[Effective Interventions for Metabolic Syndrome in the Elderly: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis]

In the Republic of Korea, the elderly population is increasing every year and, as we move toward becoming a super-aging society, it is of utmost importance to manage metabolic syndrome, which is the cause of chronic diseases in the elderly population. Metabolic syndrome can be considered a lifestyle disease and needs to be approached from various aspects, including diet, exercise, smoking cessation, and moderation in drinking. In order to reduce metabolic syndrome symptoms in the elderly population, a systematic literature review and meta-analysis were conducted focusing on domestic experimental studies developed so far. This study analyzed 17 intervention studies through a systematic literature review and meta-analysis conducted to integrate and analyze the results of experimental studies that identified the effects of intervention programs implemented on seniors aged 65 years or older on metabolic syndrome indicators. Exercise programs and complex interventions were analyzed. These exercises and combined interventions were confirmed to be effective on metabolic syndrome indicators such as blood pressure, neutral fat, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, waist circumference, and fasting blood sugar. It was confirmed that an intervention lasting more than 12 weeks was more effective for metabolic syndrome indicators in the elderly than a 6-week intervention. Based on the results of this study, it can be used as basic data for the development of future intervention programs by reflecting effective factors in metabolic syndrome indicators in the elderly population.