A recent study published in The Journals of Gerontology Series A found that men are biologically older than women due to factors such as smoking and body size. Despite the initial sex difference, the gap between men and women has narrowed in recent decades.
A University of Maryland-led study finds that street trees in Baltimore reflect the city's history of institutionalized racism but also modern reparation efforts. Researchers discovered that green neighborhoods have more diverse tree communities and larger, older trees, while redlined areas have less diverse tree species.
A recent study published in The Lancet HIV found that individuals with viral suppression through antiretroviral therapy (ART) medications can live longer and experience less disability compared to those with unsuppressed HIV. This research highlights the critical importance of maintaining support for HIV treatment programs to ensure op...
A new study reveals that type 2 diabetes significantly shortens the life expectancy of women, younger individuals, and smokers, with a 60% increased risk of early death among women. The research also shows that diagnosis at an earlier age and smoking have a substantial impact on mortality rates.
A new study found that US life expectancy decreased by 2.2 years from 2019 to 2021, with significant racial disparities persisting throughout the pandemic. The study highlights the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on public health, particularly among vulnerable populations.
A new study reveals that the protein CHIP can regulate insulin receptor signals more efficiently alone than in a paired state. This finding suggests that maintaining a balance between monomeric and dimeric states of CHIP is crucial for proper cellular function.
A NIH study of over 46,000 participants found that childhood poverty combined with crowded housing or parental separation increases the risk of premature death by 41-50%, compared to those without early life adversity. The study also identified a higher risk of premature death for individuals with multiple adverse childhood experiences.
A statistical analysis of 200 years of data across all continents reveals that between 25-50% of men outlive women, particularly in developed countries. The study highlights the impact of education, marital status, and external factors on sex differences in lifespan.
A study of 1,813 older women found that accelerated biological aging is associated with lower odds of living to be 90 years old and maintaining physical and cognitive function. Slower age acceleration was linked to a reduced risk of mortality.
Recent US life expectancy increase does not correlate with better end-of-life health outcomes, research reveals. Disparities in disability at the end of life persist among black and less-educated women.
A new study has developed cut-off points to measure handgrip strength in the general population, considering gender, body height, and aging. Low handgrip strength is linked to increased mortality risk and may indicate underlying health conditions such as heart and lung problems.
A systematic review by Leicester researchers has explored common methods used to predict years of life lost, highlighting differences between basic and advanced methods. The study aims to provide a comprehensive guide for healthcare professionals and researchers, promoting better understanding of life expectancy metrics.
A study of over 500,000 people found that those who always added salt to their food had a 28% increased risk of dying prematurely. This is equivalent to one more person in every hundred dying prematurely due to excessive salt intake.
During the California pandemic, a significant decrease in life expectancy was observed for both 2020 and 2021 compared to pre-pandemic periods. The study found that the life expectancy gap by income level increased, with the poorest populations experiencing more pronounced declines in life expectancy.
A new study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that heat and cold exposure are associated with substantial excess mortality in England and Wales. London had the highest heat-related mortality rate, while the risk of death from cold was highest in Northern England, Wales, and the South West.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) says inadequate access to nutritious food negatively impacts the health of many Americans, exacerbating social factors and leading to various health issues. The ACP recommends strengthening the nation's food insecurity response and empowering physicians to address social drivers of health.
A recent study published in the Journal of Cardiac Surgery found that lung transplant recipients have a standardized mortality rate approximately five times higher than nonhospitalized adults. The main causes of death include rejection of the new organ, pneumonia, and infections.
Life expectancy in the US increased by 2.3 years between 2000-2019, but gaps among racial and ethnic groups remain. The study found that Black populations have higher life expectancy in most counties, while American Indian and Alaska Native populations face lower life expectancy and significant gaps with other groups.
Researchers have developed a comprehensive atlas of disease mortality, providing a resource to estimate reductions in life expectancy for various disorders. The study analyzed data from 7,378,598 people living in Denmark from 2000 to 2018 and generated a panel of epidemiological and mortality metrics.
Life expectancy increased more for Black populations, but significant disparities remain between groups. API and Latino populations had the highest life expectancy, while AIAN populations faced alarming trends.
A recent study found that older adults in later-born generations are more likely to have multiple chronic health conditions than prior generations. This trend may lead to increased strain on the well-being of older adults and medical insurance systems, particularly as the US population ages. The researchers suggest that sociodemographi...
A study by Kobe University researchers found significant socio-economic disparities in physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, with vulnerable populations experiencing reduced levels of activity. The findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring to address widening health disparities stemming from economic circumstances.
A nationwide analysis found that local increases in green vegetation could have prevented between 34,000-38,000 deaths among adults 65 and older in large US metropolitan areas. The study also showed a significant increase in overall greenness in metro areas over the past two decades.
Exercise strengthens bones, reduces fracture risk, and improves posture in people with osteoporosis. A consensus statement recommends a balanced routine of muscle strengthening exercises on 2-3 days and moderate impact activities on most days.
A study published in Age and Ageing found that modifying lifestyle behaviors can have a marked effect on lifespan, particularly among older adults and those with chronic conditions. Adopting five or more healthy habits increased life expectancy by up to 6 years for healthy 40-year-olds.
A bioethicist contends that crisis-care protocols should ignore patients' age, proposing instead a patient-specific values approach. She suggests using a Clinical Frailty Scale to predict near-term survival and considers a lottery as the fairest way to prioritize individuals under dire conditions.
A new study analyzed 30,563 records of dog deaths in the UK, finding that Jack Russell Terriers have the highest life expectancy at birth (12.72 years), while French Bulldogs have one of the lowest (4.53 years). Neutering also appears to increase life expectancy for dogs.
A recent study analyzed data from 421 adults with type 2 diabetes and found that achieving optimal blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, and body weight levels can significantly improve life expectancy. By targeting these key health metrics, individuals with type 2 diabetes may be able to extend their lifespan.
Researchers found that wealth was associated with a 19 percentage point increase in survival rates from age 65 to 85, but smoking dominated other factors in shortening lifespan. The study suggests that avoiding smoking is crucial for living longer, regardless of wealth levels.
A new study published in the Chinese Medical Journal assessed mortality risk in middle-aged and older Chinese individuals with multiple diseases. The study identified four multimorbidity patterns, with cardiometabolic being the most common, and found that individuals with these patterns had a significantly increased mortality risk.
US life expectancy dropped by 1.87 years from 2019 to 2020, while peer countries saw a 0.58-year decrease on average. Hispanic and non-Hispanic Black populations experienced larger declines, with decreases of 3.70 and 3.22 years respectively.
Researchers at The University of Toledo found that low-dose lithium acts as a powerful anti-aging agent in the kidneys by blocking GSK3-beta, an enzyme associated with cellular aging. Studies showed improved kidney function and reduced albuminuria in mice and psychiatric patients treated with lithium.
Children of exceptionally long-lived parents and their spouses experience lower risk of type II diabetes compared to the general population. The study found that low BMI, high HDL cholesterol, and certain hormones in the blood protect against developing diabetes II.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare·TypeObservational study·DateApr 11, 2022
A study of 3,900 older adults found factors associated with decreased physical activity include older age, living alone, obesity, adverse health conditions, and poor physical functioning. The results highlight the need for interventions targeting these barriers to promote healthy lifestyles in older age.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that non-white Americans and those with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to have severe strokes, long-term disability, and shorter life expectancy compared to their white counterparts. The study suggests that hospitals may be disincentivized to tre...
A new study reports a 0.92-year decline in global life expectancy from 2019 to 2020, the first since 1950, due to COVID-19. Life expectancy stabilized by 2021 but was still two years lower than expected.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that the number of healthy years a person lives is increasing even for those with common chronic conditions. However, men and women with cognitive impairment experienced a decrease in disability-free life expectancy.
A new study suggests that outpatient treatment for infective endocarditis can reduce mortality rates, extend life expectancy, and be more cost-effective than standard inpatient therapy. The strategy also showed improved cure rates compared to other approaches.
A new discovery by VUB professor Ann Massie's research group reveals a strategy that prolongs life expectancy and preserves hippocampal function in the aging brain. The absence of system xc- has positive effects on mouse longevity and cognitive function, challenging current understanding of the aging process.
A new model estimates the impact of dietary changes on life expectancy, suggesting that adopting an optimized diet rich in legumes, whole grains, and nuts can increase lifespan by over a decade. For young adults, this could add up to 10-13 years, while older individuals may still experience significant gains.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 8, 2022
Historic redlining in Baltimore continues to impact present-day health outcomes, with lower average life expectancies observed across affected communities. The study highlights the persistence of systemic racism and unequal access to healthcare in these areas.
A global study found that death rates for people with type 2 diabetes are declining in high-income countries, including Asia. The study showed a narrowing life expectancy gap between those with and without diabetes in many jurisdictions.
A new study led by Boston Medical Center researchers shows that Black individuals who were incarcerated have a statistically significant 65% increase in mortality rates compared to non-Hispanic non-Black individuals. This finding highlights the long-term impacts of incarceration on health, particularly among marginalized communities.
A new index ranks US states based on their support for successful aging across five domains: productivity, security, equity, cohesion, and well-being. The study found that no single domain drives the results, and state policies play a significant role in adapting to an aging population.
Historical state-level analysis finds that increased party competition leads to higher spending on infrastructure, human capital, literacy, earnings, and longevity. States with more party competition tend to have lower infant mortality, higher life expectancy, and greater social well-being.
A study published in The BMJ found that more than 28 million extra years of life were lost worldwide in 2020 compared to expected numbers, with a higher rate of excess premature deaths in men than women. This analysis provides insight into the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on populations.
Research by Imperial College London found life expectancy declined in nearly one-fifth of women's and one-ninth of men's communities between 2014-2019. Communities with lowest life expectancy were often located in urban areas in the North of England, with stark geographical differences observed.
A new study estimates that immigration adds 1.4 to 1.5 years to U.S. life expectancy at birth, with foreign-born life expectancy reaching 81.4 and 85.7 years in 2017. Immigrants are responsible for approximately half of the recent U.S. gains in life expectancy.
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered unprecedented life expectancy losses across 29 countries, with a decline of over half a year observed in most nations. The largest declines were seen among males, particularly in the US, where a 2.2-year loss was reported.
A new study found that children who experienced sexual or physical abuse or neglect are more likely to die prematurely as adults. Adults who reported experiencing sexual abuse had a 2.6 times higher risk, while those who experienced physical abuse had a 1.7 times higher risk of premature death.
Researchers examined changes in life expectancy after allogeneic blood or marrow transplantation over four decades. The study found improved survival rates and reduced risk of death among transplant recipients.
Researchers found that seniors moving from low-mortality areas to high-mortality areas experience a significant decrease in life expectancy. On the other hand, urban areas on the East and West Coasts have positive effects on longevity for seniors, while Midwestern metro areas score well. The study also identified parts of the deep Sout...
A study of 1800 Japanese citizens aged 65 found that low weight and insufficient exercise are significant risk factors for sarcopenia. Those with possible sarcopenia exhibited higher degrees of frailty despite normal Specific Health Checkup results, highlighting the need for a test to identify sarcopenia early on.
A study found that higher omega-3 acid levels in the blood are associated with a significant increase in life expectancy, similar to quitting smoking. The researchers analyzed data from over 2,200 people aged 65 and found that four types of fatty acids, including omega-3, can predict mortality risk.
A new study found that decreases in local government funding over recent years probably contributed to declines in life expectancy in some areas of England. The research linked annual local government funding data with life expectancy and mortality data between 2013 and 2017, revealing a significant impact on the most deprived areas.
A new study published in Age and Ageing found that hypothetical adverse life scenarios, such as dementia and chronic pain, significantly reduce people's desire to live into older ages. The study analyzed data from Norway, where the average preferred life expectancy was 91.4 years.
An updated analysis reveals a bigger drop in average US life expectancy due to COVID-19, with significant disparities among Black and Latino populations compared to white Americans. The pandemic reduced overall life expectancy by 1.31 years, with the effects being more pronounced for Latinos and Blacks.
Researchers estimated changes in life expectancy associated with COVID-19 pandemic by race/ethnicity. The study found significant disparities in life expectancy across racial and ethnic groups in the US.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the largest decrease in US life expectancy since World War II, with Black Americans experiencing a staggering 3.25-year decline. The data highlights significant disparities in health outcomes across racial groups and between the US and peer countries.
Life expectancy in the US decreased by nearly two years between 2018 and 2020, widening the gap with other high-income countries, especially among Hispanic and Black Americans. The largest declines were observed in these groups, with life expectancy falling by 15-18 times more than in peer countries.