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Lonely adults may have a higher risk of diabetes

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.

People with ‘young brains’ outlive ‘old-brained’ peers, Stanford Medicine scientists find

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.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 9, 2025

USC study: mindfulness meditation can sharpen attention in adults of all ages

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.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournaleNeuro·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 8, 2025

NUS Medicine researchers develop a better and more accurate biological ageing clock

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.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·Journalnpj Aging·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 8, 2025

Live longer

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.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2025

Older adults are getting infected with HIV, but prevention focuses on young people

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.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalThe Lancet Healthy Longevity·DateMay 15, 2025

Mount Sinai researchers in semifinals of $101 million XPRIZE Healthspan, a competition seeking innovative approaches to aging well

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.

Biological age predicts cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality

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.

Is your heart aging too fast?

A new MRI technique measures a person's 'functional age' of their heart, revealing how unhealthy lifestyles add years to their heart's aging process. This method has the potential to transform heart disease diagnosis and offer a lifeline to millions by catching problems early.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalOpen Heart·TypeObservational study·DateMay 1, 2025

Cycling promotes health and longevity in older adults, especially nondrivers

A long-term follow-up study found that cycling among older adults improves health and life expectancy, particularly among nondrivers, who experience lower risks of long-term care requirements and mortality. Cycling contributes to maintaining physical and mental health, making it a vital lifestyle companion for this demographic.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalTransportation Research Part F Traffic Psychology and Behaviour·DateApr 30, 2025

Aging reimagined: UT Health San Antonio study shifts focus from inevitable decline to optimizing resilience

Researchers discovered that individuals with robust immune resilience at midlife can gain a 15.5-year survival advantage due to their ability to counter disease drivers and maintain healthy aging. The study highlights the importance of salutogenesis, or promoting health and well-being from birth to approximately age 70.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalAging Cell·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 23, 2025

Cognitively impaired older drivers are less likely to cause a crash when accompanied by a passenger

A recent study by researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that cognitively impaired older drivers are less likely to be involved in car-to-car crashes when accompanied by a passenger. The analysis revealed that second-party drivers were more likely to have been accompanied by a passenger than first-party drivers, regardless of...

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of Safety Research·DateApr 18, 2025

Older adults experience similar or even less muscle damage than young adults after exercise

A recent study published in the Journal of Ageing and Physical Activity found that older adults exhibit similar or even less muscle damage than young adults after exercise. Muscle soreness was consistently lower in older adults, with reductions of around 34% at 48 hours and 62% at 72 hours compared to younger individuals.

SourceLancaster University·JournalJournal of Aging and Physical Activity·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 2, 2025

Reduced sodium legislation saves lives

A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that legislation to reduce sodium in processed food in South Africa is linked to significant declines in blood pressure levels. The reduction in sodium intake has been associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease mortality and stroke, potentially saving millions of lives globally.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateMar 29, 2025

Most older adults say Medicare and other insurance should cover obesity drugs, and many show interest in using them

A large majority of older Americans believe health insurance – including Medicare – should cover anti-obesity medications. Nearly 37% of respondents met the criteria for overweight and 36% for obesity. Medicare currently covers a drug used for weight management but only in people with diabetes or a history of heart attack or stroke.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateMar 26, 2025

High levels of traumatic stress found in caregivers of adult cancer patients

A comprehensive review of studies reveals that over 15% of caregivers of adult cancer patients suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Caregivers with pre-existing mental health conditions and high caregiver burden are at greater risk. The study highlights the urgent need for proactive screening and support to prevent long-t...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalArchives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus·DateMar 19, 2025