Research on health and aging in later life. Covers attention and cognition, longevity, organ aging, and age-related disease.
A study of single older adults aged 60-83 reveals they still value sexual activity in romantic relationships, with 97% emphasizing its importance. Participants sought romance and physical connection, viewing sex as essential to their partnerships.
A recent study found that nearly 6 in 10 long COVID patients have recovered, but many adults over 35 continue to experience lasting symptoms. The study's authors suggest greater investment in understanding biological mechanisms may provide insights into pathways of persistence and potential targets for intervention.
The THRIVE team is developing a PROSPR Intrinsic Capacity score to predict 20-year health outcomes, using wearable data, blood-based biomarkers, and health surveys. The score aims to enable accessible, scalable monitoring of aging and improve interventions.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center suggests that a simple blood test can accurately predict short-term survival in older adults by detecting specific piRNA molecules. Lower levels of these molecules are linked to longer survival, echoing patterns seen in simple organisms where reducing them can extend lifespan.
A new poll finds that pets contribute to healthy aging benefits for older adults, including increased sense of purpose and reduced stress. However, 31% of pet owners aged 50+ report that owning a pet strains their budget, mainly due to financial costs.
A large registry study in Finland found that 70% of antipsychotic medication use among older adults was off-label. Risperidone and quetiapine were the most commonly used medications off-label. The study highlights the need for alternative treatments and clearer guidelines for monitoring metabolic side effects.
A new study suggests that a lack of fiber in the diet may impair emotional memory in older adults, linked to cognitive problems and inflammation. The amygdala, responsible for processing fearful experiences, is sensitive to highly processed diets, regardless of fat or sugar content.
Daily exercise and protein-rich drinks showed significant health benefits for people with dementia. Participants improved physical ability and required less care time in dementia wards compared to control groups. The study suggests that improved function can affect the amount of support needed.
A new study from the University of Toronto found that binge drinking among adults aged 50 and older is associated with a significantly increased risk of death. After adjusting for health status and socioeconomic factors, individuals who never engaged in binge drinking had a 19% lower mortality risk compared to weekly binge drinkers.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that muscular strength is associated with lower mortality rates in women aged 63-99. Controlling for physical activity and other factors, researchers discovered a significant link between muscle mass and reduced mortality risk.
A new study from Trinity College Dublin shows that one in eight older people in Ireland require medical attention for falls annually, with significant gaps in prevention and access to specialist services. The study highlights the need for a coordinated national approach to address this growing issue.
A new study published in Health Economics finds that universal free prescription drug coverage reduced average out-of-pocket medication spending by 23% and catastrophic drug expenses by 62%. However, the policy also led to unintended behavioral responses, such as increased spending on unhealthy goods.
Reducing air pollution levels may help delay and mitigate physical disability in aging adults, according to a new study published in JAMA Network Open. The findings suggest that lower air pollution levels are associated with slower progression of physical function limitations and disability.
A recent poll found that 42% of people over 50 haven't gotten either flu or COVID-19 vaccines in the past six months. The leading reason for not getting vaccinated was a lack of perceived need, despite clear evidence showing vaccination reduces the risk of serious illness and death in older adults.
The conference brought together researchers, policymakers, and community leaders to discuss evidence-based strategies for ageing in place. Duke-NUS studies found that programmes aligned with older persons' routines and interests are more effective at reducing loneliness and fostering meaningful relationships.
A recent study found that low-dose aspirin use was not associated with incident cancer incidence in older adults, contrary to previous findings. However, the study revealed a significant elevation in cancer mortality risk during the randomized clinical trial period, which did not persist after the trial ended.
A Concordia University study reveals that nearly half of Montreal's elderly care facilities lack public EV charging stations within a 15-minute walk. This limits access not only for residents but also for caregivers and staff. Strategically placing new chargers in underserved areas can improve accessibility without expanding the network.
Adverse experiences throughout life increase dementia and stroke risks, with depression as a mediating factor. Implementing life-course interventions addressing psychological trauma and mental health can reduce neurovascular disease burden.
A new study finds that U.S. middle-aged adults experience higher loneliness, depressive symptoms, and poorer memory and physical strength compared to peers in Nordic Europe. This decline is largely attributed to the lack of comprehensive family policies, inadequate healthcare access, and rising income inequality.
A randomized clinical trial found that a smart speaker-based intervention significantly improved mental distress, quality of life, and diabetes self-care among older adults with type 2 diabetes. This easily implemented self-management strategy may enhance health outcomes in this population.
A comprehensive literature review by Texas A&M University researchers finds strong social networks and physical activity are deeply intertwined, reducing feelings of loneliness and improving well-being. The study suggests treating these factors as linked, with a focus on designing interventions that use connections to encourage movement.
The CDC recommends RSV vaccination for pregnant women to protect their newborns, while a monoclonal antibody injection is also available for high-risk infants. Most experts agree that RSV immunizations should be recommended for these groups due to the severity of the illness they can cause.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that many hospital screening policies for late-career physicians lack basic fairness protections. The authors recommend creating policies that balance patient safety with fair treatment of physicians, including clear standards and appeal processes.
A new study found that shingles vaccination is associated with lower inflammation, slower epigenetic aging, and overall slower biological aging in older adults. Vaccination showed benefits even four years after the initial dose.
A 12-year longitudinal study found that nearly three-quarters of older adults in Ireland have high blood pressure not optimally managed. The study highlights the urgent need to improve recognition and treatment of hypertension, which can cause serious health risks like heart disease and dementia.
A study found that older adults are prescribed potentially inappropriate central nervous system-active medications despite guidelines. Patients with cognitive impairment were more likely to receive these medications than those with normal cognition. The study highlights the need for better medication management in older adults.
A recent study by researchers at the University of California, Riverside, found that a specific brain region known as the caudate nucleus is strongly linked to physical strength in older adults. The discovery could help detect and prevent frailty before it begins.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet identified seven blood biomarkers that predict the risk and progression of multimorbidity in older adults. These biomarkers reflect biological processes such as metabolism, inflammation, and neurodegeneration.
A recent study found that back pain can predict sleep problems years later in men over 65, leading to a 12% to 25% increase in sleep issues. Men with back pain are more likely to experience poor sleep quality and daytime sleepiness.
A new study from Duke University found that even mild stress before surgery can lead to delirium, uncontrolled pain, and longer hospital stays in older adults. Over 40% of patients reported moderate to high distress levels similar to those with advanced cancer.
A national longitudinal cohort study found consistently worse mental health outcomes among middle-aged and older adults at high risk of obstructive sleep apnea. Integrated screening and intervention strategies are needed to address this association.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev identified SIRT6 as a critical upstream drug target for combating neurodegenerative pathology. By reprogramming gene expression, SIRT6 prevents the production of neurotoxic tryptophan metabolites and promotes protective neurotransmitters.
A new study found that choosing ARB drugs from the start can lead to better adherence and improved cardiovascular health. The study, which analyzed data from 340,000 patients, showed that ARB treatment resulted in fewer side effects and higher persistence rates compared to other drug classes.
A cohort study found associations between exposure to multiple fine particulate matter components and increased depression risk among US Medicare population members. The study highlights the importance of targeted regulation to protect vulnerable populations from harmful air pollution.
A new study published in Sleep Health found that the quality of a night's sleep, rather than its length, predicts how quickly older adults process information the next day. Researchers analyzed data from 261 participants aged 70 and above, who wore devices to track their sleep and completed cognitive assessments six times a day.
A new study found that a sizable minority of people with migraine with aura still receive estrogen-containing birth control pills and hormone therapy, despite treatment contraindications. The study highlights the need for updated research on stroke risks associated with these medications among people with this type of migraine.
A study analyzing Medicare claims data found that older adults who lived through Hurricane Harvey had a 3% elevated risk of dying within 1 year. Mortality risk was highest among those with chronic health conditions like Alzheimer's disease, and Black and Hispanic/Latino populations experienced higher mortality risks than other groups.
A new study found that slower reaction time and lower response accuracy in cognitive tasks are associated with higher levels of frailty. The association can be detected in late midlife among individuals aged 57 to 70 years.
A new study finds that a deep learning model can detect subtle age-related changes in the heart, lungs, and overall health using chest X-rays. The AI model, CXR-Age, showed strong associations with early signs of aging, including coronary calcium, worsening lung function, and frailty.
A large international study of 220,947 participants found that concurrent physical frailty and depression significantly increase the risk of dementia. The interaction between these two factors contributes approximately 17% to the overall risk, while individual associations were found for frailty (2.5 times higher risk) and depression (...
A case-crossover study found that air conditioning in nursing homes reduces mortality among older adults during extreme heat. The study suggests that AC provision may be crucial for preventing mortality in congregate care settings.
Research by Li-Mei Chen finds that digital tools provide measurable benefits for caregivers and persons living with dementia, improving self-efficacy, emotional well-being, and social connectedness. However, equity gaps remain due to limited access to culturally adapted and inclusive technologies.
A secondary analysis of the WISDOM trial found a substantial number of women with clinically actionable genetic variants, many not qualifying for current guidelines. This study supports broader access to genetic testing for personalized breast cancer risk assessment.
A study published in JAMA Network Open found that older adults with chronic kidney disease or cerebrovascular disease are at double the risk for developing neuroinvasive West Nile virus infection, which can lead to paralysis and death. The study identified several risk factors, including male sex, immune suppressants, and multiple scle...
A new study found that aerobic exercise can increase dopamine release and improve motor performance in middle-aged mice, suggesting a potential link to improved mobility and reduced symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The research team plans to repeat the study in genetically engineered mice models for neurodegenerative disorders.
A cohort study found that older Medicare beneficiaries with common metastatic cancers had a mean of 40 to 62 health care contact days after diagnosis. Health care contact days increased from 2008 to 2019, highlighting the need for oncology teams to discuss expected burdens when developing care goals and treatment plans.
A new study by Prof. Anat Zohar and Dr. Yochai Z. Shavit finds that older adults learn best through active learning methods, such as connecting new ideas to existing knowledge and experiences. This approach can boost memory, emotional well-being, and a sense of purpose in later life.
A new study suggests that prevention campaigns for cannabis-related vehicle crashes should target middle-aged and older adults, who are at risk of driving after using the drug. Adults over 50 who use cannabis daily or have mental health reasons are most likely to drive after using THC-containing products.
A cohort study of adults aged 45 or older with RSV infection found a significant excess risk of cardiovascular events over 1 year, comparable in magnitude to influenza infection. This highlights the importance of RSV as a potential risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and underscores the need for vaccination to mitigate this burden.
Research finds that standard road crossing intervals are too short for older adults with limited mobility, resulting in a need for slower crossings. The study analyzed walking speeds of 1,110 adults aged 65 and over and found that just 1.5% can cross the road within the typical time allowed by pedestrian signals.
Researchers found that the tenascin-C protein promotes a thriving community of functional muscle stem cells needed for efficient muscle regeneration. Aging reduces skeletal muscle regeneration due to lower levels of TnC and impaired muscle stem cell function.
Hebrew Rehabilitation Center's skilled nursing units have been recognized as high-performing by U.S. News & World Report, showcasing excellent staffing levels and medical outcomes. The center's Rehabilitative Services Units in Boston and Dedham, MA received the highest designation available.
A growing trend of antipsychotic medication prescription increases in older U.S. adults, with long-term care pharmacies being a primary source. Non-psychiatrist prescribers contribute to the trend, highlighting concerns over medication accessibility and oversight.
A new study suggests that SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists may help older adults with type 2 diabetes maintain strength, mobility, and independence. The findings indicate a potential direct benefit of these medications on frailty itself, which could change how clinicians think about medication choices for aging patients.
ConnectPlayWise offers a low-cost, in-house solution for delivering social-emotional learning (SEL) and reducing loneliness in care homes. The platform allows children aged 7–12 to connect safely with older adults through interactive mini-games, improving socio-emotional skills while fostering intergenerational understanding.
A trial from Hong Kong found that tai chi is comparable to cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in reducing symptoms of chronic insomnia. The study showed that tai chi was non-inferior to CBT at the 12-month follow-up, suggesting its potential as an alternative treatment approach for middle-aged and older adults.
A new poll suggests that more than 80% of people over 65 drive at least weekly, but less than half have made a plan for when they can no longer drive safely due to health changes. Only 6% of older drivers have discussed their driving with a healthcare provider.
Regularly eating meals alone is associated with poorer diet quality and increased risk of weight loss and frailty among community-living adults aged 65 years and over. Social connections at mealtimes can influence appetite, dietary variety, and overall wellbeing.
Researchers compared four flu vaccines and found varying cellular immune responses across different age groups. The Fluzone High-Dose vaccine outperformed others in older adults, while Flucelvax excelled in younger adults.
The Glenn Foundation for Medical Research is providing $2.25 million in grants to 26 postdoctoral investigators and junior faculty pursuing aging research. These programs offer critical support to early-career scientists, advancing the field of geroscience and potential therapies to extend human health.