Articles tagged with Gerontology
A study by Dr. Esther Sternberg highlights the importance of social engagement, intellectual stimulation, purposeful activity, humor, and spiritual exploration in achieving exceptional cognitive and social functioning in advanced age. Dr. Reichlin's example challenges conventional assumptions about aging trajectories.
Thirteen journalists from diverse outlets have been awarded fellowships to explore aging-related topics, including climate change, healthcare access, and caregiving. The Gerontological Society of America and the Journalists Network on Generations are supporting these projects through a collaborative program.
A new review emphasizes the importance of both physical activity and reduced sedentary time for optimal skeletal health. Emerging evidence reveals that prolonged sitting and inactivity can harm bone health, even among regular exercisers.
Researchers propose idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis as a disease-specific treatment to test general geroprotector therapies, leveraging its high overlap with aging biology. This approach could accelerate drug development and reduce costs by targeting shared biological pathways.
Researchers found that exosomes from senescent cells and circulatory exosomes carry molecular signatures associated with biological aging and cellular senescence. These signatures include proteins, lipids, and microRNAs linked to inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue remodeling.
Researchers found that AUF1 helps prevent aging by breaking down enzymes involved in glucose metabolism. The study's findings improve our understanding of how metabolism affects the aging process.
A major international review found that targeted approaches such as regular supervised exercise, vitamin D supplements, and improved nutrition can significantly reduce falls in aged care homes. The study also highlights the importance of individualized programs delivered with strong staff engagement.
Researchers found that faster biological aging is associated with lower scores on digital cognitive tests, particularly among older adults. DNA methylation patterns were used to estimate biological age acceleration, and protein markers PAI1 and ADM showed strong associations with lower cognitive scores.
Sarah Khasawinah joins GSA as a visiting scholar, contributing to the organization's work in policy arena. She brings extensive experience in crafting bipartisan aging policies and has led key initiatives on Alzheimer's disease, brain health, and caregiving.
Researchers found that cancer does not typically affect forensic age estimation accuracy, except for very aggressive forms of cancer. In contrast, blood cancers led to large errors, with ages overestimated by up to 50 years.
A new study by USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology researchers finds that Americans with less education are aging faster, with the gap growing over 30 years. The study measured biological aging, which looks at how well organs and systems work, and found that people with more education have slower biological aging.
A study of over 40 research studies found that older adults often don't understand the risk of extreme heat and aren't prepared for long periods of hot weather. The researchers suggest that individuals themselves go through transformations as they age, which can affect their bodies' reactions to heat.
Research highlights preventable harms of intensive diabetes and hypertension treatment in frail older adults, calling for personalized care approaches that prioritize patient safety. Guidelines recommend cautious individualized care, but complications remain alarmingly common.
Two new studies from Karolinska Institutet investigate how somatic mutations in muscles and blood vessels affect ageing. The results show that such mutations can reduce muscle strength and accelerate blood vessel ageing.
The GSA Guide provides essential strategies to support older patients in making informed healthcare decisions. Topics include addressing age-related bias, understanding cultural health beliefs, and fostering collaborative provider-patient relationships.
Girls who go through puberty before age 11 have double the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart failure, and obesity, while women who give birth before 21 have quadruple the risk. Later puberty and childbirth are associated with longer lifespan, lower frailty, and reduced disease risk.
A new GSA report provides guidance on pain management and opioid reversal for older adults and their caregivers. The report emphasizes the importance of having naloxone in the home to prevent opioid overdoses, and offers a decision tree to guide actions in case of an apparent overdose.
A new study suggests that regular exercise can influence epigenetic aging and potentially reverse it, offering a promising way to extend healthspan. Physical fitness is closely associated with slower epigenetic aging, and sedentary behavior may have detrimental effects on the body's internal aging process.
Researchers found that the primary somatosensory cortex, responsible for processing sensory information, has a layered structure that ages differently. The middle and upper layers remain stable or even thicken with age, while the lower layers show age-related degeneration, providing evidence for neuroplasticity.
SuperAgers, individuals with exceptional memory performance beyond their age, have been studied for 25 years. Their brains show a distinct neurobiological profile, linked to resistance and resilience mechanisms that may prevent Alzheimer's disease progression.
The report provides evidence-based strategies to improve communication between clinicians and patients 65 and older, addressing common barriers such as low health literacy and cognitive changes. It emphasizes adapting communication techniques to use simpler instructions and maintaining patient dignity and autonomy., A new guide from th...
Researchers discovered that components in young human blood serum can restore youthful properties to skin when combined with bone marrow cells. This study highlights the role of bone marrow in supporting skin health and may lead to novel approaches to address age-related changes.
A study found that aging selectively degrades essential DNA- and RNA-binding proteins, contributing to neurodegenerative disease hallmarks. This impairment triggers the decline of proteostasis, leading to protein aggregation and age-related brain changes.
The Gerontological Society of America has elected new officers, including Blanka Rogina as Vice President. The organization, which serves over 6,000 members worldwide, aims to advance aging research, education, and practice through innovation and collaboration.
The HELO survey reveals a population seeking optimal health and lifespan, yet lacking the necessary knowledge and access. Key findings include strong public interest in Healthy Longevity Medicine clinics across all age groups, with older adults showing clear enthusiasm for preventive care.
Researchers found that taking blood thinners like warfarin does not significantly increase the risk of brain bleeding after blunt head trauma, contradicting previous assumptions. In fact, patients with poorly controlled warfarin activity had the highest bleeding risk.
A large-scale study published in Frontiers in Public Health found that individuals experiencing persistent and intense grief are nearly twice as likely to die within 10 years after losing a loved one. The study followed a cohort of 1,735 bereaved individuals and found that those with high grief symptom levels had significantly higher r...
The National Center to Reframe Aging is partnering with the Pennsylvania Department of Aging to develop effective communication strategies for senior community centers. Effective reframing will increase public awareness, engagement, and investment in these vital spaces where older people can remain active, connected, and valued.
Breakthroughs in treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD) include FDA-approved pegcetacoplan and avacincaptad pegol, targeting the complement system to slow geographic atrophy progression. Anti-VEGF therapies like faricimab also offer extended dosing intervals, reducing injection frequency.
A new poll suggests that older adults are divided on the use of artificial intelligence (AI), with some expressing curiosity and others skepticism. The study found that nearly all participants wanted clear labeling of AI-generated information, while also acknowledging its potential benefits for independent living. However, many express...
Researchers found that telomerase inactivation in immune cells or connective tissue cells slows tumor growth, but creates conditions for aggressiveness. In contrast, endothelial cell preservation suppresses metastasis.
A study presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting found that socially isolated older adults are 34% more likely to have diabetes and 75% more likely to have poor blood sugar control. Social isolation is being recognized as a critical social determinant of health, highlighting its importance in caring for older patients.
A recent study published by The Endocrine Society found that osteoporosis treatment after a fracture can decrease both hospitalization and mortality in people older than 80. Researchers analyzed data from 88,676 patients aged 80 and older who suffered a fracture due to bone deterioration or weakness caused by osteoporosis.
Researchers found that spermidine supplementation improves memory and preserves physical activity, while reducing protein intake boosts mitochondrial activity and extends lifespan. Combining the two interventions offers additive benefits, suggesting potential for synergistic effects.
Researchers developed a blood-based indicator of organ age and found that individuals with young brains have a lower risk of developing diseases associated with their brain. The study also showed that organs' biological ages can predict health outcomes, such as increased risk of Alzheimer's disease for those with an old brain.
A new study from the University of Southern California reveals that just 30 days of guided mindfulness meditation can significantly enhance key aspects of attentional control. The study demonstrates that even short-term meditation can lead to measurable cognitive improvements, particularly in reaction speed.
Researchers found that waist-to-hip and waist-to-height ratios are strong predictors of physical performance in older adults. Individuals with higher abdominal fat tend to have poorer physical function, which can impair independence as people age.
A new study found that slower arm movements in older adults increase the risk of falls, which can lead to hip fractures. The research team discovered that faster arm corrections can limit whole-body movement during a slip, highlighting the importance of strengthening targeted muscles.
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.
The Gerontological Society of America recognizes 24 outstanding individuals through its prestigious awards program. The award presentations will take place at GSA’s 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts. Recipients include Dr. LaDora V. Thompson, Dr. Pinchas Cohen, and Dr. Linda M. Chatters.
The Gerontological Society of America has named 47 exemplary professionals as its newest fellows, acknowledging their research, teaching, and practice achievements in the field of gerontology. The new fellows will be formally recognized at GSA's 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting in Boston.
Dr. Eric Sun's groundbreaking work uses spatial aging clocks to measure biological age at the individual cell level, identifying specific cell types that drive brain aging in neighboring tissues. His machine learning models reveal complex intercellular communication networks that determine aging rates.
A USC study found that high levels of iron in the brain contribute to cell damage and oxidative stress, accelerating Alzheimer’s symptoms in individuals with Down syndrome. This connection could lead to targeted treatments and improved outcomes for those at risk.
A new study reveals that Rapamycin has a comparable life-extending effect to dietary restriction in eight species of vertebrates. The compound, originally developed as an immunosuppressant, offers similar benefits without the need for caloric restriction.
Dr. Sophia Shi's groundbreaking research reveals that the glycocalyx deteriorates with age, leading to blood-brain barrier dysfunction and cognitive decline. Her work provides concrete molecular targets for drug development and may lead to treatments that address the root causes of neurodegeneration.
Researchers developed an improved biological ageing clock, LinAge2, that offers doctors a practical way to assess how quickly a person is ageing and what can be done to slow it down. The new algorithm-powered tool outperforms other clinical models in predicting long-term mortality and health outcomes.
The Journalists in Aging Fellows Program, supported by the Gerontological Society of America and four funding partners, aims to educate journalists about aging issues and disseminate accurate news coverage. Since its founding in 2010, the program has produced over 850 news stories and educated 245 alumni.
A study published in The Journal of Pain found that nature exposure can help people with chronic lower back pain by providing a sense of escapism, social connection, and physical exercise. Researchers recommend incorporating accessible design features into natural spaces to improve inclusivity.
Researchers at University of Virginia Health System discovered that an immune molecule called STING drives the formation of harmful plaques and protein tangles associated with Alzheimer's. Blocking STING protected lab mice from mental decline, suggesting a promising treatment target for neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study published in the Journal of Gerontology found that Asian Americans no longer report better health outcomes than white Americans among US adults aged 50 and over. The prevalence of disability declined across every other racial group, but remained stagnant among US-born Asians since 2005.
A combination of Rapamycin and Trametinib therapies significantly prolongs the life of mice by up to 30%, reducing chronic inflammation and delaying cancer onset. The unique combination achieves novel effects on gene expression, offering a potential geroprotector approach to extend human lifespan.
As women age, more genes on their X chromosomes escape silencing, potentially influencing disease. This epigenetic change may explain sex-based differences in age-related diseases.
The USC Parris Longevity Accelerator aims to develop early interventions for age-related diseases, including osteoarthritis and cardiovascular disease, through AI-driven diagnostic tools and targeted therapeutics. The initiative could lead to therapies that preserve mobility and restore strength in older adults.
The National Center to Reframe Aging teams up with the California Department of Aging to challenge negative attitudes about aging and promote age-friendly services. The collaboration aims to shift the narrative on aging communication, highlighting the contributions of older adults in California.
Stephen Ewell has been named an at-large member of the Gerontological Society of America's Board of Directors. He will contribute his experience in accessibility and age-tech to the organization.
A study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity reveals that older adults in sub-Saharan Africa are at risk of HIV infection, particularly those who have experienced social stigma and lack access to education. Interventions such as repeated testing, PrEP, and awareness campaigns can help reduce infections among the elderly.
A space-saving version of boccia, called Boccia XR, has been developed as a rehabilitation program for older adults. Participants showed improved moods, vitality, and energy after experiencing both Boccia XR and traditional boccia, with increased muscle activity in the rectus femoris during both types of boccia.
The Mount Sinai team's NYC-Vita trial combines lifestyle and pharmaceutical interventions to rebalance the immune system and restore health in older adults. The ambitious effort aims to develop practical, science-driven interventions that extend life and restore energy, focus, and strength.
Lauren Hunt, PhD, RN, FNP, is a leading researcher on geriatric palliative care needs and experiences of older adults with dementia. Her award-winning work focuses on understanding the complexities of hospice and palliative care in vulnerable populations.
A multicentre study found that biological ageing, measured by frailty index and telomere length, can predict cardiovascular disease risk more accurately than traditional tools. The study, involving over 14,000 individuals, suggests that incorporating biological age into risk assessments could improve cardiovascular health outcomes.