Purpose: This study investigated the effects of auricular acupressure on dry eye syndrome, stress, and depressive symptoms in older adults. Methods: This single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted among 42 people aged 65 years or older who experienced stress and had an Ocular Surface Disease Index score of 13 or higher. Auricular acupressure using vaccaria seeds was applied to both ears for 3 weeks at several acupoints, including the shenmen, liver, heart, endocrine system, eye, and anterior lobe areas. In the placebo group, blank patches were applied to the hip, lumbar vertebrae, shoulder, and cervical vertebrae points. The measures used were the Dry Eye Syndrome Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, salivary cortisol levels, electrodermal activity measured using a Fitbit device, and a depression scale. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between the groups for dry eye syndrome (t=3.442, p=.002), perceived stress (t=3.455, p=.001), salivary cortisol (z=-3.703, p<.001), and depressive symptoms (t=2.113, p=.043). Conclusion Auricular acupressure improved in dry eye syndrome, perceived stress, salivary cortisol levels, and depressive symptoms in older adults. Therefore, it can be used as an alternative nursing intervention for dry eye syndrome, stress, and depressive symptoms.

Purpose: Sarcopenia is a state of reduced muscle function that can lead to increased falls, fractures, and mortality in the older population. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of sarcopenia and its related risk factors in older adults in the community during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated sarcopenia, muscle strength, physical performance, fear of COVID-19, distress, and depression in 103 community-dwelling older individuals over 65 years of age. Results: The prevalence of sarcopenia among older people in the community was 4.8% and 29.1% in men and women, respectively. Age (odds ratio [OR]=14.48, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.48~141.40), gender (OR=6.69, 95% CI=1.11~40.06), physical performance (OR=7.41, 95% CI=1.55~35.21) and depression (OR=5.29, 95% CI=1.16~24.06) were significant risk factors for sarcopenia, but COVID-19-related factors were not significant (p>.05). Conclusion Preventive measures for sarcopenia in older people are urgently required. Since depression and physical performance are the main factors influencing sarcopenia, it is suggested to develop an intervention to prevent sarcopenia in older people.