Research on health and aging in later life. Covers attention and cognition, longevity, organ aging, and age-related disease.
The editorial highlights the need for disaster preparedness tailored to older adults' unique circumstances, including chronic health conditions and social supports. It suggests interventions that integrate disaster planning into routine clinical care and build organizational capacity in assisted living communities and nursing homes.
Researchers found that high-intensity walking programs led to greater improvements in frailty status compared to casual pace walking in older adults. The study, published in PLOS, suggests that high-intensity walking may be an effective way to reverse frailty in older adults.
A study from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that 11.4% of older adults who used cannabis in the past year met the criteria for cannabis use disorder (CUD). This condition is characterized by a pattern of cannabis use that causes problems or interferes with daily life. The study highlights the importance...
Research finds accelerated brain aging in uninjured areas after stroke can predict language severity and treatment response. Brain aging patterns measured before treatment predicted improvements in language 6 months after therapy ended in patients who completed speech therapy and brain stimulation.
A recent USC-led study reveals that over 1 in 5 older adults are at risk for major drug interactions, despite a decline in their prevalence. Polypharmacy and dietary supplement polypharmacy have increased, with antidepressants, statins, and antiplatelet therapies being the most commonly used medications involved in these regimens.
A pharmacist-led medication review improved medication quality in older adults with cancer, with 29.9% fewer patients on potentially inappropriate prescriptions and 34.2% less medication overuse. The review also recommended 337 missing vaccinations.
Defering bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy beyond age 50 increases risk of ovarian cancer in BRCA carriers. The residual risk of ovarian cancer for older women in good health is considered high enough to warrant preventive surgery.
A Tulane University study found that loneliness and social isolation can cost people nearly six years of life free from mental disorders like depression and anxiety. The study, published in Nature Communications, also found a smaller but still significant toll on physical health.
A vaccine that could lower the risk of dementia by half for those at high risk has sparked interest among older adults, with nearly 3 in 4 expressing interest in receiving such a vaccine. The survey results highlight a growing interest in vaccines that may prevent or delay dementia, a major concern for aging populations.
The new NCCN Guidelines for Patients with Cancer explain the importance of assessments to tailor cancer care to every person, regardless of age. The guidelines stress the need for support and validation for older adults, who face unique issues such as memory function and treatment interactions with other medications and conditions.
The WISE Program pairs Wayne State students with Black older adults for 10-week initiatives that promote digital literacy, social connection, and meaningful relationships across generations. Students and older adults participate in guided life-story activities and work one-on-one to develop practical digital skills.
A new UCLA study has found a connection between brain aging and gut biology, suggesting that people's brains may be aging decades before symptoms appear. The study, published in eBioMedicine, analyzed brain scans and stool samples to identify a link between brain communication patterns, gut bacteria, and brain aging.
A community-adapted brain health program in Kikuyo Town, Japan, has achieved significant improvements in attention scores and dietary balance among older adults. The 24-week program, combining aerobic exercise, cognitive exercises, and lifestyle guidance, resulted in high attendance rates and positive feedback.
Researchers found that GLP-1 treatment improved muscle and cognitive function, and reduced hallmarks of natural aging in older mice. The treatment also extended lifespan by nearly 100 days, suggesting a potential therapeutic route for slowing physiological aging.
Researchers developed a computational model to study aging in 40 types of human tissue, identifying three major aging patterns and underlying molecular changes. Tissues show bimodal structural aging, with accelerated aging from 35-40 and 55-60, coinciding with fertility decline and menopause.
A study led by Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that children of centenarians live longer and have lower risks of cardiovascular disease and hypertension. The research, analyzing data from three geographically diverse studies, suggests that inherited biological factors beyond lifestyle contribute to exceptional healthy aging.
Researchers at PolyU developed a screening tool to identify seniors at risk of social frailty, a state of vulnerability linked to poorer health. The Social Frailty 10-Item screening tool assesses five domains and guides practical next steps for care, including referrals to financial or healthcare support.
A study from Karolinska Institutet found that older adults with longer meal intervals accumulated chronic diseases more rapidly than those with shorter intervals. The association was strongest among people aged 78 years and older, and was linked to faster accumulation of cardiovascular and neuropsychiatric diseases.
This theme issue explores clinical efficacy, seamless support systems, and ethical AI integration for home-based care. Research topics include 'invisible' monitoring, computer vision, socio-technical drivers of AI adoption, and clinical implementation.
Scientists have discovered a new connection between energy-producing mitochondria and chronic inflammation in senescent cells, which promotes age-related diseases. Blocking a related gene and using a drug called CTPI-2 reduced inflammation and promoted healthier aging in mice.
A new study reveals how memories change with age, with older adults struggling to recall specific details and general knowledge becoming more prominent. The research highlights the importance of understanding how memory evolves over a lifetime, shedding light on how to support healthy cognitive ageing.
A study found that supercentenarians, people who live to 110 and beyond, have a higher proportion of cancer-killing immune cells called CD4 CTLs. This expansion may help the immune system adapt to age-related challenges, contributing to exceptional longevity.
Researchers from Tohoku University and the University of Tokyo developed super exosomes that target senescent cells, improving frailty and physical performance in aged mice. The technology has potential applications in healthy aging, cognitive function, and reproductive medicine.
Patients with severe traumatic brain injury in resource-limited settings are at higher risk of mortality. The study highlights the need for improved acute and postdischarge care to reduce mortality rates.
A new ACC Scientific Statement highlights the importance of considering cognitive impairment and frailty in cardiovascular care for older adults. The statement outlines practical strategies for prevention, screening, assessment, and management, aiming to improve outcomes such as independence, mobility, and caregiver burden.
Objective physical fitness assessments reveal a graded association between balance, agility, strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness with reduced all-cause mortality. This study suggests integrating fitness assessments into routine practice may improve risk stratification and guide function-oriented interventions.
The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology has received a $7.5 million grant to establish GeroSCORE, a national hub for discovery and collaboration on sex differences in aging. The center will conduct innovative research, develop new tools and analytical methods, and serve as a resource for early-career investigators.
As more Americans with HIV age into Medicare eligibility, costs are expected to increase substantially. The study projects nearly 200,000 beneficiaries by 2035 and $27.3 billion in annual spending. Policy changes like the Inflation Reduction Act could save billions, while generic HIV medications may further reduce costs.
A new study found that older adults living in homes with electrical or plumbing problems, insufficient space, or poor lighting are more likely to experience a fall. The study analyzed data from over 5,500 adults aged 65 and over, revealing a significant association between housing conditions and fall risk.
This study examines associations between early life BMI and childbirth timing, as well as fertility outcomes among Danish women. Childhood body size is found to be associated with the timing of childbirth, highlighting the importance of addressing reproductive health early in life.
The LifeAfter90 study found that women 90 and older are at two-fold greater risk for dementia, while Black participants have a 75% greater risk than Asian participants. APOE2's protective effects continue past age 90, reducing risk by 60%, but APOE4 increases the risk among men and Black participants.
A UC Irvine psychologist is using a massive longitudinal dataset to investigate how daily social connections shape our bodies and minds over time. The researcher aims to understand the 'ripple effect' of small, everyday moments on long-term health outcomes.
Researchers develop first quality-of-life measure specifically designed for Australian aged 65 and over, to improve care and outcomes. The tool will enable consistent monitoring of quality-of-life outcomes across health and aged care settings.
A new study found that older adults who took a daily multivitamin had significantly better measures of functional health after 3 years compared to those who took a placebo. The findings suggest that a daily multivitamin can help preserve cognitive abilities and benefit blood circulation and physical stamina.
A small clinical trial found that time-restricted eating improved spatial planning and problem-solving skills, reducing errors related to memory and learning. After six months, participants who limited their daily eating window showed significant cognitive improvements compared to those maintaining a standard eating window.
A blood test measuring phosphorylated tau 217 (P-tau217) can estimate an individual's risk of developing cognitive impairment over 2, 5, and 10 years. Higher P-tau217 levels are associated with increased risk of progression to cognitive impairment in cognitively unimpaired older adults.
A new University of Michigan poll reveals that 31% of people aged 50 and over have never heard of any mental health crisis line, while 69% are unfamiliar with 988. Despite this, most participants expressed willingness to use these services in a mental health emergency, highlighting the need for increased awareness-raising efforts.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified a clear link between the composition of gut bacteria and frailty in older women. The research found that lower gut bacterial diversity and impaired function are associated with increased vulnerability to disease, falls, functional impairment, and death.
A cross-sectional study of Medicare beneficiaries age 65 and older found friend caregivers to be an integral part of the caregiving network. They provide essential care without expecting compensation or reimbursement.
A cohort study found that a dietary pattern with lower inflammatory potential was associated with lower dementia risk among individuals with Alzheimer disease pathology. Targeted dietary strategies may help prevent dementia in those already at elevated risk.
A Canadian study of over 13,500 older adults found that social networking sites were associated with poorer perceived mental health. Email use was positively correlated with mental health, while no significant associations were found for other digital communication tools.
Researchers have found that cats show comparable patterns of brain deterioration as they age, similar to humans. This study, part of the Translating Time project, aims to unlock new insights into human ageing and disease by comparing cat and human brain development.
A Hiroshima University study finds that practical digital skills, positive financial attitudes, and self-protection are more consistently associated with lower old-age anxiety than traditional financial knowledge alone. The study suggests that financial education may need to move beyond knowledge alone in the digital age.
A new poll shows nearly all Michiganders age 50 and over value keeping their brains healthy, but less than half know daily habits can reduce dementia risk. Only half practice key brain-protecting habits.
A pilot study suggests that a simple exercise and protein supplementation program can help older adults with frailty recover more successfully after hospitalization. The program showed promising results, with 80% of participants discharged from skilled nursing facilities back to the community rather than long-term care or the hospital.
A cross-sectional study found that colorectal cancer screening participation increased after an organized population screening program, but socioeconomic disparities remained. Younger age groups, single households, and lower-income individuals still lag behind in screening uptake.
Remote monitoring approaches did not increase home time but reduced it for those 65 years and older, supporting tailored care after acute infections. The findings suggest reevaluating remote monitoring to align with patients' needs and desires.
Delirium is a common and preventable complication in older surgical patients, with verified geriatric surgery programs screening nearly every patient. Non-accredited hospitals screen only half of their patients for delirium, leading to a stark gap in care.
A digital platform developed by Concordia University researchers offers an accessible solution for older adults struggling with insomnia and anxiety. The seven-week eCBT+ program demonstrates high effectiveness in improving sleep efficiency and reducing symptoms of both conditions, with users finding the platform easy to use and useful.
A recent study found that melanoma disproportionately affects Florida's senior population, with older men experiencing twice as many skin cancer-related deaths as women. The study highlights gaps in prevention and early detection, particularly among men and non-Hispanic populations.
Postoperative delirium is a strong predictor of long-term cognitive decline in older adults, according to a new study. Researchers found that delirium was associated with faster cognitive decline than mild cognitive impairment, and rehospitalizations did not explain the effect.
As we age, the body adopts a safety-first walking style that sacrifices efficiency for stability, leading to slower speeds and increased fatigue. Researchers identified subtle changes in ankle and surrounding muscles controlling each step.
A large Japanese study found that maintaining a healthier profile with lower lifestyle and health risks can significantly lower dementia risk in people with one or no APOE ε4 alleles. However, individuals carrying two APOE ε4 alleles may require different preventive or therapeutic approaches.
A Rutgers Health study found that fewer than one in five older adults discuss their cannabis use with clinicians. The study analyzed reports from over 14,000 older adults and found that only one in three were screened for cannabis or drug use by a clinician in the past year.
A UK study found that middle-aged and older adults with higher autistic traits are more likely to report worsening anxiety as they age. Researchers identified three distinct groups based on their anxiety responses over eight years, highlighting the importance of early identification and tailored support for this vulnerable minority.
LGBTQ+ adults over 50 face disparities in health care, mental health, and social connections compared to non-LGBTQ+ peers. They are more likely to experience discrimination and feel isolated from others.
A study found that 14 million workdays are lost annually due to menopause, while women rely on online misinformation for medical advice. The authors advocate for open conversation and inclusive approaches to combat stigma and support women's health during this transition.
A new study found that handwriting speed and stroke organization can be indicative of cognitive decline in older adults. The research used digital tools to record writing speed and number of strokes in complex tasks, and found that participants with cognitive impairment showed distinct patterns in their handwriting movements.
A low-calorie diet and behavioral support program significantly reduced weight in older patients with overweight and persistent atrial fibrillation at 8 months. The study found no safety concerns or impact on atrial fibrillation symptoms, cardiac remodeling, or need for further rhythm control interventions.
A systematic review of 69 trials involving over 153,000 adults found that calcium, vitamin D, or combined supplements have little to no effect on fracture prevention. The findings suggest that routine supplementation may not be necessary, and instead focus should be on interventions like balance and resistance exercise.