A new study by University of Toronto researchers found that quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of death from vascular disease and cancer. Former smokers can expect to live up to six years longer after quitting, with benefits seen within just three years.
Researchers analyzed data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing and found that public spending cuts during austerity (2012-2018) led to a steeper increase in frailty with age compared to pre-austerity period. This association was observed across all population groups, but particularly among the oldest people.
Frailty levels dropped in the 2000s but increased steeply in the 2010s due to austerity measures, leading to a significant decline in health among the UK's oldest adults. The study warns that any new austerity measures should be carefully considered given their potential impact on long-term health.
A study analyzing over 580,000 dogs found that small, long-nosed breeds like Whippets have the highest life expectancies, while medium-sized flat-faced breeds such as English Bulldogs have the lowest. The research suggests that understanding these differences may help identify dogs at risk of early death.
Research found that oral conditions influence subjective psychological well-being in older adults by affecting nutritional status and environmental factors. Maintaining good oral health can improve nutritional intake, leading to better overall health and well-being.
A study of 57,000 US adults found that lower levels of food security are associated with a higher risk of premature mortality and shorter life expectancy. The findings highlight the potential importance of improving food security in promoting population health and reducing health disparities.
A recent study suggests that climate change may reduce life expectancy by approximately six months, with women and people in developing nations disproportionately affected. The study used a composite climate change index to analyze the relationship between temperature, rainfall, and life expectancy.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 18, 2024
A new study by David Atance and colleagues found that global mortality patterns are converging, with increased life expectancies and narrowing gender disparities. The researchers analyzed data from 194 countries and predicted continued convergence towards a unique pattern of mortality and longevity by 2030.
A new study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that individuals born in dry counties due to Prohibition-era laws lived longer, with an average additional lifespan of approximately 1.7 years. This increase in longevity is equivalent to nearly 15% of the overall life expectancy improvements for those born between 1900-1930.
A new UK study confirms autistic people have a reduced life expectancy, but the actual difference may be lower than previously claimed. The research found that autistic men and women without learning disabilities had average estimated life expectancies of 74.6 and 76.8 years respectively.
A new study found that most people with colorectal cancer in sub-Saharan Africa receive inadequate treatment, leading to significantly improved life expectancy through simple measures. The mortality rate is up to 3.5 times higher in regions studied compared to countries with medium HDI scores.
A simulation study suggests that a soft drink tax in Germany would reduce sugar consumption and illness rates, including type 2 diabetes, resulting in significant financial savings. The estimated economic benefits of introducing such a tax range from 9.5 billion to 16 billion euros over the next two decades.
The US life expectancy gap between men and women has widened to 5.8 years, with COVID-19 and 'deaths of despair' being major contributors. Life expectancy in the US dropped to 76.1 years in 2021, driven by increases in deaths from drug overdoses, suicide, and accidents.
The COVID-19 pandemic and drug overdose epidemic significantly contributed to the widening gender gap in US life expectancy. Chronic metabolic disease and mental illness are also thought to play a role in the growing disparity.
A new study recalculates US life expectancy during COVID-19, revealing smaller declines than previously thought. The hybrid life expectancy method accounts for pandemic duration, providing a more accurate assessment of the pandemic's impact.
Researchers found that changing treatment can lead to significant improvement in mobility and quality of life for patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. A nationwide registry is planned to develop scientifically sound guidelines for combination therapies.
A new study examines the life expectancy and lifespan equality of four marine mammal species in zoos and aquariums compared to their wild counterparts. The study found that marine mammals live longer in captivity, with a three-fold increase in life expectancy and a decline in deaths in the first year of life.
SourceSpecies360·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 17, 2023
A study by Jessica Ho found that Americans born in 2019 can expect to spend 48% and 60% of their lives taking prescription drugs, respectively. The majority of men start taking medication at age 40, while women begin at age 15.
A study of 15,000 dogs found that body size significantly impacts aging patterns, with smaller dogs living longer and experiencing slower decline rates. Larger dogs show an earlier onset of age-related decline but maintain cognitive health longer.
A recent study of nearly 13,000 veterans with nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer found that Black and Hispanic men have improved outcomes when treated in equal-access settings. The research highlights the need for targeted care to address racial disparities in healthcare outcomes.
Diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at age 30 can lead to a reduced life expectancy of up to 14 years due to complications such as heart attack, stroke, and cancer. The analysis found that every decade of earlier diagnosis was associated with about four years of reduced life expectancy.
A new poll found that 62% of people aged 50-80 disagree with using life expectancy as a factor in determining cancer screening guidelines. The majority also believes that some older adults should still receive cancer screenings even if guidelines don't recommend them.
People with fewer financial resources have lower life expectancies due to factors like healthcare costs and economic inequality. Longer-term financial planning is associated with a lower risk of death, even after accounting for other factors.
The American Heart Association is providing funding to social impact entrepreneurs in Houston to address health inequities in under-resourced communities. The funds will support sustainable, entrepreneurial solutions that improve access to quality healthcare, housing, and educational opportunities.
A study by the University of Gothenburg reveals that obesity significantly worsens life expectancy and mortality risks in individuals with bipolar disorders. The findings show a rapid increase in BMI among those with bipolar disorders, leading to a higher risk of premature death and comorbidity.
A new study suggests that extreme dietary habits, such as low-carb intake in men and high-fat intake in women, are associated with higher mortality risks. The findings indicate that individuals should balance their diet to avoid extremes, while ensuring energy from various food sources.
A large US veterans' study found that men and women who adopt eight healthy habits, such as regular exercise, good sleep hygiene, and positive social relationships, can expect to live up to 21 additional years. The study's findings support the role of lifestyle factors in preventing chronic diseases and promoting healthy aging.
A nationwide study found that residing in a highly segregated neighborhood was associated with a statistically significant four-year decrease in life expectancy. Socioeconomic factors partially mediated this effect, highlighting the role of residential segregation in perpetuating racial inequities.
A new study found that black residents living in highly segregated neighborhoods have significantly shortened life expectancies compared to those in less segregated areas. The study analyzed 63,694 census tracts and found that life expectancy was four years shorter on average in highly segregated areas.
Researchers found that centenarians have a diverse gut virome with high microbial diversity associated with a healthy gut microbiome. The study suggests that intestinal bacteria and bacterial viruses may work together to promote healthy lifespan.
Researchers discover a molecule that destroys aged cells without affecting healthy ones, paving the way for delaying tissue ageing. Testing with animal models will now begin to explore its potential anti-cancer effects and improve life expectancy.
A new study of nearly 200 baboons in southern Kenya found that adversity early in life can take years off their lifespan, but strong social bonds with other baboons in adulthood can help get them back. Baboons who formed stronger social connections added 2.2 years to their lives, no matter what they had faced when they were younger.
Researchers found that modern dog breeds, which are genetically more distant from wolves, have relatively larger brain sizes compared to ancient breeds. This increase in brain size cannot be attributed to the roles or life history characteristics of the breeds.
A recent study published in Demography found that analyzing birthplace instead of residence reveals significant geographic disparities in mortality. The research suggests that interstate migration reduces regional inequalities, making them less visible in previous studies.
A new URI study reveals that the association between life expectancy and income inequality is not as clear-cut as previously thought. In high-income areas, life expectancy was higher in regions with higher income inequality, suggesting that income inequality may not be a reliable predictor of population health outcomes.
A study of 1,618 US counties found that greater representation of Black primary care physicians is associated with improved survival-related outcomes for Black individuals. The findings suggest investments to build a more representative PCP workforce nationally may improve population health and reduce disparities.
A new model shows that encampment sweeps, bans and move-along-orders contribute to 15-25% increase in deaths among people experiencing homelessness over a 10-year period. Involuntary displacement is linked to increased overdose deaths, hospitalizations, injection-related infections and hindered access to medications.
Research reveals that cold activates cellular cleansing mechanisms that break down protein clumps, preventing age-related diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. By modulating proteasome activity, scientists have found a potential therapeutic target for aging and related neurodegenerative disorders.
A new study published in Blood Advances found that the average life expectancy of publicly insured individuals with sickle cell disease is roughly 52.6 years, which is significantly lower than the overall US life expectancy of 73.5 years for men and 79.3 years for women. The study also revealed worse survival outcomes among those insur...
The UK has experienced a decline in life expectancy over seven decades, ranking 29th globally in 2021. Income inequalities and structural weaknesses have contributed to this decline, with poorer groups also seeing a decrease in life expectancy.
A study by Kumamoto University researchers reveals LSD1's role in regulating skeletal muscle response to environmental stress. The findings suggest that LSD1 moderates muscle adaptation to environmental conditions, with potential implications for maintaining muscle health and preventing diseases such as sarcopenia.
A global study has found that greater gender equality is associated with longer life expectancy for both women and men. The study, published in the lead up to International Women's Day, suggests that addressing longstanding gender inequality can help extend longevity for all genders.
Two studies found that adults with high cardiovascular health scores tend to live longer lives free of major chronic diseases. The research highlights the importance of maintaining ideal cardiovascular health to delay onset of age-related diseases, allowing individuals to enjoy life in their years as well as their years in life.
Researchers found that Black men have a higher mortality rate after surgery compared to other groups, with a 50% higher risk of death after elective procedures. The study suggests that structural racism, poor pre-operative care, and exposure to toxins may contribute to these disparities.
A study of 135,000 adults found that high cardiovascular health was associated with significantly increased life expectancy free of four major chronic diseases. The disease-free life expectancy was similar between low and other socioeconomic groups among participants with high cardiovascular health.
A new UK Biobank study analyzes data on nearly half a million participants and finds that Asian and Black groups have lower all-cause mortality rates compared to White groups. The study also identifies specific risk factors associated with each ethnic group, such as mental health diagnoses for Asians and parasitic diseases for Blacks.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 23, 2023
A study published in Science Advances found a direct link between violence and lifetime uncertainty, which is measured as the spread in age at death. The researchers analyzed mortality data for 162 countries and found that the most violent countries have the lowest life expectancy and highest lifetime uncertainty.
A new study reveals that violent countries have significantly shorter life expectancies and more unpredictable lives, affecting both young people and women. The study finds a direct link between violence and lifetime uncertainty, highlighting the need to consider indirect effects of violence on mortality patterns.
A recent study reveals that Native Americans have the highest rates of mortality from deaths of despair, including suicide, drug overdoses, and alcoholic liver disease. In contrast, white communities are often portrayed as being disproportionately affected by this phenomenon.
Pakistan's health challenges have been compounded by natural disasters, including the 2022 floods, which affected over 33 million people. The country is experiencing a slowdown in reducing maternal and child mortality, high fertility rates, and persistent gender disparities.
A study finds that increasing health insurance coverage explains 63% of increased healthcare expenditure and boosts medical patent registrations by 57%. Health insurance expansion also increases life expectancy by 1.2 years due to stimulation of medical progress.
Researchers found that rapamycin increased autophagy in female intestinal cells, leading to longer lifespan and reduced age-related diseases. In contrast, male intestinal cells showed no further increase in autophagy activity after rapamycin treatment.
A new study estimates that the pandemic has cost over 1 million Russian lives, with regional differences in mortality rates reported. The research used a novel methodology to calculate excess mortality, including deaths from lockdowns and postponed operations.
A new study by Syracuse University researchers found that more conservative state policies were associated with higher mortality rates among US workers. The study suggests that liberalizing policies on gun safety, labor, and tobacco taxes could lower mortality rates.
A new study from the University of South Australia found that severe vitamin D deficiency is associated with a higher risk of mortality. The research evaluated 307,601 records from the UK Biobank and found that individuals with low vitamin D levels had a significantly decreased risk of death over a 14-year follow-up period.
A study by Max Planck Researcher Jonas Schöley and colleagues found that life expectancy continued to decline globally in 2021, with differences between Eastern and Western Europe widening. However, vaccination efforts helped mitigate mortality shocks in some countries, particularly those with robust healthcare systems.
Adults who sleep for five hours or less per night have a greater risk of developing multiple chronic conditions compared to those who sleep seven hours. Shorter sleep duration at mid-to-late life is associated with an increased risk of chronic disease and subsequent multimorbidity.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decline in life expectancy globally, with countries in Eastern Europe and the US suffering worst losses. Vaccination efforts partially mitigated these impacts, particularly for older age groups.
Researchers found a significant association between neighborhood conditions, child resources, and life expectancy at birth. This study suggests that addressing community needs is crucial for improving life expectancy and reducing health inequities.
A new report finds that men and women in the UK have higher probabilities of dying than predicted, with a marked difference in gender. The slowdown since 2010 has raised questions about the viability of pensions schemes and inequalities within the UK.