Articles tagged with Older Adults
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.
A Baycrest-CAMH study aims to examine the effects of COVID-19 and physical distancing on the mental health of older adults. The researchers will monitor changes in mental health and identify factors that affect seniors' emotional well-being, informing public health decisions and potential interventions.
The STRIDE study found that a personalized approach to falls risk reduction resulted in an 8-10% reduction in serious fall injuries among older adults. However, potential barriers such as transportation availability and copayments may have contributed to the lesser effect size seen in the trial.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine found that older adults taking opioids are at a higher risk of crashing, with a 5.4% increase in reported crashes compared to non-users. However, they also tend to self-regulate their driving habits and report lower self-rated driving ability.
Researchers study Tarahumara runners to dispel stereotypes about their athletic prowess. They find that traditional long-distance running is a socially vital form of prayer and develops endurance through regular hard work and physical activities like walking and dancing.
A study examining elderly people's attitudes and compliance with COVID-19 preventative measures found that older adults are not more willing to isolate or wear masks, despite being most vulnerable to severe illness. However, they are more likely to avoid public transportation and small gatherings.
A new study suggests that older adults spontaneously share fewer memories of their past experiences, with less detail in descriptions. Researchers analyzed daily conversations using a smartphone app and found this decline to be age-related, possibly linked to brain changes.
A new analysis of 16 years of health data reveals that long-term exposure to fine particles leads to increased mortality rates among the elderly. If current EPA standards were lowered, over 140,000 lives might have been saved within a decade.
The world's population aged 60 years and older is expected to reach 2 billion by 2050, with significant disparities in health conditions across the globe. The IIASA study reveals constant prevalence rates of severe activity limitations in low- and middle-income countries for the next 30 years.
A recent study found that nearly all nursing home residents with life-limiting conditions were taking statins, despite unclear guidelines for this age group. The researchers concluded that continuing statin therapy in these patients may be unnecessary due to potential side effects and a lack of proven benefits.
A nationwide study of over 2,000 Americans found that social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic did not lead to an overall increase in loneliness. Instead, people reported feeling more supported by others and a sense of community, which may have limited increases in loneliness.
A new study from Veterans Affairs Research Communications used predictive modeling techniques on over 275,000 patients with diabetes to identify factors that impact mortality. The results placed patients in three time frames for expected death and provide a framework for clinicians to make informed treatment decisions.
Researchers at SFU found that wearing hip protectors reduces the risk of hip fracture by over two times, while mobility aids lower the likelihood of injury by over threefold. The study aims to improve quality of life for seniors in long-term care through fall prevention and injury protection.
A nationwide study in South Korea found that elderly patients with hip fractures are nearly three times more likely to die by suicide within the first six months following surgical treatment. The study also suggests that mental stress and emotional status evaluation are crucial for management.
This study evaluated the relationship between preoperative Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index and long-term outcomes in elderly gastric cancer patients. The results showed that the GNRI is a useful prognostic indicator for estimating overall survival, cancer-specific survival, and postoperative outcomes.
A six-month clinical trial found that continuous glucose monitoring devices can significantly reduce hypoglycemia and severe hypoglycemic events in older adults with type 1 diabetes. The study also showed improved overall glucose control without worsening glycemic outcomes.
A new Irish study challenges claims that high blood levels of folate increase the risk of poor cognition in older adults. The study found no evidence of adverse effects, while higher folate levels were associated with better cognitive function in older adults.
A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that regular volunteer work among older adults (50+) significantly reduces mortality risk, improves sense of well-being, and boosts physical activity. However, volunteering did not show direct impact on chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.
A study found that an undergraduate service-learning course using music and filmmaking helped students connect with people with dementia, share unique stories, and process new experiences. The creative approach has the potential to humanize dementia and motivate a new generation of healthcare professionals.
A study found that older adults who engage in light physical activity and spread it throughout the day have a lower risk of developing major mobility disability. The researchers recommend building strength and balance first, then increasing moderate-to-vigorous intensity activity, and finally adding light activity.
Researchers from DZNE and experts from US institutions study how noise in movement speed perception affects spatial navigation. They found that internal noise, accumulating with age, is the main cause of errors in determining position, leading to age-related orientation problems.
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing identify health challenges and care needs of older adults with COVID-19 upon hospital discharge. The Transitional Care Model offers a path forward for targeted federal and state policy responses to support these individuals.
A new study found that people with small airways relative to their lungs' volume are at increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) regardless of smoking habits. Individuals with smaller airways had the poorest lung function and were 8 times more likely to develop COPD.
A new study at Bar-Ilan University links COVID-19-based loneliness in older adults to elevated psychiatric symptoms of anxiety and depression. The researchers found that the effect of loneliness on psychiatric symptoms was most pronounced among participants who felt subjectively older than their chronological age.
A large study in northern Italy found that even frail elderly people (65 and older) who take blood pressure medication as prescribed live longer. The healthiest older people experienced the biggest survival boost, with benefits greatest for those taking more than 75% of their prescribed doses.
Researchers found that T cells increase their metabolism to survive, contradicting previous assumptions about immune function. The study suggests that targeted interventions like vaccines or immunotherapies could boost T cell immunity in the elderly.
A new study found that middle-aged and older LGBTQ+ adults are more likely to use substances like cannabis and opioids than their heterosexual counterparts. The researchers suggest that prevention and harm reduction efforts should be targeted towards this community, highlighting the need for addressing stigma and discrimination.
A national poll of over 2,000 adults aged 50-80 reveals that most were capable home cooks before COVID-19, with those who cooked at home most often rating their diets as excellent. However, solo diners reported less healthy diets and relied more on fast food, highlighting the need for support during the pandemic.
Researchers at Harvard and MIT have developed pop-up shoe grips inspired by snake skin that increase friction between the shoe and ground. These assistive grips could significantly reduce the risk of falls among older adults and improve the mobility of all-terrain robots.
A new study found that older men are less worried about COVID-19 than women their age or younger people, despite being at higher risk of severe or fatal infections. The study suggests that accurate perception of risk may be more effective in predicting preventive behaviors than worry.
A recent study reports a slight rise in hip fracture rates among long-stay residents in US nursing homes, with 36% of those who experience fractures dying within six months. The study suggests that underutilization of osteoporosis medications may be a contributing factor to the high rates.
A UK study investigated sexual activity during COVID-19 lockdown and found that only 39.9% of British adults surveyed engaged in any form of sexual activity. The study suggests that promoting sexual activity as a way to maintain physical and mental health could be an important public health message.
A randomized clinical trial found that reducing blood pressure medications for older adults can be done safely without significant changes in short-term blood pressure control. The study included 534 adults aged 80 and older, suggesting that potential risks of continued treatment may outweigh benefits.
A report from Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends adding home visit codes to MIPS quality measures and fostering research on home-based primary care. Currently, only 12% of homebound patients receive their medical care at home, highlighting the need for improved quality measures.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that women and older adults are still vastly underrepresented in lipid lowering therapy trials, despite their high disease burden. The researchers analyzed 60 studies from 1990 to 2018 and reported a modest increase in representation of women, but many trials excluded pregnant or breastfeeding wo...
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that social isolation is a risk factor for increased COVID-19 cases among older adults in Italy. Regions with larger households and high numbers of residential nursing homes experienced the highest rates of infection.
A new article highlights the lack of support for older adults with respiratory illnesses in community settings, who face significant health risks and mortality rates. Experts outline specific steps to ensure their safety, including increased testing, social support, and protecting home care workers.
A new study published in Ageing and Society found that daily internet use is associated with higher levels of social isolation among older adults. The research, which analyzed data from 4,492 adults in England, suggests that occasional internet users may have a better balance between online and offline contacts.
A study of 7,000 adults aged 65 found that those with dementia and poor vision experience significant limitations in self-care, mobility, and household activities. The research highlights the need for better support systems to address these challenges.
A new study from the University of Hawaii at Manoa found that strong relationships are key to influencing physical activity in older adults. Participants with higher educational attainment and a strong relationship with others were more likely to meet physical activity guidelines.
A new poll reveals that one in seven adults between 50 and 80 experience food insecurity due to cost or other issues. Older adults with lower household incomes and education face significant disparities. The pandemic may have worsened these disparities, highlighting the need for increased access to nutritious food and health resources.
A recent UBC Okanagan study shows that progressive-resistance exercises can be effective in altering the path to frailty. Seniors who participated in a 12-week free weight exercise program improved their muscle performance and became less frail, without injury.
Researchers found that older adults with worsening insomnia symptoms were more likely to remain depressed and report suicidal ideation. The study suggests that treating sleep problems should be explored as a potential means to improve depression outcomes in older people.
A recent study published in Thorax found that social isolation is independently associated with a heightened risk of hospital admission for respiratory disease among older adults. Living alone and poor social engagement were linked to increased risks of 32% and 24%, respectively.
A recent study found that elderly patients with pneumonia are twice as likely to die as those with hip fractures. The researchers hope that raising awareness about the severity of pneumonia will improve prevention efforts and increase vaccine uptake among aging populations.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated challenges in caring for isolated older adults living at home. Despite the importance of direct contact with caregivers, physical distancing measures have limited face-to-face interactions.
A study by Geoffrey Hoffman found that active older veterans experience 11% more noninjury falls but 28% fewer injurious falls compared to non-veterans. Despite the increased risk of falls, physically active veterans are less likely to suffer serious injuries.
A study conducted by Greek and Norwegian researchers found that refugees in Greece are facing high levels of trauma, sleep problems, and concentration difficulties. The longer they stay in the camps, the worse their health situation becomes, especially for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and women.
A new study published in the Journal of Business Venturing found that older business entrepreneurs can be just as successful as their younger counterparts. The study also showed that women's chances of success increase with age. Meanwhile, midlife is considered a challenging time to start a business due to child care and elder care obl...
Researchers found that stroke survivors who engaged in light physical activity reported fewer physical limitations than their more sedentary peers. Light physical activity was associated with improved performance on routine physical tasks and daily activities.
A new UCL study found that heavy drinking over a lifetime significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and liver damage in older adults. Heavy drinking is also associated with a larger waist circumference and body mass index (BMI) in later life, even if it's stopped before age 50.
A large study has found that thyroid hormone replacement therapy in older adults is associated with a higher risk of death compared to no treatment. The study, published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society, suggests that age-specific TSH reference intervals can help determine the threshold for thyroid hormone treatment.
A study in Finland found that environmental features such as nature destinations and walking-friendly infrastructure are crucial for older adults' physical activity. The research highlights the importance of considering specific neighborhood conditions when planning initiatives to promote older adults' health.
The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society highlights critical points for combating COVID-19, including fostering awareness, managing infections, and empowering decision-makers. The 'ABCDs' provide a framework for long-term care facilities to contain the pandemic.
This observational study of older adults reveals racial and ethnic differences in depression severity and care. The findings suggest that these disparities exist even among those participating in a cancer and cardiovascular disease prevention clinical trial.
A national poll reveals that nearly all older Americans support adding a dental benefit to the Medicare program, with 93% favoring inclusion in traditional Medicare. The poll also finds that cost plays a significant role in dental decisions, with one in five respondents delaying or forgoing dental care due to financial constraints.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have successfully rejuvenated old human cells using stem cell technology, rewinding molecular hallmarks of aging and rendering treated cells nearly indistinguishable from their younger counterparts. The study found that exposure to specific proteins, known as Yamanaka factors, can i...
A new study from Duke and Vanderbilt University psychologists found that older people are generally more emotionally stable and better able to resist temptations in their daily lives. The researchers surveyed 123 participants aged 20-80 and found that age is a stronger predictor of the ability to resist temptation than emotional state.
A Michigan State University study found that people distinguish between massive and simple obligations, with the latter creating a 'norm of reciprocity' and strengthening relationships. Obligations that disrupt daily life or create financial burdens can harm relationships.
A Rutgers-led study found that vitamin D levels greater than 12 nanograms per milliliter are associated with a higher rate of walking at 30 and 60 days after hip fracture surgery. Vitamin D deficiency is common in elderly patients with hip fractures, often occurring together with malnutrition.