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Too few caregivers and too many patients – a bad combination for elderly in rural areas

Research shows elderly patients in rural areas have higher mortality rates when discharged under pressure, particularly in municipalities with fewer than 10,000 inhabitants. The study highlights the need for better municipal services and care facilities to address the aging crisis in Norway.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNordic Journal of Health Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 7, 2024

Older adults with a history of stroke at high risk of pandemic-induced depression

A new study from the University of Toronto found that older Canadians with a history of stroke experienced depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among those with no lifetime history of depression, immigrant status and family stressors were associated with an increased risk of incident depression.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2024

Research from the Korea University College of Medicine explores the combined health impact of diabetes and sarcopenia in the elderly

A study from the Korea University College of Medicine reveals that co-occurrence of diabetes and sarcopenia significantly elevates cardiovascular mortality, with nearly doubling the risk of both all-cause and cardiovascular deaths. Implementing preventive measures such as lifestyle changes, exercise, and balanced diet can mitigate this...

SourceKorea University College of Medicine·JournalMetabolism·TypeObservational study·DateJan 23, 2024

Older adults who exercise with their spouse may be less physically active than those who exercise individually, finds NTU Singapore study

A study by NTU Singapore researchers found that older adults who exercise with their spouse achieve lower physical activity levels. Personalised fitness feedback from trackers increased physical activity in these individuals, suggesting it may be more effective to encourage older adults to exercise individually.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Interaction·DateJan 17, 2024

Researchers discover potential microbiome links to skin aging

A study by researchers at University of California - San Diego reveals a connection between the skin microbiome and signs of aging, including crow's feet wrinkles. The analysis found positive associations with diverse skin microbiomes and negative correlations with moisture loss, suggesting potential new directions for skincare solutions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalFrontiers in Aging·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 11, 2024

Better mental, physical health in older people tied to living near nature

A Washington State University study found that living near nature can reduce serious psychological distress and improve general health in older adults. Researchers analyzed data from over 42,000 people aged 65 and older, finding a strong association between access to green spaces and better mental and physical health outcomes.

SourceWashington State University·JournalHealth & Place·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 4, 2024

Older adults with newly diagnosed migraine disorder three times more likely to have motor vehicle crash

A new study found that older drivers with newly diagnosed migraines are three times more likely to experience a motor vehicle crash, while those with previous diagnoses are not at increased risk. Researchers also explored the relationship between migraine medications and driving habits, but found no significant impact.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 3, 2024

Caregiving can be stressful, but it could also lower risk of depression

A new study from the University of Texas at Austin found that depression in adult caregivers is mostly driven by having a loved one experiencing serious health problems. Conversely, becoming a caregiver was associated with fewer symptoms of depression. The research suggests that caregiving may have a protective effect on mental health.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAdvances in Life Course Research·TypeObservational study·DateDec 12, 2023

New rule for emergency departments to safely reduce use of CTs after falls in older patients

A new decision rule has been developed to identify patients who can safely forgo a head CT scan after falling, reducing unnecessary imaging and costs. The Falls Decision Rule can be applied to all older adults who have fallen, regardless of sustaining a head injury or recalling the fall.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2023

Alarming rates of suicidal ideation among older transgender adults revealed on Transgender Day of Remembrance

A recent study reveals that over one-quarter of older transgender adults have seriously contemplated ending their lives, highlighting the urgent need for targeted support and interventions. The study found that experiencing challenges in areas such as workplace issues and personal safety significantly increased the odds of contemplatin...

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalAging & Mental Health·TypeObservational study·DateNov 20, 2023

Cut salt, cut blood pressure

A new study from Northwestern University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that reducing sodium intake by just one teaspoon a day can lower systolic blood pressure by about 6 millimeters of mercury, comparable to the effect produced by commonly used first-line medication for high blood pressure. The study involved middle-a...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 11, 2023

Does being a caregiver affect older women’s longevity?

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that caregiving is associated with a lower risk of death from all causes. Caregiving was also linked to reduced risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality. The association did not vary by age, race-ethnicity, or other factors.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 8, 2023

UArizona researchers examine the relationship between loneliness and being alone

A new study by UArizona researchers found that solitude does not correlate with feelings of loneliness unless a person spends 75% of their time alone. The study also highlights the importance of social connections for human health and introduces a new method to measure social activity using a smartphone app.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·TypeContent analysis·DateNov 1, 2023

Chinese Medical Journal published updates on hypertensive heart disease burden in older adults

The study analyzed global data from the past three decades, revealing an overall increase in hypertensive heart disease (HHD) prevalence but a decrease in mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The burden of HHD is particularly concerning for healthcare systems due to higher prevalence with lower mortality rates.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 31, 2023

Risk of admission and death from COVID-19 low overall, but oldest adults remain vulnerable

A new study found that while most residents in British Columbia had been infected with SARS-CoV-2, older adults remained at highest risk of hospitalization and death due to COVID-19. The researchers estimated that the risk of hospitalization for COVID-19 was about 1 in 30 among adults 80 years and older.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 30, 2023

Normative values of vertical jump (VJ) and sit-and-reach (SR) for Chinese general population.

Researchers established normative values for VJ and SR tests in a diverse Chinese population. Males exhibited an upward trajectory in VJ values until the age of 18, while females maintained stable levels until early adulthood. The findings provide valuable tools for gauging muscle function and detecting health-related issues.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGlobal Transitions·TypeObservational study·DateOct 23, 2023

Less is (often) more when it comes to health impact of children on parents later in life, new study says

A recent study published in The Journals of Gerontology – Series B found that having more children can produce economic, social, emotional, and biological burdens that impact health, especially chronic conditions and depression. In contrast, adults with fewer children were more likely to report poor self-rated health in certain countries.

SourceUniversity of Rhode Island·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series B·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2023

On-Yee Lo, PhD, receives NAM Healthy Longevity Catalyst Award for work on brain stimulation to improve physical and cognitive functions in older adults

Dr. On-Yee Lo receives $50,000 seed funding to develop personalized non-invasive brain stimulation targeting shared networks to improve physical and cognitive functions in older adults. The project aims to demonstrate direct evidence that modulating between-network connectivity can be linked to changes in physical and cognitive behaviors.

Ability to drive a car influences quality of life of older adults in Japan

A study by Waseda University researchers found that car ownership among older Japanese adults is associated with higher self-rated health status, greater independence, and a more positive attitude towards receiving help. The study suggests that autonomous driving may play a key role in improving mobility for older adults.

SourceWaseda University·JournalTransportation Research Part A Policy and Practice·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 19, 2023

New method offers hope of fewer fractures

Researchers at Lund University developed a new 3D-simulation method to identify individuals at high risk of osteoporotic fractures. The method uses 2D X-ray images to produce 3D models of the thigh bone, enabling simulations of different scenarios and assessing risk more accurately.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateSep 13, 2023

Geisel School of Medicine receives $16.2 million grant to study healthcare inequity in Alzheimer’s disease

A team of researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine has been awarded a $16.2 million grant to study inequities in healthcare for adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, with a focus on racialized and marginalized populations. The five-year renewal grant will explore how intersecting identities affect treatment...

Care robots: Ethical perceptions and acceptance

A cross-sectional study across Japan, Ireland, and Finland found that the willingness to use care robots was highest in Japan (77.1%) and lowest in Finland (52.8%). A conceptual model explained the correlation between ethical perceptions and social implementation of care robots across three countries with different geographies, demogra...

SourceChiba University·JournalArchives of Gerontology and Geriatrics·TypeSurvey·DateAug 29, 2023

Is hip replacement safe for people in their 90s? Risks depend on patients' health as well as age

A recent study found that patients over 90 have higher complication and mortality rates after total hip arthroplasty (THA), but the risks can be minimized through careful patient selection and adequate preparation. Comorbidity has a major impact on THA risks, with certain conditions increasing the risk of complications and mortality.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateAug 25, 2023