Alonso, J., Banegas, J.R., Graciani, A., Guallar-Castillon,

Alonso, J., Banegas, J.R., Graciani, A., Guallar-Castillon, P., Gutierrez-Fisac, J.L., Lopez-Garcia, E., & Rodriguez-Artalejo, F. (2007). Relationship between obesity, hypertension and diabetes, and health-related quality of life among the elderly. European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation, 14(3): 456-462.

This study examined health-related quality of life among elderly people living with obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. The results found that obesity in elderly women and diabetes in elderly men are the two factors that were most closely and dramatically related to a reduced health-related quality of life. Obese elderly women with hypertension and diabetes should the greatest decline in health-related quality of life. The researchers conclude by stating that these high-risk groups are in need of special attention and further research.

This article pertains to my research because it discusses the impact obesity has on the elderly population. As well, it discusses the implications of this epidemic for health care professionals.

Barrett-Connor, E., Gunderson E.P., Gustafson, D.R., Haan, M.N., Whitmer, R.A., & Yaffe. K. (2008). Central obesity and increased risk of dementia more than three decades later. Neurology, 71(14): 1057-1064.

This article discusses a study that was conducted in order to evaluate whether or not midlife obesity increases the chances of dementia in old age. The results found that midlife obesity does increase the risk of developing dementia, independent of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The researchers conclude by stating that, since 50% of adults have central obesity, further research in this area is warranted.

This article pertains to my research because it demonstrates one of the ways obesity effects the elderly population. Furthermore, it suggests a growing burden on the health care industry.

Berke, E.M., Hoskins, R.E., Koepsell, T.D., Larson, E.B., & Moudon, A.V. (2007). Association of the built environment with physical activity and obesity in older persons. American Journal of Public Health, 97(3):486-492.

This article discusses a study conducted in order to determine whether or not an area conducive to walking lead to a higher or lower degree of obesity among elderly people living in that area. The results determined that specific neighbourhood characteristics are associated with increased walking among the elderly; however, whether or not this reduces obesity in the area was not clear.

This article pertains to my research because it discusses strategies which could be used to increase physical activity among the elderly population, thereby reducing obesity-related health care concerns.

Chau, D., Cho, L.M., Jani, P., & St. Jeor, S.T. (2008). Individualizing recommendations for weight management in the elderly. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care, 11(1): 27-31.

This article is a literature review, exploring the various weight-management strategies used among the elderly population and how they differ from strategies used among younger populations. Due to confounding medical issues among the elderly and a lack of research in this area, practical weight management techniques for this population can be challenging. The researchers conclude by stating that individualized programs should be developed for the elderly that take into account their health status, personal environments, and degree of mobility.

This article pertains to my research because it discusses a rising health care concern relating to obesity among the elderly and makes suggestions on how this concern should be addressed.

Chokkalingham, K., Kennedy R., L., & Srinivasan, R. (2004). Obesity in the elderly: who should we be treating, and why, and how? Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care, 7(1):3-9.

This article is a literature review which examines the current knowledge of obesity and its relation to decreased function, morbidity, and mortality. In addition, this article looks at a number of obesity interventions, such as drug therapy, surgery, exercise programs, and community-delivered programs.

This article pertains to my research because it takes an in-depth look at the negative impacts of obesity among the elderly population, discusses the impact this epidemic has on health care professionals, and looks at the various means of treating obesity among the elderly population.

Colditz, G.A., Davis, R.B., Hamel, M.B., Legedza, A.T., Phillips, R.S., Soukup, J.R., & Wee, C.C. (2005). Health care expenditures associated with overweight and obesity among U.S. adults: importance of age and race. American Journal of Public Health, 95(1):159-165.

This article discusses a study aimed at estimating health care costs associated with being overweight or obese and examined these factors in relation to age, race, and gender. It was found that health care costs related to obesity varied among race and age (not gender) but the most substantial increase was seen among older adults and whites.

This article pertains to my research because it discusses the financial impact that a growing elderly population living with obesity has on the health care system.

Ferrucci, L., Harris, T.B., Kritchevsky, S.B., Rantanen, T., Stenholm, S., & Visser, M. (2008). Sarcopenic obesity: definition, cause and consequences. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care, 11(6): 693-700.

This article is a literature review which looks at the various definitions, causes and consequences of sarcopenic obesity, (i.e. A condition where one's muscle mass or strength is too low for their body weight, often occurring among the obese). This condition was found to be related to a high risk of diseases and mortality. The researchers conclude by stating that an essential goal for clinicians should be early identification of elderly people living with sarcopenic obesity. As well, further research is needed to better understand the causes of this syndrome and ways to prevent / cure it.

This article pertains to my research because it discusses the impact that obesity has on the elderly population and the implications of sarcopenic obesity for health care professionals.