Articles tagged with Older Adults
This study emphasizes the importance of social determinants in ICU rehabilitation delivery for older adults. Inequities in rehabilitation delivery were found to be associated with various social factors, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to address these disparities.
A UCLA-led study reveals that chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer in women over 65 can lead to a significant decline in physical function. The study found that 30% of older women who received chemotherapy experienced a substantial decline, with climbing stairs and walking being the most affected activities.
A study published in Blood Neoplasia reveals that older adults with acute myeloid leukemia can benefit from standard treatment, with roughly a quarter experiencing durable prolonged survival. The conventional treatment of venetoclax combined with a hypomethylating agent (HMA) is safe and effective for those over 80 years old.
A recent study published in Blood Neoplasia found that older adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can derive benefit from the VEN-HMA regimen, which is the standard of care for older AML patients. The treatment was shown to durably prolong survival in approximately 20-25% of treated patients.
A Rutgers Health study examines the importance of social support networks for older adults living with HIV, finding that strong connections can reduce stress and anxiety. The research also emphasizes the need for increased funding and programs to foster positive social interactions and improve overall quality of life.
A study by NTU Singapore and Duke-NUS found that volunteering among older adults in Singapore increases their quality of life through perceived social support. Regular volunteers reported having more control over their lives, leading to a better quality of life.
Almost 90% of U.S. adults met criteria for cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic syndrome (CKM) stage 1 or higher, with 15% meeting advanced stage criteria that did not improve between 2011 and 2020. Advanced stages were associated with increased risk among older age, men, and Black adults.
A new poll suggests health-related costs are a major concern for older Americans of all backgrounds, with five out of six very concerning issues involving health costs. Nearly half say they're very concerned about the cost of prescription medications, while nearly half also express concerns about dental care.
The USPSTF updates its breast cancer screening recommendation to biennial mammography for women ages 40-74. However, the balance of benefits and harms is unclear for women over 75 or those with dense breasts. Breast cancer is a common cause of death among US women.
A new study found that loneliness grows as people age, with a U-shaped pattern of higher levels in younger and older adulthood. Factors associated with persistent loneliness include social isolation, lower education, income, and functional limitations, as well as being divorced or widowed, a smoker, or having poorer health.
A study by Eötvös Loránd University found that a combination of cognitive and physical therapy improved the behavior and engagement of older dogs. However, it was discovered that cognitive exercise alone had no positive effects, while physical activity alone showed modest improvements in flexibility and friendliness.
A study using American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data shows both frailty and type of surgical procedure impact postoperative outcomes among elderly patients. Procedure type and its risk level have a greater effect on complications and death.
Researchers developed an AI technique to estimate brain age based on EEG scans, making early screening for degenerative brain diseases more accessible. The technology uses machine learning to analyze brain waves and can be used as a low-cost screening tool for large numbers of people.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that understaffed nursing homes in disadvantaged neighborhoods are more likely to overmedicate residents with antipsychotics. The researchers suggest that increasing staffing levels could help reduce the use of these medications and address the root causes of behavioral issues.
Middle-aged and older adults believe that old age begins later in life, with increased life expectancy contributing to this shift. The study found that participants born in different years reported a later perceived onset of old age, but the trend has slowed in recent years.
A randomized clinical trial found self-administered acupressure to be efficacious and cost-effective in reducing knee pain and improving mobility in middle-aged and older adults with probable osteoarthritis. The treatment also showed significant benefits in terms of quality of life.
A study published in the Canadian Journal of Diabetes found that approximately 1 in 5 older Canadian adults with diabetes developed functional limitations for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those with lower incomes faced a significantly higher risk of developing functional limitations compared to their peers.
The study found that staffing considerations such as stable and consistent staff, sufficient staff for family-like relationships, supporting staff, and key staff leading by example improve quality of care. Care homes with experienced care staff and higher staff-to-bed ratios are more likely to receive positive CQC ratings.
Over five RSV seasons, researchers found that nearly one-quarter of hospitalized adults aged 50+ experienced an acute cardiac event, mostly heart failure. The risk of severe outcomes was nearly twice as high in patients with cardiac events compared to those without.
A comprehensive atlas of ageing human muscle reveals genetic and cellular processes behind muscle deterioration, including new cell populations that may explain age-related differences. The study also identifies compensatory mechanisms to counteract ageing, offering avenues for future therapies.
A new study found that nasal cells from children respond quickly to SARS-CoV-2 by increasing interferon, restricting viral replication. In contrast, nasal cells from elderly individuals produce more infectious virus particles and experience increased cell shedding and damage.
A noninvasive brain stimulation treatment, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), improved depression and anxiety symptoms among older adults. The treatment benefits persisted at a one-year follow-up, particularly among those with moderate to severe state anxiety.
A new national poll finds that 60% of people aged 50-80 have visited urgent care clinics or retail clinics for medical care in the past two years. Many sought immediate attention, vaccinations, or tests, and 75% plan to use these sites again in the next two years.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for high-quality dementia care in nursing homes, where residents face social isolation and staff challenges. Experts emphasize person-centered care, resident involvement, and community connections to improve outcomes.
A new study found that survival rates after hip or spine fractures are comparable to or worse than those seen in patients with certain types of cancer. The study, which analyzed data from over 100,000 Canadians aged 65 and older, highlights the urgent need for secondary prevention interventions before hospital discharge.
A study by Michigan Medicine found that about 1% of older adults using traditional Medicare have used asynchronous patient portal messaging to prompt a bill from their doctor or other healthcare provider. Most e-visits were with primary care providers, mainly for managing high blood pressure and diabetes.
A new EU study has found that over-60s are six times more likely to acquire pneumonia-causing bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae after daily contact with young children. Pneumococcal infections mainly affect children under two and the elderly, claiming almost two million lives worldwide every year.
Researchers from China conducted a nationwide study to assess optimal treatment strategies for CSDH. The study found that multimodality management and personalized treatment plans significantly reduced recurrence rates.
Long-term treatment with methylene blue (MB) and mitoquinone (MitoQ) did not alter age-related bone loss in mice. Antioxidant interventions are insufficient to inhibit skeletal aging, suggesting alternative approaches may be needed.
A study of 9,740 surveillance colonoscopies found rare colorectal cancer detection and higher advanced neoplasia yields among those with prior advanced adenoma. These findings inform decision-making on continued screening in older adults with a history of colorectal adenomas.
Research suggests that for individuals under 65, maintaining a normal BMI is advisable, while those over 65 may benefit from moderate overweight. This study found a U-shaped relationship between BMI and cardiovascular death risk, with optimal BMI cut-off points varying by age group.
Researchers discovered that mature oligodendrocytes, critical for brain function, can survive for up to 45 days after a fatal trauma, defying the classical programmed cell-death pathway. This finding opens new avenues for understanding and potentially preventing damage caused by aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
Older people with HIV are more likely to have comorbidities and become frail compared to their age groups without HIV. By 65 years old, around 70% of those living with HIV for 20 years or more are living with multiple conditions.
The incidence of STIs among older adults is rising globally, with data from the US CDC showing a more than doubling of rates over the past decade. Experts say misconceptions about age and sex, as well as limited access to sexual health services, contribute to the problem.
A Bar-Ilan University study found that older adult Israelis showed remarkable resilience during the conflict, with lower rates of acute stress and PTSD symptoms compared to younger adults. The study suggests that life experience, emotional regulation capabilities, and coping mechanisms played a significant role in this resilience.
A study of 17,000 hospitalized adults found that inappropriate pneumonia diagnoses were common among older adults and those with dementia or altered mental status. Full-course antibiotic treatment for these patients may be detrimental to their health.
Outcomes for elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HCT) have improved significantly over time. Relapse incidence and non-relapse mortality decreased, while leukemia-free survival and overall survival increased steadily between 2000 and 2021. These improvements wer...
A study of older adults in Medicare Advantage plans found that both members of a couple tend to stick with each other's enrollment decisions. The researchers analyzed data from over 1,800 couples and found that about 80% of Partner A individuals stayed in the same plan, and among those who changed, most partners did as well.
Medicare expenditures were higher for Black and Hispanic individuals compared to whites, with average total costs ranging from $136,326 to $165,730. The analysis attributed these differences to greater use of high-cost care during the last year of life.
A new study suggests that loneliness is comparable in harm to smoking over 15 cigarettes a day and has negative effects on physical and mental health. Primary care clinicians can play an important role in developing and maintaining social connections for patients experiencing loneliness.
A recent study found that digital reminders for flu vaccination increased vaccination rates among older adults in Denmark by one percentage point. However, it did not improve clinical outcomes, including hospitalization and death rates.
A study published in American Psychologist reveals that middle-aged Americans experience high levels of loneliness, with baby boomers reporting the highest overall levels. The research suggests that loneliness is a persistent issue across generations in both the US and Europe.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that eating fatty food before surgery triggers an inflammatory response in the brain, leading to impaired memory function. The study also showed that taking a DHA omega-3 fatty acid supplement can prevent these effects.
Researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the effects of APC treatment on AD transgenic mice, revealing alterations in glial cells and upregulated genes associated with AD progression. APC treatment downregulates inflammatory processes and recovers nervous system functions.
A first-of-its-kind study uses gait analysis to detect subtle impairments in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, suggesting curved path walking as a more sensitive detection method. The novel system employs a non-invasive depth camera to record gait and provides detailed information on functional performance.
Experts from the University of Birmingham have devised a blueprint for efficient evacuation of elderly people in flood-threatened cities. The study highlights significant differences in evacuation patterns between Shanghai and New York City, emphasizing the need for risk-informed planning to protect vulnerable populations.
A new study has revealed a molecular fingerprint of biological aging, shedding light on why people age differently. The researchers identified 25 metabolites that can reflect biological age, known as the Healthy Aging Metabolic (HAM) Index, which was found to be more accurate than other aging metrics.
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.
A new poll suggests that more than half of people aged 50-80 taking aspirin don't have cardiovascular disease, raising concerns about the effectiveness of routine aspirin use. Guidelines now focus on those with a history of cardiovascular issues or high risk due to personal health and family history.
A University of Ottawa study found that older adults understand emoji meanings but are hesitant to use them due to low confidence and technical expertise. The research suggests promoting emoji use can combat ageism and reduce loneliness.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that higher Body Mass Index (BMI) is significantly associated with worse mental health in women, particularly among middle-aged and older adults. The research adjusted for lifestyle and demographic factors, suggesting a stronger link between excess weight and mental health issues in this population.
A new study from the University of Surrey warns that Applied Theatre practices can encourage ageism by neglecting participants' present experiences and agency. The research proposes a new Anti-Ageism Praxis (AAP) framework to address these concerns, emphasizing co-creation, focus on present responses, and challenging stereotypes.
A new approach to menopause is needed, focusing on empowering women with high-quality information and empathic clinical care. The experience of menopause varies for each person, and an individualised approach can help women navigate this life stage.
A study by Texas A&M University found that only 9% of older Americans had been vaccinated against RSV prior to this fall and winter. The study also revealed that men were more likely to be vaccinated than women, and those who were vaccinated had higher levels of concern about the disease.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that older adults with worse spatial orientation ability experience greater difficulty when making turns across oncoming traffic, which is a significant risk factor for fatal road traffic accidents. Spatial orientation skills are essential for mentally determining position and vehicl...
The study highlights a substantial increase in recurring and chronic food insecurity among US families with older adults over the past 20 years. This trend has significant implications for health policy and programmatic strategies to address food insecurity in this population.
A new study by University of Gothenburg researchers shows that non-profit organizations provide the highest-quality elderly care in Swedish residential care homes. These homes have the highest staff density, most competent care staff, and highest resident satisfaction compared to homes run by profit-making companies.
A study reveals that feeling young appears to reduce ageism among older adults, but those who invest in appearance are more likely to experience negative outcomes. Those who feel younger score higher on positive age-related experiences and lower on negative ageism, while those who look older face increased negative ageism and poor health.
A recent study found that intergenerational mentorship programs can help overcome ageism in healthcare by providing meaningful connections between older adults and medical students. The programs, which involve younger students working with older mentors, help to break down stereotypes and promote a better understanding of older people'...
A recent study published in Psychology and Aging found that people who identify themselves as looking younger have more positive experiences related to aging, such as being asked for advice and wisdom. On the other hand, those who feel older experience more negative interactions and age-based discrimination.