The purpose of this study was to identify the self-report physical activity (PA) tool best suited for assessment of PA in community-dwelling older adults with multiple chronic conditions (MCC). PA can positively influence physical and psychological health in this population. Although self-report PA tools exist, little is known about the psychometric properties and feasibility of using these tools in older adults with MCC. A systematic literature review from 2000 to 2018 was conducted of studies reporting on the psychometric properties and feasibility of 18 self-report PA tools for community-dwelling older adults (≥ 65 years) to determine the suitability of these tools for use in older adults with MCC. Based on an assessment of the available evidence for the psychometric properties and feasibility of 18 different self-report PA tools, the Physical Activity Assessment Scale for the Elderly (PASE) is recommended as the best-suited self-report PA tool for older adults with MCC.

Senior centres have been identified as a “focal point” for delivering services to the rapidly growing older adult populations in Canada and the United States. Despite this important role, academic research studying senior centres has been limited. This scoping review identified English-language empirical research studies focusing on senior centres that were published in an academic journal in 2000 or later. A total of 58 studies were identified (n = 51 American and n = 7 Canadian). The majority of the articles focused on themes related to the participation of individuals at senior centres; a smaller number focused on themes related to the senior centre environment. Based on the findings, it is suggested that future research focus on benefits of senior centre programming, with specific focus on needs of baby boomers; key factors related to funding, space, and staffing; and the characteristics and role of senior centres in the Canadian context.

This systematic overview summarizes the published literature reflecting the effectiveness of services or models of care for persons with dementia living in their homes, in specialized institutional care or assisted living centres/congregate homes. A detailed search for literature found studies evaluating respite care, day programs, counselling, congregate living, and special care units in institutions and there is some evidence of the effectiveness of these programs. No scientifically rigorous effectiveness studies, specific for persons with dementia, were found for hospice care, case management or psychogeriatric outreach mental health programs. First and foremost, more research is needed that examines the effectiveness of different programs for specific persons and their caregivers with different characteristics and the measurement of family expenditures as well as costs of programs.