Research on health and aging in later life. Covers attention and cognition, longevity, organ aging, and age-related disease.
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.
A new study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity suggests that older adults living in care homes have a higher risk of COVID-19 mortality compared to those living in single houses or apartment buildings. The researchers found that living arrangements, such as the type of home and neighborhood characteristics, were important factor...
A new study from University at Buffalo found that over 34% of older adults in the US are prescribed potentially inappropriate medications, leading to twice as many prescriptions and nearly twice as likely hospitalizations. These medications also cost patients an additional $458 per year.
A new report argues that better access to home health services through Medicare could reduce exposure to COVID-19 and improve care for seniors. The report recommends expanding telehealth coverage, bolstering the home health workforce, and enhancing quality oversight.
A new study by Staffordshire University found that the Pastoral da Pessoa Idosa (PPI) programme in Brazil supported 164,000 older people during the pandemic. Volunteers provided home visits and practical help, helping to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.
A new study from the American Cancer Society found that active older adults have better overall physical and mental health. Higher amounts of regular moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity and lower duration of sedentary time are associated with higher global mental and physical health.
A new study from Colorado State University found that older adults who spent more time sitting performed better on vocabulary and reasoning tasks, contrary to expectations. The study suggests that sedentary time may be meaningful for cognitive health, especially when accompanied by educational activities.
Researchers found a substantial increase in the percentage of adults with autism receiving Medicaid services from 2008-2012. The study showed higher prevalence among younger adults (18-24) and lower among older adults (41-64).
Research finds that older, frail adults with a high-dopamine genotype are more likely to maintain a faster gait and may be more resilient to mobility disablement as they age. The study suggests that dopamine levels could influence mobility in elderly populations, with potential implications for pharmacologic supplements.
A study by Hokkaido University scientists found that age is independent of COVID-19 susceptibility, but age-dependent factors contribute to severe symptoms and higher mortality rates. The researchers modeled data from Japan, Spain, and Italy to demonstrate this point.
A study published in The BMJ found that high-intensity training intervals twice a week improved physical and mental quality of life in people over 70. Fitness levels were maintained throughout the five-year period, with a notable drop in mortality rates compared to moderate exercise.
A recent study found that 61% of patients who used cannabis began using it after age 60, primarily for medical purposes. The most common reasons for cannabis use were pain, insomnia, and anxiety, with patients reporting relief from these issues. The study highlights the need for healthcare professionals to be aware of cannabis use amon...
A five-year exercise training trial found no correlation between physical activity and increased longevity among elderly participants. Researchers suggest that current guidelines for moderate-intensity exercise may be sufficient for reducing mortality risk in older adults.
A new poll shows that over half of older adults take two or more non-prescription drugs or supplements, and two in ten take five or more prescription medications. Many are unaware of the importance of comprehensive medication reviews, which can identify potential interactions and help save money. The poll suggests opportunities for pro...
A beta test of the American College of Surgeons Geriatric Surgery Verification Program has revealed reduced rates of post-surgery delirium and shorter hospital stays among older veterans. The study involved 186 patients, with significant improvements in functional health and cognitive decline postoperatively.
A recent study found that Medicaid expansion under the ACA significantly reduced long-term home health care and nursing home use among newly eligible low-income adults and older adults. The study suggests that increased access to healthcare led to better management of chronic conditions, resulting in lower rates of institutional care.
A recent study published in Aging and Mental Health suggests that wisdom is a strong protective factor against loneliness. The research, conducted in both San Diego and Cilento, Italy, found a significant inverse correlation between loneliness and wisdom across different age groups.
Researchers found a significant association between cannabinoids and negative respiratory health effects in older adults with COPD. The study, published in Thorax, showed that higher doses of cannabinoids were linked to increased hospitalizations and all-cause death among patients with the disease.
A Phase 1 trial of an investigational mRNA COVID-19 vaccine has shown that the vaccine is well-tolerated and generates a strong immune response in older adults, with comparable efficacy to younger age groups. The study enrolled 40 healthy volunteers aged 56-71 years, who received two doses of the vaccine.
Research reveals that older adults are less able to regulate body temperature and hydration during exercise in hot environments due to decreased sensitivity to elevated blood osmolality. This can lead to increased risk of heat-related injuries and adverse heart problems, highlighting the importance of staying hydrated.
A new study uses artificial intelligence technologies to analyze natural language patterns to discern degrees of loneliness in older adults. The study found that NLP-based tools could help reconcile the differences between research assessments and an individual's subjective experience of loneliness, improving how clinicians and familie...
A study by Bar-Ilan University found that COVID-19 exacerbates PTSD symptoms and loneliness in Holocaust survivors who experienced infectious diseases during the Holocaust. This subgroup showed heightened distress, while others manifested impressive resilience.
A recent study found that caregivers who provided more than 40 hours of care weekly and reported physical strain increased the hospitalization risk among disabled older adults. On the other hand, long-term caregivers were associated with a lower risk of hospitalization.
A US study found that middle-aged individuals without a bachelor's degree reported more pain than elderly individuals, unlike in other wealthy countries where pain rises with age. The finding suggests that pain prevalence will continue to increase for less-educated adults in the US, with significant implications for healthcare.
A new study found that middle-aged Americans without a college degree report higher levels of pain than older Americans. The research team analyzed data from over 2.5 million adults and found that each generation of less-educated Americans experiences more pain throughout their lives.
A new study published in Emotion journal found that older adults who took weekly 15-minute 'awe walks' for eight weeks reported increased positive emotions and less distress. Participants showed a visible shift in their selfies, featuring landscapes instead of themselves, and experienced significant boosts in daily prosocial emotions.
A study published in PNAS found that middle-aged Americans without a college degree are reporting more pain than the elderly, which could put further strain on healthcare systems. The researchers attribute this trend to increasing social isolation, stagnant wages, and rising deaths of despair among less-educated populations.
Interactions with binary companions generate complex planetary nebula shapes by influencing the stellar wind of elderly stars. Leen Decin and colleagues observed AGB star winds using ALMA, finding none with spherical symmetry and instead distinct geometries similar to those in PNe.
A study of almost 4,000 older Singaporeans found that poor health is a significant barrier to internet use, affecting 57% of respondents. The research highlights the need for assistive technology and design to support older adults with health-related difficulties in using the internet.
The National Poll on Healthy Aging found that 56% of people over 50 felt isolated from others in June 2022, more than double the 2018 rate. Technology and social interactions with neighbors helped alleviate loneliness.
Researchers found that Medin protein deposits reduce blood vessel elasticity in aging brains, contributing to vascular dementia. These deposits also cause sluggish vessel expansion, affecting blood flow and oxygen supply.
A study found that administering ghrelin to older mice helped restore muscle mass and strength, suggesting a potential new treatment strategy. Unacylated ghrelin (UnAG) was shown to preserve muscle function and reduce the risk of age-related sarcopenia without causing weight gain.
Researchers found that immune cell responses were delayed in males and the elderly, leading to a dysfunctional antiviral response. This study suggests that age and sex may contribute to disease severity in COVID-19 patients., Immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 may vary widely among different patient demographics.
A recent review paper examines six clinical trials of virtual stroke rehabilitation programs, finding them effective in aiding recovery. The study also highlights the importance of therapist training and social interaction for patient satisfaction.
The BCG vaccine has been shown to protect elderly people against various respiratory infections, including those of viral origin. This protective effect was observed in a double-blind randomized clinical study, which found that BCG-vaccinated participants had 75% fewer respiratory infections than placebo recipients.
A recent study published in Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly found that individuals perceived as more attractive are more likely to exhibit generous behaviors, while givers are rated as more attractive. This research challenges the conventional notion that physical attractiveness is solely linked to personal qualities.
A new study by Indiana University researchers found that older adults experienced increased depression and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, having close social networks served as a protective factor against negative mental health outcomes for some.
A study found that people who catastrophize about their pain are less likely to be physically active later in the day, leading to a cycle of sedentary behavior and worsened pain. This psychological factor may explain why patients with chronic pain avoid physical activities despite its importance for pain management.
A new study by Washington State University scientist Raven Weaver found that older adults living in very rural settings are less likely to receive available services compared to those in mostly rural areas. The study highlights the most vulnerable groups within the rural classification, emphasizing the need for proactive support.
A new study finds that dementia may be the underlying cause of nearly three times more deaths in the US than previously thought. The study estimates that 13.6% of deaths are attributable to dementia, which is 2.7 times more than the 5.0% of death certificates that indicate dementia as an underlying cause of death.
A new study published in Nutrition and Metabolism found that an eight-week very low-carbohydrate diet improved body composition, fat distribution, and metabolic health in older adults with obesity. The diet also preserved skeletal muscle mass without intentional caloric restriction.