Articles tagged with Older Adults
A new study by University at Buffalo researchers found that 94% of older adults were prescribed fall-risk-increasing drugs in 2017, leading to a significant increase in deaths from falls. The study also revealed that women, particularly Black women, were more likely to be prescribed these medications.
A new analysis of cases in six US states experiencing surges found that adolescents and young adults are indeed more susceptible to COVID-19. The study, published in PLOS ONE, analyzed data from a total of over 200,000 cases.
A new poll by Michigan Medicine shows a significant increase in COVID-19 vaccination enthusiasm among older adults with high risk of severe illness. By late January, 71% of people aged 50-70 were ready to get vaccinated, up from 58%, while those in fair or poor health saw an 11-point jump in likelihood.
The university will focus on breakthroughs in automated driving, robotics, and machine-assisted cognition with a total of $2.2M in funding over three years. Researchers will develop a standardized testbed and protocol for testing autonomous vehicles and create robots to assist older adults age in place.
A national poll reveals that 80% of Americans over 50 haven't had their hearing checked by a professional in two years. Despite growing evidence about the importance of hearing, many older adults face barriers to timely care due to cost and stigma.
A pooled analysis of five studies reveals significant differences in cognitive decline between men and women, with women experiencing a more rapid decline. The study suggests that women's brains may be more susceptible to age-related cognitive changes, with potential implications for gender-specific interventions.
A recent study estimates that delirium in older adults one year after major elective surgery results in significant healthcare costs. The study analyzed Medicare claims and clinical data to determine the financial impact of delirium on patients, providing valuable insights for clinicians and policymakers.
Researchers at UTA will match students with dementia patients for a two-year project using reminiscence therapy and digital memoirs to improve social and emotional well-being. The team hopes this intergenerational approach will promote better outcomes for older adults with Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers found that light-intensity physical activity, such as gardening or walking, may protect mobility in older women. Women who spent the most time performing light-intensity activities had a 46% lower risk of mobility loss compared to those with lower levels of physical activity.
A new program has shown that participatory programs encouraging elderly patients to be active need greater emphasis in elderly care centers. The Adachi Rehabilitation Program increased participants' step count even on days with no sessions, leading to improved physical activity for older adults.
A study found that older adults understand the risks of overusing antibiotics, but many still use them incorrectly. Over 91% of respondents are cautious about using antibiotics, yet nearly 56% believe doctors overprescribe them, while 34% think antibiotics can help with viral illnesses like colds and flu.
A recent study published in Aging found that very short sleep duration, poor-quality sleep, and snoring were associated with a higher risk of incident dementia. The study also revealed an increased risk of all-cause mortality among participants who reported less than five hours of sleep per night.
Researchers found that elderly choir singers had better verbal flexibility and emotional wellbeing compared to control groups. Choir singing for longer periods also increased feelings of social togetherness among the elderly.
A study published in Psychology and Aging suggests that older adults exhibit lower mind-wandering frequency and perform better on cognitive tasks due to increased motivation. This is attributed to their ability to reduce anxiety and improve focus, which enables them to mitigate potential costs associated with mind-wandering.
Researchers explore the potential of rapalogs to improve vaccine response and outcomes in biologically aged individuals. The study suggests that geroprotectors, such as rapamycin, may enhance resilience against SARS-CoV-2 infection and reduce disease severity.
A new study from the University of Kansas explores how older environmentally-minded individuals consider death care and their chances of choosing eco-friendly burials. Despite growing awareness of green burials, many participants expressed uncertainty about the practice due to societal and cultural pressures.
A new program at the University of Pittsburgh, funded by the NIH, aims to educate investigators and innovators on designing for older adults. The Human Factors of Aging program will help translate research into action, considering physical, cognitive, and sensory issues that often get overlooked.
A large study found that older adults with moderately elevated blood sugar levels do not frequently develop full-blown diabetes. Instead, many improve their blood glucose levels or die from other causes, suggesting that the 'prediabetes' diagnosis is less useful in this age group.
A recent poll shows significant inequality in older adults' ability to isolate a COVID-positive person at home, with those who are Hispanic or Black, or have lower incomes or poor health, being more likely to lack access. The poll also highlights disparities in outdoor spaces and social connections among older adults.
People with severe mental disorders have a significantly increased risk of dying from COVID-19, with mortality rates almost four times higher than in the general population. The study, which analyzed data from over eight million individuals, highlights the importance of addressing both mental and physical health problems in this group.
A new study examining sleep deprivation and frailty reveals that short sleep intensifies the impacts of frailty on depressive symptoms. Frail older adults who experienced worsening frailty and short sleep were more likely to develop higher levels of depression.
Researchers found that pentosidine and carboxymethyl-lysine, two types of advanced glycation end products, are significantly associated with prevalent vertebral fracture in postmenopausal women. The study suggests that these AGEs may impact bone status via different mechanisms, contributing to impaired bone quality.
A study found that specific Facebook activities, such as posting pictures, commenting, and customizing profiles, are more important to older adults' user experience and well-being than their overall use of the site. These activities enhance feelings of competence, relatedness, and autonomy, leading to higher levels of well-being.
A recent Oregon State University study found that people who believe they can become healthy, engaged individuals in old age are more likely to experience that outcome. Optimism, self-efficacy, and reduced internalization of ageist stereotypes can also positively impact aging perceptions.
Pharmacists helped identify and solve drug-related problems, improving measures such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The study found pharmacist-led medication therapy management services reduced medication costs for patients.
A new study suggests that prioritizing older adults for COVID-19 vaccination can save the most lives, with an estimated reduction of 23% in mortality rates over three months. The research also highlights the importance of a fast vaccine rollout and other public health measures to control the spread of the virus.
A recent study published by researchers at the UConn School of Nursing found that older adults tend to report less depression and anxiety despite experiencing greater general concern about COVID-19. The study suggests that older age may offer a buffer against negative feelings brought on by the pandemic.
Research from the University of East Anglia and the University of Groningen found that elderly parents' help in raising their young improves offspring survival rates. The study on Seychelles warblers highlights the benefits of cooperative breeding in social species.
A new poll finds that 45% of adults aged 65-80 and 42% of all adults aged 50-80 lack online medical accounts, which could hinder COVID-19 vaccine scheduling. Patient portals can help bridge this gap, especially for those with lower incomes, education levels, or who require assistance setting up accounts.
A new approach involving specially trained nurses increased ACP discussions with patients, documenting it in 42% of visits compared to 3.7% in normal care groups. The nurse-led group used an electronic health record tool to guide the conversation and document patient goals.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center found that including unhealthy foods in an otherwise healthy Mediterranean diet may reduce cognitive benefits. The study analyzed data from 5,001 older adults and found that those who followed a Western diet had no beneficial effect on slowing cognitive decline.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society found that food insecurity increased significantly among older US adults from 5.5% to 12.4% between 2007 and 2016. Older adults with food insecurity tend to have lower quality diets.
A recent study by UCSF-led researchers highlights the devastating impact of the pandemic on 4.3 million older adults with cognitive impairment living alone. These individuals experience extreme isolation, misinformation, and barriers to accessing medical care, leading to increased distress and negative health outcomes.
A new special issue of Innovation in Aging explores the psychosocial factors influencing mental health status in racial and ethnic minority populations. The research sheds light on protective factors such as religion and social support, while highlighting risk factors like obesity and stress.
A study of 13,061 participants aged 60+ found that loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of falls in elderly people. Those living alone or with little social contact were 18-42% more likely to report a fall or hospital admission.
A study of 31 older adults found that acceptable noise levels in restaurants vary, with even those considered 'age-friendly' being too loud. The researchers suggest that restaurants can create more comfortable environments for customers, leading to increased patronage and revenue.
A Community Connectors service can boost confidence in engaging with community activities and enhance social networks among older adults. The program has been shown to provide vital support for well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for those who cannot access remote services.
A study of older adults hospitalized with influenza during the 2011-2012 flu season found that functional decline was common and often persistent. Higher frailty at admission was associated with increased risk of catastrophic disability and death.
A recent University of Copenhagen study finds that male seniors do cook and enjoy it, often making elaborate meals, while widowed women view cooking as a chore. This research adds nuance to the picture of older generations living alone, suggesting changing gender roles are not just applicable to younger generations.
The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is developing a comprehensive approach to managing chronic pain in older adults by reducing opioid use and promoting non-opioid alternatives. The grant aims to establish standards for pain management that prioritize non-opioid medications, treatments, and physical therapy options.
A recent analysis reveals that older adults are more resilient to the pandemic's mental health effects than expected. Key factors include internal resources like stress response, cognitive capacity, and personality traits, as well as external resources like social connections and financial stability.
A global study found that older people in wealthy countries consume more alcohol than those in middle-income countries, with average weekly consumption ranging from 0.59 to 6.85 units. The price of alcohol did not influence heavy drinking levels, which were highest in the Czech Republic and lowest in Israel.
Researchers at FAU will develop a mathematical model to optimize social and physical engagement in older adults. The goal is to counter age-related decline and promote brain health.
A study by Michigan State University researchers found that countries like Japan and China show less age bias, while individualistic nations like the US and Germany exhibit greater ageism. States in the US with high age bias also tend to have poorer health outcomes for older adults.
A study by Shibaura Institute of Technology found that non-muscle tissues, specifically nerves, contribute more to joint flexibility as individuals age. Researchers measured ankle ROM and tissue stiffness in young and old adults, revealing a correlation between nerve stiffness and increased ROM in older participants.
A study published in PNAS found that stronger initial memories are easier to update with new information, allowing for better comprehension and adaptation. Older adults showed poorer memory performance but more confidence in their recall, possibly due to relying on general, generic responses rather than specific situational features.
A new poll reveals that while most adults over 50 say they'll get vaccinated against COVID-19, many are hesitant due to concerns about vaccine safety and cost. The poll found that people of color, those with lower incomes or education levels, and older adults are less likely to take the vaccine.
A phase 2 trial of the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine found it to be safe and provokes an immune response in healthy older adults, who are at a disproportionate risk of severe COVID-19 disease. The vaccine induces both T cell and antibody responses in older and younger adults, suggesting potential protection against infection with SARS-CoV-2.
Research from USC's Keck School of Medicine found that financially exploited seniors show distinct brain activity patterns compared to those who have not been victimized. The study also linked hearing and vision problems to increased frailty in older adults who experienced financial exploitation.
A new study from Michigan State University found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals are more likely to develop cognitive impairment at older ages. The research suggests that depression may be a key underlying factor contributing to these disparities, highlighting the need for greater inclusivity and acceptance to support menta...
A University of Central Florida researcher studied three aging-in-community programs in Florida to examine the impact of supportive communities on older adults. She found that higher education levels were linked to lower perceptions of independent living, while neighborhood social cohesiveness was more common among married individuals....
Designing and marketing sexbots for older adults with disabilities could promote emotional health and wellbeing, counter ageism and stereotyping. This is based on research showing that sexual desires are fundamental to human dignity and respect, even in older age.
A new paper argues that robots designed for older adults can provide essential human values like social interaction, emotional fulfillment, and bodily integrity. The author suggests that Western cultures' narrow view of sex as lust needs to be challenged, and that robots can enable people to experience physical affection and self-respect.
A recent study conducted by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that older adults who joined group exercise classes experienced decreased loneliness and social isolation. The study tracked 382 participants and found a 6.9% decrease in loneliness and a 3.3% improvement in social connectedness.
Researchers propose that declining hip fracture rates may be linked to generational differences in lifetime lead exposure, with bone mineral density and risk of fractures decreasing as lead levels decrease. The authors suggest that assessing lead levels in bones removed during hip replacements could help validate this hypothesis.
The project aims to study lower limb joint loading in active older adults engaged in sport using the VSimulators facility. The pilot data will contribute to designing a bespoke sports shoe for this demographic.
The Georgia State University research team is developing a program called BE WITH to reduce social isolation and elevated suicide risk in racially diverse older adults. They will evaluate the effectiveness of the training for nutrition service volunteers who work with old adults in six metro Atlanta counties.
A University of Stirling study found that social distancing during COVID-19 increased feelings of loneliness among Scotland's over 60s population, leading to worse wellbeing and health. A larger social network and better perceived social support were protective against loneliness and poorer health.
Dr. Anne B. Newman will receive the American Heart Association's 2020 Clinical Research Prize for her work on aging and cardiovascular disease. She is being recognized for her extensive research career, including long-term cohort studies and clinical trials on aging and physical functioning.
Researchers analyzed data from 665 older adults to find trends in end-of-life symptoms. The study found that rates decreased for certain symptoms, such as difficulty sleeping and shortness of breath, while others increased or remained stable.