Older adults who engage in more than 20 leisure activities per week are less likely to experience post-operative delirium. Research suggests that reading, emailing, and playing computer games can reduce the risk of delirium following surgery.
The American Geriatrics Society will continue hosting prestigious scientific conferences on emerging issues in geriatrics, focusing on multimorbidity and developing actionable agendas. The NIH-funded series aims to improve health outcomes for older adults through collaboration and research.
A study examining obese older adults in nursing homes found that those with higher body mass indexes were more likely to be admitted to facilities with deficiencies in care. Nearly 22% of admitted residents were obese, with morbidly obese individuals facing even greater challenges.
A study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that doctors and non-doctors in the US experience similar levels of hospital care and intensive care unit stays at the end of life. More than 46% of doctors enrolled in hospice care compared to 43.2% of non-doctors, suggesting a shift towards more palliative care.
Researchers found that frailty and depression are intertwined in older couples, with frailer individuals more likely to become depressed and vice versa. This study highlights the importance of increasing physical activity, social engagement, and mutual support for seniors living together.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that frail older women with six or more chronic health conditions are twice as likely to have a lower quality of life. Managing chronic health problems well may help these women enjoy a better quality of life.
Researchers found that older adults with vascular health conditions, depression, difficulty performing daily activities, and multiple chronic diseases were at higher risk of traumatic brain injury. In contrast, sedentary lifestyles or self-reported alcohol problems did not increase the risk of TBI.
Researchers analyzed data from 19 studies on hospitalized patients and found that antipsychotic medications did not reduce new cases of delirium. The study suggests that these medications may not affect the duration or severity of delirium, and more research is needed to understand their effectiveness in treating delirium.
The AGS Annual Scientific Meeting presented numerous high-profile sessions and symposia focusing on de-prescribing medication in older adults, improving interprofessional team communication, and strategies to reduce cardiovascular outcomes in skilled nursing facilities. Bench research findings from 2015 will be applied to bedside care ...
Programs to prevent inappropriate medication use, reduce unnecessary medical procedures, and link vulnerable adults to Medicare are highlighted at the AGS16 meeting. These initiatives aim to improve quality of care and address population growth needs for older adults.
A study of 146 veterans with life-threatening illnesses found that exploring their values can help set effective goals for healthcare and treatment plans. The researchers identified five key themes: self-sufficiency, life enjoyment, connectedness and legacy, balancing quality and length of life, and engagement in care.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that transitions in care for older adults with dementia are linked to medication errors, hospital readmissions, and increased risk of death. Receiving coordinated care and a long-term care plan can help reduce unnecessary transitions.
A randomized controlled trial found that practicing tai chi significantly reduced the risk of injury-causing falls in older adults compared to leg strengthening exercises. After six months and a year of training, participants who practiced tai chi were 50% less likely to experience an injury-causing fall.
A study found that hospice patients experience multiple care transitions near the end of life, with more than half going to hospitals. These transitions are often associated with younger or non-white patients, those with multiple chronic conditions, or in-patient hospice care. The number of transitions varies widely by state.
A study found that 94% of older adults experience sensory loss, with hearing and vision being the most affected. Multisensory losses are linked to poor quality of life and increased mortality.
The American Geriatrics Society and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have released a new guide to assessing and counseling older drivers. The guide provides healthcare professionals with practical, person-centered advice on safely navigating the road for older adults, who account for 10% of all traffic fatalities annually.
By 2050, older adults representing minority groups are projected to rise to 39% globally, with significant increases among Asian and Native Hawaiian populations. To address this growing need, the American Geriatrics Society recommends culturally sensitive indicators to improve healthcare outcomes for diverse older adult populations.
When older adults stop driving, they experience doubled symptoms of depression, faster physical and mental health declines, and increased mortality risk. Effective programs ensuring mobility and social activities are needed to mitigate these adverse effects.
As the US welcomes its largest and most diverse group of older residents, AGS sheds light on health disparities and the importance of culturally effective care. The new guidance outlines present health disparities and the need for sensitivity to culture and health literacy when working with older individuals.
A study found that lower respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia, account for 26 percent of all ER visits for infectious diseases and 15 percent of deaths during hospitalizations. Influenza vaccination is underutilized among older adults, with about one-third not receiving the vaccine.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that serious depression symptoms increase the risk of stroke and heart disease in older adults. The study discovered that adults with high levels of depressive symptoms had a significantly higher risk of experiencing heart disease or stroke events over a 1...
Researchers found that older adults with dementia and diabetes have a significantly higher risk for death than those with just dementia. Smoking also increases mortality risk in this population. However, high blood pressure, obesity, and high cholesterol do not seem to increase the risk of death.
Researchers found that older adults with diabetes who received structured depression care management were 53% less likely to die compared to those receiving usual care. This treatment also improved depression symptoms more effectively.
The American Geriatrics Society has established a coordinating center to provide strategic resources for 44 HRSA awardees working on projects to increase geriatric training in primary care. The program aims to develop a healthcare workforce that improves health outcomes for older adults by integrating geriatrics into primary care.
A recent study by the American Geriatrics Society defines person-centered care as an approach that prioritizes individual values and preferences in healthcare decisions. The research highlights the importance of eliciting patients' preferences and goals, and measures success by attention to people's health and life outcomes.
The American Geriatrics Society released its second updated Beers Criteria, which identifies over 40 potentially problematic medications for older adults. The guidelines also provide alternative therapies and guidance on best practices for implementing recommendations.
A national co-management intervention aims to improve person-centered care outcomes and decrease healthcare spending. The program, supported by the John A. Hartford Foundation, positions geriatrics professionals as co-leaders in pre- and post-operative management of older adults with fragility fractures.
Research highlights physical activity interventions for obese older adults, explorations of muscle decline in influenza infection, and dementia care management strategies. The findings suggest regular physical activity can prevent disability even in extremely obese older adults.
The American Geriatrics Society and AARP have developed a free guide to help older Chinese-Americans manage their health. The guide highlights common health concerns and provides practical recommendations for discussing cultural issues with healthcare providers.
A study of over 2,000 seniors found that quitting smoking can slow down gait and improve overall health. Changing bad habits such as poor food choices and lack of exercise can also have a significant impact on senior health.