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Greater predicted life expectancy confirms importance of HIV/AIDS treatment

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...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalThe Lancet HIV·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2022

Molecular switch controls life expectancy

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.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

Risk of premature death in adulthood influenced by patterns of early childhood adversity, NIH study suggests

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.

Review outlines methods to estimate life expectancy

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.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of Clinical Epidemiology·TypeSystematic review·DateJul 20, 2022

Both heat and cold increase risk of death in England and Wales but rates vary across geographical areas and population groups

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.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateJul 6, 2022

ACP says food insecurity a threat to public health in the United States

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.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeContent analysis·DateJun 27, 2022

Life expectancy in the U.S. increased between 2000-2019, but widespread gaps among racial and ethnic groups exist

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 develop a comprehensive atlas of disease mortality

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 16, 2022

New insight: Socio-economic disparities in physical activity levels during the COVID-19 pandemic

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.

SourceKobe University·JournalPublic Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 3, 2022

Taking ownership of your health

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.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAge and Ageing·TypeObservational study·DateMay 11, 2022

New Chinese Medical Journal study assesses mortality risk in multimorbid patients

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.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2022

Low-dose lithium may slow kidney aging

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.

SourceUniversity of Toledo·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2022

Barriers to an active lifestyle at older ages

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 7, 2022

Are strokes a social justice issue? A new study suggests they could be

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...

SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateApr 5, 2022

Unexpected element in aging process discovered

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.

SourceVrije Universiteit Brussel·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 18, 2022

Changing your diet could add up to a decade to life expectancy, study finds

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

New index tracks US state progress on promoting the health and well-being of older populations for the first time

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.

Are political parties getting in the way of our health?

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.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 22, 2021

Comparing seniors who relocate long-distance shows where you live affects your longevity

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...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateSep 1, 2021

Specific testing required to assess frailty in older adults

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.

SourceKobe University·JournalGeriatrics and Gerontology International·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2021

Higher levels of omega-3 acids in the blood increases life expectancy by almost five years

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.

SourceIMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute)·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJul 22, 2021