Lewis Lipsitz, MD, director of Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, joins Gerontological Society of America board to promote aging research and innovation. The institute conducts rigorous studies on age-related disease and disability, aiming to prevent, treat, and cure disease.
The partnership program combines an MS in Nutrition with a geriatric care-focused dietetic internship, offering a streamlined 21-month path to advanced clinical nutrition training. Students gain supervised practice experience in various care environments, including subacute clinical care, outpatient nutrition, and long-term care.
Dr. Elizabeth Samelson, PhD, has received the 2026 Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Gordon Strewler Mentorship Award for her generous sharing of time and knowledge with residents. She is a renowned epidemiologist with expertise in excessive spinal curvature and bone degeneration.
A new study published in Diabetes Care found that older adults with type 2 diabetes are at a higher fracture risk, but bone loss alone does not explain this increased risk. Researchers used a novel bone imaging device to analyze cortical and trabecular bone density, microarchitecture, and strength, and found that changes in these areas...
A pilot study suggests that a simple exercise and protein supplementation program can help older adults with frailty recover more successfully after hospitalization. The program showed promising results, with 80% of participants discharged from skilled nursing facilities back to the community rather than long-term care or the hospital.
Researchers developed a systematic screening protocol to address this gap, and found it made a meaningful difference in protecting participant safety. The study highlights the need for standardized lifetime radiation screening before enrolling participants in imaging research studies.
A novel noninvasive brain stimulation approach, TIs, significantly improved movement in patients with Parkinson's disease compared to a sham treatment. The technique targets the subthalamic nucleus and produced clinically meaningful improvements in bradykinesia and tremor.
A new paper outlines a practical framework for supporting residents' sexual health in long-term care, emphasizing autonomy, safety, and person-centered care. The framework establishes a Sexual Health Committee to develop policies and guide staff on sensitive aspects of care.
A new study found that apixaban is associated with fewer major complications and more days at home for older adults with venous thromboembolism than other blood thinners. Apixaban was also linked to a lower combined risk of recurrent blood clots or death within one year compared to warfarin.
Douglas P. Kiel, a senior scientist at the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, has been elected to membership in the Association of American Physicians due to his significant contributions to advancing medical knowledge and improving health through scientific research and academic leadership. His research focuses on o...
A new study estimates that older adults with mild cognitive impairment or dementia develop new cardiovascular diagnoses requiring anticoagulant or thrombolytic therapy each year. This finding highlights the need for clinicians and families to weigh the potential benefits and risks of anti-amyloid treatments.
A new study found that nursing homes with recommended staffing levels report fewer injurious falls, while facilities with insufficient staff experience increased falls. Higher staffing hours for certified nursing assistants and registered nurses significantly reduce fall rates.
A new study suggests that emergency departments may be able to take meaningful steps during visits to help older adults stay safer once they return home. Researchers found that bedside pharmacy and physical therapy consultations yielded individualized recommendations, including mobility aids and medication adjustments.
A nationwide study found that trazodone reduces the risk of death and rehospitalization among older adults with delirium. Trazodone may offer a safer alternative to antipsychotic drugs, particularly when medication use cannot be avoided.
Delirium after hip fracture surgery is associated with accelerated cognitive decline, especially in previously healthy older adults. Researchers found that preventing delirium must be a top priority for every older adult facing surgery.
A landmark study finds that structural brain changes tied to memory decline are nonlinear, stronger in older adults, and not solely driven by known Alzheimer's-associated genes. The study suggests that cognitive decline reflects a broad biological vulnerability in brain structure that accumulates over decades.
A new study identifies shared genetic factors influencing both coronary artery calcification and bone mineral density, suggesting common underlying biology rather than a direct causal link. The findings highlight potential targets for interventions supporting both cardiovascular and skeletal health as people age.
A new study finds that a deep learning model can detect subtle age-related changes in the heart, lungs, and overall health using chest X-rays. The AI model, CXR-Age, showed strong associations with early signs of aging, including coronary calcium, worsening lung function, and frailty.
Hebrew Rehabilitation Center's skilled nursing units have been recognized as high-performing by U.S. News & World Report, showcasing excellent staffing levels and medical outcomes. The center's Rehabilitative Services Units in Boston and Dedham, MA received the highest designation available.
A new study suggests that SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists may help older adults with type 2 diabetes maintain strength, mobility, and independence. The findings indicate a potential direct benefit of these medications on frailty itself, which could change how clinicians think about medication choices for aging patients.
A new research letter highlights major gaps in how opioid use is tracked among older adults receiving post-acute care under Medicare. Current data sources may overlook most opioid use during critical transition periods, leading to inaccurate understanding of medication use and policy decisions.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Anesthesia found that family members and caregivers can reliably detect postoperative delirium using the Family Confusion Assessment Method. The study showed strong agreement between researcher and family ratings, with nearly 80% accuracy.
A new study found that ultra-processed food consumption is associated with smaller but significant declines in physical function, including slower gait speed and weaker grip strength in men. Limiting UPF intake may be crucial for preserving physical function and supporting healthy aging.
A nationwide retrospective cohort study found that patients with frailty experience worse short- and long-term postoperative outcomes following non-cardiac surgeries. Frailty screening is recommended before major and minor procedures to identify high-risk patients, emphasizing the need for greater surgeon awareness.
Rabbi Lior Nevo has received the Heart and Hands Award from LeadingAge Massachusetts for her spiritual leadership and personal counsel. Her work supporting Jack Satter House's Spectacular Seniors 2025 Calendar was also celebrated for its joyful, stereotype-shattering innovation.
Greater arterial stiffness is associated with poorer performance in specific areas of thinking, including episodic memory and working memory. Participants with both higher arterial stiffness and elevated NfL levels showed the strongest associations with memory difficulties.
Dr. Sandra Shi has been recognized as a 2025 STAT Wunderkind for her innovative research using national Medicare claims to create a frailty index, which measures the health status of older adults. Her work aims to predict how people will respond to surgeries and medications, tailoring treatment based on results.
A pilot study found that a prehabilitation program combining physical therapy, nutrition, and mindset support improved postoperative outcomes in older adults. Participants showed increased walking speeds and better physical function scores after surgery.
Researchers at Hebrew SeniorLife discovered a U-shaped relationship between home ambient temperature and self-reported attention difficulty in older adults. Attention was optimal between 20°C and 24°C, with worsening difficulties outside this range.
A study found that older adults are discontinuing benzodiazepines soon after hospital discharge, but many continue use for months, posing health risks. Researchers recommend targeting high-risk patients with deprescribing strategies to prevent chronic use.
Hebrew SeniorLife's 108 Centre Street affordable senior housing building has achieved Phius Certification for its high-performance, energy-efficient design. The seven-story building provides 54 affordable apartments for seniors and advances sustainable, healthy housing in Greater Boston.
The Right Care, Right Place, Right Time (R3) Program at Hebrew SeniorLife improves lives by linking housing and health care, reducing costs and helping older adults stay independent. The program includes a nurse care manager, wellness coordinator, and fitness specialist providing supportive services to residents.
Hebrew SeniorLife's R3 program offers resources for older adults to live healthy and active lives at Fresh Pond Apartments. The program provides on-site services including health and wellness education, exercise classes, and access to resources to improve emotional and physical well-being.
Dr. Shivani Sahni, a nutritional epidemiologist, has been awarded Fellow Status by the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research for her outstanding contributions to bone and mineral science. She directs the Nutrition Program at Hebrew SeniorLife's Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research.
A new pilot study found that brain stimulation plus coaching significantly increased physical activity in older adults, with an average daily step count of 1,179 steps per day. The results suggest that brain stimulation may enhance motivation and behavior change, particularly when paired with accessible coaching.
Dr. Dae Hyun Kim, a leading expert in aging research, has joined the Lancet Commission on Frailty to develop strategies for preventing and delaying frailty globally. The commission aims to reorient frailty in clinical practice, public health, and policy.
A recent multi-center randomized controlled trial found that testosterone gel does not improve physical function compared to exercise alone in older women recovering from a hip fracture. The study, STEP-HI, is the largest such study of testosterone administration to women following a fracture of the hip.
Dae Hyun Kim, MD, MPH, ScD, has been promoted to associate director of the Marcus Institute for Aging Research. He will help develop the institute's new strategic plan and support research on frailty, Alzheimer's disease, and other aging-related challenges.
Laurie Manjikian has been promoted to lead home- and community-based services with deep expertise. She successfully expanded the rehabilitation department and implemented management systems to achieve industry standards in productivity and clinical outcomes.
Three Hebrew SeniorLife communities have earned 'Best Independent Living' awards in US News & World Report's 2025 Best Senior Living ratings. The institutions earned accolades for their high-performing activities, food, and dining options.
Sjöström has championed quality of care and age-friendly practices since joining Hebrew SeniorLife in 2010. She will oversee direct patient care functions at the Hebrew Rehabilitation Center.
A new study found that changes in frailty following chemotherapy are associated with worse five-year survival rates in older women with breast cancer. Tracking frailty trajectories can help identify patients at increased risk, allowing for timely interventions to improve survival outcomes.
Jess Coleman takes the lead as Executive Director of Simon C. Fireman and Leyland Communities, bringing experience in nursing, operations, and team leadership. She will oversee Hebrew SeniorLife's Right Care, Right Place, Right Time initiative, enhancing aging services.
A new study explores the link between epigenetic markers, lifestyle factors, and cardiometabolic disease risk. Researchers found that poly-epigenetic scores (PEGS) can help predict disease risk and personalize prevention strategies for US adults aged 50+, with associations strongest in younger individuals and females.
Shivani Sahni, PhD, recognized for her contributions to nutrition science and practice as an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. She directs the Nutrition Program and co-directs the Musculoskeletal Research Center at the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research.
A study found that delirium prevalence at SNF admission decreased from 4.3% to 2.5% between 2014 and 2019, with a significant reduction in persistent delirium among female, frail, and dementia subgroups.
Hebrew SeniorLife's outpatient primary care clinics at Orchard Cove and NewBridge on the Charles have been designated as Age-Friendly Health Systems – Committed to Care Excellence. The recognition is based on the organization's commitment to providing safe, high-quality care that aligns with the individual needs of older adults.
A new pilot study suggests that intermittent treatment with senolytic medications like Dasatinib and Quercetin may improve cognitive function in older adults at risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The study found an improvement in cognitive scores, particularly among participants with the lowest baseline cognitive function.
Researchers found that addressing overall mental health can contribute to maximizing recovery potential among older women recovering from hip fractures. Lower scores on the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) were associated with higher psychological resilience.
The partnership allows for the expansion of on-site fitness programs at senior living communities across the Boston metro area, providing access to high-quality fitness resources and preventative health programs. The Get Movin' program teaches senior residents how to improve their health through balance, mobility, cardiovascular endura...