Articles tagged with Older Adults
A recent study of 35,000 adults aged 50+ found significant inequities in survival rates associated with wealth inequality in the US. Wealth redistribution policies have been proposed as a solution to reduce these disparities and increase population longevity.
A recent study found that young adults' misconceptions about older adults' sexuality are often rooted in ageist views, despite many having permissive attitudes towards sex. The study suggests that promoting a view of sex as a recreational activity can help develop sexual health education programs.
A study of 238,000 participants aged 45 and older found that self-reported walking limitations were associated with an increased risk of fracture. Clinicians may use patient self-assessment of walking ability as a tool to identify high-risk candidates for further assessment.
Researchers found that one in five adults reported difficulty walking a kilometre, and those with more limitations had significantly higher fracture risks. The study suggests asking about walking ability could help identify individuals needing further screening and prescribe interventions to prevent fractures.
A recent study suggests that more investments are needed to ensure equitable subway facilities, with 27 out of 257 stations scoring 1.00, mostly medium-sized stations. The researchers recommend allocating transport facilities based on each station's needs to enhance accessibility for the elderly and mobility handicapped.
A cross-sectional study of over 6,500 adults aged 65+ found that older adults spent an average of 20.7 days per year receiving healthcare outside the home. The 'health care contact days' metric can help evaluate care and identify areas for improvement, such as coordinating tests with visits and reducing Friday office visits.
A meta-analysis of 5,000 participants found that daily multivitamins showed benefits for memory and global cognition. The study suggests that taking a daily multivitamin can help prevent memory loss and slow down cognitive aging by the equivalent of two years compared to placebo.
A study of 31 participants aged 65-79 found increased weaving and decreased speed after cannabis smoking. Impaired driving persisted for three hours, regardless of blood THC concentrations.
A study by NTU Singapore researchers found that older adults who exercise with their spouse achieve lower physical activity levels. Personalised fitness feedback from trackers increased physical activity in these individuals, suggesting it may be more effective to encourage older adults to exercise individually.
The hip-assist robot EX1 improves walking ability, dynamic balance, and one-leg standing endurance in older adults. The four-week exercise program using EX1 significantly reduces the risk of falls and enhances overall health.
A study found that women consuming higher amounts of plant-based protein developed fewer chronic diseases and were generally healthier later in life. Plant protein was strongly linked to sound mental health, lower LDL cholesterol, and improved insulin sensitivity.
The Study of Healthy Aging in African Americans (STAR) will continue for five years to investigate behaviors, lifestyle, and brain health in Black adults. Researchers hope to identify risk factors and protective measures to reduce disparities in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis among Black Americans.
A McGill University study found that Canada's food guide may not be sufficient for older adults' nutritional needs, particularly in calcium, vitamin D, and folate. The researchers suggest that additional recommendations tailored to older adults are needed to address these gaps.
A recent study found that high-intensity impacts during everyday physical activity can help preserve bone density and structural properties in older adults. Moderate and high-impact activities, such as brisk walking or stair climbing, were associated with better preservation of bone mineral density compared to lower-intensity activities.
A new poll found that only 7.5% of people between 50-80 have used at least one direct-to-consumer health care service, with most receiving prescriptions for a one-time treatment. Many users didn't inform their regular providers about the prescriptions.
A study by researchers at University of California - San Diego reveals a connection between the skin microbiome and signs of aging, including crow's feet wrinkles. The analysis found positive associations with diverse skin microbiomes and negative correlations with moisture loss, suggesting potential new directions for skincare solutions.
A commonly used cognitive screening tool, MoCA, is found to be inaccurately assessing cognitive impairment in ethnically and linguistically diverse older adults. The study's findings underscore the importance of considering cultural factors when evaluating cognitive performance in traditionally underserved communities.
Researchers discuss clonal hematopoiesis, a condition where cells harbor somatic mutations, and its association with aging, solid tumors, and treatment outcomes. Emerging evidence suggests that CH may play a role in cancer development and survival.
A Washington State University study found that living near nature can reduce serious psychological distress and improve general health in older adults. Researchers analyzed data from over 42,000 people aged 65 and older, finding a strong association between access to green spaces and better mental and physical health outcomes.
A new case series study published by the Henry Ford Health team shows that severe mitral stenosis can be safely and successfully treated using Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL)-enabled percutaneous balloon mitval valluplasty, offering a promising treatment option for patients with no other options.
The MU Extension program has proven results, showing improvements in physical energy, self-confidence, and muscle strength among participants. The program also reduces the risk of falling and provides social enjoyment for participants, who often form close relationships with instructors and each other.
A new study found that older drivers with newly diagnosed migraines are three times more likely to experience a motor vehicle crash, while those with previous diagnoses are not at increased risk. Researchers also explored the relationship between migraine medications and driving habits, but found no significant impact.
Researchers investigated the neural mechanisms of verbal working memory processing in healthy aging adults using magnetoencephalography. Age-related increases in theta activity were detected during encoding, and alpha and beta oscillations were stronger in older participants during maintenance and retrieval phases.
A recent study of over 7,900 participants found that pet ownership was associated with slower rates of verbal memory and fluency decline among older adults living alone. This suggests that pet ownership may offset the negative effects of social isolation on cognitive health.
A study by Mass General Brigham found that daily learning tests can detect Alzheimer's disease-related changes in memory among cognitively normal older adults. The test, called BRANCH, was completed over seven days on a smartphone, revealing diminished learning curves associated with elevated amyloid levels.
A study of 8,000 participants found that negative wealth shock was associated with accelerated cognitive decline and elevated risks of dementia among middle-aged and older U.S. adults. The findings suggest a potential link between financial hardship and cognitive aging.
Researchers found that baseline amyloid burden and brain health are stronger predictors of Alzheimer's progression than age alone. The study also showed that individuals with higher amyloid levels developed dementia two years earlier than those without.
A study found that the common drug Entresto (sacubitril/valsartan) increases plasma Aβ42 and Aβ40 levels in patients with cardiac failure, making them falsely positive on a debated Alzheimer's blood test. This could lead to misclassification of patients as having Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers discovered that Nectandrin B, a bioactive lignan compound from nutmeg, extends the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster by as much as 42.6%. The study found that Nectandrin B reduces intracellular ROS levels and improves age-related symptoms such as locomotive deterioration and neurodegeneration.
A new poll found that 83% of older adults believe health insurers should cover medications to help people with obesity manage their weight. Nearly as many, 76%, also believe Medicare should cover these drugs, which are currently not covered under law.
A new study highlights the experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ older adults living in nursing homes, outlining best facility practices for a welcoming environment. The research emphasizes the importance of respecting residents' autonomy and providing valuable resources for care.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that taking cocoa extract supplements containing 500 mg of flavanols daily may improve cognitive function in older adults with lower habitual diet quality. In contrast, participants with healthy dietary patterns showed no cognitive benefits.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming whole food omnivorous meals with lean beef resulted in significantly higher muscle protein synthesis rates compared to isocaloric and isonitrogenous vegan meals. The research, conducted on healthy older adults, demonstrated a 47% increase in muscle protein synthesis...
A new study by University of Arizona psychologists investigated the possible scenarios leading to waning memory in older people. The researchers found that the hippocampus contributes to the difficulty in learning new environments and locations in some older adults.
Researchers found that statin therapy reduced mortality and disease risk among people with chronic kidney disease and frailty, regardless of age-related health conditions. The studies provide additional context to the debate about initiating statin use in people at high risk for heart disease.
A new decision rule has been developed to identify patients who can safely forgo a head CT scan after falling, reducing unnecessary imaging and costs. The Falls Decision Rule can be applied to all older adults who have fallen, regardless of sustaining a head injury or recalling the fall.
A new randomised controlled trial found that an 18-month meditation programme can improve the wellbeing of older adults by enhancing their awareness, connection to others, and insight. However, it did not confer significant benefits on two commonly used measures of psychological wellbeing.
A study of 353,000 US adults found a decline in smoking prevalence from 2011 to 2022, except for those 65 and older. The greatest gains in reducing smoking-attributable morbidity and mortality can be achieved by targeting individuals with low socioeconomic status.
A new study published in Cannabis and Cannabinoids Research found that 12% of people aged 50-80 have consumed a THC-containing substance in the past year. Those who drink alcohol at risky levels have a higher rate of cannabis use, highlighting the need for education and screening for older adults.
A study of 3 million US adults found anxiety and depression were significantly higher among younger adults, possibly due to economic conditions and social upheaval. The findings highlight the need for targeted mental health care and economic policies for younger adults during the pandemic.
Researchers found a significant increase in extracellular vesicles released by aged keratinocytes, which were also enriched with specific microRNAs. These EVs impaired young keratinocyte proliferation and organogenesis, mimicking aged skin defects.
A study will examine the cognitive function of older adults who were exposed to measles during childhood, shedding light on potential long-term benefits of routine childhood vaccinations. The research aims to better understand how childhood experiences shape health and well-being across the life course.
A recent study found that older adults with dementia who are transferred to another hospital are less likely to receive intensive care or medical procedures within the first two days of transfer. This highlights the need for closer patient and family involvement in determining whether transfer provides optimal care.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine finds that excess thyroid hormone levels are associated with a higher risk of cognitive disorders in older adults. The research suggests that clinicians should avoid overtreatment when prescribing thyroid hormone therapy to prevent potential negative consequences.
A recent study of 7,000 older US residents found that food insecurity was associated with a higher risk of dementia, as well as poorer memory function and accelerated memory decline. The researchers suggest that addressing food insecurity may have benefits for brain health.
A new study reveals that COVID-19 can leave a lasting impact on older adults living in nursing homes, causing them to need more help with daily activities and experience a decline in brain function. The study found that those who tested positive for COVID had effects that lasted up to nine months.
A study of 25,000 veterans revealed that unstable housing before starting dialysis was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality. The risks were found to increase with age, highlighting the need for further research on this vulnerable population.
A recent study reveals that over one-quarter of older transgender adults have seriously contemplated ending their lives, highlighting the urgent need for targeted support and interventions. The study found that experiencing challenges in areas such as workplace issues and personal safety significantly increased the odds of contemplatin...
Researchers found an association between altered circadian rest-activity rhythms and increased risk of frailty incidence in older adults. The study used wearable devices to detect variations suggestive of future frailty over six years before incidence.
A study of over 12,000 people in the US compares Baby Boomer and Millennial financial outcomes. Millennials with typical middle-class life trajectories accumulated substantially more wealth than their Baby Boomer counterparts, while those with low-skilled service jobs or living with parents struggled financially.
A study of 213 participants found that reducing dietary sodium significantly lowered blood pressure, with consistent results across subgroups. The decline in blood pressure was also not associated with excess adverse events.
Experts call for urgent measures to address discrimination against patients fleeing war or conflict zones, those with serious mental illnesses, and frail elderly patients. Guidelines for treating advanced breast cancer should prioritize patient preferences and involve multidisciplinary care teams.
A new study from Northwestern University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that reducing sodium intake by just one teaspoon a day can lower systolic blood pressure by about 6 millimeters of mercury, comparable to the effect produced by commonly used first-line medication for high blood pressure. The study involved middle-a...
Research by University of Colorado geriatrician Kenneth Lam found that the average person moving into a nursing home is already severely disabled and receiving 27 hours of care per week. Assisted living residents are less likely to be severely disabled but still receive significant support.
A new study from researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine shows that frailty is associated with higher rates of death and major morbidity after surgery. The electronic frailty index (eFI) may help identify patients who are at risk, according to the findings.
Regenstrief Institute researchers are sharing their work on aging research at the Gerontological Society of America's annual meeting. This platform enables them to disseminate high-level scholarship that will shape future research and policy. Regenstrief Institute, founded in 1969, is a leader in healthcare innovations and studies.
A University of Michigan team found that vaccinating people over 65 against COVID-19 will save the US money, while younger adults may not see significant cost savings. The analysis, commissioned by the CDC, focused on costs to insurers and the government.
Researchers investigate centro-cingulate network changes and cholinergic innervation deficits in Parkinson disease and normal aging. Studies reveal significant correlations between centro-cingulate changes and cognitive impairments, motor symptoms, and age.
Older adults with a GED certificate have higher odds of cognitive impairment, hearing impairment, and limitations in daily activities compared to high school graduates. The study suggests that the cognitive reserve hypothesis may partially explain these disparities, as well as access to healthcare services.
A study found that African Americans with higher positivity about physical activity had lower anxiety about aging, regardless of income or living situation. The researchers aim to develop a virtual program to improve access to exercise and healthy eating for middle-aged and older adults.