BACKGROUND Oseltamivir has been registered for use as post-exposition prophylaxis (PEP) following exposure to influenza, based on studies among healthy adults. Effectiveness among frail elderly nursing home populations still needs to be properly assessed. METHODS We conducted a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial of PEP with either oseltamivir (75 mg once daily) or placebo among ...

OBJECTIVES Changing demographics and pressures on the healthcare system mean that more older people with complex medical problems need to be supported in primary and community care settings. The challenge of managing medicines effectively in frail elderly patients is considerable. Our research investigates what can go wrong and why, and seeks insight into the context that might set the scene fo...

Nephrologists have focused on the uremic syndrome as an indication for dialysis. The elderly frail renal patient approaching ESRD represents a complex biologic system that is already failing. This patient phenotype exhibits progressive geriatric disabilities and dependence interspersed with shrinking periods of stability regardless of whether dialysis is started. Consequently, the frail renal p...

We present normative data from a large population-based sample of centenarians for several brief, global neurocognitive tasks amenable for frail elders. Comparative data from octogenarians are included. A total of 244 centenarians and 80 octogenarians from Phase III of the Georgia Centenarian Study were administered the Mini-Mental Status Examination, Severe Impairment Battery, and Behavioral D...

Myanmar is one of the poorest and least healthy countries in Southeast Asia. As elsewhere in the region, population aging is occurring. Yet the government welfare and health systems have done little to address the long-term care (LTC) needs of the increasing number of older persons thus leaving families to cope on their own. Our study, based on the 2012 Myanmar Aging Survey, documents the LTC n...

Purpose: In 2004, Quebec’s Health and Social Care Ministry implemented an integrative reform aiming to systematize coordination which employed prescriptive devices. The will to systematize coordination practices is supported by formal coordination devices, such as case management. However, many obstacles lay in the path of these devices’ usage. Theory: This presentation is based on Boltanski an...

Purpose: Interest is growing in integrated systems of e-care for the frail elderly. The present project promotes cognitive training and assessment using ICT tools, stimulates the socialization, shares and monitors the situation of the elderly by different professionals, care givers and relatives. Context: Within the frame of the European Commission funded SOCIABLE Project, 348 elderly are parti...

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women, and its incidence increases with age. The average age at diagnosis is 61 years, and the majority of deaths occurs after the age of 65 years. Optimal approach to elderly women with breast cancer is still a major challenge. Elderly patients with cancer should have at least a brief geriatric assessment to detect potentially treatable problem...

OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to evaluate the benefits of influenza vaccination against hospitalization and mortality on frail elderly people. DESIGN The design was a population-based retrospective cohort study. SETTING Taiwan's National Health Insurance claims data. PARTICIPANTS Participants were 5063 frail seniors, followed up for four years. MEASUREMENTS Measurements inc...

Within policy and practice there is an increasing interest in the care of frail elders. However understanding of the experience and challenges of living and dying with frailty in older age is currently undeveloped. Frailty is often used as a synonym for the increasing infirmities that accompany ageing and the slow dwindling dying trajectory of many elders. However, there is little empirical wor...