Articles tagged with Older Adults
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.
A study found that older adults with pre-existing major depressive disorder demonstrated resilience to the stress of physical distancing and isolation during the pandemic. They used coping strategies such as maintaining regular schedules, distracting themselves from negative emotions, and using mindfulness.
Telehealth visits have skyrocketed for older Americans, with a significant increase in comfort levels and reduced privacy concerns. However, not all older adults see virtual care as an adequate substitute for in-person care, and some still lack experience or access to video conferencing tools.
A study conducted at the University of Jyväskylä found that older adults who reported attractive destinations more than 500 meters away were more physically active. This suggests that having diverse and quality neighborhood destinations may support older adults' physical activity, contrary to common assumptions.
A study found that children think robots can assist with various tasks for older adults, such as Pepper and Tessa, but are more doubtful about helping their own grandparents. The Uncanny Valley phenomenon may contribute to this skepticism, where human-like robots become less intimidating when assigned a clear task.
An fMRI study found that older adults' brain activity while experiencing event boundaries is similar to younger adults', but with some differences. The study suggests that older adults may process events in different ways, focusing on broader contextual information rather than specific details.
Baycrest researchers are studying the effects of COVID-19 and social isolation on cognitive health, finding a potential link between respiratory symptoms and decreased oxygen to the brain. The study aims to identify factors predicting dementia development in older adults.
A recent clinical trial found that aspirin use increased the risk of advanced cancer progression and early death in older adults. Aspirin was associated with a higher risk of metastasized cancer and stage 4 cancer, leading to higher mortality rates among those diagnosed with advanced solid cancers.
Researchers analyzed atmospheric and lightning data to study the relationship between thunderstorms and increased emergency department visits for respiratory illnesses among older adults. The study found that vulnerable groups may be susceptible to atmospheric changes caused by thunderstorms, leading to higher emergency visit rates.
A study by UC San Francisco found that over a third of adults aged 65 and older face difficulties seeing their doctor via telemedicine due to various obstacles. The researchers highlight the need for innovation in devices, services, and policy to ensure older adults are not left behind during the shift to telehealth.
This study assesses telemedicine unreadiness among older adults in the US, using data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study. The results show that a significant proportion of older adults are unprepared to access video or telephone telemedicine due to disability or technology inexperience.
A new study by the Yale School of Public Health found that approximately 30% of women and 17% of men in the US have experienced a major depressive episode. The study also showed that mental health programs can benefit a larger segment of the population than previously thought.
A study finds that immune suppression in older adults is reversible and can be relieved by targeting a specific cell type. This breakthrough could lead to more effective flu vaccines and potentially COVID-19 vaccines, increasing protection for seniors.
A recent study found that over 40% of hospitalizations among older adults with dementia were for potentially preventable conditions, such as pneumonia and heart failure. The study's lead author emphasized the importance of addressing sepsis and implementing patient-centered programs to improve outpatient care.
A new UBC study reveals that older adults experienced greater emotional well-being and felt less stressed during the pandemic compared to younger and middle-aged adults. Positive events, such as remote social interactions, also helped increase positive emotions across all age groups.
A reduced dose of prasugrel was found to be as effective as a standard dose of ticagrelor in reducing the risk of bleeding without increasing it, particularly in elderly or low-weight patients with acute coronary syndrome. This finding is based on a randomized trial that assessed efficacy and safety in nearly 4,000 patients.
A joint report from Trinity College researchers and ALONE highlights increased feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and isolation in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most callers to ALONE's national support line were from over-70s living alone, reporting negative emotions and putting off medical treatment.
A recent study has found that elderly Alzheimer's patients are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection due to increased expression of the ACE2 gene, which acts as an entry receptor for SARS-CoV-2. The research, published in the Journal of Infection, suggests that elevated ACE2 levels can lead to a higher risk of infection.
Researchers say that five to 10 days of physical inactivity can lead to muscle loss and chronic diseases. Older adults who walk fewer than 1,500 steps a day can lose up to 4 percent of their muscle tissue in just two weeks.
A new poll finds that over 80% of Americans over 50 experience at least one form of everyday ageism, which is linked to poor mental and physical health. Despite this, most older adults have positive attitudes towards aging, including increased comfort with themselves and a strong sense of purpose.
Researchers found that people tend to become more optimistic as they age, with a significant increase during young adulthood. Despite major life events, such as divorce or illness, people generally remain positive about their future, finding ways to maintain emotional balance and focus on happiness.