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Declining senses can impact mental health and loneliness in aging adults

Researchers found that people with sensory disabilities tend to have worse mental health, with vision impairment most strongly associated with loneliness and poor self-rated mental health. Strategies like patient communication, public policies, and technology interventions can help mitigate the negative effects of sensory decline.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2024

The Lancet Public Health: Climate change and ageing populations to drive greater disparities in deaths from hot and cold temperatures across Europe, modelling study suggests

A new study suggests that climate change and ageing populations will widen regional disparities in death risk from hot and cold temperatures in Europe. By 2100, heat-related deaths are projected to increase significantly, mostly in southern regions, while cold-related deaths are expected to decline slightly.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 21, 2024

Lowering systolic blood pressure below 120 mmHg may reduce dementia risk among Black, Latino populations

A new study suggests that lowering systolic blood pressure below 120 mmHg over time may produce slight health-protective benefits against late-life dementia. The study found that middle-aged adults who lower their systolic blood pressure, particularly Black and Latino individuals, had a reduced risk of developing dementia.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 15, 2024

Loneliness increases risk of age-related memory loss

A six-year longitudinal study found that loneliness has a significant impact on memory, even when social isolation is not present. The research suggests that community programs are needed for older adults who are both socially isolated and lonely, as they face the highest risk of memory impairment.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalArchives of Gerontology and Geriatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 10, 2024

More than a quarter of ‘healthy’ over-60s have heart valve disease, according to new research

A study of over 4,500 healthy adults aged 60 and older found that nearly 28% had some form of heart valve disease, with age being the main risk factor. The majority of cases were mild, but the study highlights the need for more research into screening methods to identify and manage the disease in the elderly population.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEuropean Heart Journal - Cardiovascular Imaging·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 26, 2024

Chronic loneliness may increase stroke risk among older adults

A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that chronic loneliness may significantly raise the risk of stroke among older adults. The research suggests that loneliness, experienced chronically, plays an important role in stroke incidence and is associated with a higher risk of long-term disability and mortality.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 24, 2024

Body image and overall health found important to the sexual health of older gay men, according to new studies

Research from George Mason University found that internalized gay ageism negatively impacts older gay men's sexual satisfaction when mediated by body image. However, internalized gay ageism does not influence erectile dysfunction. Older gay men in open relationships are more likely to be sexually satisfied.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalJournal of Homosexuality·TypeSurvey·DateJun 21, 2024

New study: Unplanned healthcare utilization increases cost burden for patients with cognitive impairment

A new study by Duke-NUS Medical School reveals that individuals with cognitive impairment spend an additional S$700 per year on healthcare bills, mainly due to emergency department visits and hospital admissions. The researchers emphasize the need for proactive monitoring and care strategies to mitigate this growing burden.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalAnnals of the Academy of Medicine Singapore·DateJun 18, 2024

Buck researchers explore how the immune system goes awry during space travel and the implications for human aging on earth

Scientists studied how microgravity impacts human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and identified potential compounds to counter its effects, including the antioxidant quercetin. The findings have implications for immune aging on Earth and provide a resource for developing countermeasures.

SourceBuck Institute for Research on Aging·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

Heatwaves hit harder for people with disabilities: A Pusan National University study finds increased emergency visits

A Pusan National University study finds that heatwaves significantly impact public health among individuals with disabilities, increasing the risk of hospitalizations by 1.07 times. This results in a substantial economic burden, highlighting the need for well-informed public health policies to address these vulnerable groups.

SourcePusan National University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeObservational study·DateJun 11, 2024

Videoconferencing gets older adults moving as health lessons put to practical use

A 12-week health education program using videoconferencing software showed improved physical activity and adherence to health advice compared to a control group. The study suggests that videoconferencing can be an effective tool for promoting sustainable behavioral changes among older adults, regardless of location or distance.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Aging and Physical Activity·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 4, 2024

Climbing the social ladder slows dementia, Japanese study reveals

A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that upward social mobility significantly lowers the risk of dementia. The research, led by Osaka University researchers, analyzed data from 9,186 participants aged 65 and over, finding that individuals who experienced upward transitions had a notably lower risk of dementia incidence c...

SourceOsaka University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2024

The number of people experiencing poor health and early death caused by metabolism-related risk factors such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high BMI has increased by 50% since 2000, reveals new global study

The Global Burden of Diseases study reveals a 49.4% increase in global disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to metabolism-related risk factors between 2000 and 2021. High blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high BMI are key contributors to poor health and early death.

How does exercise benefit the brain?

New research reveals exercise reverts aged microglia gene expression patterns to those of young microglia, supporting the formation of new neurons in the hippocampus. Exercise also reduces T cell accumulation in the brain, a common feature of aging.

SourceWiley·JournalAging Cell·DateMay 15, 2024

Discrimination may accelerate aging

A new study links interpersonal discrimination to changes at the molecular level, revealing a potential root cause of disparities in aging-related illness and death. Discrimination is consistently associated with accelerated biological aging, with everyday and major forms being linked to faster aging.

SourceNew York University·JournalBrain Behavior & Immunity - Health·DateMay 9, 2024

Using health records to predict patients’ risk of falling

Researchers developed a falls prediction model called eFalls that uses primary care electronic health record data to predict patients' risk of falling within the next 12 months. The tool has been shown promising results in testing and could help identify people at risk who can benefit from specialist assessments and interventions.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalAge and Ageing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 8, 2024

Loneliness grows as we age

A new study found that loneliness grows as people age, with a U-shaped pattern of higher levels in younger and older adulthood. Factors associated with persistent loneliness include social isolation, lower education, income, and functional limitations, as well as being divorced or widowed, a smoker, or having poorer health.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 30, 2024

New clinical practice guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for Age-related Hearing Loss (ARHL)

The American Academy of Otolaryngology has published a new clinical practice guideline for age-related hearing loss, which affects approximately 466 million people worldwide. The guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for identifying and managing ARHL in patients 50 years and older.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·JournalOtolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 30, 2024

Older adults in Ohio are among the most vulnerable to extreme weather

A recent study found that nearly 1 in 5 older adults in central Ohio report not being prepared for emergencies, with those in lower-income counties facing the greatest challenges. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions, such as tax levies and education on climate risks, to protect vulnerable populations.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 19, 2024

Older adults with diabetes experienced functional decline during the COVID-19 pandemic

A study published in the Canadian Journal of Diabetes found that approximately 1 in 5 older Canadian adults with diabetes developed functional limitations for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those with lower incomes faced a significantly higher risk of developing functional limitations compared to their peers.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCanadian Journal of Diabetes·TypeObservational study·DateApr 17, 2024

Functional capacity in old age is like an ecosystem that may collapse when disrupted

A recent study at the University of Jyväskylä found that older adults' functional capacity domains are more closely linked, leading to a collapse in functioning. The researchers suggest that preserving people's functional capacity for as long as possible is crucial for maintaining a good quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series A·DateApr 5, 2024

Older brain cells linger unexpectedly before their death

Researchers discovered that mature oligodendrocytes, critical for brain function, can survive for up to 45 days after a fatal trauma, defying the classical programmed cell-death pathway. This finding opens new avenues for understanding and potentially preventing damage caused by aging and neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2024

People experiencing homelessness more likely to develop dementia at younger ages, study finds

A new study found that people experiencing homelessness have a higher prevalence of dementia, especially in younger age groups. The researchers suggest that unhoused individuals should be screened for dementia at younger ages due to the complexity of diagnosing the condition in this population.

SourceInstitute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2024