Articles tagged with Older Adults
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that psychological interventions using cognitive behavioral approaches can reduce chronic pain intensity and improve self-efficacy in older adults. However, the study's limitations highlight the need for further research to develop more effective treatments.
Researchers developed a robotic system that plays Tic Tac Toe with rehabilitation patients to improve their real-life task performance. The study found that patients preferred interacting with the robot over computer-controlled LED lights, and the robot's movement influenced human movement, indicating its potential in rehabilitation.
A new poll finds that older adults are generally satisfied with their sex lives, but health-related issues, lack of communication, and age-related changes can affect intimacy. Nearly two-thirds of older adults are interested in sex, and 73% say they're satisfied with their current sex life.
A study by Penn State researchers found that older adults who used Facebook to share personal stories felt a higher sense of community, while customizing their profiles made them feel more in control. Commenting on posts also provided a sense of social interaction.
Research found that higher aerobic fitness levels are directly related to lower incidence of 'tip-of-the-tongue' states, a common language failure in older adults. Regular exercise was shown to improve language skills and reduce negative consequences for older adults.
At 43% vaccine coverage, a low-efficacy vaccine (20% effective) could avert over 20 million infections, 61,000 deaths, and 2.2 million lost DALYs in the US. The optimal strategy involves targeting elderly populations as efficacy decreases.
Aging nerves are damaged by immune cells that drive degeneration, but a new treatment blocks these cells, restoring nerve structure and muscle strength. Treatment with a cytokine receptor inhibitor reduced macrophage numbers and improved grip force in aging mice.
Older adults are more likely to adhere to a group exercise program when they work out with people their own age. A recent University of British Columbia study found that participants in age-targeted groups attended an average of 9.5 more classes than those in mixed-age groups.
A study of nearly 6,000 Americans found that mid-life chronic inflammation may be linked to an increased risk of frailty and overall poorer health decades later. Having high levels of inflammation in middle age was associated with a 39% higher odds of frailty approximately 24 years later.
A study found that media coverage on cancer rarely addresses the importance of age as a risk factor, resulting in under-representation of older adults. This can lead to a lack of awareness, delayed detection, and poorer outcomes for this population.
A global meta-analysis found that engaging in physical activity decreases the chance of developing depression in people of all ages and geographical regions. The study pooled data from over 250,000 individuals and found consistent evidence that higher levels of physical activity are protective against future depression.
Research suggests that mental fatigue, rather than physical fatigue, has a significant impact on older adults' walking ability. Volunteers performed physically and mentally tiring tasks, with their gait speed and stride length decreasing significantly in those who reported more cognitive fatigue.
A new review concludes that stem cells derived from adult body tissues can differentiate into mature body cells with similar efficiency to those from younger donors. This validates induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as a viable alternative to embryonic stem cells in regenerative medicine.
A new study found that caregivers can use six proven tools to detect delirium on their own, taking just several minutes or less to complete. This enables caregivers to identify symptoms more easily than healthcare professionals and notify them sooner, potentially leading to earlier diagnoses and improved outcomes.
Recent opioid use is associated with an increased risk of falls in older adults and a higher risk of death during hospital stays. Researchers found that patients who had filled an opioid prescription before injury were 2.4 times more likely to have fallen, resulting in injury and higher mortality rates.
A study of a majority-black cohort found no clear upward trend in cognitive abilities among older adults, contradicting previous observations. Cognitive performance differed significantly by race and function, with black participants scoring lower than their white counterparts.
Researchers found that hydrated older adults showed noticeable improvement in executive function after exercising, while dehydrated individuals also improved but to a lesser extent. The study highlights the importance of hydration for cognitive health benefits in exercise
A study found that elderly patients with locally advanced lung cancer who received simultaneous radiotherapy and chemotherapy had worse survival rates compared to younger patients. In contrast, those treated with sequential chemo-radiotherapy or radiotherapy alone had similar survival rates.
Medical marijuana shows promise in managing pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in older adults. However, its use requires a thorough assessment of side effects to ensure lower doses have a greater impact.
The USPSTF recommends exercise, such as supervised classes and physical therapy, for adults 65+ at increased risk of falling. This intervention can help prevent falls-related injuries and deaths among older adults.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) with higher quality ratings had significantly lower risks for placement in long-term care facilities. The researchers used data from over 500,000 people aged 65 and older to examine the role of SNF quality in...
The USPSTF recommends against daily supplementation with vitamin D and calcium to prevent fractures in men and premenopausal women. However, they suggest these supplements may be beneficial for postmenopausal women, as current scientific evidence is insufficient for the general population.
Having multiple chronic illnesses plus functional limitations increases the risk of death among older adults with heart failure. The study found that those who had other chronic conditions or problems performing daily activities had a similar risk for hospitalization or emergency room visits.
New research shows that regular muscle stretching can improve blood flow to muscles of the lower leg in elderly people with reduced mobility. This non-invasive exercise technique may help alleviate lower leg problems, such as pain or weakness, and increase walking function in individuals with peripheral artery disease.
A three-month project by Queensland Ballet and QUT found participants experienced higher energy levels, greater flexibility, improved posture, and enhanced sense of achievement. Ballet participation was also linked to a general feeling of wellbeing and social connections.
A sudden loss of wealth was associated with an increased risk of death among US adults. The study found that losing 75% or more of total net worth over a two-year period left fewer resources for healthcare expenses and had long-lasting health consequences.
Dr. Callahan is recognized for his decades-long efforts in developing new models of care for older adults, focusing on late-life depression and dementia. He will deliver the keynote lecture at the Society of General Internal Medicine's annual meeting.
A recent Baycrest study found that memory training programs are only effective when tailored to an individual's specific memory difficulty, such as remembering faces or voices. Training focused on recollection improved older adults' abilities to mentally time travel and re-experience past events.
A study found that six percent of visits to physicians involve high-risk anticholinergic medications, commonly used for depression and gastrointestinal disorders. The prevalence varies by physician specialty and patient demographics, with women and those from the South being more likely to receive these prescriptions.
Dr. J. Eugene Lammers, MD, MPH, FACP, AGSF, is the 2018 Clinician of the Year for his innovative approaches to care and commitment to empowering healthcare teams. He has worked with interdisciplinary teams across the U.S., prioritizing person-centered care for older adults.
Dr. Heather E. Whitson, a leading geriatrics researcher and clinician, will deliver a plenary presentation at the #AGS18 Annual Scientific Meeting. Her work focuses on improving care delivery systems to serve older adults with complex health needs.
The American Geriatrics Society recognizes Drs John Burton and George Drach for their long-standing commitment to improving geriatric care and education. Through their work, they have helped develop educational programs and researcher career development awards, promoting geriatric expertise across specialties.
A pilot study found that an educational brochure and support from healthcare personnel helped 64% of hospitalized older adults stop taking sedatives. Participants reported no significant change in sleep problems after stopping sedatives, highlighting the potential benefits of reducing polypharmacy.
Research identifies poor attention and decision-making skills as linked to walking slowly and experiencing falls in older adults with dementia. Certain brain training methods may help improve mobility and prevent falls by addressing cognitive function issues.
Researchers found that older adults are more likely to rely on gist memory, leading to difficulty distinguishing between real and false memories. This can result in false memories being confused with actual events.
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends behavioral counseling for individuals with fair skin types between 6 months and 24 years old to reduce skin cancer risk. Counseling is also advised for adults over 24 with fair skin, although the benefit is considered small.
The American Geriatrics Society's AGS18 conference will feature more than 100 events and research updates, including the launch of a new comprehensive fracture care curriculum. Researchers will discuss controversies in hypertension management, the benefits of annual wellness visits, and innovative models for dementia care. Top clinicia...
A new study finds that treating elderly patients with levothyroxine may increase their risk of death, particularly those with subclinical hypothyroidism. The research suggests that physicians should carefully consider the risks before prescribing levothyroxine to individuals over 65 with thyroid function imbalances.
A study found that 4.9% of Medicare beneficiaries lack a personal physician, scoring lower on measures of healthcare quality and experiencing poorer mental health. Encouraging regular doctors for these patients may improve continuity and care.
Baycrest researchers discovered a new method to improve older adults' name recall by tapping into their brain's natural ability to process distractions. This approach harnesses the idea that older adults can use distraction to aid learning and could lead to an accessible memory training tool.
Researchers at DZNE found unstable activity in a key spatial navigation area of older adults' brains, leading to navigational difficulties. This may open up new ways for detecting Alzheimer's disease and designing therapies against age-related cognitive decline.
A new model forecasts that nearly 25% of elderly Japanese women will be impoverished, while only about 10% of men will face the same issue. The current pension system is expected to fail these women due to unfavorable benefits and higher risk of living in single-person households.
A new collection of articles highlights the growing concern of social isolation among older adults, which can lead to devastating health consequences. Research-backed initiatives aim to decrease isolation through initiatives such as free Lyft rides and interactive devices.
A new study reveals that older adults' resistance to digital technologies stems from personal values, societal concerns, and fears. The study suggests that designers of online services must offer better safety nets and reassurance to attract older users. Social isolation and a desire for face-to-face interaction also contribute to this...
A study by Kellogg Eye Center links smaller social connections to reduced likelihoods of cataract surgery in older adults. Adults with few family members had 40% lower odds of receiving the procedure compared to those with three or more family ties.
A study found that food insecurity occurs in 9.2% of older adults, with higher rates among women, people without a spouse, and those with certain health conditions. The researchers highlight the need for combined methods to identify food insecurity and connect older adults with community-based resources.
A study by University of California, Irvine researchers found that high-resolution brain imaging can identify the underlying causes of differences in memory proficiency between older and younger adults. The study revealed that object memory is more vulnerable to age-related decline than spatial memory.
Researchers found that family support is a key influencer of care preferences in older adults with advanced illnesses, but also discovered that individuals often lack a clear understanding of their own preferences. The study emphasizes the importance of considering these factors when providing person-centered care.
Falls among older adults are a significant contributor to healthcare costs, with nonfatal falls resulting in $28.9 billion Medicare payments and fatal falls costing $754 million. Preventive strategies can help reduce these costs and improve health outcomes.
Researchers used high-resolution functional brain imaging to study memory performance in younger and older adults. The study found that object memory is more vulnerable to age-related decline than spatial memory, with a specific region of the brain linked to this deficit.
A study published in Health Affairs found that male recipients of Colombia Mayor, a noncontributory pension program, had improved health outcomes. They reported 5.6% less bad health and a 5.4% reduced likelihood of hospitalization. The program provides eligible low-income elderly Colombians with a small monthly cash transfer of $16-34.
A review of 118 peer-reviewed studies on fall detection devices found gaps in testing, user acceptance, and caregiver input. The technology is not properly tested for real-world use, leading to unreliable results.
Researchers discovered that older adults naturally tap into this strategy to bolster memory when remembering becomes difficult. They unknowingly move their eyes in the same pattern over and over again, even when looking at a blank screen.
Research found that transcranial direct current stimulation improves memory in people aged 18-35 but not those aged 60-79. The study tested 48 participants in each age group and found a 50% improvement in memory for younger adults immediately after stimulation.
A study of over half a million Americans reveals that perceptions of aging shift as people get older, with younger adults viewing older age as negative and older adults feeling younger, while ideal retirement ages vary by age group.
A study by UT Southwestern researchers found that only half of older adults are transferred to long-term acute care (LTAC) facilities due to illness severity or complexity. Many others are sent based on hospital preferences and regional trends, potentially leaving them eligible for less expensive post-acute care settings.
A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that older men who engage in regular light intensity exercise have a lower risk of death. The researchers analyzed data from 1181 men aged 78 and found that each additional 30 minutes of light intensity activity was associated with a 17% reduction in mortality risk.
The American Geriatrics Society has launched a new platform providing resources and tools for hospitals to implement the AGS CoCare: Ortho model, which aims to improve care and lower health costs for older adults with hip fractures. The platform offers self-directed training modules, expert mentoring, and a networking platform to help ...
Higher levels of lifestyle physical activity are associated with increased gray matter volume in the brain of older adults. The study found a significant correlation between daily activities such as household chores, walking dogs, and gardening and improved cognitive function.
A new study reveals that efforts to discourage benzodiazepine use among older adults are showing progress, with prescription rates declining by seven percentage points since 2010. However, many prescriptions are still being written, highlighting the need for continued education and alternative treatments.