Articles tagged with Geriatrics
The American Geriatrics Society has released new guidance on care and decision-making for 'unbefriended' older adults. The recommendations aim to support vulnerable individuals while protecting others from becoming unbefriended as they age.
Researchers found that participating in social activities like hobby clubs and volunteer groups can delay the decline in older adults' ability to function. Women who engaged in these activities were less likely to experience a decline, while men who participated in hobby clubs maintained their ability to function.
A recent study found that 80% of Chinese-American grandparents who cared for their grandchildren did not experience negative effects. In fact, they reported higher levels of happiness and lower symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress compared to those who didn't care for their grandchildren.
Limited awareness and physician concerns about patient reactions contribute to the continuation of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) at the end of life. Emphasizing the benefits of stopping PIMs, such as reduced pill burden, may increase their discontinuation.
Research found that healthy lifestyle habits like exercising, eating a healthy diet, and staying socially connected can potentially compress the period of disability in older adults before death. However, factors such as smoking, being inactive, and unhealthy diets were associated with longer periods of disability.
A recent study found that personalized primary care programs can improve daily functioning in older adults, particularly those with higher levels of education. After six months, participants in the treatment groups experienced fewer problems compared to the control group, but further studies are needed to confirm these results.
Researchers found that current testing procedures are only 77% accurate in predicting driving safety for people with dementia, highlighting the need for better tools to assess their ability to drive safely. Healthcare professionals should work closely with older adults and caregivers to determine when it's time to stop driving.
A new study found that volunteering regularly over time may have benefits for older adults' memory and physical health. Volunteering reduces the risk of cognitive problems by 27%, even among those with other risk factors.
A new study reports that two-thirds of older inmates experience at least one distressing health symptom, such as chronic disease or emotional suffering. The researchers suggest the need for comprehensive programs to assess, treat, and manage geriatric conditions to help older adults while incarcerated.
The American Geriatrics Society has released a virtual journal issue featuring 20 seminal articles that have shaped geriatric research since the new millennium. The studies focus on topics such as cognition, physical disabilities, frailty, and medication use, and have had significant impacts on eldercare expertise.
Perls is recognized for his research on exceptional longevity, which reveals strong family clustering, compressed disability, and a genetic influence on survival that increases with age. He has published extensively on the subject and is a vocal critic of the anti-aging industry.
A new peer mentoring program, developed by NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, aims to enhance early career gerontological nursing faculty. The program has shown promising results, with 64.7% of mentors and 72.7% of mentees finding value in it.
A study developed a prediction score to help healthcare professionals identify older adults at risk of developing pneumonia. The seven critical factors include age, chronic lung disease, smoking, and body mass index. This scoring system may encourage preventive measures such as vaccination and quitting smoking.
Researchers found a link between poor physical performance tests and increased dementia risk in people aged 90 and older. The study suggests that testing walking and standing balance may help predict dementia risk among the 'oldest-old'.
Researchers found poor standing balance and 4-meter walk test performances strongly associated with late-age dementia. The study suggests that impaired physical performance may be an early sign of developing late-age dementia.
Researchers found that people with probable dementia who had not been diagnosed were more likely to engage in potentially dangerous activities. Healthcare practitioners can better address safety concerns by asking older adults about their activities.
Researchers found that some older adults, known as 'adapters,' live longer and healthier lives despite higher disease burdens. These individuals exhibit high vigor levels and a unique coping mechanism that enables them to thrive.
Older adults who engage in more than 20 leisure activities per week are less likely to experience post-operative delirium. Research suggests that reading, emailing, and playing computer games can reduce the risk of delirium following surgery.
The American Geriatrics Society will continue hosting prestigious scientific conferences on emerging issues in geriatrics, focusing on multimorbidity and developing actionable agendas. The NIH-funded series aims to improve health outcomes for older adults through collaboration and research.
A new study found that video consultation technology brings together nursing home staff and hospital-based clinical experts to manage behavioral challenges associated with dementia. The program, Project ECHO-AGE, resulted in significant reductions in the use of physical restraints and antipsychotic medication among patients.
A study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that doctors and non-doctors in the US experience similar levels of hospital care and intensive care unit stays at the end of life. More than 46% of doctors enrolled in hospice care compared to 43.2% of non-doctors, suggesting a shift towards more palliative care.
Dr. Callahan has spent over two decades developing new models of care to improve the health of older adults with internists or primary care physicians. His research emphasizes team-based care, social services, and practical strategies for primary care physicians.
Researchers found that frailty and depression are intertwined in older couples, with frailer individuals more likely to become depressed and vice versa. This study highlights the importance of increasing physical activity, social engagement, and mutual support for seniors living together.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that frail older women with six or more chronic health conditions are twice as likely to have a lower quality of life. Managing chronic health problems well may help these women enjoy a better quality of life.
Researchers found that older adults with vascular health conditions, depression, difficulty performing daily activities, and multiple chronic diseases were at higher risk of traumatic brain injury. In contrast, sedentary lifestyles or self-reported alcohol problems did not increase the risk of TBI.
The AGS Annual Scientific Meeting presented numerous high-profile sessions and symposia focusing on de-prescribing medication in older adults, improving interprofessional team communication, and strategies to reduce cardiovascular outcomes in skilled nursing facilities. Bench research findings from 2015 will be applied to bedside care ...
Programs to prevent inappropriate medication use, reduce unnecessary medical procedures, and link vulnerable adults to Medicare are highlighted at the AGS16 meeting. These initiatives aim to improve quality of care and address population growth needs for older adults.
A systematic review of studies found associations between poor oral health and increased risk of cognitive decline, particularly among those with dementia. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the potential causal link between oral health and cognitive status.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that transitions in care for older adults with dementia are linked to medication errors, hospital readmissions, and increased risk of death. Receiving coordinated care and a long-term care plan can help reduce unnecessary transitions.
A randomized controlled trial found that practicing tai chi significantly reduced the risk of injury-causing falls in older adults compared to leg strengthening exercises. After six months and a year of training, participants who practiced tai chi were 50% less likely to experience an injury-causing fall.
A NYU Nursing researcher developed the Dementia Symptom Management at Home (DSM-H) Program to enhance home healthcare providers' knowledge and confidence in caring for people with dementia. The program improved pain, depression, and neuropsychiatric symptom knowledge and attitudes among clinicians.
The study found that trauma surgeons working with geriatricians improved multidisciplinary care for elderly accident victims, leading to reduced short-term mortality rates and ICU readmissions. The program increased referrals for cognitive evaluation and advanced directives, demonstrating the benefits of comprehensive clinical pathways.
Researchers at UCSF discovered that homeless individuals aged 50+ often experience difficulties with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. Cognitive and visual impairments are also common, with rates comparable to those of people in their 80s.
The American Geriatrics Society and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have released a new guide to assessing and counseling older drivers. The guide provides healthcare professionals with practical, person-centered advice on safely navigating the road for older adults, who account for 10% of all traffic fatalities annually.
When older adults stop driving, they experience doubled symptoms of depression, faster physical and mental health declines, and increased mortality risk. Effective programs ensuring mobility and social activities are needed to mitigate these adverse effects.
By 2050, older adults representing minority groups are projected to rise to 39% globally, with significant increases among Asian and Native Hawaiian populations. To address this growing need, the American Geriatrics Society recommends culturally sensitive indicators to improve healthcare outcomes for diverse older adult populations.
As the US welcomes its largest and most diverse group of older residents, AGS sheds light on health disparities and the importance of culturally effective care. The new guidance outlines present health disparities and the need for sensitivity to culture and health literacy when working with older individuals.
A study found that lower respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia, account for 26 percent of all ER visits for infectious diseases and 15 percent of deaths during hospitalizations. Influenza vaccination is underutilized among older adults, with about one-third not receiving the vaccine.
Researchers found that older adults with dementia and diabetes have a significantly higher risk for death than those with just dementia. Smoking also increases mortality risk in this population. However, high blood pressure, obesity, and high cholesterol do not seem to increase the risk of death.
Researchers found that older adults with diabetes who received structured depression care management were 53% less likely to die compared to those receiving usual care. This treatment also improved depression symptoms more effectively.
The University of Louisville has received a $2.55 million grant to establish the Kentucky Rural & Underserved Geriatric Interprofessional Education Program (KRUGIEP), which aims to address workforce shortages, culturally appropriate care, and chronic disease burden in rural areas.
The American Geriatrics Society has established a coordinating center to provide strategic resources for 44 HRSA awardees working on projects to increase geriatric training in primary care. The program aims to develop a healthcare workforce that improves health outcomes for older adults by integrating geriatrics into primary care.
A new collaborative best practices guideline has been released for optimal care of older adults before, during, and after surgical operations. The guideline provides expert recommendations for surgeons, anesthesiologists, and allied health care professionals to address postoperative complications and prolonged recovery in older patients.
A recent study by the American Geriatrics Society defines person-centered care as an approach that prioritizes individual values and preferences in healthcare decisions. The research highlights the importance of eliciting patients' preferences and goals, and measures success by attention to people's health and life outcomes.
The National Hartford Center of Gerontological Nursing Excellence will relocate from GSA to the New York University College of Nursing in January 2016. The Center aims to increase gerontological nursing capacity and promote quality care for older adults.
Walter R. Frontera, MD, PhD, has received the 2015 Excellence in Rehabilitation of Aging Persons Award from the Gerontological Society of America (GSA). He is recognized for his work on skeletal muscle dysfunction and exercise to slow down and rehabilitate muscle weakness and atrophy in older adults.
Stroke patients with spatial neglect are at higher risk of falls, have longer hospital stays, and are less likely to return home. The study found that screening for spatial neglect and early intervention can help mitigate these negative outcomes.
The NYU College of Nursing's 'Community/Clinical Primary Care of Older Adults Program' aims to integrate geriatrics with primary care and community resources. The program will provide education and support for older adults, families, and caregivers, promoting healthy aging and managing chronic diseases.
The UCLA division of geriatrics has received a $2.5 million grant to enhance geriatric education, training and workforce development in Riverside County. The program, called PICATE, will establish new interprofessional curricula for students training in medical, nursing, social work and allied health fields.
A national co-management intervention aims to improve person-centered care outcomes and decrease healthcare spending. The program, supported by the John A. Hartford Foundation, positions geriatrics professionals as co-leaders in pre- and post-operative management of older adults with fragility fractures.
The project aims to educate 1,100 health care students and providers on a team-approach to care for older adults, targeting underserved areas in Missouri. With the growing elderly population, the initiative seeks to increase primary care providers by 34 percent to meet their complex healthcare needs.
Whipple, a doctoral student at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing, was awarded the NHCGNE Patricia G. Archbold Scholar Award to support her research and career development. The award aims to increase the cadre of academic geriatric nurses and build leadership capacity in the field.
Up to 2 million American men suffer from osteoporosis, with worse health outcomes than women. Despite the severity of osteoporosis in men, fewer take preventive measures or undergo screening.
A new study finds that nearly one-quarter of Americans over 65 are currently or at risk of being 'elder orphans', a vulnerable group requiring greater awareness and advocacy efforts. This population faces risks such as functional decline, mental health issues, and premature death due to lack of social support.
Indiana University researchers Michael LaMantia and Kathleen Unroe have been recognized by the American Geriatrics Society for their groundbreaking work in geriatrics and aging research. Dr. LaMantia received an AGS New Investigator Award, while Dr. Unroe was named an AGS fellow for her dedication to health policy and long-term care.
Research highlights physical activity interventions for obese older adults, explorations of muscle decline in influenza infection, and dementia care management strategies. The findings suggest regular physical activity can prevent disability even in extremely obese older adults.
The study found that older adults are using more mobility devices, with a third reporting the use of multiple devices. Despite this, using a cane was linked to limiting activities due to fear of falling.
A study by UCSF researchers found that lower extremity revascularization procedures had little impact on patients' function in nursing homes. Despite the procedure's operative risk, only a few U.S. nursing home residents gained any walking ability after surgery.
The American Geriatrics Society and AARP have developed a free guide to help older Chinese-Americans manage their health. The guide highlights common health concerns and provides practical recommendations for discussing cultural issues with healthcare providers.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that diet soda intake is directly linked to greater abdominal obesity in adults 65 years of age and older. Increasing waist circumference was associated with escalating cardiometabolic risk in older adults.