Older adults are worse than young adults at perceiving emotions in others. However, it is unclear why these age-related differences in emotion perception exist. The studies presented in this thesis investigated the cognitive, emotional and motivational factors influencing age differences in emotion perception. Study 1 revealed no age differences in mood congruence effects: sad faces were rated as more sad when participants experienced negative mood. In contrast, Study 2 demonstrated that sad mood impaired recognition accuracy for sad faces. Together, findings suggested that different methods of assessing emotion perception engage the use of discrete processing strategies. These mood influences on emotion perception are similar in young and older adults. Studies 3 and 4 investigated age differences in emotion perception tasks which are more realistic and contextualised than still photographs of facial expressions. Older adults were worse than young at recognising emotions from silent dynamic displays; however, older adults outperformed young in a film task that displayed emotional information in multiple modalities (Study 3). Study 4 suggested that the provision of vocal information was particularly beneficial to older adults. Furthermore, vocabulary mediated the relationship between age and performance on the contextual film task. However, age-related deficits in decoding basic emotions were established in a separate multi-modal video-based task. In addition, age differences in the perception of neutral expressions were also examined. Neutral expressions were interpreted as displaying positive emotions by older adults. Using a dual-task paradigm, Study 5 suggested that working memory processes are involved in decoding emotions. However, age-related declines in working memory were not driving age effects in emotion perception. Neuropsychological, motivational and cognitive explanations for these results are evaluated. Implications of these findings for older adults' social functioning are discussed.

Resumo: O envelhecimento provoca declínios físico e/ou cognitivo. Ainda, algumas conseqüências da institucionalização do idoso parecem influenciar negativamente suas esferas física e cognitiva, geralmente já prejudicadas. Porém, o exercício aeróbio pode beneficiar ambas as esferas. Assim, esta pesquisa divide-se em Estudo #1 (transversal) e Estudo #2 (longitudinal) OBJETIVO: realizar o perfil de nível de atividade física, independência funcional básica, funções executivas, memória e estado cognitivo geral de idosos moradores de instituições de longa permanência para idosos de Rio Claro-SP (Estudo #1), e analisar possíveis efeitos de um programa de Dança de Salão nestas variáveis (Estudo #2). MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: para o Estudo #1, a amostra foi aleatória e abrangeu 89,8% da população institucionalizada. Para o Estudo #2, a amostra foi de 14 idosos no Grupo Controle e de 13 idosos no Grupo Treinamento; o treinamento foi de três sessões de Dança de Salão por semana, durante seis meses. Em ambos os estudos foi aplicada a mesma bateria de testes e questionários. Os dados foram analisados com p<0,05. No Estudo #1, foi calculada média, desvio-padrão e quartis, além do coeficiente de correlação de Pearson para nível de atividade física e independência funcional básica com as outras variáveis. No Estudo #2, utilizou-se o teste de Shapiro-Wilk para analisar a normalidade da distribuição dos dados, teste t de Student para análise de similaridade inicial entre ambos os grupos. Assim, utilizou-se ANOVA two-way, three-way e four-way, dependendo do teste, além do coeficiente de correlação de ix Pearson. RESULTADOS: Em ambos os estudos, o desempenho dos idosos foi muito abaixo do esperado. No Estudo #1, obteve-se: idade=75,3 anos; Mini- Exame do Estado Mental=11,5 pontos; Escala Geriátrica de Depressão=12,8 pontos; Questionário Baecke Modificado... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Aging causes physical and/or cognitive decline. Moreover, some consequences of older adult's institutionalization seem to exert a negative influence on their physical and cognitive spheres, which are generally are impaired. Anyhow, aerobic exercise can benefit both spheres. So, this research is divided into Study #1 (transversal) and Study #2 (longitudinal). OBJECTIVE: accomplish the profile of physical activity level, basic functional independence, executive functions, memory and general cognitive state of older adults living in the long-care homes at Rio Claro-SP (Study #1), and to analyze the possible effects of a Ballroom Dancing program in those variables (Study #2). MATERIAL AND METHODS: the sample selected in the framework of the Study#1 was randomized and achieved 89,8% of institutionalized population. With regard to Study #2, the sample included 14 older adults in the control group and 13 older adults in the training group. The training consisted by three sessions of Ballroom Dancing a week, during six months. The same battery of tests and questionnaires was applied to both studies. The data were analyzed with p<0,05. Along the Study #1, the mean and the standard-desviation e quarters were calculated, as well as the Pearson correlation coefficient concerning the physical activity level and the basic functional independence with other variables. Along the Study #2, ANOVA two-way, three-way e fourway was used, according with the test, in addition to the Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: in both studies, older adult's engagement was lower than expected. Study #1 shows that: age=75.3 years old; Mini Exam of Mental State=11.5 points; Geriatric Depression Scale=12.8 points; Modified Baecke 100 Questionnaire for Older Adults=1.0 point, and Katz Scale of Basic Functional Independence=4.5 points, in addition... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Orientador: Sebastião Gobbi / Coorientador: Ruth Ferreira Santos / Banca: Hanna Karen Moreira Antunes / Banca: Cátia Mary Volp / Mestre

<p> Human values are a perennially important and popular topic in psychology. In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), values are one of the six core processes have been shown to contribute to psychological flexibility (the ability consciously to contact the present moment fully and without needless defense, and to persist in or change behavior(s) in pursuit of one&rsquo;s chosen values). Values in ACT may be conceptualized as a compass guiding a person&rsquo;s behaviors in a direction. Values are also an important topic in geropsychology, often in the context of healthcare values and preferences. Even outside of healthcare settings, the aging process itself makes values work relevant. As we age, we must adapt to changing environments, diminishing cognitive and physical abilities, shrinking social circles, inevitable losses, and increased exposure to ageism. As the population demographics of the U.S. and other nations continues to shift toward older ages, there is a growing need for better treatments and assessment tools related to values that are suitable for use with older adults. </p><p> The Values Across the Lifespan Questionnaire, or VALQUEST, was developed to explore a new and more concrete yet flexible approach for values assessment that could meet the needs of older adults specifically and adults more generally. The VALQUEST was administered to 488 adults (253 over the age of 55) along with other relevant measures. Factor analysis led to a reduction in items, an improved scoring system, and evidence for a three-factor structure consistent with the design of the measure. The VALQUEST showed compelling evidence of concurrent validity with its large correlations with a well-studied measure of values, the Valued Living Questionnaire (VLQ: Wilson, Sandoz, Kitchens, &amp; Roberts, 2010). Construct validity was evidenced through VALQUEST&rsquo;s significant and consistent correlations with theoretically related measures of psychological flexibility, committed action, depression, and life satisfaction. </p><p> The VALQUEST adds the unique components of values identification (specifying and quantifying specific values from a provided list of exemplars) and assessment of the intrinsic or extrinsic motivation behind the values. In comparing the VALQUEST with the VLQ and measures of psychological flexibility and committed action as correlates of depression and life satisfaction, the VALQUEST was consistently related and often accounted for additional variance beyond well-established measures in these areas. Study limitations include collecting data at a single time point, leaving temporal reliability and measure reactivity unknown. </p><p> The VALQUEST is a viable measure that can be used now and can be easily modified for future purposes. The present study provides a "proof of concept" for the strategy deployed to create VALQUEST. While originally conceived with older adults as a special population of interest, the values measurement approach can readily be applied to values measurement development with other groups, such as specific cultural groups, military veterans, medical students, and so on. It could also be used to assess broad values, not separated by life domains; or many additional domains beyond the three in the current version. Subparts of the VALQUEST would be well-suited for use in time series designs assessing the dynamic interplay between values and other variables in daily life using ecological momentary assessment. The VALQUEST provides unique qualitative information about individual values while still maintaining a low response burden and collecting quantitative data, opening up many new areas of research into human values.</p><p>

archives@tulane.edu / Neutrophils are the most abundant white blood cells in human blood and require continuous replenishment from bone marrow granulopoiesis throughout life. Their function as phagocytes in innate immunity has been well studied, but the dynamics and movement of neutrophils in vivo are less clearly understood. To quantitate the kinetics of neutrophil movement during homeostasis, acute inflammation, and aging, we applied 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) pulse-chase labeling followed by hematology and flow cytometry analyses in healthy, acutely-infected, and aged rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). We applied our kinetics results to a mathematical model and calculated that neutrophils have a half-life of 1.63 ± 0.16 days and a daily production of 1.42×109 cells / L / day in heathy young adult rhesus macaques. In rhesus macaques undergoing acute inflammation, we followed neutrophil kinetics during acute stages of a bacterial infection (Shigella) and viral infection (SIV). A massive replenishment of neutrophils from bone marrow to blood as indicated by BrdU kinetics occurred as early as 3 days post Shigella inoculation, the degree to which correlated with the Shigella inoculation doses. As animals aged, neutrophil production declined while plasma G-CSF levels increased, and there was an earlier release, as well as higher in-group variability in neutrophil kinetics, particularly upon reaching 20 years of age or older (equivalent to 70 years or more in humans). This suggested a dysregulated feedback mechanism whereby increased levels of G-CSF failed to restore neutrophil production in elderly rhesus macaques that was associated with induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and earlier release of less mature neutrophils and PMN-MDSCs. Taken together, we established a rhesus macaque model to study neutrophil kinetics and functions in vivo during homeostasis, acute inflammation, and aging. Our results emphasized the massive production of neutrophils during homeostasis and the continuous requirement but reduced replenishment capabilities during aging. The significance of the results also indicates an important role for these long-discovered leukocytes in maintaining homeostasis beyond phagocytic pathogen clearance. / 1 / Ziyuan He

Older adults are prone to experiencing more frequent pain due to surgeries, age-associated diagnoses, and/or accumulated injury. Opioids are the most effective treatment for pain, but negative side effects and age-associated pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics changes limit their safe use in older adults. Endomorphins (EMs) are endogenous opioid ligands whose analogs show improved analgesic properties with fewer side effects. This study examines the antinociceptive properties and motor side effects of an EM analog at a high dose in young animals and in isolated (IH) and environmentally enriched (EE) housed older animals. Young mice given high doses of Morphine (MS) and EM analog experienced ¬equal antinociception, but when compared to vehicle animals the MS mice were significantly impaired on a test of motor coordination (rotarod) while the EM animals were not. In older animals, possible stress-induced analgesia (SIA) was observed in IH animals while not in EE animals. An overall main effect of housing was detected at p≤.0.05, and the effect of SIA began as soon as 7 days after housing assignment. Animals in IH or EE given an EM analog were statistically different at p≤0.01, while the difference between IH and EE animals given MS reached only p≤0.05. In older adults, participants who attended a day program with scheduled activities showed significant decreases from Time 1 to Time 2 in pain intensity and number of medications, and scores were trending toward significance pain control. By Time 2, patients attending the day program had significantly lower scores of pain intensity compared to adults who received in-home services only. Loneliness and isolation decreased in groups receiving either in-home services or attending the day program. In general, adults who increased services experienced the greatest decreases in pain and psychosocial variables. This study suggests that the response to EE is similar in both humans and rats and that a careful increase in stimulation is the best practice in activity planning for older adults. Policy requirements for EE in older adults residential and day facilities may positively impact the pain medication consumption in this growing population. / 1 / Penny Roberts

Sub-Saharan African is experiencing major sociodemographic trends that include population aging, the proliferation of both Christianity and Islam, and the contribution of migration to the dynamics that exist between urban and rural areas. The need to better understand the health of older adults in a setting largely lacking the formal means to support them is essential. The purpose of this research is to examine various factors related to the health of older women and men in rural Malawi, using quantitative data from the Malawi Longitudinal Study of Families and Health (MLSFH). Analysis begins in the residential setting but extends to include social and religious spaces beyond the family, and how some of these factors influence the likelihood of migration for older respondents. The primary measures of health are the mental and physical health scores from the Short-Form 12 (SF-12). Overall, the findings of the three studies in this paper show that: (1) co-residence with offspring has a positive relationship with health for older women, while older men who live in a larger household or with a greater number of females have better health; (2) older adults affiliated with most Christian denominations are less healthy compared to Muslims; (3) participation in religious activities may be particularly important for the health of older women, especially at lower levels of wealth; and (4) the likelihood of migration for older women increases with age and with HIV-positive status, while for older men the likelihood of migration decreases with age but increases with physical health. Overall, these findings indicate that certain factors within and beyond the residential setting have an important relationship with health, and that these factors can serve as determinants of migration in older age in rural Malawi. / 1 / Jacob Evans Kendall

Non-pathological decline in memory is a pervasive process during aging. One common age-associated condition that is linked to cognitive dysfunction is inflammation. In particular, cellular signaling via the nuclear factor kappa B pathway (NFκB), which regulates inflammation, is up-regulated during the aging process but its precise role in learning and memory across the lifespan is not fully understood. The purpose of the experiments in this dissertation were to investigate the role of NFκB in age-associated cognitive decline and to determine factors that mediate cognitive decline during aging in conditions with up-regulated NFκB signaling. To achieve these aims, young, middle-aged and aged rats were tested on a hippocampus-dependent memory task and levels of NFκB were compared between age groups and individual differences in NFκB levels were correlated with memory. In young mice, inflammation was induced via dextran sulfate sodium, and levels of NFκB and memory were compared between groups and individual variation in NFκB was correlated with behavior. Lastly, using the Midlife Development in the United States data set, the psychosocial variables that predict cognitive decline with age were examined in relation to inflammatory status. The results from this dissertation provide insight into the co-variation of NFκB signaling and cognition across the lifespan and identify important personal and experiential factors that may alter this relationship. / 1 / Andrea F Jones

Evolutionary theories of ageing and senescence provide a framework that allows to understand why apparently maladaptive senescent phenotypes are observed under natural conditions, despite the fact that natural selection should, at first sight, be opposed to mechanisms that lead to the deterioration of bodily functions with advancing age. While ageing has been shown in the wild and has been explored under artificial laboratory conditions, sex-dependent pattern were not considered in detail. The aim of this thesis is to draw from the existing theories of sexual selection, life-history and sexual conflict, to get a more complete understanding of sex-specific effects on ageing patterns. The organism I use in all experiments is the Black Field Cricket Teleogryllus commodus. To test for sex-specific demographic ageing patterns in the wild, I use a capture-mark-recapture study and analyse the resulting data with a new method that combines classic capture-recapture models with a recent mathematical technique that allows to estimate survival probabilities from recapture data for which the date of births of animals are unknown (Chapter 2). I test for reproductive and demographic ageing under near-natural conditions in field enclosure (Chapter 3). In laboratory based manipulation studies I estimate the effect of a) different juvenile and adult diets on the ageing patterns (Chapter 4), and b) a reduction of the ability to spend energy on calling and how this relates to lifespan (Chapter 5). In a half-sib breeding design I measure early and late reproductive effort in males and in females to estimate genetic correlations and thereby test for antagonistic pleiotropy between early and late components and between males and females. The studies in the wild indicate that Teleogryllus commodus senesce under natural conditions and that males have overall higher mortality rates. Females, not males, show reproductive ageing under both enclosure and laboratory conditions. The genetic architecture revealed no discord between male and female fitness components and there was no evidence for antagonistic pleiotropy between early and late fitness components. These results show that a) it is important to include male measures of reproductive effort in ageing studies and that b) the field of ageing research should benefit a lot from incorporating sexual selection, life-history and sexual conflict theory.

With medical advancements extending the life span, age-related cognitive decline is a growing problem for the United States. A rat model of cognitive aging was used to investigate the GABAergic neurotransmitter system in relation to changes in learning and memory functions. Confocal stereology was used to determine the number of GABAergic and cholinergic projection neurons in the rostral basal forebrain of spatially characterized young and aged male F344 rats. The GABAergic system was then assessed as a potential target for improving age-related cognitive decline using an odor discrimination task sensitive to decline in aging. Performance of aged rats was impaired compared to young rats on the spatial version of the Morris water maze. Notably, a high degree of variability in individual abilities was observed among aged rats such that some aged rats performed on par with young (aged-unimpaired) and others performed outside the range of young, demonstrating impairment (aged-impaired). The number of basal forebrain neurons expressing multiple immunomarkers for GABAergic septohippocampal projection cells was selectively increased in aged-impaired rats in comparison to both young and aged-unimpaired rats. Indeed, among aged rats, worse performance in the water maze was reliably associated with higher GABAergic cell number. The number of cholinergic neurons, quantified in adjacent sections did not differ as a function of chronological age or cognitive status. These data suggest that aging can dysregulate GABAergic systems in circuitry important for learning and memory and such alterations may contribute to age-related cognitive decline. To test whether the GABAergic system may be a viable target for treating age-related cognitive decline, a second cohort of young and aged rats was characterized in an odor discrimination task. Similar to aged rat water maze performance, some aged rats performed odor learning discrimination problems on par with the young cohort (i.e. aged-unimpaired) and some aged rats were impaired compared to young (i.e. aged-impaired). Using a within-subjects design, the GABA(B) antagonist, CGP 55845 completely ameliorated odor discrimination learning deficits in aged-impaired rats in a dose-dependent manner. These data support the hypothesis that the GABAergic system should be a novel target for therapies aimed at treating age-related cognitive decline.

This investigation explored implicit and explicit memory consequences of age differences in susceptibility to distraction when previous distraction occurs as target information in a later memory task. Younger and older adults were presented with either implicit (Study 1) or explicit (Studies 2 and 3) memory tasks that included previously distracting and new words. Study 1 explored whether prior exposure to distraction would transfer to improve memory when previously distracting words were included in list to be studied for a recall task. Older adults recalled more previously distracting than new words whereas younger adults recalled the same amount of previously distracting and new words. This initial study was implicit in its use of previously distracting information in that participants were neither informed nor aware of their prior exposure to words in the recall task. Here, only older adults’ memory was influenced by prior exposure to distraction and their recall actually increased to the level of younger adults with implicit use of distraction to improve performance. Subsequent studies investigated explicit influences of prior exposure to distraction on later memory. In Study 2, both younger and older adults showed reliable memory for previously distracting words in an explicit recognition task. These results suggest that although younger adults encode distraction, they do not transfer this information when previous distraction occurs as target stimuli in an implicit memory task. Study 3 investigated whether participants would transfer previous distraction to improve recall if the task was explicit in its use of previous distraction. When cueing instructions were given before the memory task informing participants of the connection between tasks, older adults once again recalled more previously distracting than new words. In contrast to the results of Study 1, younger adults also recalled more previously distracting than new words. Taken together, the results indicate that younger adults do encode distraction, but they require explicit instructions to transfer their knowledge of distraction to later tasks. In contrast, older adults apply their knowledge of distraction in both implicit and explicit memory tasks. Implications are discussed in terms of inhibitory control theory and age differences in strategies engaged in memory tasks.