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Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
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When Functional Impairment Develops Early: Perspectives from Middle-Aged Adults.

Edison Xu1,2,3, Francesca M Nicosia4,5, Kara Zamora4,5

  • 1Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA. edisonxu@usc.edu.

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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Functional impairment in middle age impacts daily life, causing psychosocial and physical challenges. Addressing unmet needs is crucial for improving function and quality of life in this growing population.

Keywords:
functional impairmentmiddle-aged adultspremature aging

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Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Rehabilitation Medicine
  • Sociology of Health

Background:

  • Functional impairment, difficulty with daily activities, affects over 15% of middle-aged adults, with increasing prevalence.
  • Limited understanding exists regarding the lived experiences and specific needs of individuals experiencing functional impairment during middle age.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the experiences and identify the unmet needs of middle-aged adults who have developed functional impairment.
  • To gain insight into the psychosocial and physical impacts of functional impairment in this demographic.

Main Methods:

  • Qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews with 40 participants aged 50-64.
  • Participants were recruited from primary care clinics in San Francisco.
  • Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview data on daily life, activities of daily living (ADLs), and needs.

Main Results:

  • Participants reported significant psychosocial impacts, including loss of independence and identity conflict, and used coping strategies like acceptance and social comparison.
  • Functional impairment was perceived as premature compared to natural aging, and environmental inaccessibility exacerbated challenges.
  • Unmet needs contributed to downstream effects such as safety risks, falls, frustration, and fear.

Conclusions:

  • Middle-aged adults with functional impairment commonly experience unmet psychosocial and physical needs, leading to adverse outcomes.
  • Addressing these unmet needs is vital for mitigating negative health consequences and enhancing function and quality of life.
  • Intervention strategies should focus on the specific challenges faced by this population to optimize well-being.