mitochondrial function]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-12-19T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Jiong Zhang</author><author>Wen-Wen Zhu</author><author>Yong-Yao Huang</author><author>Chuan-He Tang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundCurrently, aging issues are becoming more prominent, and the aging population is expanding. The reliance on medical or pharmaceutical means of combating aging and disease raises concerns about the long-term safety and economic impact. Therefore, sustainable and friendly strategies need to be explored urgently. Phenolic-rich antioxidant dietary regimens and exercise integrated into daily habits contain great anti-aging potential. Research on natural laws for anti-aging based on phenolics and exercise is in full swing.Scope and approachThe review first outlines the current status of aging and elucidates the root causes of aging. Second, the anti-aging mechanisms at the source through daily behaviors such as phenolic diets and exercise are introduced. Then, the combined anti-aging strategy of dietary phenolic supplements and exercise is proposed, providing a feasible basis for resource synergy between the two. Finally, constructive comments are made to guide practical implementation and future development.Key findings and conclusionsMitochondrial dysfunction and its ROS accumulation are the essence of aging pathogenicity, and its causes include lifestyle habits, age, and genes. The precise action on mitochondria through phenolics and exercise to ameliorate oxidative stress and maintain anti-aging function is in line with contemporary concepts of anti-aging. Although research on the combined effects of phenolics and exercise for anti-aging is scarce and faces multiple challenges, this new strategy is likely to be adopted as these issues are gradually resolved.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2025.1673926</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2025.1673926</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Ethical and logistical imperatives for AI-driven cardiovascular risk prediction among older adults in Tanzania: framing a digital health agenda for low-income settings]]></title>
        <pubdate>2025-12-18T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Opinion</category>
        <author>Innocent Arnold Tesha</author>
        <description></description>
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