Articles tagged with Older Adults
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.
A Baycrest study found that subtle features of speech timing, such as pauses and fillers, are linked to executive function and predict cognitive decline. The research uses artificial intelligence to analyze natural speech patterns for early detection of dementia.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute found that aging accelerates pancreatic cancer progression, leading to faster tumor growth and metastasis. By understanding the impact of age on the tumor microenvironment, they developed a new approach to treating this disease in frail patients.
A study of 31 healthy older adults found that consuming 60 grams of peanuts daily for 16 weeks increased global cerebral blood flow by 3.6% and verbal memory by 5.8%. Peanut consumption also improved systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure.
A new poll found large gaps in knowledge about palliative care and hospice among older adults, with many unaware of the options despite interest expressed once explained. The poll highlights racial and demographic differences in understanding and interest, with some groups more likely to know about these types of care.
AFAR is honoring David B. Allison, PhD, Lauren Hunt, PhD, RN, FNP, and Arlan Richardson, PhD, with annual Scientific Awards of Distinction for their exceptional research in aging. Dr. Allison will discuss his work on geroscience, while Dr. Hunt will present on end-of-life care for older adults with dementia.
A new study suggests that supplementing with BCAAs alongside an exercise program may help reduce fatigue, improve strength, and ease symptoms of depression for older adults. The research found notable improvements in participants who combined a BCAA supplement with an eight-week exercise program.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University find that CD4 T cells play a critical role in reducing aging by cleaning out senescence cells. They suggest tracking people in their 30s to assess the pace of aging and developing early interventions.
Researchers validate GLIS model as a reliable predictor of sarcopenia and mortality risk in older patients with heart failure, outperforming existing tests. The model's accuracy enables early detection of physical decline and poor prognosis, informing treatment planning and discharge decisions.
A nationwide retrospective cohort study found that patients with frailty experience worse short- and long-term postoperative outcomes following non-cardiac surgeries. Frailty screening is recommended before major and minor procedures to identify high-risk patients, emphasizing the need for greater surgeon awareness.
A new study suggests reducing prescription sleep medications among older adults could provide substantial health and economic benefits. Avoiding these medications would reduce falls by 8.5% and cognitive impairment by 2.1%, increasing life expectancy by 1.3 months.
A recent study from the University of Georgia suggests that older adults who use smartphones, computers, and tablets are more socially engaged than their less tech-savvy peers. This increased social engagement is associated with better well-being and a longer, more fulfilling life.
Research on 1,000 older Japanese adults found that declining hand function significantly increases the risk of requiring long-term care. Hand function below a certain threshold was associated with an increased risk, highlighting its importance for daily activities and overall health.
A 52% increase in complicated cases of diverticulitis was found among patients under 50, with a shift towards younger demographics and more aggressive disease presentations. Treatment strategies have evolved, but the exact causes of this trend remain poorly understood.
A cohort study found that night light exposure was a significant risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases among adults over 40. Avoiding light at night may be a useful strategy for reducing the risks of cardiovascular diseases.
Rabbi Lior Nevo has received the Heart and Hands Award from LeadingAge Massachusetts for her spiritual leadership and personal counsel. Her work supporting Jack Satter House's Spectacular Seniors 2025 Calendar was also celebrated for its joyful, stereotype-shattering innovation.
A study found that first-generation antihistamines may increase delirium risk in older hospital patients. The analysis of 328,140 patients aged 65+ revealed a 41% increased odds of delirium among those prescribed higher amounts of these medications.
A new poll reveals that 19% of people age 50 and over identify as a person with a disability, while half may be entitled to protections and accommodations due to physical or mental conditions. Despite this, only 18% receive accommodations for healthcare visits.
Greater arterial stiffness is associated with poorer performance in specific areas of thinking, including episodic memory and working memory. Participants with both higher arterial stiffness and elevated NfL levels showed the strongest associations with memory difficulties.
Dr. Ana Daugherty, a cognitive neuroscientist with expertise in aging and Alzheimer's disease, joins Wayne State University's Institute of Gerontology as its new director. She will lead interdisciplinary collaboration, training for emerging scholars, and research on risk and resiliency in aging and dementia.
A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that individuals living in socially vulnerable neighborhoods showed measurable differences in brain structure and function, including a thinner outer layer of the brain and white matter changes. These findings suggest that the environment in which people live can shape th...
A recent analysis found that former inmates report worse health than non-incarcerated peers, even years after release. The study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, suggests that clinicians consider screening for incarceration history and connecting patients to supportive services.
A pilot study found that a prehabilitation program combining physical therapy, nutrition, and mindset support improved postoperative outcomes in older adults. Participants showed increased walking speeds and better physical function scores after surgery.
New traumatic brain injuries in older adults are associated with a higher risk of developing dementia. Research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that TBI is linked to an increased rate of incident dementia, even when sustained in late life, and how this risk changes over time.
A new cross-sectional study reveals significant disparities in premature mortality across the globe, highlighting unequal access to health-enhancing technologies and living standards. The research emphasizes the need for rapid and fair dissemination of technological and medical advancements to universalize health benefits.
A large-scale international study found that creative experiences slow brain aging and promote healthier brain function. Creative activities such as music, dance, and video games were linked to 'younger' brain profiles, particularly in regions vulnerable to neurodegeneration.
Approximately 5 million adults are at risk of Medicaid disenrollment due to HR 1's work requirements, with a high prevalence of chronic and function-limiting conditions. This population is particularly vulnerable to the impact of work requirements on their health outcomes.
The Singapore government has launched a nationwide initiative to help seniors age well through dance, combining movement, rhythm, and storytelling. The program, co-developed by NUS Nursing and Lions Befrienders, benefits over 280 seniors with improved physical health, cognition, and emotional well-being.
This qualitative study of home-delivered nutrition services for older adults found meaningful benefits beyond their stated purpose, supporting funding for the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program. The program achieved its intended outcomes and yielded positive results for participants.
Researchers found that feeling in control over everyday stressors can lead to a 62% increase in resolving the issue. The relationship strengthens with age, suggesting that controlling one's sense of control can be a resource for managing daily life and impact health outcomes.
A study found that 21% of Gen X women and 10% of men meet criteria for ultra-processed food addiction, with a higher prevalence in older women. The study highlights the link between ultra-processed foods and risk of chronic disease and premature death, particularly among those who perceive themselves as overweight.
New Cochrane review finds RSV vaccines protect against severe lung infections in high-risk groups. Vaccination with RSV prefusion vaccines reduces lower respiratory tract disease by 77% in older adults, while pregnant people's children benefit from reduced hospitalization risk by 54%.
A new Cochrane review finds RSV vaccines reduce the risk of infection in vulnerable groups, including older adults and infants. Vaccination also significantly reduces severe disease and hospitalization rates.
A new research network aims to detect early signs of dementia through open-source digital tools. Penn State will lead a $39 million grant to advance Alzheimer's detection and reduce the financial, interpersonal, and health impacts of Alzheimer's disease.
A new study suggests that low-dose aspirin can prevent cancer in older adults based on individual characteristics. The analysis found varying treatment effects among participants, highlighting the need for personalized approaches to cancer prevention.
A new poll finds that 38% of people over 50 have had a spouse or other adult at their health care appointment, and 34% have accompanied another person. The vast majority said having someone was helpful, with 92% reporting it made them feel comfortable sharing information and helped them follow through on instructions.
A binational study found nearly 6 in 10 US adults and 3 in 10 Japanese adults discontinued semaglutide within 12 months of treatment. Patients with established cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease had higher discontinuation rates, highlighting the need for alternative treatments.
Researchers at Hebrew SeniorLife discovered a U-shaped relationship between home ambient temperature and self-reported attention difficulty in older adults. Attention was optimal between 20°C and 24°C, with worsening difficulties outside this range.
Brazilian researchers analyzed over 60 scientific articles on microplastics and their impact on bone health. They found that the materials can impair bone marrow stem cells, accelerate cell aging, and promote inflammation, leading to potential bone weakening and fractures.
A new study from Penn State researchers found that submerging hands and forearms in room-temperature tap water can effectively cool older adults and reduce their heart rate during extreme heat. The study demonstrated a reduction in core body temperature by about half a degree Fahrenheit, which may help prevent heat-related illnesses.
A recent study by the University of Edinburgh reveals that retirement has a significant impact on mental health, with certain groups at risk of dips in wellbeing. Researchers found that people on average income who had physically demanding jobs before retirement and those on high-income who retire later are particularly vulnerable to f...
A study by the University of Eastern Finland found that older patients are receptive to using wearable smart rings for remote health monitoring. Patients appreciate the comfort and small size of the device, but also raise concerns about durability, data accuracy, and privacy.