Articles tagged with Older Adults
A study of 17,608 US adults aged 50+ found that past-year misuse of prescription opioids or benzodiazepines was associated with increased odds of suicidal ideation. Misuse of both medication classes was linked to a significantly higher risk of suicidal thoughts.
The report examines how bioethics can better reflect the needs of an aging society. Key findings include the impact of economic insecurity on older adults, inadequate housing solutions, and socioeconomic disparities affecting communities.
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh has identified arterial stiffness as a key risk factor for dementia in older adults. The researchers found that individuals with high arterial stiffness readings were 60% more likely to develop dementia over a 15-year period.
A nationwide Finnish study found that brain cancer survival has improved overall, with younger patients experiencing significant gains in median survival time. However, elderly patients saw minimal improvement, highlighting the need for more effective treatment strategies for this growing patient population.
Researchers at Loma Linda University Health found that daily walnut consumption has no negative impact on body weight in healthy elderly subjects. The study, published in the journal Nutrients, suggests that walnuts can be a beneficial addition to an older adult's diet without causing weight gain or related health issues.
Older adults who self-harm are at higher risk of dying from unnatural causes, including suicide. A large observational study found that nearly 90% were not referred for specialist mental health assessment after visiting their GP.
A recent study found that open heart surgery can cause some cognitive decline in the first month after surgery, but cognitive health largely returns to normal within six months. Aortic valve surgery may be associated with more early cognitive problems than mitral valve surgery due to the older age of patients.
A Rutgers University study found that elderly housing with supportive social services can significantly reduce hospital admissions and length of stay. The program provided by a nonprofit in Queens, New York, showed lower discharge rates and reduced hospital stays for Medicare beneficiaries.
The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) has successfully secured recognition and reimbursement for several key geriatrics services, including Transitional Care Management and comprehensive assessment and care planning for cognitive impairments. The society's efforts involved working with groups like the CPT Editorial Panel and the RUC to...
Researchers developed a patient priorities care approach to help older adults identify their health goals and preferences. The method involves structured conversations with facilitators who document the information in an electronic health record, enabling clinicians to align care with patients' priorities.
Experts at the American Geriatrics Society unveiled a list of recommendations to prioritize mobility care as people age. The new white paper focuses on assessing mobility for hospitalized older adults and offers ways to promote high-quality, person-centered care by proactively addressing mobility loss.
A study of 768 E. coli isolates from elderly patients with urinary tract infections found a high prevalence of resistance to β-lactams and other antimicrobials. Independent risk factors for multi-resistant E. coli included diabetes, recurrent infections, hospitalization, and exposure to β-lactams.
The Gerontological Society of America has selected 20 reporters to produce in-depth aging-focused stories, covering topics such as retirement security and immigration policies. The fellows will have access to expert attendees and researchers at the GSA's annual scientific meeting.
A new study published in The Gerontologist found that older adults with a 'fall plan of care' are less likely to suffer fall-related hospitalizations. This initiative, which includes screening for fall risk, assessing modifiable risk factors, and prescribing evidence-based interventions, was shown to reduce hospitalizations by 0.6 times.
A study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal found that where people live before hospitalization affects their risk of readmission. Discharged to home care were most likely to be readmitted, while those discharged to long-term care were least likely.
Researchers analyzed data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project to study the relationship between sexual behavior, function, and cognition. The study found that nearly half of men with dementia were sexually active, as well as 18% of women.
A new $3 million NIA-funded study is examining the impact of early dementia screening on caregivers of older adults. Researchers aim to determine whether screening prepares family members for a caregiving role or depresses them, and if providing state-of-the-science diagnostic care and management can reduce caregiver burden.
A recent study found that 55.0% of individuals aged 50+, 62.9% with moderate depression, and 67.8% with severe depression had arthritis. The study highlights the importance of treating arthritis-related pain in older adults with depressive symptoms.
A color-coded map reveals diverse age distributions across Europe, with some countries having high concentrations of elderly people and others with young populations. The map highlights factors influencing demographic changes, including immigration and urbanization.
Elderly patients with gastric cancer undergoing elective laparoscopic gastrectomy are at high risk of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). This study found that preoperative serum albumin levels were strongly associated with PPCs, suggesting that monitoring albumin can help identify patients at risk. The study's findings suppo...
The American Geriatrics Society unveiled a suite of online tools to aid surgeons in caring for older adults, with nine interactive clinical scenarios exploring unique challenges and opportunities in surgical care. The tools aim to improve care for the growing population of older adults undergoing surgery.
A large international study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that daily low-dose aspirin has no effect on healthy independent living in older adults. The study enrolled over 19,000 participants and followed them for an average of 4.7 years.
A new system using computer avatars detects dementia with high accuracy by analyzing speech and language patterns of elderly individuals. The technology has the potential to encourage early diagnosis through daily conversations with avatars.
A new study reveals that older adults fitted with cochlear implants exhibit poorer cognitive function than normal-hearing counterparts. Rehabilitation should be adjusted to the cognitive profile of cochlear implant patients, and further studies are needed to determine the impact of implants on cognition and decline.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that one in four older adults prescribed benzodiazepines continue to use them long-term. The research highlights the need for better education and critical thinking among healthcare providers to reduce the risk of long-term use, particularly among low-income older adults.
A randomized clinical trial found that a Tai Ji Qan balance training program was more effective than other exercise programs in reducing falls among older adults at high risk. The study included 670 participants and lasted six months, with results suggesting improved fall prevention through the specific focus on balance training.
A study by NYU School of Medicine and the Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research found that marijuana use is becoming more prevalent among middle-aged and older adults, with 9% of adults aged 50-64 and nearly 3% of adults 65+ reporting use in the past year. This trend suggests a significant increase in marijuana use over the past dec...
A new study published in Frontiers finds that short chromosome tips (telomeres) are an independent risk factor for age-related functional decline. Participants with the shortest telomeres were more likely to have reduced physical function, regardless of geographical location, age, sex, or weight.
A new poll suggests that primary care providers could play a crucial role in promoting vision care for adults age 50 and older. The poll found that nearly a quarter of respondents said they hadn't had their eyes checked by an eye doctor in three years or more, citing cost and lack of insurance coverage as major barriers.
A new study found that walking more can significantly lower the risk of heart failure in older women, particularly those with reduced ejection fraction. Increased physical activity was associated with a 9-10% risk reduction for heart failure and its subtypes.
Malnutrition affects more elderly people who are unmarried, separated or divorced. Marriage or being widowed tends to prevent malnutrition. Factors such as difficulties walking, coping with stairs, and hospital stays also contribute to the risk.
Research found that even moderate weight loss (20+ pounds) over 20 years increases risk of death by 74%, while greater weight variability is associated with poor physical function. Long-term weight loss may be a marker for increased health decline in older women.
A study of older adults with multiple chronic health conditions and their caregivers revealed key findings about supportive and conflicted caregiver-care recipient relationships. Supportive behaviors included agreement on caregiving levels, mutual understanding, and collaborative decision-making. Conflicts arose from disagreements over...
A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that a traditional Mediterranean diet can reduce all-cause mortality by 25% in people over 65 years old. The diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, pulses, olive oil, and cereals, also lowers cardiovascular and cerebrovascular mortality risk.
A large study found that care coordination strategies significantly reduce symptoms of depression and improve health in seniors with multiple chronic diseases. The review included 25 studies and 12,579 older adults, highlighting the potential benefits of managing co-existing chronic illnesses in a coordinated manner.
Research presented at ESC Congress 2018 found that impaired mental status is associated with a doubled risk of death one year after a heart attack in elderly patients. Cognitive impairment was detected in 29% of patients and was linked to higher risks of bleeding complications, rehospitalisation, and death.
A new study found that physical therapy services in the emergency department after a fall can significantly lower repeat visits to the ED for falls. The researchers linked PT services to a reduced risk of future falls, suggesting that EDs could play a crucial role in reducing fall-related ED revisits.
A recent study found that antipsychotic medications are not proven to be effective for treating delirium in older adults after heart surgery, and may even cause heart rhythm problems and other dangerous side effects. The study suggests that the use of these medications is excessive and warrants more appropriate prescribing practices.
A nine-month resistance training intervention improved exercise motivation and planning in older adults, with nearly half continuing independently. Participants who increased intrinsic motivation and confidence maintained twice-a-week training
A large population-based study identified variations in the tongue microbiota among community-dwelling elderly adults in Japan, showing an association with tooth conditions. The study found that a specific group of commensal bacteria were more predominant in those with fewer teeth and dental caries.
Increasing control and physical activity may be the secret to staying young for older adults. Research suggests that a younger subjective age is associated with better memory performance, health, and longevity. A study found that participants who reported feeling more in control on days with higher step counts felt younger.
A study found that resistance training may help minimize bone loss associated with active weight loss in older adults. However, the results suggest that additional intervention strategies are needed to maximize skeletal benefit and preserve overall bone health.
A study by Penn State researchers identified 13 types of problems with screening questions for Alzheimer's disease, including vagueness and emotional triggers. The findings suggest that clinicians can improve their understanding of patients' unique experiences by asking better questions.
Researchers have developed an innovative app, SageServe, to connect older adults with online-based volunteer opportunities, reducing social isolation. The app aims to enhance health and well-being by strengthening existing social roles and developing new ones, catering to those with physical disabilities or cognitive impairments.
A UC Riverside-led study found that adults' willingness to get HIV tested is influenced by factors such as stigma, education, provider recommendations, risk perceptions, and cost. The study also highlighted the need for targeted interventions to reach older adults and Hispanics, who are disproportionately affected by HIV in the US.
A new study by University of Iowa researchers reveals that older adults are less likely to recognize when they've made a mistake. Despite performing tasks similarly to younger adults, older participants acknowledged errors less often and were more adamant about not having made a mistake. This impaired ability has significant consequenc...
A new study of over 5,000 older Irish adults found a strong association between belly fat and reduced cognitive function. The study suggests that reducing obesity could offer a cost-effective public health strategy for preventing cognitive decline.
A recent study found that just two weeks of inactivity can hasten the onset of Type 2 diabetes and elevate blood sugar levels among pre-diabetic patients. The study's findings suggest that seniors who experience periods of physical inactivity are more likely to suffer harmful consequences to their overall health.
Researchers propose 'Event Memory Retrieval and Comparison Theory' that explains how people update memory representations to facilitate processing of changes in everyday actions. The study found older adults had difficulty tracking changes, which accounted for their lower memory performance.
Researchers found that increasing blood sugar levels improves memory and mood in older adults, making them more motivated to perform difficult tasks. This study suggests that short-term energy availability may be an important factor in older adults' motivation, leading to better cognitive engagement and confidence.
A Rutgers study explores the wellbeing of aging Asian-Americans, finding that social activity, family connections, and cultural values are essential to improving health and lowering depression. The research challenges the 'model minority myth' and highlights the need for culturally sensitive healthcare approaches.
The new GSA resource provides practical advice for gerontological professionals to support safe use of OTC analgesics in older adults. Key findings highlight the importance of evaluating pain thoroughly and developing a care plan, with consideration of nonprescription treatment options.
A study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found that a wearable device can accurately predict the risk of falls in older adults. The device uses motion sensors to measure walking patterns and combines this data with an individual's fall history to determine future risk. This prediction could enable preventative measures...
A 10-year follow-up of 6,500 people found that those living in greener neighborhoods experienced a slower rate of cognitive decline compared to those living in less green areas. The study suggests that exposure to urban environmental hazards can have negative effects on mental capacity after aging.
A combination treatment has safely enhanced the ability of the immune system to fight infections in the elderly, reducing their incidence by a year. The treatment, which inhibits TORC1 protein complex, showed improved immune response towards seasonal influenza vaccine, paving the way for therapies targeting infectious diseases.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist will investigate lifestyle interventions on cognitive resilience in older adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity. The four-year study aims to confirm earlier findings that intensive lifestyle intervention may decrease cognitive impairment, but paradoxically increase it in those with severe obesity.
A new study found that doctors' predictions of medication-related harm (MRH) in older adults are not reliable. Despite clinical experience and confidence influencing accuracy, predictions were no more accurate than chance. New approaches to identify high-risk individuals are needed to mitigate serious consequences.
A new approach called prehabilitation, combining exercise training, education, and social support, may reduce postoperative complications and hospital length of stay in vulnerable older adults. Two Canadian randomized controlled trials are underway to evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention.
A new study by researchers from Trinity College Dublin has found that a substantial number of adults over 50 are deficient in vitamin B12 and folate. The prevalence of low or deficient folate status increases with age, and is more common among smokers, the obese, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
A national study reveals significant gaps in hearing aid use among Americans over 55, with non-Hispanic whites, college-educated individuals, and those with higher incomes more likely to have a hearing aid. The cost of hearing aids is a major barrier, but having VA insurance coverage levels the playing field.