Articles tagged with Gerontology
A VUB researcher's study found that loneliness can be temporary and even provide opportunities for self-development, challenging the common view of loneliness as solely negative. The study also highlights the importance of addressing loneliness throughout one's life.
A new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that older women are more likely to report depressive symptoms than men. The study, which tracked data from over 50,000 people between the ages of 45 and 85, suggests that late life is associated with increased depression rates, particularly among females.
Research finds that age-related DNA methylation of TDP-43 contributes to ALS, with increased gene expression levels in the motor cortex. This discovery may provide a new therapeutic approach for the disease.
A recent study published in Cell Metabolism found that reducing naturally occurring errors in protein synthesis improves both health and lifespan. By engineering a mutation in ribosomes, researchers observed fewer protein mistakes and improved heat resistance, leading to longer lifespans in yeast, worms, and fruit flies.
A Brazilian-UK study found that older individuals with both abdominal fat and muscle weakness experience a significant loss of gait speed over eight years. This decline can lead to difficulty walking and increased risk of falls, impacting independence. Researchers urge health workers to measure abdominal fat and muscle strength to pred...
A study of 1800 Japanese citizens aged 65 found that low weight and insufficient exercise are significant risk factors for sarcopenia. Those with possible sarcopenia exhibited higher degrees of frailty despite normal Specific Health Checkup results, highlighting the need for a test to identify sarcopenia early on.
Researchers identified predictive molecular biomarkers for non-response to anti-TNF and anti-integrin therapies in UC. Biomarkers in innate and adaptive immune systems, as well as proteolytic degradation, were found to be predictive of therapy non-response.
The COVID-19 pandemic has likely led to an increase in falls among older adults due to decreased physical activity, worsened physical conditioning, and heightened fear of falling. This is a pressing concern as falls can result in significant injuries, particularly among this age group.
Luigi Ferrucci, MD, PhD, FGSA, has been awarded the 2021 Donald P. Kent Award by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) for his outstanding professional leadership in gerontology through teaching, service, and public interpretation.
A new study reveals that people's feelings about their age are closely tied to their physical health and well-being. Subjective age discordance, the difference between how old one feels and wants to be, was found to be more pronounced in older adults but fluctuated more in younger adults.
A study led by Georgia State University researchers found that residents with dementia in assisted living facilities benefit from being included in activities and having caregivers meet them where they are. This approach improves quality of life for individuals with varying types of dementia and levels of functional ability.
A hormone called MOTS-c can help maintain healthy muscles in mice on high-fat diets by reducing myostatin levels. The study suggests that boosting mitochondrial function is also key to treating muscle-wasting conditions such as sarcopenia.
A new study from USC reveals that older people's behavior changed over time during the pandemic, with a notable increase in preventive behaviors by May. The researchers found that certain groups, including Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians, exhibited consistently higher preventive behavioral responses.
A new USC study found that individuals' behavior in response to the pandemic closely correlates with their trusted mass media outlets. Those who trusted left-leaning CNN reported more positive behaviors like wearing masks, while those who trusted right-leaning Fox News exhibited riskier behaviors.
The USC-Buck Nathan Shock Center will explore the biology of aging and its impact on disease, with a focus on cellular senescence, genomic translation, and geroscience technology. The center aims to translate basic research into effective preventions and therapies to extend healthspan.
A new study from the University of Jyväskylä found that women scoring high in neuroticism reported less physical activity and had lower leisure time physical activity. High extraversion was linked to higher leisure time physical activity in middle-aged women.
A Yale University study found that teens delaying driver licensure are missing critical safety training, including nighttime driving restrictions and passenger limits. This can lead to a higher risk of crashes and fatalities among vulnerable populations.
The journal Public Policy & Aging Report highlights how aging is reshaping politics with policy progress and stagnation, changing cultural views on aging. It offers insight into major trends, generational divides, and the impact of aging on the economy.
A recent study found that physical activity is beneficial for mental well-being in middle-aged women, regardless of menopausal status. Menopausal women experience more depressive symptoms than peri- or premenopausal women, but being physically active may help to mitigate this negative impact.
A recent study published in Geriatrics & Gerontology International found that cancer patients with dementia were less likely to achieve a good death compared to those without. The study's authors emphasize the importance of enhancing end-of-life care discussions and improving symptom management for these patients.
Experts emphasize the need for societal shift in understanding longevity, with a focus on health-related behaviors across all ages. The Global Roadmap for Healthy Longevity initiative aims to gather evidence and produce a 10-year action plan adaptable to local contexts.
AFAR presents its Scientific Awards of Distinction to Pinchas Cohen, M.D., and Nathan LeBrasseur, Ph.D., recognizing their pioneering work in understanding cellular senescence and the discovery of novel peptides. The awards honor exceptional contributions to aging research and come with a cash prize and framed citations.
The Age-Friendly University Global Network provides a framework for institutions to focus on aging and access. As of September 2019, 60 institutions have joined the network, growing the number of knowledgeable individuals about aging and intergenerational relationships.
The University of Texas at Arlington's nursing professors Kathryn Daniel and Patti Parker are honored with the Distinguished Educator in Gerontological Nursing Award. The award recognizes their efforts to train the next generation of gerontology professionals.
A study published in The BMJ found that China's universal two-child policy resulted in an additional 5.4 million births, with a significant increase in births to older mothers and multiparous mothers. However, the policy's impact on premature births was not significantly increased.
The Journalists in Aging Fellows Program supports reporters in producing high-impact stories on aging topics. Since its inception in 2010, the program has published nearly 700 news stories, educating journalists about aging issues and disseminating information on new scientific findings.
A new study found that higher mental well-being in midlife is associated with greater physical activity. Different exercise activities are linked to various dimensions of well-being, including emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
A study by Prof. Amit Shrira found that Holocaust survivors with PTSD and their offspring negatively perceive aging, viewing themselves as less successful than those without PTSD or exposure to the Holocaust. This transmission of negative views can lead to greater risk for physical deterioration among survivors and their families.
Emergency department visits by people aged 65 and older with opioid misuse more than tripled between 2006 and 2014. Opioid misuse is associated with chronic conditions, increased injury risk, and higher rates of alcohol dependence and mental health diagnoses.
A low-calorie fasting-mimicking diet has been shown to reduce intestinal inflammation and increase intestinal stem cells, promoting the expansion of beneficial gut microbiota. The study suggests that this regimen may have potential in mitigating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathology.
Experts argue that the UK's policy of recruiting children to the Armed Forces is harmful to teen health and causes specific health harms. The UK is one of only two countries in the world to recruit teenagers, with 15-year-olds allowed to begin the enlistment process at age 16.
Dr. Peter Adams has been awarded a two-year $300,000 Glenn Foundation for Medical Research Breakthroughs in Gerontology (BIG) Award to investigate chromatin misfolding causes of aging. The award aims to support research that leads to a greater understanding of biological aging and its treatment.
Dr. M. Brandon Westover has been awarded a two-year, $300,000 BIG Award to develop methods to track brain aging by monitoring brain rhythms during sleep. The goal is to create a low-cost marker of brain age that may help identify individuals at risk of age-related cognitive impairment.
The report examines how bioethics can better reflect the needs of an aging society. Key findings include the impact of economic insecurity on older adults, inadequate housing solutions, and socioeconomic disparities affecting communities.
A new study found that low vitamin D levels are associated with a 77% higher risk of death in community-dwelling Thai older men. The risk is significant only in diabetic males, suggesting cardiovascular disease may be the link.
A study of 1639 adults aged 65 found that better sleep quality was positively associated with adherence to the Mediterranean diet. The researchers suggest that aspects of the Mediterranean diet may promote better sleep, or vice versa.
Lipsitz has received the prestigious award for his professional leadership in teaching, service, and interpretation of gerontology to the larger society. He is recognized for his contributions to the study of aging and dissemination of information among scientists, decision makers, and the general public.
Keith E. Whitfield, PhD, is recognized for his contributions to the study of aging and health disparities among older African Americans. He has published extensively on biobehavioral aspects of cognitive aging and has received numerous awards for his mentorship and research.
Frank J. Infurna, PhD, received the GSA's 2018 Baltes Foundation Award for his contributions to behavioral and social gerontology. His research focuses on personal control, resilience, and healthy aging.
Tara McMullen has been recognized with the 2018 Carroll L. Estes Rising Star Award by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) for her outstanding contributions to social research, policy, and practice. The award honors her work in standardizing post-acute care assessment data and quality measures.
Margaret Gatz, a renowned expert in clinical geropsychology, has been awarded the GSA's 2018 Distinguished Career Contribution to Gerontology Award. Her pioneering work includes the world's largest twin study of dementia and extensive research on age-related changes in depressive symptoms.
Lamming received the award for his work on basic biological research related to aging, including regulation of lifespan and healthspan by regulatory deacetylase proteins and mTOR signaling pathway.
Yuri Jang, PhD, receives GSA's 2018 Minority Mentorship Award for her exceptional mentorship of minority researchers in the field of aging. She has mentored over 30 scholars during her 15-year tenure, inspiring them to pursue research and careers promoting the well-being of minority older adults.
Kenneth Ferraro and Frank Infurna received the award for their innovative publications on aging and life course development. The research highlights the complexity of resilience in the face of spousal bereavement, challenging previous assumptions.
Dr. Manfred Diehl, a renowned gerontologist, has been awarded the GSA's Distinguished Mentorship in Gerontology Award for his outstanding mentoring skills and impact on the field. He has successfully mentored numerous students through various fellowships and training programs, inspiring them to innovate and strive for excellence.
A new study by USC and Yale researchers suggests that at least part of the gains in life expectancy over recent decades may be due to a change in the rate of biological aging. Biological age decreased across all age groups, with older adults experiencing the greatest declines.
The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education has elected new officers, fellow, and awardees. Hallie E. Baker, PhD, and Tina M. Kruger, PhD, were named AGHE fellows, while Marilyn R. Gugliucci, PhD, received the Clark Tibbitts Award for outstanding contributions to gerontology.
A study of NYC's stop-and-frisk policy from 2006 to 2013 found a link between height and police stops for black men. The research also replicated findings in experiments, highlighting the role of perceived threat in racial stereotyping.
A study found associations between natural environment features and older people's physical activity, with water fronts and diverse landscapes encouraging mobility. Environmental factors such as walking difficulties were considered, revealing that older adults benefit from neighborhood design promoting outdoor movement.
Researchers found that state-level immigration policies positively impact Latino sense of belonging, especially with welcoming policies like bilingual documents and social services for noncitizens. White Americans also report increased belonging when considering welcoming immigrant policies, except for conservatives.
A new qualitative study found that people's desire for longevity is linked to their health status, with many wanting to live longer only if they can maintain their current level of health. Researchers recommend focusing on health and quality of life when considering policies related to aging.
A study by USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology found significant disparities between Yelp and Nursing Home Compare ratings for nursing homes in California. The research highlights the need for improved ratings systems to help consumers make informed decisions about nursing home care.
A new study by the University of Plymouth found that European governments are placing too much emphasis on safety and affordability when it comes to transport policies for older people. The research highlights the need for a more rounded approach that prioritizes mobility, independence, and social inclusion.
The Gerontological Society of America and New America Media have selected 18 journalists to participate in the Journalists in Aging Fellows Program. The fellows will focus on producing in-depth stories on aging issues such as disparities in hospice access, mental health treatment for African Americans, and isolation of older adults in ...
The Journalists in Aging Fellows Program supports diverse voices and expert sources on aging issues. The program has produced over 450 news stories by its 118 alumni to date, educating journalists and disseminating information about new scientific findings, policy debates, innovations, and evidence-based solutions.
The Association for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) has announced its newest fellows and awardees, recognizing outstanding leadership in gerontology and geriatrics education. The honorees include Pamela P. Brown, Kara B. Dassel, Cynthia R. Hancock, and others.
David Burnes is awarded for his presentation on varying appraisals of elder mistreatment among victims, which highlights the need for detection and response strategies. The award recognizes Burnes' work on understanding and preventing elder mistreatment in community and long-term care settings.
The universal two-child policy is predicted to have a relatively small effect on population growth, with a peak of 1.45 billion by 2029. However, it may lead to changes in retirement age and pension systems to address shrinking workforce and population ageing.
Lisa Skemp, PhD, RN, FGSA, FAAN, is the 2016 recipient of the Minority Issues in Gerontology Committee Outstanding Mentorship Award. She has demonstrated a long history of promoting health and quality of life for community-dwelling elders through her research on building community capacity for healthy aging.
Dr. Richard Schulz is honored with the GSA's 2016 Distinguished Mentorship in Gerontology Award for fostering excellence and making a significant impact through mentoring. His decades-long research career has focused on adult development, aging, and social-psychological aspects of late life disease.