Articles tagged with Aging Populations
New UCLA-led research finds that Paxlovid does not significantly reduce COVID-19 hospitalization and mortality among vaccinated older adults. The study suggests that Paxlovid's potential effect on COVID-19 hospitalization in vaccinated older adults is four times weaker than originally reported.
A new study reveals US hospital occupancy has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, driven mainly by a 16% reduction in staffed hospital beds. This could lead to a bed shortage as early as 2032, posing significant risks to patient safety and mortality rates.
Swimming in lakes with still water can lead to infection with Legionella bacteria, causing pneumonia. Risk factors include age over 50, smoking history, and compromised immune systems. Clinicians should suspect legionnaires' disease in patients with severe pneumonia and recent travel history.
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.
Researchers are exploring the effects of herring roe omega-3 on exercise metabolism and recovery in active females. The study aims to investigate its benefits for supporting a healthy lifestyle across all ages, including muscle function, metabolism, and cognitive health.
A study by the University of Tokyo reveals that fine particulate pollution PM2.5 exacerbates pre-existing conditions in elderly populations, leading to higher hospitalization rates and premature mortality, with significant socioeconomic challenges for rural regions with limited medical resources.
A new study from Penn State finds that oral tissue samples significantly affect epigenetic clock accuracy, leading to older age estimates. Researchers tested five tissue types and seven epigenetic clocks, concluding that blood-based samples are more accurate in measuring biological age.
A recent study led by Heike Bischoff-Ferrari found that taking omega-3 fatty acids slowed down biological aging across several epigenetic clocks by up to four months. The combination of omega-3, vitamin D, and strength training proved to be even more effective in slowing down the biological aging process.
A six-week stress management program, O'stress, has been shown to improve the emotional health of seniors by increasing problem-solving strategies and reducing anxiety. The program also addresses emotional contagion, a significant factor in psychological distress among seniors.
A Texas A&M University researcher found that reducing alcohol consumption aligns with a harm reduction approach, which may be a more feasible approach for high-risk college drinkers. The study surveyed 822 high-risk college students and analyzed their intention to reduce drinking using the Theory of Planned Behavior.
A collaborative study investigates how advanced AI tools can make it easier to evaluate interventions for ageing, providing personalised recommendations. The researchers identified eight critical requirements for effective AI-based evaluations and found that following specific guidelines improved the quality of the recommendations.
A review article discusses the importance of physical activity in preventing disease and improving functional independence among older adults. Higher levels of physical activity are associated with improved cognition, mental health, and quality of life, and can potentially add years to an individual's life.
A study analyzing over a million Medicare patients found that those receiving multi-arterial grafts had improved survival compared to single-arterial graft recipients. However, when accounting for unmeasured confounding variables using surgeon preference as an instrumental variable, no difference in long-term survival was observed.
A new study from the Salk Institute has discovered that a protein called BCL6 plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy muscle mass. Increasing BCL6 levels successfully reversed muscle losses in mice, suggesting that pairing GLP-1 medications with a BCL6-boosting drug could help counteract unwanted muscle loss.
PolyU's 16 projects funded by HMRF focus on healthcare innovation, covering areas like nursing care, health tech, and biomedical engineering. The research aims to address global healthcare challenges and improve overall well-being.
A University of Michigan study finds that 85% of Mexican Americans with dementia are unaware of their diagnosis, surpassing the overall rate for US Hispanics and Latinos. The lack of awareness is attributed to physicians' reluctance to diagnose dementia due to cultural and communication barriers.
A study of over 2,000 Korean older adults found that eating pork was positively correlated with nutrient intake, diet quality, and handgrip strength. The researchers suggest that pork can act as a carrier food to promote the consumption of other healthful components of the Korean diet.
A recent study from the University of Notre Dame found that robot use in nursing homes is associated with increased employment, improved productivity, and a higher quality of care. The research also suggests that robots may reduce physical strain on workers, allowing them to focus on tasks better suited for human beings.
The National University of Singapore's HRPC has been designated as the GHHIN Southeast Asia Hub, aiming to mitigate extreme heat risks through research, policy, and partnerships. The hub will focus on addressing unique regional challenges such as high humidity, urbanization, and socioeconomic disparities.
A recent study by NUS and Columbia University ranked Singapore among the top 10 nations globally for its readiness to address the challenges of an ageing population. The study found that Singapore performed well in key domains such as well-being, security, and equity, with strengths in healthcare systems and social cohesion.
A new study reveals the COVID-19 pandemic led to a sharp decline in hospital visits for acute coronary syndrome, particularly among older adults and women. The research emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to ensure access to critical care during future emergencies.
A new poll by Michigan Medicine found that most people over 50 have at least one close friend, but those with worse physical or mental health are more likely to feel isolated. Close friends can provide emotional support, encourage healthier choices, and help navigate health challenges.
Groundbreaking research from Rockefeller University reveals that certain cell populations change in every organ, both in the same way and at the same time, during specific stages of life. This suggests that aging is not a linear process but instead a developmental stage sparked by specific molecular cues.
A new study finds that California's wildfire response is biased towards wealthier communities, leaving marginalized populations without access to necessary resources. The analysis of over 500 wildfire incidents revealed a significant disparity in resource allocation based on socio-demographic factors such as race and economic status.
A study by Politecnico di Milano reveals districts most at risk of cardiovascular emergencies during heat waves in Milan. The research found that 23% of the city's population in 18 vulnerable districts face a 22% increased risk, while 20 low-vulnerability districts show no significant increase.
A study by SWPS University researchers challenges prevailing myths about older adults' decision-making abilities. Older adults demonstrate an inherent ability to resist manipulation effectively and make complex decisions as younger people, contrary to previous studies suggesting they are risk-averse.
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.
Raul Garcia has been elected as IADR Vice-president, aiming to enhance the role of IADR in mentoring a new generation of dental scientists globally. He brings extensive experience in clinical and translational sciences, oral health inequalities, and community-based interventions.
A recent study found that excessive sitting significantly harms young adults, increasing the risk of heart disease and obesity. Reducing sitting time improves health outcomes, while doubling recommended exercise hours is more effective at lowering health risks.
A new treatment combination of surgery and embolization for subdural hematomas has been shown to reduce the risk of follow-up surgeries. The procedure, which blocks specific blood vessels, resulted in a 4% recurrence rate compared to 11% without embolization.
Researchers developed an evaluation scale based on three physical performance tests: single-leg balance, timed up and go, and sit-to-stand. The scale predicts long-term care risk among older adults with high accuracy, particularly those with scores of 41 or more. It provides a comprehensive assessment method for Japanese older adults.
Research identified community-level factors that may increase individuals' risk of cognitive impairment. Higher neighborhood disadvantage, air pollution, homicide rates, and less greenspace were associated with elevated odds of mild cognitive impairment. Completing schooling in a Southern US state also linked to increased risk.
Residents of Senboku New Town in Japan transformed vacant buildings into supportive housing, community restaurants, and group homes to address aging population challenges. The Senboku Hottokenai Network Project showcases the importance of community-led co-creation in creating Healthy New Towns.
A recent study found that electronic letter reminders highlighting the cardiovascular benefits of influenza vaccines increased vaccination rates among over 2 million adults in Denmark. The strategy showed a greater impact on those who have had a heart attack, improving flu shot rates by potentially being cardioprotective. The research ...
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.
This study analyzed liver cancer epidemiological trends attributed to hepatitis B and alcohol use, revealing substantial increases globally and in China. The burden varies by gender and age, with males and those aged 40-75 years bearing a higher risk.
A University of Minnesota Medical School research team found that social stress causes DNA damage and senescence in preclinical models, accelerating aging. The study highlights a potential way to understand how life stress impacts the aging process.
A groundbreaking 25-year research program has unveiled key insights into how our brains age and what factors influence cognitive performance throughout life. Childhood cognitive ability is found to be a significant predictor of intelligence test scores in older age.
A new study found that gut bacteria may promote healthy aging by replacing declining gut bacteria species with alternative substrates. Researchers identified key microbial species associated with aging and their potential effects on health.
A Michigan Medicine study of over 18,500 adults found that obstructive sleep apnea was associated with a higher risk of dementia symptoms or diagnosis at every age level. Women were more likely to be diagnosed with dementia than men, especially as they aged.
A new study published in the journal Aging & Mental Health found that people with more positive expectations of aging tend to report less frequent cognitive problems and are less likely to perceive a decline in their cognitive performance over time. Researchers suggest that modifying older adults' aging expectations could support healt...
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that households with older heads produce nearly twice as much food waste, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. Vegetables were found to be the most wasted food type, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers found that ACLY activity activates the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), a pro-inflammatory environment associated with chronic inflammation and aging. Blocking ACLY activity reduces inflammation-related genes in aged cells, suggesting a potential strategy for managing aging and age-related diseases.
The American College of Surgeons Geriatric Surgery Verification program reduces surgical death rates by nearly half and increases the percentage of patients with documented care preferences. Implementing the program also enables hospitals to improve patient-centered care and reduce costs.
A new study found that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in older adults. The Polsenior2 study revealed that middle and high FGF21 levels were associated with increased mortality risk, particularly when adjusted for age, co-morbidities, and blood parameters.
A cross-sectional study found that as hospital COVID-19 burdens increased, older racial and ethnic minority adults were more likely to die or experience major morbidity. The adverse outcomes were greater in magnitude among minority populations compared to white individuals.
A new clinical model developed by researchers at Uppsala University accurately predicts the risk of hip fractures in the elderly. The model identifies patients at high risk without requiring bone density measurements, allowing for earlier preventive treatment.
A new study found that brain endurance training (BET) improves attention and executive function, as well as physical endurance and resistance exercise performance in older adults. BET outperformed exercise-only training in terms of cognitive and physical performance improvements.
A recent study published in Nature Aging suggests that life expectancy gains are slowing down due to the detrimental effects of aging. The study found that life expectancy has increased only an average of six and a half years since 1990, contradicting some scientists' expectations.
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 at Wake Forest University School of Medicine will investigate factors that facilitate or hinder conversations between physicians and patients about medical misinformation. The study aims to develop a toolkit to increase health literacy and counter misinformation among older adults, who are disproportionately affected by hea...
An interdisciplinary study found associations between exposure to environmental phenols like BPA and triclocarban and altered cardiac electrical activity, particularly in women with higher body mass indexes. Researchers identified moderate changes to cardiac electrical activity that could exacerbate existing heart disease or arrhythmias.
A review of studies found that voice assistants can make a direct contribution to reducing loneliness in older people, with 85% of studies concluding this. The use of devices provides a sense of social interaction and emotional support, mitigating feelings of isolation and improving mental health.
A University of Sydney-led study found multiple surgeries contribute to memory and brain health issues in older adults, with physical differences observed in brain areas responsible for memory. Cognitive decline is noticeable with each additional surgery.
A new study finds that rural men can expect to live two years less than their urban counterparts by age 60, and spend fewer years in good health. The urban-rural gap in life expectancy and health quality has nearly tripled over two decades due to higher rates of smoking, obesity, and cardiovascular conditions.
The new center, funded by a $4.2 million NIH grant, will build research capacity and catalyze climate and health solutions. It aims to promote climate justice through community engagement and develop evidence-based policies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on human health.
A study highlights the importance of dedicated exits for vulnerable populations during building evacuations, with findings suggesting that centrally located dedicated exits can improve evacuation efficiency. Dedicated exits are most beneficial in low to moderate crowd densities and should be carefully considered in high-density scenarios.
The global stroke burden has increased significantly over the past three decades, driven by rising levels of air pollution, high temperatures, and metabolic risk factors. The study found that the number of people experiencing new strokes rose to 11.9 million in 2021, with an additional 93.8 million survivors and 7.3 million deaths.
Aging brains struggle to clear out outdated information, leading to slower processing and more frequent forgetfulness. Beta-band neural oscillations play a crucial role in regulating working memory, with older adults showing a stronger link between these oscillations and their ability to delete irrelevant information.
A new study estimates nearly 10.5 million U.S. adults have A-Fib, a three-fold increase from previous estimates. Early detection and treatment can reduce its adverse outcomes.