Research on health and aging in later life. Covers attention and cognition, longevity, organ aging, and age-related disease.
Falls are a major cause of illness and death among older adults with impaired vision, affecting 50% who limit activity due to fear, and 1 in 4 experiencing recurrent falls. Researchers found that taking steps to prevent falls can help slow declines in well-being and independence.
A study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that video chat technology, such as Skype, significantly reduces the risk of depression among older adults. Researchers compared four online communication technologies and discovered that video chat had almost half the estimated probability of depressive symptoms.
A longitudinal study of 1,091 Scottish adults aged 70-79 found that decreased abstract reasoning ability was linked to worsening depressive symptoms over time. Lower cognitive function at each assessment was associated with subsequent increases in depressive symptoms, suggesting a potential causal relationship.
The ArtsEqual project in Finland examines how arts can meet social challenges, promoting equality and inclusivity. Research-based policy briefs have informed decision-making, leading to concrete results in local curriculum planning and regional action plans.
A majority of older adults (59%) do not want to discuss their life expectancy, with factors such as education and past experiences influencing willingness. Strategies to address this topic include assessing patient factors and offering discussions closer to the final year of life.
A national study found that older adults with unmet transportation needs, depression, or recent moves are more likely to lose their usual source of care. The study suggests clinical and social factors play a crucial role in maintaining stable relationships with clinicians.
A UCSF study found that community choir participation reduced loneliness and increased interest in life among older adults, but did not improve cognition or physical function. The program, Community of Voices, engaged adults aged 60+ cognitively, physically, and socially through weekly group choir sessions.
A study of Australian seniors reveals high rates of nonadherence and discontinuation with prescribed statins. Factors such as age, comorbidities, and type of prescribing doctor influence the likelihood of proper statin use.
A study of over 8,000 older women found that frequent back pain was associated with a 24% increased risk of death. Disability measured after back pain helped explain this association, suggesting that better management of back pain could prevent disability and improve life expectancy.
A recent study found that eating more protein can slow the loss of muscle mass and preserve daily activity abilities in older adults. The researchers examined data from the Newcastle 85+ Study and discovered that participants who ate more protein were less likely to become disabled over five years.
A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that elderly patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) can benefit from concurrent chemo-radiotherapy, similar to younger patients. The analysis showed comparable survival rates and toxicity between older and younger groups, providing robust evidence for tre...
The American Geriatrics Society defines 'healthy aging' as a broader, person-centered concept that prioritizes physical, mental, and social needs. The new definition emphasizes a lifespan approach to care, age-friendly concepts, and community engagement to promote health, safety, and independence in older adults.
A study by UCSF researchers found that user-friendly websites and easy-to-read advance directives can increase engagement in advance care planning among older adults. The PREPARE For Your Care website showed promise for empowering diverse populations, with high levels of new advance care planning documentation in medical records.
Researchers developed a new approach to measure the resilience of humans and animals using data from wearable sensors. The Dynamic Indicators of Resilience (DIORs) can detect risks of health collapse and collapse of system components, such as mood and posture, allowing for early detection and intervention.
Researchers at Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute found that older adults exhibit greater eye movements but weaker brain activity when forming memories from visual information. This breaks the usual linkage between what we see and how we remember, leading to unfamiliar objects despite repeated viewing.
A Rutgers University study reveals that older adults with 10-19 teeth are at higher risk for malnutrition. Patients with tooth loss or malnutrition experienced weight loss, dementia, and depression, highlighting the importance of dental clinics in identifying nutritional status issues.
A UCR psychologist argues that low expectations set by ADL and IADL questionnaires may contribute to cognitive decline in healthy older adults. Wu advocates expanding the range of functional independence to include new skills and adaptability, potentially leading to greater long-term independence.
A US study found that higher blood levels of omega 3 fatty acids from seafood are associated with a lower risk of unhealthy ageing, defined as survival free of major chronic diseases and without mental or physical dysfunction. Participants who consumed more seafood-derived EPA had a 24% lower risk of unhealthy ageing.
A University of Michigan study found that social media can help reduce the risk of depression in older adults with pain. The researchers used data from a nationally representative survey and discovered that social media use preserves cognitive function and psychological well-being in this population.
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.