European Geriatric Medicine - Supplement 1 - Volume 7 - October 2016

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socio-economic structure) were inquired via computer-assisted
telephone interviews (first survey). In addition, face-to-face inter-
views with elderly residents in nursing homes (n = 200) were per-
formed. The acceptance of adaptation strategies (based on first survey
and stakeholder input) was verified by a second survey of elderly living
in heat urban islands (n = 200).
Results and Discussion: Socially deprived people showed more heat
related symptoms. Heat periods were reported to be associated with
mental health problems. The higher the environmental stressors and
the less the socio-economic and health resources the more indoor
adaption strategies must be deployed. Some of the measures taken by
the subjects are contrary to medical recommendations (e.g. opening
windows during the day).
Key conclusions: There is an increasing demand for health protection
from heat waves. Only few specific adaptation measures for elderly
people are implemented in Vienna so far. Coping strategies and
measures suitable for implementation are presented for decision
makers.
P-595
Loneliness in nursing homes
A.H. Jansson, H. Kautiainen, K.H. Pitkälä. Department of General
Practice, University of Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital, Unit of
Primary Health Care
Introduction: About 39% of Finnish community dwelling older people
suffer from loneliness at least sometimes and 5% often or always.
Loneliness is known to predict lower quality-of-life, disability,
cognitive decline and higher mortality. However, there are only few
studies which have researched loneliness in institutional settings. This
study examines the prevalence, associated factors and prognosis of
loneliness among older people in nursing homes.
Methods: A cross-sectional study of all residents (N = 4966) in nursing
homes (N = 61) in Helsinki, 2011. Residents with severe dementiawere
excluded. Loneliness was assessed with the question “Do you suffer
from loneliness?”
Results: Of the participants (N = 2072), 9% suffered from loneliness
often or always, and 35% at least sometimes. Loneliness was associated
in a step-wise manner with lower education, poor self-rated health,
disability, higher cognitive function, malnutrition, and depression.
Loneliness predicted poor psychological well-being (PWB) both
among women and men. Whereas among “not lonely” men had
better PWB than the respective women, among the “sometimes
lonely ” and the “always lonely” group there were no differences
between the genders concerning PWB. Loneliness also predicted
higher mortality (among the “sometimes lonely” group HR 1.19, 95%CI
1.05 –1.35 and among the “always lonely” group HR 1.28, 95%CI 1.06–
1.55 when “not lonely ” was the reference group).
Key conclusions: Loneliness has severe consequences even among
residents in nursing homes and therefore deserves more attention. Key
issue is to assess residents’ loneliness and take it into account in the
care and interventions.
P-596
Circle of friends – successful model for the alleviation of loneliness
A.H. Jansson, K.H. Pitkälä. VTKL – The Finnish Association for the Welfare
of Older People, Department of General Practice, University of Helsinki,
Helsinki University Hospital, Unit of Primary Health Care
Introduction: About 35–39% of Finnish older people suffer from
loneliness, which is associated with decreased quality of life and
impaired health. VTKL ’s Circle of friends (CoF) group model aims
to alleviate feelings of loneliness. In a randomized controlled trial
2002 –6 it improved lonely older people’s well-being, health
and cognition. The main elements of CoF include closed-group
dynamics, target-oriented work and enhancing communication
among group participants. This study aims to describe the feasibility
and dissemination of CoF and its effects in practice in a 10-year
follow-up.
Methods: CoF has been actively promoted in Finnish communities
and assisted living facilities with three main activity areas: coordin-
ating regional organisation, training CoF-facilitators, and supporting
CoF-group activities among older people. By 2016 altogether 723
facilitators have been trained. The data were collected by an electronic
survey for facilitators.
Results: 267 responded. Facilitators’ mean age is 57 y, 96% are women.
The responders have facilitated a mean three groups (range 1–30). The
groups included, e.g. home-dwelling participants, older people in
assisted living facilities, people with dementia and widows. The main
elements in groups were in line with CoF model (deals with loneliness
90%, goal-oriented group work 90%, closed groups 89%, number of
participants 6–8 73%, meeting 8–12 times 90%). The facilitators
reported typical challenging situations in groups.
Key conclusions: We have successfully implemented and dissemi-
nated CoF-model in Finland. The success is due to paying attention to
the main elements of CoF and careful training of professionals.
P-597
Keep body and mind moving in Luebeck Model Worlds of
Movement (Lübecker Modell Bewegungswelten)
S. Krupp1, C. Ralf1, A. Krahnert1, F. Balck 1,2, M. Willkomm1.
1Forschungsgruppe Geriatrie Lübeck (Research Group Geriatrics Luebeck)
am Krankenhaus Rotes Kreuz Lübeck Geriatriezentrum, Luebeck,
2Universitätskrankenhaus Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
Objectives: Life quality in old age depends on social relationships and
the ability to perform activities of daily living, these again on muscle
power, endurance, joint mobility, coordination and cognition. Several
kinds of training aim at keeping silver agers fit, but there is a lack of
standardized programs for those that already need regular assistance.
Methods: Initiated by the Federal Centre for Health Education, the
Research Group Geriatrics Luebeck created a program for seniors
dependent on help, but still able to walk six meters without personal
aid. Involving experts from geriatrics, physiotherapy and sports,
training units addressing all regions of the body and all target criteria
mentioned above were composed. Each unit carries a motto (“apple
crop”, “housebuilding” etc.). Photo illustrated instructions on daily
self-exercises complete the program.
Results: For every motto a manual was created, assigning target
criteria and body regions to each exercise. Training supervisors were
educated to select and modify exercises according to the individual
current status of each participant. This training is offered in ten nursing
homes in Luebeck to up to fifteen residents and non-residents per
group.
Conclusion: Embedding exercises into a motto seems to be a
successful approach to win seniors’ long-term participation. Training
supervisors report that personal experiences linked to the motto
are shared within the group and social contacts intensify. Participants
find it easier to carry out exercises correctly, when these correspond
to automated activities from the chosen “World of Movement”.
Functional improvements can be seen. The program undergoes
scientific evaluation.
P-598
Caregiver’s nutritional status prior the tailored nutritional
counseling
S. Kunvik1,2, M. Salonoja1, R. Valve2, M.H. Suominen3. 1The Social
Services and Healthcare Centre of Pori, 2Department of Food and
Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki, 3Unit of Primary Health
Care, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Finland
Introduction: Caregivers often experience high levels of stress,
lowered sense of well-being, depression, burden and compromised
physical health which increase the risk of inadequate nutrition,
especially in elderly caregivers. Nutrition counseling can be an
effective way to improve caregivers’ nutrition.
Methods: In this ongoing randomized controlled trial, we investigate
the effectiveness of tailored nutrition counseling on nutrient intake
Poster presentations / European Geriatric Medicine 7S1 (2016) S29–S259 S186