Articles tagged with Older Adults
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.
A nurse-led program has been shown to improve the care of older adults, with improved patient safety, quality of care, and reduced complications. The program addresses issues specific to this population, including falls, medications, and dementia symptom management, and helps healthcare providers become unit-based leaders.
A new poll finds that half of older Americans have taken leftover antibiotics without guidance, while one in five expect doctors to prescribe them for colds. Despite widespread awareness of antibiotic resistance, many older adults engage in risky practices, highlighting opportunities for education and improved prescribing.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that low levels of physical activity are associated with higher risks of mortality among Brazilian older adults. The research suggests that regular physical activity can help reduce deaths from heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
A study by Dr. Shizue Masuki found that Interval Walking Training (IWT) improves aerobic capacity and reduces lifestyle-related disease in elderly individuals. IWT involves walking at 70% of maximum capacity for 3 minutes, then at 40% for the next 3 minutes, repeated for 5 or more sets.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that irregular fluctuations in daily motor activity can predict increased risk of frailty, disability, and mortality in older adults. The researchers analyzed data from 1,275 participants and found that random activity fluctuations were associated with a 31% increase in frailty risk, 15-25%...
Elderly individuals with random changes in daily movement are at greater risk of frailty, disability, and death. Analyzing daily motor activity using fractal physiology may help predict wellness and health outcomes.
Research found that over 40% of older adults living with chronic conditions would be unlikely to seek mental health help even if needed. Key barriers include skepticism about benefits, lack of family/friend support, and belief in own capability limitations.
A study by Binghamton University researchers found that early retirement can lead to accelerated cognitive decline among the elderly. The Chinese New Rural Pension Scheme was linked to decreased cognitive performance, particularly in females, and reduced social engagement and mental activities.
The University of Texas at Arlington's nursing professors Kathryn Daniel and Patti Parker are honored with the Distinguished Educator in Gerontological Nursing Award. The award recognizes their efforts to train the next generation of gerontology professionals.
The collaboration aims to develop and implement protocols, resources, and specialized care areas for geriatric emergency care in rural hospitals. The project will evaluate the effectiveness of telemedicine in extending the reach of a geriatric emergency department to rural facilities.
Research from Trinity College Dublin shows that vitamin D deficiency is associated with poor skeletal muscle function in adults aged 60 years and over. Regular physical activity was found to be protective against impaired muscle strength and performance.
A clinical trial by University of Kentucky researchers found that metformin did not enhance muscle mass gains in older adults undergoing rigorous resistance exercise training. Progressive resistance training was shown to retain or build muscle mass in older adults.
Researchers are examining whether molecules in young blood could help treat age-related disorders, such as macular degeneration and Alzheimer
The study estimates that electronic cigarette use increased from 3.7% to 3.2% among adults aged 18 and older in the US between 2014 and 2018, with a significant rise among young adults aged 18-24 years
A study of over 10,000 Chinese older adults found that living in neighborhoods with higher levels of social participation was associated with lower rates of depression. This increased social connection led to more physical activity and contact with neighbors and own children.
A new study in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology shows that older individuals have the most to gain from rehabilitation programs and may benefit the most. Regular exercise improves physical capacity, anxiety, and depression in patients with cardiovascular disease, regardless of age.
Research by Trinity College Dublin's TILDA study found that Irish adults aged 50 and older are more likely to experience poor health if they get less than 7 hours of sleep per night. The study also discovered a link between moderate physical activity and normal sleep patterns.
A study of 548 older adults found that fragmented physical activity, measured by brief periods of activity and sedentary states, was associated with increased mortality risk. The researchers suggest that this may be an earlier indicator of mortality than total daily activity levels.
A new national poll suggests that older adults are hesitant to try virtual health visits due to concerns about technology and quality of care. Despite this, many (64%) would be interested in telehealth options if they became unexpectedly ill while traveling or needed follow-up on previous care.
An observational study of 3,021 adults aged 72 and older found that alcohol consumption was not significantly associated with an increased risk of dementia in those without mild cognitive impairment. However, among those with MCI, drinking more than 14 drinks per week was linked to the highest risk of dementia
Poor oral hygiene in older adults can lead to serious health issues such as cavities, periodontitis, and heart disease. Regular dental cleanings and check-ups are crucial for preventing these complications.
This observational study found that insulin treatment was used less frequently among older adults (75-79 years) in poor health compared to those in good health. The study also revealed higher discontinuation rates of insulin treatment among those in poor health, suggesting potential implications for diabetes management.