Articles tagged with Gerontology
Researchers challenge the notion that natural selection declines after reproduction is complete. Instead, they propose that older adults play a crucial role in maintaining their fitness through intergenerational transfers of resources and knowledge.
Research from Washington University in St. Louis finds that positive social interactions are associated with a greater sense of purpose in older adults, particularly those who are retired. The study suggests that the quality of relationships and social connections play a significant role in shaping one's sense of purpose.
Researchers found that patients who felt younger at hospital admission showed better functional independence at discharge. This effect was seen in both those rehabilitated from osteoporotic fractures and strokes. A younger subjective age is associated with improved rehabilitation outcomes, stronger than chronological age or physical mu...
Menopause is often perceived as a hormone deficiency, but experts argue this can lead to negative expectations. Instead, a more nuanced approach emphasizes the positive aspects of menopause, such as freedom from menstruation and reduced symptoms. Normalizing ageing and celebrating women's strengths can also improve experiences.
Researchers identified DNA damage-inducible transcript 4 (DDIT4) as a critical factor regulated by histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) in skin aging. Overexpression of HDAC4 rescued cells from senescence, while DDIT4 overexpression reversed changes associated with aging.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that Synapsology, a game-like dual-task exercise, helps maintain or improve cognitive and physical abilities in older adults aged 85-97. The study, published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, suggests that this cost-effective intervention can have a societal impact.
A recent study found that older adults in later-born generations are more likely to have multiple chronic health conditions than prior generations. This trend may lead to increased strain on the well-being of older adults and medical insurance systems, particularly as the US population ages. The researchers suggest that sociodemographi...
A new USC study found that stress accelerates immune aging, leading to a weaker immune system and increased risk of chronic diseases. The study identified lifestyle factors like poor diet and low exercise as contributing to accelerated immune aging, while CMV vaccination may be a potential intervention.
A UNLV study analyzed nearly 30,000 broken bone cases and found that smoking increases the risk of breaking a bone by as much as 37%. The study also found that men are more likely to experience fractures, particularly in the wrists, spine, and shoulders, due to nicotine's negative impact on bone cells and calcium absorption.
A straightforward questionnaire, called the Attentional Failure during Driving Questionnaire (AFDQ), has been developed to assess older drivers' ability to drive safely. The study found that repeated attentional challenges were a key predictor of crashes among older drivers.
Researchers at Kobe University and Hiroshima University have developed a biomarker that can diagnose Parkinson's disease from blood serum samples. The 'P450 inhibition assay' uses 12 different human P450s to detect changes in metabolites, allowing for accurate diagnosis with an accuracy rate of 85-88%. This breakthrough could lead to f...
The U.S. continues to lag behind other developed countries in terms of health outcomes, with higher rates of chronic disease and disability. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the issue, widening the gap in life expectancy between the U.S. and its peer nations.
The National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) has provided insights into the trajectory of late-life functioning, accommodation needs, and consequences of disability for individuals, families, and society. The study's findings have implications for reducing disability and enhancing quality of life for older Americans.
A study of middle-aged women approaching menopause found increased body fat, particularly in the waist area, but those with healthier lifestyles had lower fat mass. The research suggests that maintaining physical activity and a balanced diet during this life stage may help protect against health risks associated with increased adiposity.
The article proposes a new framework for understanding the hallmarks of cancer and aging, highlighting their shared underlying principles. Dr. Blagosklonny's hyperfunction theory arranges these hallmarks in a hierarchical structure, revealing common signaling pathways involved in both aging and cancer.
Researchers found that polypharmacy and sedative drugs are associated with an increased risk of long-term care needs certification among older adults. The study highlights the need for public health initiatives to reduce high-risk prescribing practices, which may lead to a decrease in disability risk.
A global team of experts proposes a new approach to elevate health and well-being by optimizing late-life brain capital. The model highlights the importance of preserving social connection and cognitive function in preventing elder mistreatment.
A recent study found that 70% of adults with stage 3 or 4 cancer were at risk of drug-drug interactions, highlighting the importance of deprescribing medications to avoid harm. The study's results emphasize the need for education and problem-solving to address polypharmacy in older adults with cancer.
Dr. Blagosklonny discusses the potential of combining rapamycin with other modalities to live long enough to benefit from future discoveries in cellular reprogramming. He emphasizes that Altos Labs needs to develop rapamycin-based drug combinations to achieve additional decades of life extension, potentially within 3-5 years.
Scientists have found that transplanting faecal microbiota from young mice into old mice can reverse hallmarks of ageing in the gut, eyes, and brain. The study suggests that gut microbes play a role in regulating some of the detrimental effects of ageing, offering a potential solution in the form of gut microbe replacement therapy.
A Brazilian study analyzing data from 3,875 elderly men and women found that weak muscles combined with abdominal obesity can indicate an early sign of functional decline. The study suggests that monitoring simple actions such as sitting down, standing up, walking short distances may help identify this condition.
A multi-pillar approach to nutrition can help increase lifespan by promoting optimal carbohydrate intake from non-refined sources, low but sufficient protein from plant-based sources, and enough plant-based fats. The 'longevity diet' may also involve intermittent fasting and a 5-day cycle of a fasting or fasting-mimicking diet every 3-...
A recent study found racial and ethnic disparities in health insurance coverage among Black and Hispanic adults aged 60-64, compared to white adults. The research suggests that policy reforms could help reduce these disparities.
A recent study found that children's socioemotional behavior at age 8 can predict midlife health behaviors, including physical activity and alcohol consumption. Well-controlled behavior in girls was linked to more physical activity, while social activity in both boys and girls predicted heavier drinking and smoking.
A recent study published in Gerontology found that jaw-opening force can be used as an index for swallowing difficulties in older adults. Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University discovered that individuals with higher jaw strength are less likely to experience dysphagia.
A new poll by the National Poll on Healthy Aging finds that many older adults are not prepared for aging in place, despite wanting to live independently. The poll highlights the importance of planning for home modifications and social support, particularly for those without family members to care for them.
Professor Antonio Cherubini has made significant contributions to the field of geriatric medicine and musculoskeletal diseases. He is recognized for his work on aging, bone health, and age-related diseases.
The Journal of Gerontology presents new data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP), which explores key social and physical measures among community-dwelling older adults. The study reveals age and gender differences in social health indicators and associates resilience with health outcomes.
Research from the University of Georgia shows that physical activity can improve cognitive function and brain networks in older adults. Regular movement can help maintain executive function and independence as people age.
Researchers at the Salk Institute successfully reversed aging signs in middle-aged and elderly mice using a cellular rejuvenation approach. The treatment, which involves reprogramming cells with four specific molecules, restored youthful epigenetic patterns and improved tissue function without increasing cancer risk.
The Reframing Aging Initiative aims to improve communication about aging by promoting a shift in perspective from disease-focused to health-promoting. The new video emphasizes the importance of person-centered care and empowerment for older adults.
Researchers found that daily life movement, including housework and self-care activities, significantly benefits cardiovascular health. Women with at least four hours of daily life movement had a 43% lower risk of cardiovascular disease, 62% lower risk of cardiovascular disease death.
A new University of Copenhagen study reveals that well-functioning fat tissue is crucial for overall health and may help prevent diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, and obesity. High levels of lifelong exercise have been shown to improve mitochondrial function in fat cells, reducing oxidative stress and damage.
Seventy- to eighty-year-olds who train for better fitness demonstrate better problem-solving skills and reduced cognitive decline. Regular physical activity is linked to increased brain health, including faster reaction times and improved working memory.
A new model estimates the impact of dietary changes on life expectancy, suggesting that adopting an optimized diet rich in legumes, whole grains, and nuts can increase lifespan by over a decade. For young adults, this could add up to 10-13 years, while older individuals may still experience significant gains.
Researchers offer guidance on creating age-friendly environments that consider diversity and inclusivity across dimensions. The special issue highlights the importance of providing housing, transportation, healthcare access, and sociocultural support for all older adults.
A new study reveals that social isolation and loneliness can increase cardiovascular disease risk by 8% and 5% respectively. Women who experience high levels of both social isolation and loneliness have a 13-27% increased risk of heart disease, compared to those with low levels.
A national survey of over 2,000 adults aged 50-80 found that most support steps to reduce firearm injury risk, including safety counseling and background checks. The study highlights opportunities to help older adults recognize and address risks in their homes, particularly for those living with children or experiencing cognitive decline.
Telehealth benefits for family caregivers include increased access to care, continuity of care, and reduced COVID-19 risk. However, concerns arise about caregiver involvement, patient-provider rapport, and quality of chronic condition care.
Emerging research suggests that nutritional components can influence mitochondrial repair and preservation, quality control, and signaling to support healthy aging. Compounds such as SS peptides, CoQ10, and sirtuins have been shown to address mitochondrial damage and clinical disease states.
A new study found that people with dementia who see the same GP consistently have lower rates of health complications and fewer emergency hospital admissions. They are also less likely to develop delirium and incontinence, and receive safer prescribing.
Researchers at Hiroshima University discovered that a broccoli compound, DIM, induces controlled cell death and recycling of cellular components in fission yeast. The study suggests that targeting the nuclear envelope could be an early target for future anti-cancer treatments.
A recent study has found that older adults who scored higher on a fatigue scale were more than twice as likely to die within 2.7 years compared to those with lower scores. Researchers say this can serve as an indicator for earlier mortality and encourage people to stick with exercise goals.
A new study of Chinese older adults found that higher levels of social isolation are associated with having fewer teeth and losing teeth more quickly over time. Despite this, loneliness was not linked to the number of remaining teeth or tooth loss rate.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that walking regularly at greater intensity and taking more steps can lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes among adults aged 65 and older. For every 1,000 additional steps per day, the risk is reduced by 6%, with a 12% reduction possible if an average adult takes 2,000 more steps daily.
A new study reveals significant variability in state- and nationwide policies on end-of-life decision making in US prisons. The researchers found that many policies restrict access to advance care planning documents, limit the roles of surrogate decision-makers, and fail to ensure compliance with community standards. The study emphasiz...
A recent study from Oregon State University found that individuals with more positive self-perceptions of aging were less susceptible to the negative effects of stress on their physical health. This suggests that thought patterns and conversations reinforcing stereotypes of aging can have a measurable impact on one's life.
Researchers have found that blocking mineralocorticoid receptors, a key factor in bone health, may help protect against bone loss and osteoporosis. This new target is thought to be more effective than previously believed logical targets, such as reducing glucocorticoid receptor activity.
A long-term study found that academic education can positively affect aging of the brain, with reduced degenerative processes and improved cognitive performance. Participants with an academic background showed a lower increase in signs of brain degeneration and faster processing speeds.
The Reframing Aging Initiative has launched a new website to improve public understanding of aging and reduce ageism. The initiative, led by the Gerontological Society of America, provides resources, tools, and strategies for individuals and organizations to adopt bias-free language and promote positive narratives about aging.
A recent study found that Black adults experience more pronounced mental health challenges than white adults in response to COVID-19 pandemic stresses. Younger Black adults are particularly vulnerable, with increased anxiety and depressive symptoms compared to their older counterparts.
A new study reveals that extracellular vesicles deliver genetic instructions for the longevity protein Klotho to muscle cells, which declines with age. This finding suggests that EVs could be developed into novel therapies for healing damaged muscle tissue and improving functional recovery in older individuals.
Researchers discovered that infections improve the production and function of naïve T cells, the body's first line of defense against disease. This mechanism involves interleukin 7 and MHC molecules, which signal naïve T cells to stay alive and receive optimal metabolic signals.
Research in Japan found a link between financial knowledge, age, and gender, suggesting potential policy targets to improve financial health. While men had higher financial literacy, women reported more sound financial behaviors, indicating that policies may need to focus on supporting women's financial decision-making.
A new supplemental issue of The Journals of Gerontology, Series B investigates motivation's role in healthy aging. Motivation science examines desires, dislikes, and fears to understand goal pursuit and aging processes.
The Gerontological Society of America is hosting its annual scientific meeting online, with a focus on 'Disruption to Transformation: Aging in the 'New Normal'' theme. The event features hundreds of scientific sessions, including complimentary media registration for access to all sessions.
Researchers found that regular cycles of a fasting-mimicking diet in mice helped counteract the negative effects of a high-fat, high-calorie diet. The study suggests that this diet may have potential as 'medicine' to prevent obesity and heart disease.
Researchers at University College London discovered that worm mothers secrete a milk-like fluid to support their offspring's growth. This unique selfless act helps explain mysteries about the biology of ageing in nematode worms, which could have far-reaching implications for understanding human ageing.
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.