Articles tagged with Older Adults
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A new poll reveals that most people over 50 have received or plan to receive flu shots, with a majority also planning to get additional COVID-19 vaccine doses. The poll highlights differences in vaccine attitudes among older adults of different age groups and backgrounds.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that robotic pet cats improved mood scores and cognitive function in adults with mild to moderate dementia. The intervention involved 12 visits with the robotic cat, where participants interacted with it and reported positive emotions.
A new study published in the International Journal of Nursing Studies found that home care patients who prefer a language other than English are more likely to be readmitted to hospital within 30 days. The study suggests that addressing language gaps is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.
The study aims to identify strategies that nursing homes used to overcome challenges related to the pandemic and develop recommendations for improving quality of care and patient health outcomes. By analyzing more than 500 Missouri nursing homes, researchers hope to find patterns for what went well or what can be improved.
A new study by Baycrest and York University found that studying Spanish improves working memory and executive function in older adults, similar to brain training. The participants reported greater enjoyment of the language learning experience.
A randomised controlled trial found that increasing daily milk, yoghurt, and cheese intake reduced the risk of all fractures by 33%, hip fractures by 46%, and falls by 11% among older adults in residential care. This approach has widespread implications for fracture prevention as a public health measure.
Older adults who lived at home with family and friends were more likely to be discharged home after surgery. Patients who relied on informal caregivers had a higher risk of readmission, highlighting the importance of their role in post-operative care.
A new study found that telephone cognitive behavioral therapy can effectively improve sleeplessness and pain in older adults with osteoarthritis-related insomnia, reducing clinical and financial burdens. The study showed that telephone CBT reduced healthcare costs without increasing them.
A multi-year study found that both short and long sleepers experience greater cognitive decline than those who slept a moderate amount. Researchers separated out the effects of poor sleep and Alzheimer's disease on cognition, suggesting a middle range or 'sweet spot' for total sleep time where cognitive performance is stable over time....
Researchers quantified COVID-19 vaccine uptake disparities by race and ethnicity within US states, revealing substantial coverage gaps among older adults. The study's findings underscore the need for targeted vaccination strategies to address these disparities.
The new AI-CARING initiative aims to develop robotics and artificial-intelligence systems to help seniors manage daily activities, including medication schedules and meal preparation. The project also seeks to grow employment opportunities and educational programs in the field of AI-robotics, with UMass Lowell as a key partner.
Research from Florida Atlantic University suggests that older adults living in walkable neighborhoods with greenspaces benefit from increased physical activity, with 5.4 minutes of daily neighborhood walking associated with African Americans and 3 minutes for whites
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine shows that participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) among older adults dually enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid is associated with fewer hospital visits and lower healthcare costs. Researchers used data from over 115,000 people aged 65+ in North Carolina to d...
A new study found that women whose menstrual cycle length increased two years before menopause had better vascular health than those with stable cycles. Changes in cycle length may predict cardiovascular disease risk, allowing clinicians to recommend preventive strategies.
A study found that older adults were more willing to donate to charities within their own country compared to international charities. They also showed greater compliance with public health guidelines, particularly for physical distancing.
The Baycrest-developed Cogniciti Brain Health Assessment is as accurate as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in identifying problems with memory and attention, but outperforms MoCA in detecting subtle cognitive decline. The self-administered online assessment can provide important information for clinical assessment of memory an...
A simple form of talking therapy, delivered by trained support workers over the telephone, reduced loneliness in older people left isolated during the pandemic. The intervention was found to improve mental health and reduce rates of loneliness substantially in the first three months.
A global study of 46,500 people aged 18-99 found that older adults are more willing to donate to charities within their own country, but less likely to do so internationally. This preference for 'in-group' behavior remains consistent even after accounting for wealth, pandemic severity, and perceived risk.
A randomized controlled trial of 1,600 patients found that rates of survival, functional recovery, and post-operative delirium are similar for both general and spinal anesthesia. This challenges common thinking about spinal anesthesia being safer.
A new study by Simon Fraser University researchers found that moderate-intensity physical activity and learning activities lower the risk of cognitive decline. The study tracked over 4,000 older adults for three years, using machine-learning algorithms to analyze brain health data.
A new poll found that more than half of older adults with high-risk health conditions don't check their blood pressure at home or are encouraged to do so. Regular home monitoring can help control blood pressure and reduce risk of death, strokes, and heart attacks.
A large national study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that long-term exposure to permissible concentrations of air pollution increases mortality risk, particularly among elderly people and those living in lower-income areas. The study suggests current air pollution limits are inadequate to protect vulnerable groups.
A new study reveals that higher levels of education and income are associated with better health outcomes for older adults in Ireland, England, the US, and Canada. The study found that socio-economic disparities exist across countries, with those having higher education and income experiencing lower disease burdens.
The American Geriatrics Society will create a national self-directed learning curriculum to support researchers studying multiple chronic conditions, with a focus on resilience. The organization will also host a series of prestigious scientific conferences exploring emerging issues in aging research.
Researchers found that older adults with non-small cell lung cancer have low life-space mobility before treatment, which declines after starting treatment. A lower body mass index prior to treatment is associated with an improvement in life-space mobility during treatment.
A new study highlights the challenges faced by unpaid caregivers of chronically ill or disabled loved ones during the pandemic. The survey found that 60% of caregivers experienced at least one challenge related to accessing medical care for their loved ones, leading to increased stress, depression, and isolation.
A recent scoping review found that subsidized housing residents with dementia or cognitive impairment face complex physical, mental, social, and behavioral struggles. These challenges can lead to premature institutionalization and exacerbate health deterioration if not addressed.
A new patient decision aid developed by Duke-NUS Medical School's experts empowers patients with ESKD to choose care strategies consistent with their values and goals. The tool provides a balanced overview of dialysis, kidney supportive care, and other treatment options.
A VUB researcher's study found that loneliness can be temporary and even provide opportunities for self-development, challenging the common view of loneliness as solely negative. The study also highlights the importance of addressing loneliness throughout one's life.
A City of Hope clinical trial showed that patients over 65 experiencing significantly fewer treatment-related side effects when a multidisciplinary team analyzed each case and introduced personalized interventions. The completion of advance directives was also higher in the experimental group.
A new study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that older women are more likely to report depressive symptoms than men. The study, which tracked data from over 50,000 people between the ages of 45 and 85, suggests that late life is associated with increased depression rates, particularly among females.
A study of over 2,000 European retirees found that internet usage after retirement is associated with better cognitive scores. Specifically, female retirees who regularly surfed the internet recalled more words on a word recall test compared to their non-internet-using counterparts.
Researchers identified 99 saliva metabolites related to energy synthesis, digestion, growth, and cell health, with 21 metabolites differing between young and elderly individuals. Age-linked salivary metabolites reflect biological aging, including a 1.96-fold increase in ATP production in the elderly.
A new study suggests that lowering the age when older adults can enroll in Medicare might save them a significant amount of money. The study found that average out-of-pocket healthcare costs dropped by 27% for those turning 66, while nearly 9% of 64-year-olds were considered 'catastrophic' due to high health expenses.
A new model developed by Ben-Gurion University scientists can help policymakers simulate their choices and find the optimal strategy for combining vaccines and social distancing. The model suggests that vaccinating the elderly and imposing social distancing on adults is generally more effective than other approaches.
A new study found that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) significantly reduces deaths by suicide among older adults with depression in the months following hospitalization. The therapy may also improve overall health and cognitive functioning.
A new poll shows strong support among older Americans for requiring health care workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The survey found that 61% of people aged 50 to 80 believe the vaccine should definitely be required, while an additional 19% think it should probably be required.
A study led by Ruixue Zhaoyang found that frequent and pleasant social interactions can boost cognitive performance in older adults. Participants who reported more social interactions had better cognitive performance on the same day and for days following.
A new poll suggests that older adults are not using tax-advantaged savings accounts to save for future health expenses, with those who do more likely to have high incomes and education levels. The findings highlight the need for better understanding and support for low-income and vulnerable populations.
Researchers will examine protective immunity in older adults and assess the duration of immunity against emerging strains of COVID-19. The study aims to inform booster vaccine recommendations for seniors.
A new study highlights significant disparities in dementia care availability by gender, race, ethnicity, education level, and family structure. The findings emphasize the importance of family caregivers, with those having available spouse or adult child support being less likely to move into nursing homes.
A recent study found that warmer temperatures are associated with an increase in COPD exacerbations. The research analyzed data from over 1,100 smokers with COPD and discovered a 2% increased risk of exacerbations for every one-degree Celsius rise in ambient temperature.
A large-scale UK study confirms that COVID-19 vaccines are effective in reducing severe illness and hospitalisation. The study found that people who received one or two vaccine doses had lower odds of severe disease or hospitalisation than unvaccinated individuals, with a significant reduction in long COVID cases.
Researchers found that seniors moving from low-mortality areas to high-mortality areas experience a significant decrease in life expectancy. On the other hand, urban areas on the East and West Coasts have positive effects on longevity for seniors, while Midwestern metro areas score well. The study also identified parts of the deep Sout...
A community-based fall-prevention program helped reduce in-home falls among older adults by nearly 40%, resulting in cost savings of $1,613 per person. The program provided personalized plans to address fall risks and made simple home modifications such as grab bars and slip-resistant surfaces.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have found that brain tissue inflammation is a key driver of Alzheimer's disease progression. By targeting neuroinflammation, they believe combination therapy could be more effective in reducing amyloid plaque formation and limiting tau fiber spread.
Researchers created Community ASAP to help locate missing people with dementia, engaging community citizens as volunteers. The app aims to address the lack of alerts for this population, which has a high risk of wandering and experiencing serious injury or death within 24 hours.
A new study published in the Journal of Gerontology finds that engaging in diverse daily activities is associated with a diverse set of emotions. Individuals who regularly participated in a broad range of activities experienced more diverse positive emotions, particularly those between ages 33-44.
A research study is being conducted to understand muscle fatigue in older adults, with a focus on its effects on mobility and daily activities. The study aims to develop a new metric called fatigability to assess an individual's change in performance and perceived effort in response to standardized activity.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in the proportion of community-dwelling homebound adults aged 70 or older in the US, particularly among Black non-Hispanic and Hispanic/Latino individuals. Compliance with social distancing measures is believed to be a key factor contributing to this trend.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older patients with multiple chronic conditions who read their visit notes reported better understanding their medications and taking them as prescribed. Reading notes also helped these patients feel more in control of their care.
A study of 1800 Japanese citizens aged 65 found that low weight and insufficient exercise are significant risk factors for sarcopenia. Those with possible sarcopenia exhibited higher degrees of frailty despite normal Specific Health Checkup results, highlighting the need for a test to identify sarcopenia early on.
Researchers discovered that almost half of patients who received personalized information about community resources shared them with at least one other person. Individuals in poorer health were more likely to report sharing the information, and those who visited or used a resource on their list were also more likely to share it.
Research published in The BMJ found that poor physical function from around age 65 is associated with an increased risk of death. Signs of decline, such as difficulty getting up from a chair or dressing, emerge up to 10 years before death.
The COVID-19 pandemic has likely led to an increase in falls among older adults due to decreased physical activity, worsened physical conditioning, and heightened fear of falling. This is a pressing concern as falls can result in significant injuries, particularly among this age group.
A Dartmouth research team led by Glyn Elwyn is testing interactive educational approaches to boost vaccine confidence among unvaccinated long-term care workers. The study aims to measure vaccine confidence, knowledge, and trust in the COVID-19 vaccines.
A study by researchers at The University of Texas at Austin found that older adults' living spaces reflect their personality traits and mood. When a space matches an individual's personality, they report better well-being and a better mood.
A new study suggests that older adults, particularly women and those in fair or poor health, are more likely to experience worsened mental health symptoms during the pandemic. The study recommends screening for depression, anxiety, and sleep problems and connecting participants to treatment resources.
A new study found that lower-wealth volunteers experience even greater health gains from volunteering compared to higher-wealth volunteers. Volunteering enhances self-reported health and reduces depressive symptoms regardless of wealth status.
A new study reveals that people's feelings about their age are closely tied to their physical health and well-being. Subjective age discordance, the difference between how old one feels and wants to be, was found to be more pronounced in older adults but fluctuated more in younger adults.