Articles tagged with Older Adults
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.
A study aims to enhance accessibility and value of health information tools for older adults with both diabetes and Alzheimer's disease. The research focuses on developing a user-friendly technology to detect low blood sugar, which can cause dizziness, confusion, and even death.
A study of over one million Medicaid beneficiaries found that more than half experienced significant lapses in coverage, with only 25% continuously enrolled throughout the period. The authors recommend increasing investments to improve long-term health outcomes.
A large study found that most Canadian children and adults younger than 60 had been exposed to SARS-CoV-2 through a combination of vaccination and infection. The study, conducted in British Columbia, shows a dramatic change in the proportion of the population with antibodies over the first 2.5 years of the pandemic.
Younger adults who engage in proactive coping behaviors, such as concentrating on goals and preparing for challenges, experience fewer negative physical health symptoms. Proactive coping is crucial for building resilience and helping young people manage stress effectively, particularly between the ages of 18-36.
Researchers found that glutaminase inhibitor BPTES selectively eliminates senescent dermal fibroblasts, improving skin aging phenotype by increasing collagen density and cell proliferation. The study suggests BPTES as a potential therapeutic agent for skin aging, offering new treatment options.
A recent study published in Geriatrics found that age, education, social network, pain, and depression are significant predictors of physical activity in older adults. The findings suggest that modifying these factors through targeted interventions can increase physical activity levels.
A recent study found that the proportion of COVID-19 deaths among young people increased in 2021 compared to 2020, resulting in a 7.4% rise in Years of Life Lost due to the virus. The median age of COVID-19 deaths decreased from 78 years in 2020 to 69 years in 2021.
A large-scale study of 20,000 older adults found that nearly half who had experienced depression before reported being depressed again, highlighting the pandemic's devastating impact on mental health. Factors associated with depression included low income, chronic pain, and family conflict.
Researchers from UCSF and the San Francisco VA Health Care System found that veterans with PTSD had an 8% increased risk of death and a 9% increased risk of hospitalization compared to those without psychiatric diagnoses. Patients with psychosis had a 58% increased risk of death and a 66% increased risk of hospitalization.
Researchers have identified genetic variants associated with natural resistance to SARS-CoV-2, including a gene linked to mucin production. These findings may help develop vaccines and treatments for viral diseases by understanding the mechanisms underlying immune responses.
Research at Aston University found a significant link between childhood deprivation and impulsive behavior, leading to addictions and unhealthy choices later in life. The study showed that children from deprived areas had a higher discount rate, indicating a preference for immediate gratification.
A new study explores how older adults plan for future changes, such as stopping driving or using firearms. The research found that reducing access to potentially dangerous situations should be prompted by declining ability, not age alone. Trusted messengers like family and clinicians can lead conversations around limiting access, and s...
Researchers at Ohio State University have found a clear link between the survival motor neuron protein and age-related muscle decline in mice, which may lead to the development of new therapies for sarcopenia. The study suggests that increasing SMN protein production could be a viable approach to addressing this age-related condition.
Researchers discovered that older adults have specific relationship expectations, such as feeling respected and contributing to their community. Failing to account for these expectations can lead to loneliness in later life. The study aims to better understand the factors driving loneliness to address it effectively.
A new study found racial and ethnic disparities in brain aging among middle-age and older adults. In late life, Latinx and white adults experienced more pronounced brain aging, while Black adults showed accelerated brain aging in midlife.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine found a strong association between lower grip strength and accelerated biological aging in middle-aged and older adults. This study provides evidence that maintaining muscle strength across the lifespan may help protect against age-related diseases.
A new study found that eligible older adults who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have slower memory decline than those who do not participate. Researchers measured memory function every two years over 20 years and found that SNAP users had about two fewer years of cognitive aging over a 10-year period.
Researchers found that efficient brain networks may contribute to healthy memory performance in older adults, while postnatal stress and early life adversity can affect brain development. Studies also showed persistent effects of early childhood neglect on brain white matter into young adulthood.
Researchers from West Health push for elevating telehealth standards to ensure remote care meets the needs of older adults, including person-centered and equitable access. The authors propose a framework with guard rails to prevent low-value care and health inequities, while improving access to high-quality, timely, and convenient care.
NJIT Assistant Professor Salam Daher is using augmented reality technology to train caretakers for the elderly. The project aims to improve communication and empathy skills through a digital model of an older person that responds to emotions and environment. The system will be tested to investigate its impact on patient outcomes.
A new poll finds that more than half of people over 50 have helped at least one person over 65 with various tasks, including health care needs, home repairs, and finances. The experience can be rewarding but also challenging, especially for those helping individuals with complex needs.
A new study shows that a simple nutrition care program can improve nutritional status, physical functionality, cognitive function, and psychological well-being in older adults. The program reduced hospitalizations by 40% and associated costs.
Experts found that large differences in finger length between left and right hands are associated with COVID-19 severity. The study may help identify those at greatest risk of hospitalization across age groups.
Researchers from McGill University found that pneumococcal vaccination uptake is low among adults at high risk in Canada. Despite the importance of pneumococcal vaccination to prevent pneumonia and other forms of pneumococcal disease, many people missed opportunities for vaccination.
A new study found that only 12% of middle-aged adults are willing to participate in dementia prevention drug trials, citing concerns over the risks involved. The study suggests prioritizing those with a family history or perceived personal risk for dementia and communicating about trial safety could increase participation.
A study of 9,303 US adults found that people with cardiovascular disease were less likely to use wearable devices, highlighting disparities in access and use. The research emphasizes the need to ensure equitable access to wearables to benefit high-risk populations.
Researchers found that knockdown of secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4) suppresses SASP and improves age-related skin phenotypes. This suggests a potential candidate for the development of new skin rejuvenation therapies.
Researchers will investigate immune system differences between men and women to better understand neurodegenerative diseases. The study aims to identify why certain neurological diseases primarily affect males or females, and how this difference impacts disease progression.
A recent study found that nearly 10% of US adults aged 65 and older have dementia, while another 22% have mild cognitive impairment. The prevalence of dementia and mild cognitive impairment increases with age, affecting individuals from diverse backgrounds differently.
Researchers suggest new criteria for diagnosing sarcopenia, a syndrome characterized by loss of muscle mass and force, with lower cutoff points leading to improved prediction of mortality risk. The study found that raising handgrip strength thresholds can detect the onset of sarcopenia earlier and more accurately.