Research on health and aging in later life. Covers attention and cognition, longevity, organ aging, and age-related disease.
Dr. Lauren Ferrante's research identifies promising markers of poor functional recovery in ICU survivors, which could help target older adults for interventions to improve function after ICU care. Her work aims to aid recovery, prevent disability, and reduce deaths following serious hospitalization.
Research highlights chronic opioid use among older adults undergoing spinal surgery for degenerative spine disease, and intensified hypertension treatment at hospital discharge poses a risk without benefits. A practical two-stage frailty assessment also predicts poor outcomes after aortic valve replacement.
Dr. Amy Kind will deliver a marquee presentation at #AGS19 on the social determinants of health, reorienting research, policy, and clinical practice to broader systemic factors. Her work focuses on improving health equity and has led to the development of the 'Neighborhood Atlas,' a neighborhood map assessing socioeconomic factors.
A new study finds that immediate cognitive effects from exercise mirror long-term ones, suggesting a strong link between physical activity and brain health. Brain changes after a single workout can predict sustained gains in cognition and functional brain connectivity over time.
The Endocrine Society's Clinical Practice Guideline recommends simplifying medication regimens and tailoring glycemic targets to improve compliance and prevent complications in older adults with diabetes. The guideline prioritizes blood glucose targets over hemoglobin A1c tests, aiming to reduce cardiovascular disease outcomes.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that enlarged perivascular spaces are associated with compromised cognitive skills in older adults. This challenges the long-held belief that these areas are harmless imaging markers.
A study by the University of Vermont found that free community-based screenings significantly influenced older adults to adopt fall risk reduction strategies. Physical therapists played a crucial role in assessing participants' risk levels and providing tailored recommendations.
A study found that medical marijuana laws lead to a decline in reported pain and an improvement in overall health assessments among respondents with qualifying health conditions. The study also shows that these laws increase full-time work hours, suggesting improved labor supply among older adults.
A robot-guided video game has been developed to get older adults learning and working together, staving off dementia. The game's goal is to encourage physical movement and social interaction, addressing isolation a key contributor to dementia progression.
A study by Prof. Amit Shrira found that Holocaust survivors with PTSD and their offspring negatively perceive aging, viewing themselves as less successful than those without PTSD or exposure to the Holocaust. This transmission of negative views can lead to greater risk for physical deterioration among survivors and their families.
The percentage of young Americans experiencing mental health disorders rose significantly between 2005 and 2017, but remained stable for older adults. The study suggests that increased digital media use may be contributing to the trend, particularly among teens and young adults.
A new study found that increased tobacco taxes and smoke-free policies in European countries were significantly related to a reduction in smoking among older adults. The association was particularly strong among those between 50 and 65 years old and those with lower levels of education.
The American Geriatrics Society has identified five key principles to support the best care for older adults with multiple chronic conditions, including involving personal preferences and weighing benefits versus harms. The society also released a set of action steps to help healthcare providers make informed treatment choices.
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that physical activity can significantly reduce mortality risk in older adults with cognitive frailty. The research, which followed 3,677 participants for 14 years, revealed that being physically active lowered the risk by 36% compared to inactive individuals.
Emergency department visits by people aged 65 and older with opioid misuse more than tripled between 2006 and 2014. Opioid misuse is associated with chronic conditions, increased injury risk, and higher rates of alcohol dependence and mental health diagnoses.
This observational study estimated the number of patients 65 years or older with fractures associated with walking leashed dogs. The findings show a significant increase in injuries, with most occurring in women and hip fractures being the most common.
A recent study reveals significant disparities in osteoporosis treatment among elderly Americans, with men and blacks being undertreated compared to women and whites. The findings highlight the need for improved osteoporosis management strategies that address these disparities.
Poorer cognitive function in older adults is associated with poorer oral health and a higher risk of tooth loss. A study of 4,416 UK adults found that those with lower cognitive function scores had a 39% higher odds of tooth loss compared to those with higher scores.
A study by North Carolina State University found that older adults are more willing to engage with negative health information when they have a positive attitude towards their health. Participants who completed a checklist designed to make them feel good about their lifestyle choices read more than 50% of the negative articles, compare...
A 3-year research project in Germany and the Netherlands reveals that migrant care workers are increasingly employed by families to provide round-the-clock care. Despite low wages and long work hours, many family members value their chemistry with immigrant caregivers.
A new national poll reveals that one in four older adults experience feelings of loneliness, with those aged 50-80 who have health issues being most affected. Poor physical and mental health, hearing loss, and unhealthy habits are associated with a lack of companionship and feeling isolated.
Researchers found that early antibiotic treatment for elderly patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) reduces the risk of sepsis and death compared to delayed or no treatment. The study suggests that immediate antibiotics should be prescribed for elderly patients with UTIs, especially older men and those living in deprived areas.
Researchers found that delaying or withholding antibiotics for older adults with urinary tract infections increases the risk of bloodstream infections and death. Immediate antibiotic treatment is recommended for this vulnerable group due to their increased susceptibility to sepsis following UTI.
Researchers found that older adults with diverse social connections were more physically active and had greater emotional well-being. They engaged in a variety of activities, such as leaving the house and talking to others, and reported fewer negative feelings.
The elderly are more susceptible to the flu due to a lack of antibody diversity, which reduces their ability to adapt to new viral strains. Antibodies from elderly individuals target only conserved proteins and structures, making it harder for them to protect against evolving viral strains.
The article highlights the need for a practical approach to defining the elderly population and provides an evidence-based review of diagnostic and therapeutic implications of advanced age in ischemic heart disease. This knowledge gap affects risk-benefit ratios of pharmacotherapies and percutaneous coronary interventions.
Experts developed a standardized framework to document physical findings on older patients, which includes diagrams and a questionnaire. The Geriatric Injury Documentation Tool aims to improve documentation of geriatric injuries and ultimately result in better medical care for older adults.
A high-protein, low-calorie diet has been shown to help older adults with obesity lose more weight while maintaining muscle mass and improving bone quality. Participants lost about 18 pounds, mostly fat, without losing bone density.
A new study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with better brain function in older men. The research team discovered that higher fitness levels were linked to improved cognitive skills, including executive function and focus.
A randomized-controlled clinical trial found that Montmorency tart cherry juice helped lower systolic blood pressure and LDL cholesterol in older adults by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers. The participants also showed increased DNA repair activity, suggesting potential health benefits for heart health.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has introduced a new policy that eliminates arbitrary age limits in research, promoting inclusivity across the lifespan. This change aims to improve care for older adults by reducing exclusions and enhancing data analysis.
Nearly half of adults aged 65 and older have two or more symptoms like pain, fatigue & depression, increasing the risk of negative health outcomes. Researchers urge improved training among healthcare workers to address symptom burden in older adults.
A new study found that fractures in older adults have lasting impacts on health-related quality of life. Women with hip or spine fractures experienced significant declines in mobility and self-care, with some never recovering to pre-fracture levels.
A new Harvard University study reveals that reducing spending on cardiovascular disease has slowed healthcare cost growth among the elderly population. The research found that investments in preventative care can produce significant savings, with nearly half of the reduction attributed to cardiovascular health.
The AGS Beers Criteria update includes 30 individual medications or medication classes to avoid for most older people and 40 medications or medication classes to use with caution. The new list aims to guide health professionals and caregivers away from potentially harmful treatments while helping assess quality of care
Researchers found that sleep, mood, and stress impact older adults' perceived competence and locus of control. Positive emotions and good sleep efficacy improve control beliefs, while negative affects and stressful events decrease them.
A study of elderly residents in Olmsted County, Minnesota found nearly one-quarter were overprescribed antidepressant medications. Patients with multiple comorbidities and high clinical complexity were at highest risk.
The Robot Activity Support System (RAS) uses sensors in a WSU smart home to detect elderly residents' needs and provide assistance with daily activities. RAS can navigate, offer video instructions and lead owners to objects needed.
Researchers found that non-elective hospitalizations accelerate cognitive decline in older adults by 50% compared to pre-hospital rates. Elective hospitalizations did not have the same effect. The study involved 777 older adults and suggested that emergency hospitalizations carry a higher risk of long-term cognitive decline.
Research found that 75% of older adults had at least one symptom, with nearly half having two or more. Symptoms increased with age, education level, and chronic conditions, leading to weaker grip strength, slower walking, and increased falls and hospitalizations risk.
A new study published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery found that elderly individuals with age-related hearing loss had more symptoms of depression. The study analyzed data from 5,239 Hispanic participants and found a significant association between hearing loss and depressive symptoms.
A recent NUS study reveals that older adults make similar financial decisions for themselves and others, while younger adults take more risks when making decisions for others. This suggests that older adults care more about strangers' welfare in financial decision-making.
A study of 393 patients found that limited alcohol consumption was associated with increased survival, with an average additional year of life at 383 days compared to abstinence. However, the optimal levels of alcohol consumption for adults with heart failure remain unknown.
A meta-analysis of 32 randomized controlled trials found that mind-body exercises enhance cognitive flexibility, working memory, and verbal fluency in older adults. The study suggests that these exercises can improve learning and overall mental health, offering a promising approach to supporting cognitive function as we age.
A new study by the University of Warwick identifies constraints on older adults' ability to adapt to heatwaves or cold snaps due to financial issues and social isolation. The research recommends implementing policies to improve individuals' health status, strengthen knowledge of extreme temperatures, and enhance social networks.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals six high-quality instruments to measure delirium severity, enabling accurate assessment and improving clinical care. The findings have the potential to stratify risk, target treatment, and monitor outcomes for persons with delirium.
A study published in Sexual Medicine found that sexual activity improves wellbeing in older adults, with both sexes experiencing benefits. For older women, activities like kissing and fondling are more closely linked to enjoyment of life, while intercourse is more important for men.
A study found that residents with a view of the water from their home reported better health, while those who regularly visit such environments had higher wellbeing and lower depression risk. The research suggests Hong Kong's blue spaces could be an important public health resource.
A new study found that daily hazelnut consumption improved biomarkers of vitamin E status and magnesium levels in older adults. The research suggests a potential link between hazelnut consumption and reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer.
A new study finds that 9m elderly men and 14m elderly women in India suffer from disabilities, with diabetes having the highest correlation to disability. The researchers suggest that acting in a timely way to address chronic morbidity can help minimize the burden of disability.
Researchers explore deprescribing as a solution to polypharmacy, highlighting factors contributing to its prevalence in older adults. The study identifies complex healthcare delivery issues, co-morbidities, and marginalization of patients as key contributors.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo found that drawing enhances memory retention in older adults more than traditional study methods. Drawing's unique combination of visual, spatial, verbal, semantic, and motoric representations led to better recall in both young people and senior citizens.
A study by Oregon State University found that consuming hazelnuts daily for 16 weeks improved magnesium levels and reduced low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in older adults. Urinary levels of a vitamin E breakdown product also increased, indicating an improvement in overall nutritional status.
A new study from Trinity College Dublin found that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a substantial increase in depression risk among older Irish adults. The study followed participants over four years and found a 75% higher risk of developing depression, even after controlling for other factors.
A modelling study suggests that statins may be significantly overprescribed for people with a 10-year cardiovascular disease risk between 7.5% and 10%. The study found that the benefits of statin therapy did not outweigh the harms until the 10-year CVD risk threshold was above 21% for men aged 70-75, highlighting the need to reassess g...
A population-based study found significant association between nighttime artificial, outdoor light exposure and increased prevalence of hypnotic prescriptions among older adults. The study suggests that higher levels of artificial light at night may lead to longer periods of hypnotic drug use in this demographic.
A comprehensive study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that older adults prefer exercising outdoors, especially walking, and engaging with others. The study also identified characteristics such as memory loss and low education level that increase the likelihood of dropout from a training program.
A four-year study will assess the effects of a specially-adapted yoga programme on quality of life and mental health in adults aged 65+, with participants randomly assigned to receive usual care or the yoga programme. The study aims to determine clinical and cost-effectiveness of yoga for this patient group.
A new study found that only 21% of health surrogates actually know what an older adult would want in the event of a serious illness, despite 75% feeling confident in their knowledge. The researchers emphasize the need for improved advance care planning and communication between patients and their health surrogates.
A six-week mindfulness-meditation training program significantly reduced subjective distress and life dissatisfaction in mildly stressed adults. The effects were mediated by a reduction in perceived stress, supporting the theory that mindfulness facilitates acceptance of internal reactions to stressors.