Articles tagged with Older Adults
A new study found that a simple density measurement of bone quality from chest and abdominal CT scans can predict fracture risk in older adults. Having a low vertebral trabecular attenuation threshold was associated with an increased risk of future fractures.
Back pain is common in highly active older adults, impacting nearly half of well-functioning individuals. The condition was linked to less efficient walking and poorer endurance, which can lead to mobility issues. Better back pain management may help maintain independence and prevent future loss of mobility.
A study found that older adults with positive beliefs about aging have a lower risk of developing dementia compared to those with negative views. The protective effect was even observed among individuals carrying the high-risk APOE E4 gene variant.
A new algorithm developed at the University of Waterloo will help first responders and home care providers identify elderly individuals who are most vulnerable during natural disasters. The algorithm uses data from interRAI's home care assessment to generate an up-to-date list of those who may need assistance.
A study found associations between natural environment features and older people's physical activity, with water fronts and diverse landscapes encouraging mobility. Environmental factors such as walking difficulties were considered, revealing that older adults benefit from neighborhood design promoting outdoor movement.
A new study suggests that older adults who are frail are twice as likely to experience delirium following elective surgery than those of an older age. The review found that a history of delirium, frailty, and cognitive impairment are the risk factors most strongly associated with developing postoperative delirium.
A meta-analysis found that aerobic exercise delays and improves Alzheimer's symptoms, with a three times greater improvement compared to combined exercise. The study confirms the American Geriatrics Society's recommendations for exercise duration and frequency.
A new study from the University of Utah suggests that repeated stress from everyday activities like walking can cause microdamage to bones in older adults, leading to a higher risk of breakage. This theory, known as 'cyclic loading,' challenges the common-held belief that bone breaks are caused by single impacts or forces.
Research published in The Journal of Physiology found that elderly people walk at a slower speed and tire more quickly due to muscle loss. Building up leg muscles may be the only way to improve elderly walking, according to the study's findings.
A study found that depression symptoms among older adults undergoing aortic valve replacement procedures were associated with a higher rate of death. Screening for depression may be justified for these patients, highlighting the importance of mental health screening in cardiovascular care.
Dr. Chiaravalloti will test the modified Story Memory Technique's impact on new learning and memory abilities in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The study aims to improve daily functioning and quality of life for this population.
A study of 575 older adults reveals that those with stronger physical abilities, such as faster walking speeds and better balance, have lower risk of death and shorter hospital stays. These findings suggest that pre-hospital strength can be an important predictor of outcomes in critically ill older adults.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that cognitive training improved memory scores by 35-40% in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, with benefits lasting six months. The training program, MEMO, also showed promise against dementia and depression.
A systematic review of 44 studies found that frailty, depressive symptoms, and smoking are associated with postoperative complications in older patients. Interventions targeting these risk factors before surgery can improve outcomes for this population.
A new study suggests an association between elevated amyloid beta levels and worsening anxiety symptoms in cognitively normal older adults. Higher brain amyloid beta burden is linked to increasing anxiety symptoms over time.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults who received transitional care nurse (TCN) services at emergency departments had lower rates of hospital admissions compared to those who did not receive such services. The GEDI WISE program, which includes TCNs, helps patients transition to the...
A Mediterranean diet emphasizing plant-based foods may help keep people healthy and independent as they age. The analysis of published studies suggests that adherence to a Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of frailty in older individuals.
The study found that elderly men and women spent significant amounts of time on different types of housework activities. While engaging in some housework was beneficial to the health of older adults, long periods combined with too much or too little sleep were associated with poor health among elderly women. In contrast, elderly men wh...
A study of 6,489 female participants found that those with higher levels of light-intensity physical activity were less likely to die than those with lower activity levels. The researchers concluded that encouraging older women to increase their daily light-intensity activity could lead to better health outcomes.
Elderly patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) showed improved overall survival when treated with chemoradiation compared to definitive radiation alone. Treatment with concurrent or sequential CRT was associated with a 33% reduction in the risk of death.
Repeated influenza vaccination significantly reduced hospital admissions for severe flu in older adults, with consistent effectiveness across seasons and patient age.
A recent study found that complete inactivity has a greater impact on the muscle power of older people than young individuals. This loss of muscle mass is more pronounced and can lead to increased decline in metabolic health and functional capacity.
Christine Cave's new method reveals that it was not uncommon for people to live to old age in traditional societies. The study found that the most common age of death was around 70, similar across cultures.
A meta-analysis of 33 clinical trials found no association between calcium and vitamin D supplements and a lower risk of fractures in older adults. The study included over 51,000 community-dwelling adults aged 50+, but the results do not support routine use of these supplements for fracture prevention.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that short-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution and ozone is linked to a higher risk of premature death among the elderly in the US, particularly those who are low-income, female, or Black.
Small Ontario municipalities are less prepared to support aging adults due to lack of planning and funding, according to a University of Waterloo report. The report recommends that municipalities adopt age-friendly policies and strategies, as seen in British Columbia, to better support their aging populations.
A new study found that young people who have good contact with their grandparents have the lowest levels of ageism. Poor quality of contact was the most important factor associated with ageist stereotypes in children and adolescents.
A study of 1,079 older adults found that 52% had vitamin D levels below 50 nmol/L and 27% had low vitamin B12 levels. Regular intake of vitamin-containing supplements can improve levels, but a healthy diet is essential.
Researchers from Lancaster University are developing an app to tackle social isolation and loneliness in older adults. The app will provide users with information on local social opportunities and real-time data on factors that discourage outdoor activity, such as weather and daylight levels.
Research at UC Berkeley found that older adults' slow brainwaves during deep sleep fail to synchronize with speedy electrical bursts, preventing them from effectively consolidating new memories. The aging brain's failure to coordinate these two brain waves is likely due to degradation or atrophy of the medial frontal cortex.
A recent study found that younger patients with type 2 diabetes (under 45) have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, eye, and renal damage compared to older patients. These patients also receive inadequate treatment and support from the healthcare system.
A study found that young adults rely on food increasing neurotransmitter precursors like meat for a mood boost, while mature adults require antioxidant-rich foods and avoidance of stress-activating foods to maintain good mental health. Regular consumption of these specific foods can help prevent mental distress.
The American College of Physicians, along with the American Pharmacists Association and The Gerontological Society of America, has released a new resource highlighting the biological impact of aging on immunity. The guidebook emphasizes the importance of adult immunization in preventing age-related decline in immunity.
A study found that walking through traffic-polluted streets like Oxford Street in London can have negative effects on the heart and lungs, particularly in older adults. The study suggests that reducing vehicle emissions could help individuals enjoy the health benefits of physical activity.
A new tool, QuoCo, tracks cognitive performance in adults, allowing physicians to identify potential Alzheimer's patients. The tool uses age, education, and Mini-Mental State Examination scores to plot cognitive performance over time.
A new poll shows that only about one in three older Americans have discussed possible drug interactions with their doctors or pharmacists, putting them at risk of health problems. Patients can reduce risks by being open with their providers and tracking their medications.
A study found that 11% of younger cancer patients and 25% of older adults developed new cancers between 2009-2013. This prevalence highlights the need for better research representation and outcomes among survivors.
A 24,502-person study found that regular physical activity in elderly individuals reduced cardiovascular disease risk by 14% compared to those who were inactive. Even low-intensity activities like walking and gardening are recommended.
Research at Kumamoto University found that MCI patients exhibit weakened short-term face memorization ability and distinct gaze behavior when trying to recall faces. This study may lead to early detection of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease, which is characterized by cognitive decline in daily life.
A recent study found that older adults with four or more chronic conditions are less likely to participate actively in medical decisions. In contrast, those without multiple conditions tend to prefer more active involvement.
A recent study found a significant decline in the risk of age-related macular degeneration among baby boomers compared to earlier generations. The five-year risk for AMD decreased by 60 percent for each generation, with unclear reasons behind this trend.
A study by researchers at UC San Francisco found that nearly 40% of middle-aged adults with functional impairment experience further decline or death within 10 years. Functional impairment is more common than previously thought, affecting over 1 in 5 adults before age 64.
The lab aims to create bonds of trust and emotion between humans and robots, improving quality of life for older adults. A recent study found a significant drop in depression and increase in human-robot social engagement after three weeks of interactions with a robot using Shakespearean sonnets.
Research published in the American Thoracic Society's journal found a correlation between sleep apnea severity and an increase in amyloid deposits in the brain, which are associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that treatments for sleep apnea may delay cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults.
The SENIOR trial found that a Synergy bioabsorbable polymer DES with shorter dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is more effective than a bare-metal stent in elderly patients. This new strategy reduces adverse events without increasing bleeding risk, suggesting a change in recommended PCI strategies for this age group.
As people age, their ability to filter distracting information and consider others' perspectives declines, increasing the risk of oversharing. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh and Northwestern University found that older adults are more likely to reveal irrelevant details in conversation.
A new study finds that gut bacteria from old mice induce age-related chronic inflammation in young mice, suggesting a potential strategy for healthy ageing. The research highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced gut microbiota to prevent inflammaging and related diseases.
A Brown University and Hasbro team is developing a smart robotic companion, ARIES, to assist older adults with simple but challenging tasks. The project aims to add artificial intelligence capabilities to the existing Joy for All Companion Pets.
A new study by Wake Forest University researchers suggests that weight training with a low-calorie diet preserves lean muscle mass in older adults. Combining resistance training and calorie restriction resulted in less muscle loss and significant fat loss compared to cardio workouts or diet alone.
Researchers discovered that our chromosomes age along with us, affecting how our immune system renews itself. In young people, thousands of gene sites are open, while in older adults, these sites become closed, leading to decreased activity in genes and pathways critical for defending against disease.
A study found that men aged 65+ who survived an ischemic stroke are 3x more likely to be placed in a nursing home within 5 years if they lack a caregiver. The lack of caregivers puts older adults at risk of losing independent living.
A study of Chilean adults aged 65 and older found that maintaining ideal cardiovascular health behaviors, such as regular physical activity, a healthy diet, and not smoking, can reduce the risk of disability. The researchers also discovered that having an ideal body mass index (BMI) can lower disability risk, particularly for those wit...
A study found that proton beam therapy in combination with chemotherapy prior to surgery reduces postoperative heart and lung problems and mortality rates in elderly patients. Researchers followed 571 patients treated with traditional radiation therapy and chemotherapy followed by surgery at Mayo Clinic Cancer Center.
Researchers found significant increases in glyphosate and its metabolite in the urine of older adults from Southern California between 1993 and 2016. Average glyphosate levels increased by 13 years, with detectable levels present in more than 70% of samples.
A recent study from Florida State University found that Miami-Dade County is not fully equipped to handle pet sheltering during emergencies. The study highlights the need for pet-friendly hurricane evacuation shelters, particularly for older adults who represent 50-75% of disaster deaths.
Researchers are developing sophisticated methods to understand Alzheimer's disease mechanisms and predict its onset before symptoms appear. The five-year study aims to pinpoint factors leading to cognitive decline in relation to beta-amyloid proteins.
A retrospective observational study found that over 55% of hip fractures occurred during warm months, with the majority happening indoors. The most common reason for indoor fractures was tripping over an obstacle, such as throw rugs.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals that low wealth is associated with higher risks of death and disability among older adults in the US and England. Increasing wealth for those with the least can lead to gains in life expectancy and function.
A new study suggests that walking, even at lower-than-recommended levels, is associated with a lower mortality risk compared to inactivity. Regular walking was most strongly linked to reduced risk of respiratory disease and cardiovascular disease mortality.
A study of 2500 elderly patients found that delays in getting to the hospital are common among non-white individuals and those experiencing atypical symptoms. These delays can have life-threatening consequences, emphasizing the need for improved clinical and public health strategies to ensure timely presentation.