Articles tagged with Older Adults
A recent study published in PLOS ONE suggests that physical activity can improve cognitive function in older adults by altering brain microstructure. The research, which analyzed MRI scans of 318 brains post-mortem, found a positive correlation between physical activity and increased cortical thickness.
An 83-year-old man was diagnosed with HIV after experiencing fever and weight loss. He was treated with antiretroviral therapy and achieved an undetectable viral load. The case highlights the importance of targeting older adults for HIV testing, as they are often diagnosed late and at higher risk of death.
A study by Duke-NUS Medical School finds that lonely older adults can expect to live a shorter life than their peers, forfeiting potential years of good health. In Singapore, where collectivistic culture and rapidly ageing population make loneliness more detrimental, loneliness among seniors has become a social and public health concern.
A new online calculator, RESPECT, uses big data to predict death within 6 months in older adults, prioritizing quality of remaining life over curative care. The tool was developed based on data from over 491,000 community-dwelling older adults and aims to support families and healthcare professionals in planning end-of-life care.
A study by the University of Copenhagen found that older adults' sense of smell declines specifically for savory foods like fried meat, onions, and mushrooms, but remains intact for sweet and fruity odors. This suggests that our perception of smell is closely linked to taste, particularly saltiness.
Researchers discovered that communicating with female friends decreases stress hormone levels for women across the lifespan. The study tested conversational efficiency and stress responses in younger and older adult women, finding that older adults demonstrated conversational dexterity with both familiar and unfamiliar partners.
A recent NC State University study found that a low-cost computer training program called Drive Aware can significantly reduce unsafe incidents among older adults. The program, which provides cognitive training to detect road hazards, was tested on 27 senior participants and showed a 25% reduction in accidents.
Researchers found that age-related hearing impairment is associated with poorer physical functioning and reduced walking endurance in older adults. The study suggests that addressing hearing loss could be crucial in preserving physical function and quality of life in older individuals.
A study by University of Bath researchers found that augmented reality prompts with a 'ghosthand' are more effective for older adults, leading to faster completion and increased confidence. The study highlights the need for designers to prioritize inclusivity and usability in AR applications to cater to this growing demographic.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that carefully considered surgical treatment improves the prognosis for elderly brain tumour patients. Almost half of patients who had ended up in institutional care due to a brain tumour were able to return home thanks to surgery.
A third of Americans employ unregulated caregivers for older adults and those with dementia, highlighting gaps in access to care. Gray market caregivers often lack training and screening, increasing potential for exploitation or abuse.
Recent guidelines discourage routine aspirin use in adults 70 and older, but research suggests that older adults with diabetes may have potential overuse of aspirin therapy. If not actively discontinued, this could lead to unnecessary risks and side effects.
A decade-long study found that personalized medicine, considering patient needs and environment, is more effective than one-size-fits-all approaches. The research team recommended a tailored approach for distal radius fractures, taking into account the patient's social environment and risk tolerance.
New study finds that elderly RA patients are not at higher risk of serious infections with bDMARDs or JAKi, but glucocorticoid use and underlying diseases increase the risk. Better physical capacity is associated with a lower risk of serious infection.
A study by Bentley University explores how the elderly use smart speaker technology at home, revealing heterogeneous use patterns. The results show that mornings and afternoons are more active, music and news are most prevalent, and simple commands dominate interactions.
Care home residents over 70 have a delayed and weaker immune response to vaccines compared to younger individuals, making them more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infections. This phenomenon has been confirmed by researchers from Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
A new study challenges outdated public health guidance on fan use during heatwaves, proposing increased temperature thresholds for young healthy adults. Electric fan use can be recommended most of the time in most regions, except extremely hot and arid areas.
A new analysis of national data found that socially engaged older women had a 76% higher odds of experiencing emotional abuse or mistreatment. Researchers suggest that social activities can connect people with valuable community support but also lead to unintended consequences.
A preclinical study suggests that senolytic drugs can significantly reduce mortality and severe disease in elderly people infected with SARS-CoV-2. The study found that treating older mice with senolytic drugs increased their survival rate from nearly 0% to 50%, reducing cellular senescence and inflammatory markers.
A Danish-Swedish study found that football and team handball training have a positive effect on telomere length and mitochondrial function in women, potentially increasing their health span and lifespan. The research involved 129 healthy women and showed that elite football players had longer telomeres compared to untrained controls.
A study from the University of Kansas found that the speech-to-song illusion occurs in adults 55 and older at similar rates as younger people, with no difference in perception or intensity. The findings suggest that older adults may not experience a decline in cognitive abilities related to this phenomenon.
A randomized controlled trial found that tai chi is as effective as conventional exercise in reducing waist circumference and improving HDL cholesterol levels among middle-aged and older adults with central obesity. The study's findings are good news for those who may prefer tai chi due to limited mobility or preference.
A recent study found that adults with cerebral palsy receive significantly less physical therapy for musculoskeletal disorders, despite greater risk of secondary comorbid conditions. The researchers underscore the need for increased clinical awareness and improved screening strategies to address this inequity in healthcare.
An analysis of nine studies found that active music-making can provide significant cognitive benefits to older adults with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Music-based interventions have the potential to support millions of older adults in their emotional, social, and well-being needs.
A study published in British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that potentially inappropriate prescribing is associated with functional decline, falls and hospital admissions. Decision support tools can help reduce medication-related harm, but comprehensive assessment of medication use during care transitions is crucial.
A novel rehabilitation program, REHAB-HF, improved physical function, balance, mobility, strength, and endurance in hospitalized older patients with acute heart failure. The program, tailored to individual needs and starting early in the hospital stay, showed significant gains regardless of ejection fraction.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that social isolation has a profound impact on physical functioning in older adults. Socially integrated older adults are more likely to engage in physical activity and experience improvements in their physical functioning. The study highlights the importance of inc...
Researchers at Michigan State University found a possible link between poor sense of smell and a higher risk of pneumonia hospitalization. Older adults with a poor sense of smell were about 50% more likely to be hospitalized with pneumonia compared to those with a good sense of smell.
A new study found a decrease in major abdominal surgeries among older adults, except for certain procedures like pancreatic cancer. The study suggests improvements in medical treatments and cancer screening may reduce the need for invasive surgeries.
A recent study published in Aging & Mental Health suggests that Chinese parents experience approximately 1.3 times more psychological distress after losing an only child compared to losing a spouse. The loss of an only child is devastating due to the emotional, financial, and instrumental support it provides to older adults.
A study by the American Psychological Association found that people who feel younger have better cognitive functioning, lower inflammation, and a lower risk of hospitalization compared to those who feel older. The researchers suggest that feeling younger could help buffer middle-aged and older adults against stress's negative effects.
A new poll reveals nearly one in five older adults say their mental health has gotten worse since the pandemic began, with an equal percentage saying their sleep has suffered. Despite this, two-thirds of respondents report excellent or very good mental health, and over 80% say it's as good or better than 20 years ago.
A new commentary proposes that pulse oximeters be used instead of temperature checks for COVID-19 screening in older adults due to lower baseline temperatures and overlooked fever. This could help detect asymptomatic hypoxia and prevent infection progression, improving treatment outcomes.
A new paradigm for usability aims to address accessibility issues worldwide, with a focus on marginalized groups. The approach emphasizes the importance of user-centered design and its potential to drive improvements in various fields.
A new study suggests that cooling breaks can improve autophagic function in older adults, potentially reducing cellular damage from extreme heat. Researchers found that visiting a cooling center reduced core body temperature and improved markers of autophagy in participants.
Dr. Megan Huisingh-Scheetz, a geriatrician and epidemiologist, received the fourth Arti Hurria Memorial Award for Emerging Investigators in Internal Medicine Who are Focused on the Care of Older Adults. Her research investigates ways to advance frailty assessment and care through technology. Dr. Huisingh-Scheetz developed a program usi...
A team of scientists at Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute is investigating the effects of prior knowledge on learning and memory in bird experts. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electrical currents, they aim to determine whether a similar process takes place in the human brain.
The study found that the vaccine is highly effective across all age ranges, with 92% effectiveness in preventing symptomatic disease in individuals 70 years and older. Vaccine effectiveness varied among subpopulations, with slightly lower rates in multi-morbid populations and immunosuppressed individuals.
Researchers developed an ankle exoskeleton that significantly increased self-selected walking speed in young adults, with a 42% average increase. The device has potential for improving daily life and may also reduce pain caused by weight on joints or improve balance in older adults.
Listening to music before bed significantly improves sleep quality among older adults. Longer listening periods yield the most effective results. Music therapy is an easy-to-administer strategy that may become a first-line treatment option.
A recent study suggests that preserving physical and mental health helps older adults experiencing cognitive impairment stave off declines in cognitive engagement. The researchers found that declines in physical and mental health were associated with more pronounced cognitive disengagement, particularly among participants with advanced...
A new study suggests that home health care growth is 'small and inadequate' compared to the increasing demand in an aging America. Targeted policies are needed to support home-based medical care.
New research from the University of Birmingham found that older adults are more likely to work harder for others, even without financial reward. This 'prosocial behaviour' is crucial for social cohesion and contradicts the stereotype that older adults become less altruistic as they age.
A recent Baycrest study found that engaging in household chores is associated with greater brain volume and improved cognitive health in older adults. Household activities such as tidying, meal preparation, and yard work may contribute to these benefits by promoting neural connections and reducing sedentary behavior.
Family clustering is a confirmed phenomenon associated with COVID-19, causing extreme emotional and physical distress among family members. The article provides strategies for patients, doctors, nurses, and families to navigate this challenging situation, including addressing guilt and shame stemming from transmission of the disease.
A nationally representative survey found that over 40% of US adults aged 50-80 trust online reviews almost as much as family or friend recommendations when selecting a physician. Factors such as insurance acceptance and race/ethnicity were more influential, with online reviews ranking ninth in importance.
A new study finds that convenience and access outweigh reputation when older adults choose a doctor, with online ratings playing an important role. The study also reveals disparities in the perceived importance of online ratings among different demographic groups.
A new study found that positive airway pressure therapy for obstructive sleep apnea reduces Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia risk. Researchers analyzed Medicare claims of over 50,000 Medicare beneficiaries ages 65+, finding a significant association between PAP use and lower dementia risk.
Researchers from Nagoya Institute of Technology in Japan propose a new protocol to evaluate postural balance control for elderly patients with low back pain. They found that local vibratory stimulation can improve proprioceptive function and alleviate symptoms.
A recent poll suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has created a chance for older adults to discuss their healthcare wishes with loved ones, but many are still not taking action. Only 59% of respondents said they had discussed their preferences, and 46% had completed advance directives or powers of attorney. Despite these efforts, 1 in ...
Researchers explored how molecular changes in Alzheimer's patients relate to brain function, developed a new model for predicting life expectancy of older adults with multiple chronic diseases, and examined older firearm owners' perspectives on retiring their guns.
A pilot human clinical trial found that GlyNAC improved various age-related defects, including glutathione deficiency, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. The benefits were maintained for 24 weeks but declined after stopping supplementation.
A recent OSU study found that resolving arguments significantly reduces emotional response associated with disagreements, leading to improved overall health. Researchers discovered that people who felt their conflicts were resolved reported lower stress levels on both the day of the encounter and the day after.
A recent study found that older adults in Finland primarily left their homes for physical exercise and walking outdoors during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Despite government restrictions, these individuals prioritized physical activity over other activities.
The USPSTF recommends no routine screening for hearing loss in asymptomatic adults 50 and older due to insufficient evidence. Nearly 16% of U.S. adults report difficulty hearing, which is associated with increased risks of falls, hospitalizations, social isolation, and cognitive decline.
A new study by UC San Francisco found that approximately 5 million Americans, or 42% of those with mobility constraints, lacked essential devices such as grab bars and shower seats. The research emphasizes the importance of affordable and accessible assistive devices to improve quality of life for elderly individuals.
A new poll shows that 10% of older adults between 50-80 years old obtained a pet during the pandemic, with 59% of those in this age range being pet owners. Pet ownership was higher among women, whites, and employed individuals, providing companionship and social support.
The article suggests paying for elderly care homes in lower-income countries as a practical solution to the eldercare crisis. The proposed policy would enable older citizens to access affordable and decent care, while also benefiting local economies.
A significant number of older adults in the US lack necessary equipment to assist with bathing and toileting. The study estimates that many adults struggle without this support, highlighting a pressing public health concern.
A large-scale study in Denmark reveals that most people who have had COVID-19 are protected from catching it again for at least six months. However, elderly patients are more prone to reinfection, with only 47% protection against repeat infection compared to 80% for younger people.