Effects of resistance training on expression of IGF-I splice variants in younger and older men

Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and its splice variants Insulin-like growth factor-I isoform Ea (IGF-IEa) and mechano growth factor (MGF) may play an important role in muscular adaptations to resistance training (RT) that may be modulated by ageing. It has been suggested that IGF-I induces cellular responses via AKT8 virus oncogene cellular homolog (Akt) and Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) signalling pathways. Therefore, resistance exercise-induced changes in skeletal muscle IGF-IEa and MGF messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), and MGF, Erk1/2, Akt and p70S6K protein expression were investigated before and after 21 weeks of RT in younger (YM, 20–34 yrs., n?=?7) and older men (OM, 51–71 yrs., n?=?10). Experimental resistance exercises (RE) of 5?×?10 repetition maximum leg presses were performed pre- and post-RT. Muscle biopsies were obtained before and 48?h after REs, to study the late response to muscle loading. The muscle proteins or mRNAs of interest were not systematically influenced by the REs or RT, except for MGF mRNA expression which was increased (p?ageing appears not to effect expression of the present signalling molecules involved in skeletal muscle hypertrophy.     

Psychosocial wellbeing in active older adults: A systematic review of qualitative literature

Physical activity and wellbeing in older adults is a global priority in combating negative economic consequences associated with population aging. Quantitative research using a medicalized model clearly associates physical activity with physiological health benefits. However, it is argued that a review of qualitative literature exploring individual experiences of active older adults can provide important insights into physical activity, aging, and wellbeing – specifically, how discourses of ageing and self-identity may interact with physical activity levels. A literature search on electronic databases PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, and ProQuest was used to identify qualitative studies of older adults who exercise or engage in competitive sport. Findings reveal that both groups tend to resist dominant negative stereotypes of ageing and view physical activity as central to self- identity. Yet approaches to ageing varied with the competitive sport group adopting a more negative view of the ageing process. Whilst results suggest that different levels of physical activity may impact on the psychosocial wellbeing of older adults, inconsistent definitions of exercise and competitive sport make it impossible to group these differences according to specific physical activity levels. More precise definitions of physical activity constructs in future research may provide a better understanding of these differences.     

Intergenerational practice: contributing to a conceptual framework

The ageing of the European population is creating a new demographic mix, increasing the relevance of intergenerational practice (IGP). To date, however, this field lacks an appropriate conceptual framework. This study aims to contribute to such a framework through an integrative review of peer-reviewed papers reporting on IGPs. Fifteen papers were obtained, published over the last 20 years. The main findings suggest that the wealth of IGPs lies in their versatility/diversity. In order to build an appropriate conceptual framework for IGP, it is recommended that IGP be understood as a tool to restructure society: from generations’ segregation to generations’ cooperation.     

Third age learning: adapting the idea to a Thailand context of lifelong learning

The concept of the university of the third age (U3A) is well established overseas and a key international focus for emerging global networks of senior citizen (i.e. seniors) lifelong learning. However it is yet to become so in Thailand although it too is in the process of becoming an ageing society. Moreover, this is despite the extent to which community learning centres and related agencies of non-formal as well as formal learning are popular and generally well-established in the local context. This paper investigates the reasons for possible local resistance to the U3A concept. It will do so as a basis for exploring the idea of reframing local efforts to promote seniors lifelong learning in terms of a wider and cross-culturally convergent concept of ‘third age learning’. In this way the paper will further consider some of the interesting, relevant and transferable global implications of the local dilemma regarding the U3A concept in a fast-changing world of increasing uncertainty in work, security, and other aspects of life.     

中西交融文化下的香港老年社会福利述评

面对人口已经严重老龄化的现状,多年来,特别是在后殖民地时期,香港摸索出了一套与自身经济、政治、文化背景相符合的老年福利模式。香港老年福利体系主要由老年保障和安老服务两方面所构成,其中,老年保障主要包括综援与生果金、强积金和个人储蓄及家庭资助;安老服务主要包括长者社区支持服务和安老院舍照顾服务。现时香港老年福利制度与其中西合璧的政治、社会、历史文化背景和自由主义的经济体制密不可分,而且未来的老年福利改革也要顺应香港的实情和民意。因此,无论是香港老年福利的当前架构,还是未来改革方向,对于正在高速发展的中国内地,都具有一定的参考价值。     

法定退休年龄对高龄劳动者就业的影响

我国已经进入老龄化社会,并且老龄化现象还在进一步加重。促进高龄劳动者就业作为缓解老龄化给劳动力市场造成的冲击有着重要的作用。我国目前的法定退休年龄设置,给高龄劳动者就业产生了比较不利的影响。     

人口老龄化背景下进一步完善苏州市居家养老服务体系的思考

从公共管理和社会政策的角度,结合苏州市老年人居家养老服务需求的调查,分析苏州市居家养老服务取得的成效、主要特点及存在的问题。在充分借鉴国外和国内发达地区经验基础上,提出进一步完善居家养老服务体系的基本思路和政策建议。     

试论中国国情下的社区居家养老服务

我国已步入人口老龄化国际行列。社会老龄化所带来的诸多问题日渐显现,社会的人口老龄化导致家庭养老面临层出不穷,越来越得到党和政府的高度关注。通过对国内外养老模式探寻和发展经验的总结,结合我国国情,笔者认为在目前社会政治、经济等条件下,居家养老与社区养老服务相结合的养老模式当为首选。     

Heat and moisture promoted deterioration of raw silk estimated by amino acid analysis

Silks are amongst the most precious artifacts of our textile heritage. While most silk fabrics are made from degummed silk, some in collections, such as ancient Chinese Juan, are composed of raw or just partially degummed silk. Such silks with remnant sericin gum may require special consideration for their optimum preservation. Conservators and curators then need to know which of the silks in their collections are in this category, and what effect the sericin has on the ageing of silk fibres. In the study reported here, the artificial heat and moisture ageing of raw silk was investigated by means of amino acid analysis. Amongst various amino acid molar ratios, Asp/Gly proved a valuable indicator of residual sericin gum on aged silk. Measurement of the tyrosine content was also useful for gauging the conservation state of silk in some circumstances. The results of the amino acid analyses when combined with those for tensile tests suggested that sericin did not inhibit fibroin deterioration under the ageing conditions employed.