New research to identify factors associated with improved outcomes for older adults recovering from hip fractures found a connection with mental health and psychological resilience. Published in the Journals of Gerontology: Series A, the " Better mental health and fewer depressive symptoms are associated with greater psychological resilience after hip fracture " study found that addressing overall mental health could contribute to maximizing recovery potential among older women recovering from hip fractures.
Hip fractures represent a significant health concern, generating more than 300,000 emergency room visits among older adults each year and more than 500,000 hip replacement surgeries. About 25 percent of these patients require long-term care a year after their fall.
The research involved 129 women aged 65 and older who had recently undergone surgical repair for hip fractures and who were part of a clinical trial of testosterone and exercise during hip fracture recovery led by Ellen F. Binder, MD, from Washington University, St Louis, MO. The study assessed various factors, including education, cognition, mental health, and depressive symptoms, to determine their association with psychological resilience. Findings indicated that lower scores on the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and higher scores on the Global Mental Health Score (PROMIS-GMH) were significantly associated with higher resilience.
"This study underscores the need for comprehensive care approaches that integrate mental health support into rehabilitation programs for older adults recovering from hip fractures," said Sarah D. Berry, MD, MPH, associate scientist at the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research and a co-author of the study. "Addressing overall mental health during the recovery process from hip fractures is crucial. By focusing on reducing depressive symptoms and enhancing mental well-being, we can potentially increase psychological resilience, thereby maximizing recovery potential in older adults."
The researchers included Taylor McClennen, BA, University of Massachusetts T.H. Chan School of Medicine; Hari Sharma, BS, University of Massachusetts T.H. Chan School of Medicine; Douglas P. Kiel, MD, MPH, Senior Scientist, the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research; Richard H. Fortinsky, PhD, Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut Center on Aging; Camelia P. Guild, MPH, Statistician, Institute for Informatics, Data Science and Biostatistics, Washington University School of Medicine; Denise Orwig, PhD, Professor of Epidemiology & Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine; Jay Magaziner, PhD, MSHyg, Professor of Epidemiology & Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine; Dr. Ellen F. Binder; and Dr. Sarah D, Berry.
About the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research
Scientists at the Marcus Institute seek to transform the human experience of aging by conducting research that will ensure a life of health, dignity, and productivity into advanced age. The Marcus Institute carries out rigorous studies that discover the mechanisms of age-related disease and disability; lead to the prevention, treatment, and cure of disease; advance the standard of care for older people; and inform public decision-making.
About Hebrew SeniorLife
Hebrew SeniorLife, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, is a national senior services leader uniquely dedicated to rethinking, researching, and redefining the possibilities of aging. Hebrew SeniorLife cares for more than 4,500 seniors a day across seven campuses throughout Greater Boston. Locations include: Hebrew Rehabilitation Center-Boston and Hebrew Rehabilitation Center-NewBridge in Dedham ; NewBridge on the Charles, Dedham ; Orchard Cove, Canton ; Simon C. Fireman Community, Randolph ; Center Communities of Brookline, Brookline ; Jack Satter House, Revere ; and Leyland Community, Dorchester . Founded in 1903, Hebrew SeniorLife also conducts influential research into aging at the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research
