Articles tagged with Aging Populations
A new study reveals that people's feelings about their age are closely tied to their physical health and well-being. Subjective age discordance, the difference between how old one feels and wants to be, was found to be more pronounced in older adults but fluctuated more in younger adults.
The Gerontological Society of America's Journalists in Aging Fellows Program aims to educate journalists about issues in aging and disseminate information on new scientific findings. The fellowship program has supported over 700 news stories, equipping reporters with accurate fact-based coverage for diverse audiences.
Researchers found a significant association between estrogen receptor α PvuII polymorphisms and dementia in a Brazilian cohort. The study suggests that this polymorphism may contribute to the development of dementia, particularly in elderly populations.
A study found that administering ghrelin to older mice helped restore muscle mass and strength, suggesting a potential new treatment strategy. Unacylated ghrelin (UnAG) was shown to preserve muscle function and reduce the risk of age-related sarcopenia without causing weight gain.
Researchers propose using an equivalency criterion to determine the old age threshold based on a fixed remaining life expectancy, which is consistent with the equivalency criterion. This approach highlights the need to reevaluate traditional measures of aging and provides a more nuanced understanding of population aging.
The world's population aged 60 years and older is expected to reach 2 billion by 2050, with significant disparities in health conditions across the globe. The IIASA study reveals constant prevalence rates of severe activity limitations in low- and middle-income countries for the next 30 years.
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) improved mood and physical activity in grandmothers, while also allowing their female dance/movement therapists to process their grandparents' eventual death. The therapy promoted a strong intergenerational bond between the two groups.
Researchers explore public health interventions to foster healthy aging, including community development and population surveillance. The study highlights the critical role of systems in addressing aging-related challenges.
The study models labor force participation, education, and integration of immigrant populations to alleviate population aging's negative economic consequences. Higher immigration volumes with low education and integration can increase economic dependency.
A study by Hiroshima University found that financial literacy is key to understanding existing legal and social services for people with dementia. Financially literate individuals are more aware of systems like adult guardianship and civil trust, which can help prevent misuses of power and ensure continued economic participation.
A UMass Lowell researcher is developing advances in safety for home care aides and clients as the field faces an aging population, technology changes, and safety challenges. The goal of the project is to produce guidelines, develop safety tools, and evaluate their effectiveness.
A new healthcare framework aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of age-related diseases by classifying and staging severity. The framework, developed by an international team of experts, includes a comprehensive classification system for aging-related diseases in all organs.
Research found that living alone is positively associated with common mental disorders across all ages and sexes. The prevalence of people living alone was linked to an increased risk of mental health issues, with loneliness explaining 84% of the association.
Researchers explore deprescribing as a solution to polypharmacy, highlighting factors contributing to its prevalence in older adults. The study identifies complex healthcare delivery issues, co-morbidities, and marginalization of patients as key contributors.
A Montreal bike path network expansion has left children without equal access despite increased growth between 1991 and 2016. Researchers warn that targeting cycling infrastructure for children is crucial for understanding the benefits of bicycling once they become adults.
A team of researchers at UCSB has developed a retinal implant to replace support cells damaged by dry AMD. The phase 1/2A trial showed improvement in one patient's vision while maintaining the condition of others.
A recent study published in British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found a significant link between nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. The research highlights the importance of closely monitoring NSAID use for heart health, particularly among high-risk individuals.
A new study found moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels are similarly low in older adults with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis and those from the general population without osteoarthritis or knee pain. The findings highlight the need for efforts to increase physical activity for all.
Small Ontario municipalities are less prepared to support aging adults due to lack of planning and funding, according to a University of Waterloo report. The report recommends that municipalities adopt age-friendly policies and strategies, as seen in British Columbia, to better support their aging populations.
A University of Michigan study found that older Americans report feeling dramatically healthier than 14 years ago. However, the majority of health gains went to high-income, well-educated, and white individuals. Researchers used data from 55,000 adults to analyze health trends by education, race, and income.
According to an 18-year analysis, 56% of individuals aged 57-61 are likely to spend time in a nursing home, with high out-of-pocket costs for some. Lifetime spending averages $7,300, but some face expenses over $47,000.
A growing population of older adults with HIV is being overlooked due to implicit ageism, which contributes to poor mental and physical health outcomes. The combination of stigma, social isolation, and negative expectations about aging can lead to depression, loneliness, and chronic disease.
A multidisciplinary research team is focusing on the economics of providing transportation for rural elderly populations. The study aims to identify innovative solutions and information technology that can improve the coordination and efficiency of rural transit systems.
A new study predicts population aging will peak before the end of the century in China and Germany, with the US experiencing little aging. Traditional projections underestimate the impact of increasing life expectancy on age structures.
Researchers evaluated macular changes using spectral domain type optic coherence tomography in 63 eyes of patients with acute NAION, finding normal posterior pole in 33.3% and subretinal fluid in 34.9%. The study suggests that macular OCT can identify coexistent macular abnormalities and monitor disease progression.
A new paper reviews nutritional considerations for healthy aging and reduction in age-related chronic disease. The authors emphasize the need for dietary resilience, protein requirements, and biomarkers to understand the impact of advancing age on muscle mass and nutrient absorption.
A study found that performing even a third of the recommended activity is beneficial for older adults with arthritis. Participants who achieved a minimum of 45 minutes of moderate activity, such as brisk walking, per week were 80% more likely to improve or sustain high function over two years.
The new data sheet explores population trends in Europe, highlighting the impact of aging, migration, and pension systems. Eastern European countries show the fastest rate of population aging, while standard indicators suggest a slower rate.
A new study published in JAMA Oncology found that frailty prevalence among young bone marrow transplant survivors is similar to that of the elderly population. Frailty was associated with a more than twice increased risk of subsequent death in these patients.
Researchers warn of a looming crisis in cardiothoracic surgical services as the number of trained professionals dwindles and demand increases, particularly among an aging population. By 2030, there will be approximately 3,000 cardiothoracic surgeons needed to cover 854,000 cases, with each surgeon's workload projected to increase by 121%.
A new study found no change in epilepsy incidence among younger patients over the past 40 years, while an increase was observed among older patients. This suggests that progress in preventing new cases of epilepsy has not been made, particularly among the elderly population.
A new study reveals that fitness level impacts brain connectivity in older adults, with more fit individuals showing stronger brain connections. The research suggests that cardiorespiratory fitness has a positive effect on brain health as people age.
An 11-year study of over 425,000 patients found that atrial fibrillation's contribution to ischemic stroke risk was negligible in those with multiple comorbidities. The study suggests that stroke prevention should focus on the combined effects of multiple risk factors rather than a single factor.
A study analyzing data from over 8,000 married couples found that the physical health and cognitive functioning of a person's spouse can greatly affect their own quality of life. The research suggests that targeting both partners' health and cognition is crucial for improving overall well-being in older adults.
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.
Research finds that faster increases in life expectancy do not necessarily lead to faster population aging when using alternative measures of age. Instead, the study shows that faster increases in life expectancy can lead to slower population aging when taking into account the time left to live.
A recent study found that nearly 290,000 older adults from the US volunteered abroad in 2012, a 60% increase from the previous decade. Host organizations are clamoring for baby boomer volunteers with professional skills to offer. The average age of these volunteers was over 64, and they spent an average of 13 weeks abroad.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that providing additional $67 per month to elderly residents in poor countries improves their health outcomes. Participants who received this supplement showed significant improvements in lung function and memory, as well as increased access to healthcare services.
A new study finds that population aging can have positive impacts on society, including increased productivity due to higher education levels, reduced energy consumption, and improved health outcomes. The study suggests that these benefits may outweigh the challenges posed by demographic change.
A new study published in PLOS ONE finds that hand-grip strength is a reliable indicator of aging, corresponding to future mortality, disability, and cognitive decline. The researchers analyzed data from over 50 studies worldwide, revealing significant differences in aging rates among various population groups.
Research from McGill University reveals that performing a melody enhances recognition of the tune compared to just listening. The study found larger changes in brain waves and increased motor activity for previously performed melodies.
A groundbreaking study by IIASA researchers Warren Sanderson and Sergei Scherbov provides a new framework for measuring aging based on multiple characteristics. The study offers a more realistic view of population aging by incorporating factors such as life expectancy, health, cognitive function, and disability rates.
A study found that 52.9% of older adults in the US have experienced bothersome pain, with multiple sites common among those with pain. Pain is strongly associated with decreased physical capacity, including weaker muscle strength and slower walking speed.
A new study found that supervised exercise sessions improve cardiopulmonary fitness in an elderly population awaiting radical cystectomy, a common treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. The results suggest that preoperative exercise training may reduce postoperative complications and hospital stays.
A new conversation guide aims to improve physicians' ability to discuss end-of-life care with patients, addressing the growing need for sensitive discussions due to an aging population and chronic illness. The guide provides practical advice on identifying high-risk patients, communicating prognosis, and clarifying patient values.
The Irene Diamond Fund's gift will support Brown's Program in Public Health in developing and disseminating successful interventions for older adults. The initiative aims to improve quality of life and reduce care costs through collaborations with healthcare providers and community health centers.
A study published in Archives of Neurology found a strong association between poor physical performance and increased dementia risk in individuals aged 90 and older. The study revealed that even modest declines in physical performance were associated with higher dementia odds, particularly gait slowing and grip strength.
A three-year grant will investigate how people trust and rely on automation in various daily contexts. The research aims to understand why some types of automation are trusted and used while others are not, particularly for an aging population.
A community-based nursing program delivered in collaboration with existing healthcare services showed promise in reducing deaths from chronic illnesses among older adults. The study, published in PLOS Medicine, found a 25% lower relative risk of death among intervention group participants compared to the control group.
Researchers found that diving birds stay fit and active until their 30s, with high metabolisms and frequent dives producing oxidative stress. These findings provide critical insights for human aging, a topic currently dominated by short-lived animal studies.
A new American study shows that nearly two-thirds of osteoporotic hip fractures occur in people aged 80 years or older, highlighting a growing concern as this population segment is expected to comprise 25% of the US population by 2050. The study recommends more aggressive measures to prevent, diagnose and treat osteoporosis, including ...
The first-ever issue of Public Policy & Aging Report on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) aging explores gaps in policy and research on LGBT older adults. The report highlights significant barriers they face, including poor health outcomes and social isolation, and proposes alternative policy solutions.
Leadership plays a critical role in improving healthcare quality, particularly in nursing homes where the aging population is increasing. Effective communication and teamwork strategies are essential for implementing new technologies and enhancing patient safety practices.
A recent study by Dr. David C. Musch found that most eye care providers test visual acuity and peripheral vision but often fail to ask about other factors affecting driving ability, such as medical conditions or medications. Eye care providers identify a need for better guidelines and resources to assess driving capabilities.
The actual population trajectory is highly uncertain, with scenarios predicting a peak of 9.5 billion before stabilization or decline. Investments in family planning could reduce the number of people to 8 billion, having a beneficial impact on human welfare and environmental issues.
Researchers developed new measures of aging that take into account disability status and longevity, revealing slower aging rates in many populations. The study found that traditional measures can generate misleading results, but new metrics provide a more accurate picture of population aging.
Obesity rates among seniors in Latin America and the Caribbean have surged, leading to a significant increase in disability among elderly populations. Current trends suggest that unchecked obesity will result in larger numbers of people vulnerable to chronic medical conditions, straining healthcare resources in poorer countries.
Patients taking warfarin who develop a stroke are at higher risk of brain hemorrhage following intravenous clot-dissolving medication. The study found that the risk was nearly 10-fold higher among warfarin users compared to non-users.
Aging population faces limitations with technology due to age-related changes such as vision and hearing difficulties, motor control issues, and cognitive decline. Psychologists propose web design improvements like larger fonts, navigation aids, and instructional support to alleviate stress and improve usability.
A study by University of Alberta researcher Donna Wilson found that the number of people dying in hospitals has decreased dramatically over the past few decades. She hopes to see only 40% of deaths occur in hospitals, which could reduce wait lists and free up beds for those who need life-saving treatment or surgery.