Articles tagged with Older Adults
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found a significant association between long-term exposure to air pollution and an increased risk of late-life depression diagnosis in older adults. The research analyzed data from 8.9 million Medicare enrollees, highlighting the potential health impacts of air pollution on mental health.
Research finds that older workers who are motivated to grow and develop at work, as well as those in organizations that encourage learning, are more likely to stay. An age-inclusive environment also aids in retention by mitigating age stereotypes and removing barriers for training participation.
A new analysis of 7,068 elderly Americans found that only 41% of cognitive decline can be statistically accounted for by dementia. Personal education, race, household wealth and income were the biggest contributors to population-level variation, but all factors accounted for only 5.6% of age-related change.
A national study found that common risk factors for cognitive decline, such as socioeconomic status and education, explained a modest 38% of the variation in mental abilities among older Americans. Health behaviors like exercise had a small effect on functioning, with only 5.6% explaining the rate of cognitive decline.
A recent study found that nearly half of older adults receive no dental care and half lack dental insurance. After becoming eligible for Medicare, the percentage of people receiving restorative dental care decreased by 8.7%, while complete edentulism increased by almost 5 percentage points among those aged 65 and above.
A recent study published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine suggests that golf may be just as healthy or even healthier than Nordic walking for older adults. The research compared the acute effects of three aerobic exercises: an 18-hole round of golf, 6km of Nordic walking, and a 6km walk. The results showed that all three types of ...
A study published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care found that married individuals tend to have lower average glycemic levels compared to those without a partner. The researchers also discovered that marital transitions, such as divorce, can significantly impact blood glucose levels and the risk of pre-diabetes.
The study found that CoronaVac and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines remained effective against severe SARS-CoV-2 Omicron outcomes, but older individuals' protection waned after six months. A booster dose is recommended for older patients to restore immunity.
Adults living in neighborhoods with dense fast food and unhealthy food environments, known as
A large Dutch study found that the BCG vaccine does not protect elderly people with co-morbidities against COVID-19 symptoms. The study analyzed 6,112 participants and showed no difference in disease manifestations or hospitalizations between those who received the vaccine and those who received a placebo.
A study of over 1,000 women found that regular high-intensity physical activity in early adulthood was associated with an increased risk of symptoms like urge urinary incontinence and fecal incontinence. Women who engaged in competitive sports as young adults were more likely to experience these issues.
The Geriatric Fracture Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center has been shown to reduce hospital stays by 2.12 days and lower hospital-related costs by $5,316 for patients aged 65 and older. The program's comprehensive care approach, including bone strength assessments and fall prevention strategies, is effective in improving outcomes.
A new study found that sleep medications increase the risk of dementia in white adults. However, the relationship between sleep medications and dementia risk varies by medication type and socio-economic status. The study suggests that patients with poor sleep should consider alternative solutions before taking medications.
Researchers analyzed over 500,000 patient records and found that patients diagnosed at age 70 were nearly twice as likely to be passed over for post-surgical radiation therapy. This significant gap in treatment recommendations suggests that cognitive heuristics play a major role in physician decision-making.
A new poll by Michigan Medicine and U-M found that 13% of people aged 50-80 experience addiction to highly processed foods, with higher rates among women and those in poor physical or mental health. The survey used a standardized questionnaire to measure addictive eating habits.
A study of 4,078 cases found that sports-related cardiac arrests in people 65 and older are rare, occurring in only 1.9% of cases. Those who experienced exercise-related cardiac arrests tended to have fewer cardiovascular risk factors and better health outcomes.
Researchers found that continuous glucose monitors and wearable devices pose challenges for patients and caregivers, including issues with hardware, software, and device use. Nearly three-quarters of participants experienced low blood sugar levels, highlighting the need for improved technology to manage diabetes effectively.
A new study led by the University of California San Diego found that daily walking and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity significantly reduced the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment or dementia in senior women. With each additional 1,865 steps per day, the risk was lowered by 33%, while moderate-to-vigorous physical acti...
A decade-long study found that a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and cognitive activity, slows memory decline in older adults. Participants with the APOE gene, associated with Alzheimer's disease, also experienced slower memory loss.
Researchers found that the F-box gene FBXC-58 is a novel mediator of dietary restriction effects on extending the health span of Caenorhabditis elegans. FBXC-58 prevents muscle aging and extends longevity through an S6 kinase-dependent pathway.
Researchers have discovered an anti-ageing gene that can rewind the heart's biological age by 10 years, offering a potential target for patients with heart failure. The study found that administering the healthy mutant gene to elderly patients with severe heart problems improved their cardiac function and rejuvenated their immune system.
Research finds that seniors living in R3 program sites have lower hospitalization rates, days, payments, and readmissions compared to control sites. The R3 initiative embeds wellness teams in senior housing, providing assessments, proactive check-in calls, risk stratification, and care coordination.
A recent study published in Respiratory Medicine found that older adults with asthma are at high risk of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Approximately half of those with a pre-pandemic history of depression experienced a recurrence, while one in seven without a history of depression developed depression for the first time.
Researchers found that older adults who are comfortable traveling short distances have higher risks of functional disability and mortality. A study in Japan linked acceptable walking and cycling distances to future health outcomes, providing valuable insights for policymakers and researchers.
A new study modified the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) for remote use, enabling hospitals to continue support despite in-person interactions limitations. The adapted protocol achieved full implementation and high adherence, supporting improved delirium prevention and care for older adults.
A new study by researchers at Florida Atlantic University explored the effects of resistance training on older adults' cellular level. The study found that resistance training did not significantly affect inflammatory proteins or redox balance markers, but showed a significant reduction in a specific protein ratio. This may support the...
Researchers developed HippoCamera, a new smartphone app that significantly improves memory recall by boosting attention to daily events. Users record videos and audio descriptions of everyday experiences, which are then replayed to reinforce memory consolidation.
A reading project that pairs school-age children with older adults has been found to boost wellbeing among both groups. The Silver Stories programme built relationships between generations and helped children develop social skills and confidence, while also fighting loneliness for listeners.
Researchers from UNIGE observed that negative emotions modify the brains of older adults excessively and over time, particularly in the posterior cingulate cortex and amygdala. This could be prevented with better emotional management, such as meditation, which could limit neurodegeneration.
A recent study found that social support has a significant impact on depression risk, particularly in individuals with high genetic risk scores. The research used data from two groups: first-year doctors and recently widowed older adults, showing that those who gained social support during stressful times had lower depressive symptoms.
More than one-quarter of U.S. adults aged 71 and older had vision impairment in 2021, according to a nationally representative survey study. The prevalence of vision impairment was associated with factors such as older age, lower education and income, non-white race, and Hispanic ethnicity.
A new twin study by Karolinska Institutet suggests that the same genes may be behind both cardiometabolic diseases and dementia. The study found that individuals with multiple cardiometabolic conditions had a significantly increased risk of developing dementia.
Researchers found that socially isolated older adults are at higher risk of developing dementia, with technology use shown to lower this risk. The studies suggest that relatively simple efforts to increase social support, such as texting and email use, may reduce the risk of dementia in older adults.
A new study reveals that falls are nearly 50% among older Americans with dementia, emphasizing the importance of addressing environmental and health-related risk factors. Key findings highlight the need for tailored screening and prevention interventions specifically designed for this high-risk population.
Research published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society indicates social isolation is common among older U.S. adults and increases their likelihood of developing dementia. Nearly one-quarter of participants were socially isolated, and being isolated was associated with a 28% higher risk of dementia over 9 years.
Researchers found that impaired olfactory identification and sensitivity functions are associated with frailty, suggesting a potential biomarker for predicting frailty and unhealthy aging. The study's findings suggest screening older adults' ability to smell various scents could be as important as testing hearing and vision.
A study by Plamen Nikolov and Shahadath Hossain found that access to retirement plans can lead to significant adverse effects on cognitive functioning among the elderly. The researchers discovered that pension benefits and retirement resulted in reduced cognitive performance, particularly among females.
Ceramides accumulate in aged muscle, impairing its function and affecting functional capacity in older adults. This finding encourages researchers to develop potential pharmaceutical agents to combat sarcopenia and age-related diseases.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found a sharp increase in cannabis-related emergency department visits among California adults ages 65 and older from 2005 to 2019. The rate increased by 1,808%, with more than 12,000 visits reported in 2019.
A third of orthotists in the UK want to leave their profession due to inadequate working conditions and lack of time with patients. This poses a significant threat to the healthcare sector, highlighting the need for urgent action to address staff satisfaction and retention.
The American College of Physicians recommends bisphosphonates as initial pharmacologic treatment to reduce fracture risk in osteoporosis patients. Long-term use may increase risks, so treatment duration should be limited to 5 years or less.
A study published in Circulation found that walking between 6,000 and 9,000 steps per day significantly lowers the risk of a cardiovascular event in older adults. For those who are least active, even small increases in daily step count can have a substantial impact on heart health.
Researchers discovered that enterococci, a type of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, can make C. difficile more potent and dangerous by producing amino acids. This understanding could help doctors identify patients at risk and develop new treatments for the deadly infection.
Researchers from Kyushu University found that evening hot spring bathing is associated with a lower prevalence of hypertension among Japanese older adults. The study analyzed data from over 11,000 residents over 65 and discovered that those who bathed in onsen after 19:00 were 15% less likely to have hypertension.
Bicycle-related injuries in the US decreased over time, with an increasing rate of injuries among older patients, particularly head injuries and fractures. Helmet wearing is crucial regardless of age to prevent such injuries.
A scoping review highlights the need for participatory methods in research addressing older people's learning. Older individuals are often included as subjects, but their roles vary, with some participating as informants or partners.
A study published in Aging-US reveals changes in gene expression associated with age-related muscle loss and frailty. Researchers identified unique cellular subpopulations in aged and sarcopenic skeletal muscle, which may facilitate the development of new treatments for age-related frailty.
A new study reveals that older adults are hesitant to seek emergency care due to financial worries. Among those who may need care, 22% skip the visit altogether. Those in their 50s and early 60s, women, uninsured individuals, low-income households, and those with poor mental health are disproportionately affected.
A national survey of healthcare providers reveals that nearly 60% believe telehealth is 'dangerous' for older adults, while another 60% say it's an unrealistic option. However, 68% of clinicians report often or always working to prepare and account for older adults' physical and cognitive differences.
Researchers found that participants who lived alone and reported strong cohesion with their neighbors had a similar risk of death compared to those living with others. Living alone is associated with various poor health outcomes, including depression, cardiovascular disease, dementia, and premature death.
Researchers found that vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of dynapenia, an age-associated loss of muscle strength, by 70-78%. Vitamin D supplementation was shown to reduce this risk. The study analyzed data from over 3,000 individuals aged 50 and over, highlighting the importance of vitamin D for maintaining muscle strength.
A large study found that exercise and mindfulness training did not improve cognitive function in healthy older adults, with no measurable benefits after 6 or 18 months. The researchers plan to continue studying the group to see if these practices may help prevent future cognitive declines.
A University of Gothenburg study found that eliminating copayments for primary care in Sweden's over-85s population has no significant impact on healthcare utilization. However, delayed visits to non-physician professionals were observed, which resulted in reduced healthcare costs.
A new poll finds that most older Americans (84%) have religious and/or spiritual beliefs important to them, with 71% citing religious beliefs. Many believe health care providers should respect their personal beliefs, but want them to discuss their faith with providers when needed.
As people age, their health care needs become more complex, making it essential to consider anatomical and functional changes when diagnosing and treating ACS. An individualized and patient-centered approach is best for older adults, considering coexisting conditions and input from multiple specialists.
The Global Roadmap for Healthy Longevity aims to design societies that benefit both older and younger individuals. Investing in the health, well-being, and purpose of older adults can yield great rewards for all ages, fostering productive lives, social capital, and a sense of fulfillment.
Persistent pain was common among US adults aged 65+, with declines in physical function (64% persistent pain, 59% intermittent) and well-being (48% persistent pain, 45% intermittent). Cognitive decline was not significantly affected. The study highlights the importance of access to effective treatment for persistent pain in older adults.
A new study estimates that at least 2.5 million 'sandwich generation' caregivers are serving as primary caregivers for both older and younger family members. These women face higher rates of financial difficulty and emotional distress compared to their peers who only care for an older adult.
A recent study published in Molecular Psychiatry reveals a genetic link between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Alzheimer's disease in older adults. Researchers used a polygenic risk score to analyze the relationship between ADHD genetic predisposition and cognitive decline, finding a higher risk of developing Alzhe...
A new study by University of Toronto researchers found that a strong majority of those diagnosed with COPD were in excellent mental health. 87% of older Canadians with COPD had no mental illness, highlighting the importance of social support and interventions to promote well-being.