Research on health and aging in later life. Covers attention and cognition, longevity, organ aging, and age-related disease.
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.
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.