Articles tagged with Older Adults
A national survey of over 2,000 adults aged 50-80 found that most support steps to reduce firearm injury risk, including safety counseling and background checks. The study highlights opportunities to help older adults recognize and address risks in their homes, particularly for those living with children or experiencing cognitive decline.
Telehealth benefits for family caregivers include increased access to care, continuity of care, and reduced COVID-19 risk. However, concerns arise about caregiver involvement, patient-provider rapport, and quality of chronic condition care.
Ovarian cancer death rates are predicted to decrease by 17% in the UK and 7% in EU countries in 2022. The main contributor is the long-term use of oral contraceptives, reducing the risk by 40%. Other factors include improved diagnosis, treatment, and advancements in treatments for other cancers.
A recent study has found that older adults who scored higher on a fatigue scale were more than twice as likely to die within 2.7 years compared to those with lower scores. Researchers say this can serve as an indicator for earlier mortality and encourage people to stick with exercise goals.
New research reveals the brain's flexibility in multitasking while walking, improving stability and performance. The study uses a Mobile Brain/Body Imaging system to record brain activity while participants walk on a treadmill or perform cognitive tasks.
During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada, researchers found increased health service use and higher death rates among adults with dementia and Parkinson disease. The study examined changes in these populations compared to older adults without neurodegenerative diseases.
A UK study found that over a third of care home residents and a quarter of staff in England showed evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first two waves of the pandemic. The study also revealed that antibodies against the virus became undetectable in half of the population within eight months.
A study found that a daily supplement of urolithin A improved muscle function and reduced inflammation in older adults. The supplement, produced by gut bacteria, was shown to stimulate mitophagy, a process that recycles damaged mitochondria.
A 20-year study found that older adults who adhered to the Mediterranean diet had a lower risk of mortality. The study used dietary biomarkers to assess adherence and found an inverse association with all causes of death.
A study published in Diabetes Care found that walking regularly at greater intensity and taking more steps can lower the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes among adults aged 65 and older. For every 1,000 additional steps per day, the risk is reduced by 6%, with a 12% reduction possible if an average adult takes 2,000 more steps daily.
A new study of Chinese older adults found that higher levels of social isolation are associated with having fewer teeth and losing teeth more quickly over time. Despite this, loneliness was not linked to the number of remaining teeth or tooth loss rate.
A new study reveals significant variability in state- and nationwide policies on end-of-life decision making in US prisons. The researchers found that many policies restrict access to advance care planning documents, limit the roles of surrogate decision-makers, and fail to ensure compliance with community standards. The study emphasiz...
A successful intervention combining education and workflow increased primary care screenings for geriatric conditions, improving attitudes towards older adults. The program leveraged teamwork to integrate these important screenings into care delivery, resulting in significantly higher screening rates.
A recent study from Oregon State University found that individuals with more positive self-perceptions of aging were less susceptible to the negative effects of stress on their physical health. This suggests that thought patterns and conversations reinforcing stereotypes of aging can have a measurable impact on one's life.
A new study found that oral bisphosphonates risedronate and alendronate equally protect against hip fractures during a 2-year drug holiday. However, the risk increases slightly for those taking a break from risedronate.
A Canadian study of COVID-19 patients over 50 years old found a significant association between the diagnosis and decreased functional mobility. Despite initial declines, physical function largely returned to pre-pandemic levels within six months.
A new study found a 1,886% increase in opioid-related overdose deaths among U.S. adults aged 55 and older between 1999 and 2019. Contributing factors include ageism, social isolation, depression, and declining cognitive function.
A study analyzing opioid overdose deaths among adults aged 55 and older found disparities by sex, race, and ethnicity. The research revealed that Black and Native American women had higher rates of opioid overdose deaths compared to their white female counterparts.
New research published in JNeurosci reveals that impaired cognition can be part of normal aging, rather than an early sign of Alzheimer's. Cognitively frail adults showed brain structure and activity similar to healthy controls, suggesting lifestyle factors like physical activity and education may play a role.
A study of nearly 1,100 women found that declines in physical health and function from age 55 to 65 are associated with various lifestyle factors. The research highlights the importance of addressing these risk factors to maintain health and well-being during midlife.
A study found that cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil increase the risk of overactive bladder in people with dementia. Galantamine and rivastigmine were not associated with this increased risk.
Researchers have found that blocking mineralocorticoid receptors, a key factor in bone health, may help protect against bone loss and osteoporosis. This new target is thought to be more effective than previously believed logical targets, such as reducing glucocorticoid receptor activity.
The study found that the prevalence of serious hearing loss declined by 2.5% among older Americans between 2008 and 2017. Notably, females experienced a significant decline in serious hearing loss, with a 10% decrease in odds of serious hearing loss observed across all age cohorts.
A recent study of 5,000 older adults in England found that levels of depression, loneliness, and poor quality of life increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests that the pandemic's impact on mental health continues to worsen over time.
A long-term study found that academic education can positively affect aging of the brain, with reduced degenerative processes and improved cognitive performance. Participants with an academic background showed a lower increase in signs of brain degeneration and faster processing speeds.
A recent China-wide study investigated the effect of general versus regional anesthesia on post-operative delirium in older adults undergoing hip fracture surgery. The results showed no significant difference in delirium incidence between the two groups, contradicting previous assumptions.
Researchers found that slowness of gait alone can predict loss of capacity to perform basic and instrumental activities of daily living (BADL and IADL) in older adults. The study analyzed data from over 3,000 people aged 60 and over, concluding that measuring gait speed is sufficient for efficient prediction of functional disability.
A large-scale new study found that frailty was a strong risk factor for dementia, even among people at high genetic risk, and that it can be modified through a healthy lifestyle. Over 10 years, dementia was detected in 1,762 participants, with those who were frail before diagnosis having a much higher risk.
A new study published in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology found that frail patients with atrial fibrillation are under-prescribed for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs), a safer alternative to traditional warfarin treatment. Despite needing DOACs most, these patients are less likely to receive them than non-frail patients.
Researchers found that a combination of light exercise, connecting with loved ones, and engaging in hobbies reduces memory decline in adults between 65-89. The study's machine learning model analyzed 33 activities, showing increased impact with age.
Research reveals that American middle-aged adults experience worse mental health than their peers in other countries, while the protective effect of education wanes. Education previously shielded against depression and memory difficulties, but its benefits are now diminishing.
A new study by University of Waterloo researchers reveals that for-profit long-term care homes owned by private equity firms and large chains have the highest mortality rates during COVID-19. The study found a correlation between financialization of senior housing and lower quality care, with prioritizing profits over patient outcomes.
A study of 62,000 adults aged 65+ found that increased physical activity, including light-intensity levels, lowered dementia risk. Regular physical activity may help prevent or delay dementia onset in older age.
Researchers at the University of Missouri are using a $2 million grant to install in-home sensors that monitor older adults' daily activities. The sensors can detect falls, track vital signs, and alert care teams to abnormalities, enabling timely interventions.
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that older adults are less susceptible to Covid-19 scams due to their higher receptivity to 'bullshit', which prevents them from perceiving false statements as valid. This contradicts the common perception that older adults are more likely to fall victim to fraud.
A new poll of people over 50 finds most are finding joy and staying resilient amid the pandemic, but a sizable minority feel significant stress, particularly about COVID-19 risk. The poll highlights the importance of focusing on those in poor health and finding safe ways to enjoy favorite activities.
Researchers at Kobe University discover that adding Vitamin B2 to stressed cells increases mitochondrial energy production and prevents cellular senescence. This finding has potential implications for preventing age-related disorders and extending healthy lifespans.
A new study suggests that women and older adults with college degrees are more likely to report feeling socially isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research highlights the need for culturally sensitive initiatives to mitigate social isolation in vulnerable populations, including Hispanic and African American communities.
A recent study found that nearly a quarter of home health care workers rate their general health as fair or poor, with 1 in 5 reporting poor mental health. Factors contributing to poorer health include low household income, cost barriers, and history of depression.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming a pro-inflammatory diet is associated with a higher risk of developing frailty in middle-aged and older adults. Regularly eating anti-inflammatory foods such as fiber and antioxidants may help prevent frailty, according to researchers.
A recent study, published in JAMA Network Open, investigated the relationship between food insecurity and allostatic overload in older adults. Researchers found that food insecurity is associated with increased allostatic overload, which can have negative effects on health outcomes.
Researchers found that urinary incontinence can distract from balance and stability, increasing the risk of falling in older adults. The study showed that the feeling of having to pee acts as a distracting factor, leading to changes in gait patterns similar to those caused by other distracting tasks.
A new study reveals that extracellular vesicles deliver genetic instructions for the longevity protein Klotho to muscle cells, which declines with age. This finding suggests that EVs could be developed into novel therapies for healing damaged muscle tissue and improving functional recovery in older individuals.
A recent study found that Black adults experience more pronounced mental health challenges than white adults in response to COVID-19 pandemic stresses. Younger Black adults are particularly vulnerable, with increased anxiety and depressive symptoms compared to their older counterparts.
Researchers discovered that infections improve the production and function of naïve T cells, the body's first line of defense against disease. This mechanism involves interleukin 7 and MHC molecules, which signal naïve T cells to stay alive and receive optimal metabolic signals.
A new report from Portland State University aims to improve mobility and quality of life for older adults by developing forms of assistance and educational strategies. The study found that low-income older adults faced significant barriers to transportation, including fear of public transit during the pandemic lockdowns.
Cedars-Sinai researchers discovered that interleukin-6 mediates delirium-like phenotypes in mice with urinary tract infections, highlighting a potential therapeutic target. The study suggests that modulating immune responses may help alleviate UTI-induced delirium.
A study found that adults with sensory impairment experienced a decline in emotional well-being during the pandemic due to lack of social interactions. Researchers hope to develop hybrid solutions for remote access and clear communication.
People with mild dementia struggle to understand speech in both quiet and acoustically challenging situations. Effective communication strategies include speaking clearly and slowly, reducing background noise, and providing contextual information.
A study found an increase in older adults receiving help at home with daily activities from 2011 to 2017, potentially reflecting changes in post-discharge care. This shift may be related to the changing location and payment for care away from Medicare-reimbursed facilities.
Researchers found that some individuals with probable sarcopenia can improve after five years, suggesting the condition is modifiable. Factors such as physical activity and cognitive function are associated with improved outcomes.
The study found that 43% of adults aged 50 or older experienced moderate or high levels of depressive symptoms at the beginning of the pandemic, which increased over time. Loneliness was the most significant predictor of worsening depressive symptoms.
A recent study found that Black older Americans have significantly better hearing than their White counterparts, with a prevalence rate of 9.4% compared to 15.4% among Whites. The study suggests potential explanations for this difference, including diet and noise exposure.
A new study found that days of extreme heat were associated with a higher risk of emergency department visits among adults aged 18-64, compared to adults over 75. Younger adults and middle-aged individuals faced the highest risk, particularly those between 45-54 years old.
A new study found that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT-I) prevented major depression in older adults with insomnia, decreasing the likelihood of depression by over 50%. CBT-I was more effective than sleep education therapy in preventing depression and promoting sustained remission of insomnia.
Experts warn that proposed UK law changes could lead to increased financial abuse of older people, particularly those with dementia. Healthcare professionals are called upon to play a vital role in safeguarding vulnerable individuals through training and support.
The study found significant disparities in COVID-19 mortality rates among racial and ethnic groups and those with different levels of educational attainment. The researchers analyzed data from 219 million adults aged 25 or older to identify these inequalities.
Research found that housework is associated with sharper mental abilities and better physical capacity in older adults, particularly among those who engage in high volumes of light or heavy household chores. Housework intensity was also linked to specific cognitive domains, such as attention and memory scores.
New research found that physical activity is linked to lower microglial activation, a key factor in Alzheimer's disease pathology. The study, published in JNeurosci, suggests that exercise may help reduce inflammation and improve cognitive aging in older adults with more severe AD pathology.
A study from the University of Illinois examines how spatial proximity affects relationship dynamics in older adult couples. The researchers found that when partners are close to each other, their heart rates synchronize in a lead-lag relationship, indicating a complex interplay between physiological responses and interaction patterns.