Articles tagged with Gerontology
A recent study by the American Psychological Association found that retirees moving abroad are at a higher risk of loneliness. This is despite having better socioeconomic status and health compared to non-migrants. Maintaining social connections with family and new acquaintances in the destination country can mitigate this issue.
Researchers are enrolling volunteers for a four-year study that will use advanced imaging, genetics, exercise science, neuroscience, and remote monitoring to investigate age-related health decline. The goal is to help individuals and healthcare practitioners better prevent the impact of disease on older adults.
Aging mice show significant changes in glycocalyx, the sugary armor on cells that form the blood-brain barrier. Restoring glycals improves cognitive function and reduces neuroinflammation. The study offers new avenues for treating brain aging and related diseases.
A new study suggests that extreme heat exposure accelerates biological aging in older adults, with participants experiencing greater increases in biological age in neighborhoods with more days of high heat. The study analyzed epigenetic changes and found a significant correlation between heat index values and biological age.
A new supplemental issue of The Journals of Gerontology presents measures and data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) on cognition in older adults during the post-COVID era. The study explores adaptations to remote data collection methods and their impact on cognitive decline.
A study found that 10% of South Asian immigrants aged 45 and older in Canada had hypothyroidism. Higher dietary intake of fat, lower consumption of fruits and vegetables, and increasing age were associated with a higher risk of the condition. Early recognition and treatment are crucial to minimize preventable health impacts.
La Jolla Institute scientists found that a protein in brain cells drives Parkinson's onset and may explain why the disease is more common in men. PINK1 appears to mark brain cells for immune cell attack, leading to inflammation and death.
Research reveals that visceral adipose tissue's protein CX3CL1 promotes BDNF production in the brain. In aged mice, this connection falters, leading to cognitive decline. The study suggests that steroid hormones causing lipolysis promote CX3CL1 expression and that aging mice become less responsive to these hormones.
A new AI model measures how fast the brain ages by analyzing MRI scans, providing a more accurate picture of brain health. The tool closely correlates faster brain aging with increased cognitive decline and dementia risk, offering potential for early biomarkers and personalized treatment.
A new study from the University of East Anglia finds that European life expectancy has slowed down since 2011 due to factors such as poor diets, lack of physical activity, and obesity. The research suggests that prioritizing healthier lifestyles in younger years is crucial for extending old age.
A study of 153 people between the ages of 60 and 89 suggests a modification to the well-established clinical test for assessing balance in the elderly to make it more efficient, accessible, and predictive. The assessment can predict the risk of falling over a six-month period with accuracy.
A large study found that telemedicine and training apps had minimal positive effects on patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. The study suggests that direct care from medical professionals remains crucial for improving health outcomes in this population.
A new national study suggests that depression rates among older people in England remain slightly higher than pre-COVID, while overall happiness and life satisfaction have improved significantly since the pandemic. This finding highlights the need for policies addressing immediate and lingering effects of the pandemic on mental health.
A new research paper found that physical activity (PA) is associated with better sleep quality in older adults during social isolation. Reduced levels of PA had a negative association with the quality of sleep in four studies, while one study found improved sleep patterns among active individuals.
A study published in the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus found that the prevalence of older Americans without disabilities increased from 61% in 2008 to 65% in 2017. This represents a significant improvement, with an additional 2.07 million older Americans potentially having had disabilities if trends had remained constant.
Women who experience late-onset menopause have significantly better vascular health and are less likely to develop heart disease than those who experience it earlier. The study found that preserved mitochondrial function and certain lipid levels in their blood may contribute to this protection.
A new survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that nearly half of US adults incorrectly think taking a daily low-dose aspirin reduces heart attack and stroke risk. The survey reveals significant gaps in understanding about aspirin use among older adults, with younger respondents more likely to correctly assess the risks.
The journal examines dementia-related trends in high- and middle-income countries, highlighting the need for effective interventions to prevent dementia. Worldwide, dementia cases are expected to rise from 55.2 million in 2019 to 139 million by 2050.
Gugliucci, a renowned gerontology expert and UNE COM professor, has been elected as the new president of the Gerontological Society of America (GSA), a position she will oversee from 2025. She will focus on innovative horizons in gerontology, building on her extensive experience in research, education, and practice.
A recent study found that positive affectivity contributes to higher physical activity levels and increased activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, depressive feelings are associated with lower physical activity levels. Mental well-being plays a crucial role in maintaining a physically active lifestyle.
A new pilot study sheds light on the numerous barriers to effective osteoporosis management, revealing profound knowledge gaps and misinformation. Key findings highlight the need for clear education and trust-building in osteoporosis care.
Gerontological Society of America members emphasize the need to expand US aging policy to ensure access to services and supports that promote healthy aging. Key findings include the importance of early intervention in modifying health trajectories and bolstering physiological resilience as we age.
JMIR Aging has achieved top ranking, with a Journal Impact Factor of 5.0, making it the #1 ranked journal in the 'Gerontology' category. The inclusion in SCIE and SSCI underscores its exceptional quality and impact.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine found a strong association between living in disadvantaged neighborhoods and higher blood pressure and lower cognitive scores. The study analyzed data from over 500 adults aged 55+ and used the Area Deprivation Index to measure neighborhood disadvantage.
A new review paper finds that regular coffee consumption adds an average of 1.8 years to a person's life, with benefits seen in both men and women. The study suggests that moderate coffee consumption can play a role in mitigating against chronic diseases and promoting healthy aging.
The Gerontological Society of America has recognized 34 outstanding individuals with prestigious awards for their contributions to the field of gerontology. The awards include the Mildred M. Seltzer Distinguished Service Honor and the David A. Peterson Award, which recognize excellence in research and scholarship.
The National Center to Reframe Aging and NRHA collaborate on the National Rural Age-Friendly Initiative, providing resources, best practices, and technical support to improve age-inclusive care in rural areas. This partnership aims to challenge outdated perceptions and address unique needs of older adults in rural communities.
The RCMAR Center Director is calling on the House of Representatives to adopt a unified approach to advancing Alzheimer's research globally. The initiative aims to strengthen the US position in Africa and other low- and middle-income countries by leveraging successful programs like RCMAR.
The American Heart Association and Arizona Cardinals partnered with 12 local schools for CPR and AED training, aiming to improve cardiac emergency outcomes. The training equipped schools with lifesaving skills and resources, increasing the community's capacity to respond in cardiac emergencies.
The report highlights the urgent need for palliative care, citing a growing demand due to aging populations and chronic conditions. Specialists emphasize the importance of understanding cultural and religious contexts, patient autonomy, and innovative, cost-effective recommendations to transform essential palliative care.
A new AI program, PanEcho, has been developed to interpret echocardiography videos independently, reducing wait times and improving timely medical care. The program demonstrated accuracy in estimating continuous echocardiographic parameters and quantifying left ventricle dimensions and function.
Researchers have created a comprehensive database of protein changes in mice tissues due to aging, providing new insights into age-related diseases. The study reveals proteins that increase with age and improve understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying aging.
A study of over 4,000 participants found that those with both conditions showed faster memory impairment. The researchers suggest that the combination of joint pain and depressive symptoms can lead to an 'overlap' of information in the brain, causing cognitive decline.
A new poll by Michigan Medicine reveals that having grandchildren and regularly seeing them can have a positive impact on older adults' mental health. Grandparents who care for their grandchildren under 18 or see them frequently are less likely to feel isolated and report better mental health.
Cardiovascular disease death rates increased by 21% for adults aged 25-64 living in rural areas, while urban adults saw a 9% decline between 2010 and 2022. Younger rural adults are particularly vulnerable to cardiovascular mortality due to worsening cardiometabolic health and reduced healthcare access.
The New York Jets and American Heart Association trained representatives from 12 local schools in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED) techniques. This partnership aims to improve cardiac emergency outcomes and increase the chances of survival for those experiencing cardiac arrest.
The Oklahoma State University men's basketball team participated in an American Heart Association Hands-Only CPR training to learn the correct rate and depth of CPR compressions. This event supports the Nation of Lifesavers movement, which aims to double survival rates from sudden cardiac arrest by 2030.
A new University of Michigan study analyzed 2022 data from Michigan Medicare participants to assess the impact of virtual care on low-value care. The study found that high-telehealth-use clinics did not see a rise in unnecessary tests and scans, while some saw a faster drop in these procedures.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas are using a 7-Tesla MRI machine to study brain structure, function, and cognition across time. The team aims to identify biomarkers for healthy or pathological aging, shedding light on individual differences in brain aging.
Debra Whitman, AARP's global aging expert, will discuss ways to live a healthier and more meaningful second half of life. She'll address topics like brain health, work, caregiving, saving for retirement, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits.
A new study provides a clear definition of late-life homelessness, which is shaped by age-based structures, social relations, and intersecting forms of oppression. The researchers argue that policy makers and professionals need a comprehensive understanding of this issue to effectively address it.
A Colorado School of Public Health study reveals that gender affirming care patients experience disproportionately high levels of trauma, homelessness, and housing insecurity. Commercial insurance covers most treatments, but access to care varies by region.
A new study found that initial prescriptions of benzodiazepines for older stroke survivors often include excessive doses, posing a risk of dependence, falls, and other harmful effects. Guidelines recommend avoiding benzodiazepine prescriptions if possible, but some cases may require limited use under close monitoring.
The Gerontological Society of America's 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting will take place in Seattle from November 13 to 16. Over 4,000 professionals are expected to attend, with nearly 600 scientific sessions featuring experts sharing groundbreaking aging research.
The Lancet Commission on Investing in Health recommends focusing on 15 priority health conditions to achieve a 50% reduction in premature deaths. Raising taxes on tobacco is key, with estimates suggesting it could reduce mortality rates by more than any other single policy.
A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that quitting smoking even at 75 can significantly increase life expectancy. The research showed that older individuals who quit smoking can avoid an average loss of 4-9 years of life, with some regaining up to 8 years or more.
Researchers investigate how racism affects development during childhood and adolescence, finding significant increases in epigenetic age acceleration. The study suggests that policies and social regularities may perpetuate discrimination against ethnically and racially minoritized adolescents.
Researchers found high prevalence of frailty in breast cancer and hematopoietic cell transplant survivors, negatively impacting physical functioning and quality of life. The study supports an association between frailty and the senescence marker p16INK4a, highlighting the need for well-designed senolytic trials.
A new epigenetic clock based on cheek cells accurately predicts mortality risk, outperforming previous clocks trained on blood data. The study found that specific methylation sites are linked to human mortality, and future research is needed to identify associations with age-related diseases.
A study reveals that shrinking Japanese cities are often medium-sized or small, and that urban policies should be tailored to their specific needs. The research found correlations between population changes and social, economic, and urban-planning factors in cities of varying sizes.
Researchers developed a frailty screening questionnaire that predicts short-term mortality in dogs aged 10 and older. The tool, combined with veterinarian assessments of body and muscle condition, is a simple yet effective predictor of canine frailty.
A new study shows that belonging to age-based groups affects finances and health, with kin-based societies experiencing significant improvements in child nutrition. Researchers analyzed cash transfer programs in East Africa, finding that pension payments to seniors reduced malnourishment by 5.5% in kin-based households.
A study published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society uses wrist-worn voice recorders to collect real-time data on balance loss among community-dwelling older adults. The findings suggest that these recorders can capture the circumstances and context of balance losses more accurately than traditional recall methods.
A new study analyzing 44 years of FBI data reveals that family members are the most common perpetrators of infant and child homicides in the US. The research found a sustained increase in firearm-related homicides among children and adolescents, with Black pediatric victims experiencing disproportionate burdens.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that neighborhoods with poorer redlining scores have higher peak summer temperatures and reduced neighborhood walking time for older adults. However, affluent neighborhoods with more favorable built environments showed reduced walking in extreme heat due to alternative transportation options.
A new study published in Health Affairs found that the Colorado insulin price cap law resulted in a 40% reduction in out-of-pocket costs for insulin prescriptions. The law, which caps monthly costs at $100 for state-regulated health insurance plans, had the largest impact on children and adults aged 18-34, as well as rural patients.
A Singapore University of Technology and Design study identified key factors that influence a neighbourhood's walkability, including pedestrian safety, covered walkways, and opportunities for social interaction. The research aims to aid urban planners in creating people-centric built environments that promote healthier lifestyles.
The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) has released a new web-based KAER Toolkit for Brain Health, providing practical approaches and validated clinical tools for primary care teams. The toolkit aims to delay cognitive decline by detecting early cognitive changes and connecting individuals with community-based supports.
A large study found that mental resilience is associated with a lower risk of death in older adults. The study analyzed data from over 10,000 participants and found that those with higher levels of resilience were 20-38% less likely to die than those with lower levels.
The Gerontological Society of America has awarded fellowships to 14 journalists to produce in-depth, aging-focused stories. The new fellows will have access to the latest aging research and expert attendees at the GSA 2024 Annual Scientific Meeting.