Articles tagged with Older Adults
A study found that uninsured older adults in China are 35% less likely to receive needed inpatient care due to financial barriers. They also experience poorer health outcomes, including higher rates of perceived illness and mental distress.
A new study by the University of Geneva reveals that elderly individuals with low agreeableness are better protected against Alzheimer's disease. Brain imaging and psycho-cognitive evaluations showed that these individuals have preserved brain regions damaged in normal aging and Alzheimer's disease.
A new study found significantly higher mortality rates, hospitalization rates, and deaths after hospitalization among low-income older adults dually enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid compared to those solely enrolled in Medicare. The study suggests that health inequities persist despite efforts to improve healthcare access.
A new framework for managing chronic pain in older adults emphasizes the importance of combining pharmacologic strategies with nondrug therapies. The 'start low, go slow' approach suggests beginning with low-risk, noninvasive options that involve patients in their own care, while judiciously using higher-risk treatments as needed.
Research shows that cancer clinical trials inadequately report treatment efficacy and adverse effects specific to older adults. A new study has developed templates to address this issue, providing a framework for more accurate assessment of senior cancer patients.
A new study published in NDT found that elderly patients (older than 75 years) who received kidney transplants from similarly aged donors remained dialysis-free for the rest of their lives. The study's results suggest that transplantation is beneficial for this age group, with excellent graft survival rates.
The US Preventive Services Task Force finds no conclusive evidence to support or refute screening for cognitive impairment in older adults. Current guidelines recommend against routine screening due to the potential risks and limited benefits.
A study finds that about 42% of physicians experience moral distress when making decisions for surrogate decision-makers, leading to burnout, depression, and compromised professional integrity. Effective communication with surrogates and patients is key to diminishing physician moral distress.
A new epidemiological study found that women consuming at least two servings of walnuts per week had a greater likelihood of healthy aging compared to those who did not eat walnuts. The study, supported by the California Walnut Commission, suggests that adopting simple habits like snacking on walnuts can help slow down the effects of a...
A study analyzing national survey data found that cannabis use increased significantly among women, racial/ethnic minorities, and those with higher incomes or education levels. The proportion of adults who reported past-year marijuana use rose from 2.4% to 4.2% between 2015-2018.
A study of older adults found that many experience new disabilities after hospitalization for serious illnesses, affecting daily tasks and healthcare access. The study revealed that recovery from disability is often incomplete six months after discharge, highlighting the need for improved support systems for older adults.
Preliminary research found that regularly golfing can lower the risk of death among older adults. Golfing was associated with a significantly lower rate of death compared to non-golfers, likely due to its benefits such as stress reduction and regular exercise.
A randomized controlled trial found that T'ai Chi was feasible and acceptable for improving chronic low back pain in adults over 65. High attendance rates and perceived benefits were observed among participants, suggesting a potential treatment option for this population.
A new study found that frail older adults who undergo emergency abdominal surgery have a higher risk of complications, longer hospital stays, and increased mortality rates. They also experience more frequent hospital readmissions after discharge.
The VA's Healthy Teaching Kitchen program provides interactive nutrition education to older veterans, focusing on holistic approaches to address age-related issues. By incorporating the 5M Care Philosophy framework, the program addresses complex health needs through cooking skills, meal planning, and budgeting.
A new report by West Health Institute outlines common sense approaches to reducing America's healthcare cost crisis. The report recommends empowering Medicare to directly negotiate drug prices and accelerating the adoption of value-based care.
A new study found that Raise Your Resilience program, focusing on gratitude and positive attitude toward aging, increased resilience and wisdom among seniors. The program, delivered by non-licensed staff, reduced daily stress and improved overall well-being in senior housing communities.
Physically active older adults experience reduced risks of early death, breast and prostate cancer, fractures, and dementia. Physical activity also promotes healthier ageing trajectories, better quality of life, and improved cognitive functioning.
A two-year study examined the effect of walnut consumption on cognitive function in nearly 640 free-living elders. While healthy adults showed little change, those who had smoked more and had lower baseline scores benefited from walnut intake.
A recent study found that fewer than one-third of caregivers to older adults report being regularly asked by health care workers about needed support. Most caregivers reported positive interactions with health care workers, but the lack of regular check-ins highlights a need for improved caregiver support.
A recent study found that many Medicare patients with new episodes of low back pain receive care inconsistent with current guidelines. This includes the overuse of opioids and advanced imaging tests, which is contrary to recommendations from the American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Researchers at Wake Forest University are testing whether weighted vests can preserve bone density and quality in older adults with obesity. The study aims to provide a low-cost alternative to traditional resistance training, which has been shown to reduce muscle loss and improve bone strength.
New research finds that Americans perceive the likelihood of a nuclear weapon detonating on US soil as a coin toss, with younger generations being more apathetic about nuclear topics. Media use plays a significant role in shaping perceptions, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z.
A new model of community-based wellness called Person-centered Wellness Home (PCWH) helps patients manage chronic diseases and maintain wellness. The study found improvements in self-reported physical functioning and empowerment through personalized health records.
Researchers developed a machine learning-based method to estimate life-years lost and cost associated with air pollution exposure. The study found that the elderly population is most vulnerable, with those with chronic conditions facing over 30 times higher mortality risk than typical Medicare beneficiaries.
Research at Duke University found that older male swamp sparrows sing less frequently and consistently, leading other males to approach them closer. This suggests that a decline in song quality may indicate to other males that an aging rival is no longer a threat.
A larger hippocampus may not guarantee better memory in older adults, with a new study highlighting the significance of its white matter connectivity. The research analyzed over 330 participants and found that faster learning was only seen in those with both a larger hippocampus and uniform white matter structure.
A new study found that older Black and Asian adults report having significantly fewer close friends and local friends compared to their White peers. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to address social isolation and loneliness among ethnic minority adults.
A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that troponin testing for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in selected elderly patients with nonspecific complaints (NCSs) may not be necessary due to a low diagnostic yield. The study revealed an elevated troponin in 20% of patients but only a 1.2% ACS rate.
Researchers identified three main themes that shape people's experience of living with loneliness, including individual differences, social isolation, and lack of meaningful activities. The study suggests that effective interventions can be developed by understanding the underlying causes of loneliness in senior housing communities.
A new poll suggests that while older adults use online physician ratings, they are cautious in their approach, prioritizing factors such as wait time and doctor experience over the number of stars. Meanwhile, only a small percentage of those polled have actually posted reviews or ratings of doctors online.
This observational study found that the age-sex-adjusted proportion of US adults with diabetes was 12.1% for non-Hispanic whites, 20.4% for non-Hispanic blacks, 22.1% for Hispanics, and 19.1% for non-Hispanic Asians. Notably, Hispanic and non-Hispanic Asian subpopulations showed significant differences in undiagnosed diabetes rates.
Experts recommend developing more intuitive applications with signposting and instructions to help older adults feel comfortable navigating online banking. Self-sufficiency and technological anxiety influence behavior, making it essential to increase confidence and reduce anxiety through clear communication and usability guarantees.
A new study from Ohio State University reveals that time-of-use electricity rates increase costs for households headed by people with disabilities and the elderly, compromising their health. The research highlights the need to test and design time-of-use rates to avoid increasing hardship for vulnerable energy users.
A deep neural network model developed by Finnish researchers can predict healthcare visits among elderly people with high accuracy. The model has the potential to save millions of dollars in unnecessary funding for healthcare services.
A Penn State study found that hydration levels among women are associated with lower scores on tests measuring motor speed, sustained attention, and working memory. The researchers suggest that being 'in the sweet spot' of hydration is best for cognitive function, particularly for tasks requiring sustained attention.
Research published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that older adults with hypothyroidism are 26% more likely to die from all causes than their peers without the condition. However, this increased risk was not observed in individuals with milder forms of thyroid disease.
The Endocrine Society and Avalere Health introduced quality measures to assess healthcare providers' ability to identify and care for older adults at risk of hypoglycemia. The measures focus on outpatient treatment for adults aged 65 and older with type 2 diabetes, highlighting key risk factors and emphasizing education to prevent futu...
After just two weeks of reduced physical activity, older adults experience significant losses in muscle mass and strength, as well as gains in body fat percentage. This can lead to a reduction in cardiorespiratory fitness and mitochondrial function, which are critical for maintaining healthy muscles and metabolic health.
A recent study by University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that the presence of meaning in life is associated with better physical and mental well-being, while the search for meaning in life may be associated with worse mental well-being and cognitive functioning. The researchers also discovered an inverted U-shaped ...
Despite growing older population, studies show that loneliness levels among similar-aged adults have not increased over time, but rather above age 75, loneliness increases. Researchers suggest older adults maintain good health, social relationships to reduce loneliness.
A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that extending the HPV vaccination age to include women and men up to 45 would produce small, but significant health benefits. The study used a health economic model to evaluate the added effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of such an extension.
Geriatric conditions like frailty and cognitive impairments can worsen in cardiac intensive care units, even with excellent heart care. Early mobilization and addressing polypharmacy may improve patient outcomes.
A recent study found that resistance exercise, alone or combined with aerobic exercise, effectively reduces weight loss-induced decreases in hip bone density. The study suggests that incorporating resistance exercise into weight loss regimens can help protect against bone loss in older adults with obesity.
High-dose-rate brachytherapy offers excellent cure rates and cosmetic outcomes for elderly patients with common skin cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. The treatment delivers a precise dose of radiation directly to the tumor while sparing healthy tissue nearby.
The UTA project uses a national grant to improve transportation for older adults living in assisted-living communities across the Dallas area. The team analyzes data from various sources and conducts surveys to understand mobility needs, usage of available options, and potential barriers.
A study of over 1,000 elderly individuals reveals that statin use is not associated with memory loss or cognitive decline. In fact, statins may even slow down cognitive decline in individuals at risk of dementia.
A Michigan State University study found that older adults are more likely to use wearable activity trackers for longer periods if they offer a variety of functions, such as tracking calories burned or mood. Technological savviness and partnership-based motivation also play a crucial role in long-term adoption.
A RAND Corporation study finds that allowing people aged 50-64 to buy into Medicare would lower health care premiums for this group. However, it would drive up costs for younger Americans who buy health insurance on exchanges created under the Affordable Care Act. The estimated premium to buy into Medicare would be around $10,000 per y...
A recent NIH-funded study found that older Mexican Americans who suffer from pain are 1.7 times likelier to become frail than those without pain. Frailty can lead to poor health outcomes and is associated with factors such as age, depression, and difficulty performing daily activities.
A new study published in Blood Advances found that patients receiving multidisciplinary, holistic evaluation before undergoing transplantation have improved outcomes and survival rates. The team-based approach coordinated recommendations from various care providers and created individualized treatment plans.
A recent study found that 17% of sexual minorities experienced discrimination in the previous year, with higher rates among males and older adults. The researchers aim to raise awareness about the need for continued work to reduce discrimination and promote inclusive policies.
A study analyzing US melanoma data found a decline in adolescent and young adult cases between 2006 and 2015, while older adults experienced an increase in melanoma rates during the same period. The research used registry data to determine age-specific annual rates of melanoma.
A national decline in primary care visits was observed between 2008-2015, with a 20% reduction in visits. However, the decline was accompanied by longer, more comprehensive visits and increased use of non-face-to-face care.
A new study reveals that bariatric surgery can lead to successful weight loss and better diabetes control in older adults. After two years, the patients had lost an average of 24% of their body weight and seen a significant reduction in HbA1c levels. The study suggests that age alone should not be considered a contraindication to baria...
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that interferon-free direct-acting antivirals are effective in treating hepatitis C in older adults, with high cure rates reported despite comorbid conditions. The treatment offers similar effectiveness as it does in younger patients.
Oral health risks for older adults include increased incidence of tooth decay, gum disease, and complete loss of teeth. Practicing good oral hygiene, using fluoride treatments, and getting regular dental care can help prevent these complications.
A study of 1.1 million elderly people found that those who increased physical activity had an 11% reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, while those who became inactive saw a 27% increase in risk. The findings apply to people with disabilities and chronic conditions as well.
Research finds that quality relationships and how people feel about their friends are key to well-being, not the actual number of friends. Older adults tend to report better well-being than younger adults, despite having smaller social networks.
A study in JAMA Oncology found that geriatric assessment can personalize care and prompt better conversations between physicians, patients, and their families. The tool improved patient satisfaction and caregiver experiences among older adults with advanced cancer.