Supportive Geriatrics

Predictors of Stroke Risk in Older Adults: Influence of Agility, Bone Mineral Density, Blood Pressure, and Blood Sugar across Age and Gender Aparna Gupta, Rashid Akhtar AFMC, Pune, Maharashtra, India Background: Stroke remains a major cause of disability and mortality worldwide, with multifactorial determinants including physiological and lifestyle-related factors. Identifying predictors across age and gender groups can support early prevention strategies. Aims: This study aimed to analyze the association between stroke risk and four parameters—agility, bone mineral density (BMD), blood pressure (BP), and random blood sugar (RBS)—in older adults, while also examining differences by age and gender. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 41 adults aged 50–80 years at Health care at home (HCAH), Gurgaon from July to October 2025. Stroke risk was assessed as the dependent variable, and agility, BMD, BP, and RBS were considered independent predictors. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was applied to determine associations, and linear regression was used to quantify predictive strength. Results: Correlation analysis showed weak negative associations of stroke risk with agility (r = –0.07) and BMD (r = –0.09). RBS displayed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.64), while BP showed moderate positive correlation (r = 0.27–0.29). Gender and age-specific analysis indicated that stroke risk peaked among females aged 60–70 years, with an average correlation of 2.45, while males exhibited slightly higher values (2.58). Regression analysis confirmed RBS as the strongest predictor, followed by BP, with minimal contribution from agility and BMD. Conclusion: Elevated RBS and BP are the most significant predictors of stroke risk in adults aged 50–80 years. Preventive strategies should prioritize glucose and blood pressure control, particularly in women aged 60–70 years and men across older age groups. Identification and Prediction of Falls among Older Adults in Tertiary Care Hospitals Prabhashdeo Prasad, Prakash Kumar Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India Background: Falls among older adults are one of the leading causes of injury, disability, and reduced quality of life. With the rapid growth of the ageing population in India, preventing falls has become an urgent public health priority. However, there is limited hospital-based evidence from Indian urban settings, highlighting the need for context-specific research. Aim: To identify and predict fall-prone elderly individuals in a hospital setting. Objectives: (1) To assess fall risk among older adults attending OPD and admitted to wards at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital (MGUMST). (2) To determine the association of risk factors with falls among older adults. (3) To enable early prediction of falls and educate the older population regarding known risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study will be conducted at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, Jaipur, including participants aged 60 years and above attending OPD and inpatient wards. Informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Exclusion criteria will include individuals unwilling to participate or unable to provide consent. Data collection will involve structured questionnaires and validated fall-risk assessment tools, followed by statistical analysis to determine correlations between risk factors and falls. Anticipated Results: The study is expected to identify key risk factors contributing to falls among elderly patients and develop predictive insights into individuals at higher risk. This would help in early detection and targeted interventions. Conclusion: Findings from this study will provide evidence to design fall-prevention strategies, guide clinical practice, and support public health policies aimed at reducing fall-related morbidity and mortality in elderly populations. Effects of Eight-week Progressive Yoga Intervention on Physical, Cognitive, and Psychological Outcomes among Institutionalized Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial Rajkumar Powdel Manipur Central University, Imphal, Manipur, India Background: Older adults living in institutional care facilities are especially vulnerable to declines in physical strength, mobility, mood, and cognitive function. These changes are part of the natural ageing process but can be accelerated by inactivity, isolation, and limited access to personalized care. Yoga is widely practised in India and has been associated with improved physical and mental well-being in older populations. However, its effects in institutional care settings remain underexplored, particularly in regions with limited resources. Aims: To evaluate the effects of an eight-week structured yoga intervention on physical performance, grip strength, psychological well-being, and cognitive screening outcomes among older adults living in old age homes in Manipur. Methods: An assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted with 78 physically independent residents (mean age 70.1 ± 5.8 years) from four old age homes in Imphal Valley, Manipur. Participants were randomly assigned to either a yoga group (n=39) or a usual care group (n=39). The yoga group received 44 supervised sessions over eight weeks, starting at 25 minutes and increasing to 60 minutes. Each session followed a validated protocol including postures (asanas), loosening movements (Sukshma vyayama), breathing (pranayama), prayer (shanti mantra), relaxation, and meditation. Outcomes were measured using SPPB, WHO-5, handgrip strength (Camry EH101), and Mini-Cog™. Data were analysed using parametric and non-parametric tests, with effect sizes and NNT calculated. Ethical approval was obtained (Ref. No. MU/IHEC/2024/18), and informed consent was provided. Results and Conclusion: Yoga significantly improved physical and psychological outcome measures. Mini-Cog™ scores improved modestly. No adverse events occurred. Occupational Therapy Rehabilitation Improves Function and Cognition in a Geriatric Patient: A Case Report Rashid Akhtar, Aparna Gupta HCAH, Gurgaon, Haryana, India Introduction: This case report outlines the comprehensive rehabilitation of a 77-year-old female with significant cardiac comorbidities and dementia, evidencing marked improvements in activities of daily living (ADLs) and cognitive abilities. Case Details: Mrs. S, aged 77, suffered from complete heart block, pacemaker insertion, hypertension, paraneoplastic dementia with hallucinations (with anti-titin positive), recurrent melanoma treated with immunotherapy, osteoporosis, right frozen shoulder, recent hip fracture surgery, prior sepsis, spinal degeneration, and antiviral therapy for HBc positive. Initially, she required assistance for daily activities and deficits in bed mobility, fine motor skills, and cognitive function. Discussion: Repeated therapeutic interventions for bed mobility, fine motor skill development, cognitive retraining, and adaptive techniques for daily tasks of Mrs. S regained independence in bed mobility, enhanced fine motor capability, and showed significant cognitive improvement allowing better engagement in self-care and ADL. Conclusion: Comprehensive occupational therapy significantly benefits geriatric cardiac patients by improving both physical and cognitive functions, ultimately enabling greater independence in ADLs. Singing after Stroke: Why Patients Can Sing But Not Speak (E-Poster) Aparna Gupta, Rashid Akhtar, Nishant Joshi HCAH, Gurgaon, Haryana, India Background: Stroke often damages the brain’s left hemisphere, impairing speech centers like Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas, leading to speech loss. Singing engages both hemispheres, especially right-side regions responsible for melody, rhythm, and emotion, which are usually preserved. This difference allows stroke survivors to sing even when they cannot speak. Singing promotes brain plasticity, aiding language recovery and serving as a therapeutic tool. Aim: To elucidate the neural mechanisms underlying the ability of stroke patients to sing despite speech impairments, and to highlight differences in brain networks involved in speech and singing. Objectives: To understand which brain areas are involved in speech and singing. To explain why singing is often preserved after stroke while speech is impaired. Methodology: Review of neuroanatomical studies, functional imaging, and clinical cases. Comparative analysis of brain regions involved in speech and singing. Examination of therapeutic approaches like Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT). Results: Speech predominantly relies on left hemisphere regions such as Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas, which are often damaged in stroke, leading to aphasia. Singing activates broader networks involving both hemispheres, especially right hemisphere regions associated with melody, emotion, and rhythm. These neural differences explain why some stroke survivors can sing familiar songs but cannot speak fluently. Discussion: Speech and singing, though similar in verbal content, utilize distinct neural circuits. The resilience of right-hemisphere networks for music enables singing to persist even after left hemisphere stroke. Therapeutic techniques such as MIT leverage singing’s neural pathways facilitate language recovery. Conclusion: Singing and speech involve separate but overlapping brain networks. The right hemisphere’s role in in musical and emotional processing remain intact despite speech deficit. Impact of Occupational Therapy Discharge Planning in Enabling Independence and Participation among Older Adults Alok Kumar Barik, Prakash Kumar Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India Background: With rising life expectancy, older adults in India have become major consumers of acute hospital services, with an average hospital stay of seven days. Post-hospitalization, many experience a decline in functional ability, which increases the risk of readmission, institutional care, and reduced quality of life. Occupational Therapy discharge planning has been identified as a key intervention to bridge hospital–community care, aiming to restore independence and promote meaningful participation. Aim: To assess the impact of OT discharge planning on independence and participation in older adults. Methods: A quasi-experimental one-group pre- and post-test design will be conducted with 100 participants aged 60 years and above, purposively recruited from Sri Ram Cancer & Super Specialty Centre and Mahatma Gandhi Occupational Therapy College, Jaipur. Inclusion criteria are older adults willing to consent; exclusion criteria are severe cognitive impairment (MoCA <10) and high fall risk (TUG ≥14 seconds). The intervention will involve client-centered discharge planning, including functional assessments, home environment evaluations, and individualized goal setting. Outcome measures are the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, and Discharge Planning Assessment Tool (DPAT). Data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS. Expected Results: OT discharge planning is expected to enhance functional abilities, mobility, and confidence; increase participation in daily and community activities; reduce falls; and lower readmission rates. Conclusion: Findings will support OT discharge planning as an effective client-centered approach to promote independence and community reintegration in older adults. Keywords: Discharge planning, functional ability, independence, occupational therapy, older adults, participation What are the Oro-dental Problems in North Indian Elderly: A Cross-sectional Study Shivangi Pandey, Upinder Kaur, Monika Bansal, Preeti Tiwari Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India Background: Despite the increasing elderly population in India, oral disease patterns of older patients are largely unstudied. Aims: The present study aims to assess the oral-dental problems in the elderly of North India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January-September 2025 in the Departments of Periodontology and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in a tertiary hospital in North India. Males (≥60 years) and females (≥55 years) were enrolled. Results: Hundred patients (males=58, median age: 63.5 years) were included. Current and past tobacco use were noted in 28% and 16% respectively. Pain (39%), swelling (14%), and desire for missing tooth replacement (11%) were the common chief complaints. On examination, 16% had reduced mouth opening (≤35 mm) and 83% had at least 1 missing teeth, with a median number of missing teeth being 7. Dental caries was present in 38%, and the median number of carious teeth was 2. Bleeding on probing, poor oral hygiene, and grade 3 tooth mobility were noted in 64%, 31% and 17% respectively. Oral mucosal diseases were diagnosed in 20% including six patients with pre-malignant or malignant lesions. Among patients with diabetes, dental caries and oral mucosal diseases were present in 50% and 25% respectively. Conclusion: Dental caries and poor oral hygiene affect nearly a third of older patients visiting the dental department. Poor oral health is common with underlying diabetes. Tobacco use is significantly prevalent in this population. Larger Indian studies would help policymakers develop effective strategies for enhancing the oral health of older patients in India. “Balance between Support and Autonomy”: Experiences and Perspectives of Older Adults about Involving Family Members in Fall Prevention in the Indian Context Rujutha Ksheerasagar, Sebestina Anita Dsouza Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India Background: In India, family members’ involvement in fall prevention for older adults has been widely studied. Family members play a wide role in preventing falls, including supporting daily activities, home modifications, providing supervision, accompanying to the hospital and assisting financially during hospital admissions. However, little is known about how older adults themselves perceive and experience family members’ involvement. Aims: The study aims to understand older adults’ experiences and perspectives on family members’ involvement in fall prevention. Methods: A qualitative study design using a grounded theory approach was employed. In-depth individual interviews were conducted with 14 community-dwelling older adults. Data was analysed using constant comparative methods, and findings were presented using thematic analysis. Results: The first theme, ‘experiences of older adults regarding family involvement’, describes family members’ actions and roles, and communication and understanding gaps. The second theme, ‘balance between support and autonomy’, describes older adults’ perspectives on the importance of family support, desire for independence, need for awareness, and recommendations on ways to involve family. Conclusion: The study highlights older adults’ perspectives on family involvement in fall prevention in the Indian context. The degree and nature of family involvement in fall prevention for older adults are shaped by multiple contextual factors, and effective involvement of family members requires careful consideration of these factors, highlighted by the study. Exploring Sociodemographic Predictors of Social Isolation among the Elders in Rural India Rahul Pethe, Arjunkumar Jakasania, Anuj Mundra, Chandrashekar Bopche, Apoorva Shukla Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, Maharashtra, India Objective: To assess social connectedness among older adults using the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-18) and examine socio-demographic predictors of isolation in rural India. Introduction: India’s elderly population is projected to reach 19.5% by 2050. Social connectedness is vital for well-being, yet migration, shrinking family structures, and limited engagement opportunities in rural areas increase the risk of isolation. The LSNS-18 offers a validated measure of family, friend, and neighbor networks. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 910 adults aged ≥60 years in the Wardha block, Maharashtra. Participants were selected using multi-stage random sampling. Social networks were assessed with LSNS-18 and categorized as poor (<36) or good (≥36). Socio-demographic data were collected, and descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: Nearly half (47%) of participants had poor social networks. Bivariate analysis showed that younger elders (60–70 years), OBC caste, farming/retired occupations, and being married were significantly associated with better social networks (p < 0.05). No significant associations were observed with gender, area of residence, or type of ration card. In multivariate analysis, OBC caste (OR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.18–4.62, p = 0.015) and living in three-generation families (OR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.37–4.52, p = 0.002) were independent predictors of good social networks, while unemployment reduced the odds (OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.45–0.88, p = 0.01). Conclusion: Social isolation affects nearly half of older adults in rural India. Strengthening community-based and intergenerational interventions is essential to foster connectedness and support healthy aging.

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