Articles tagged with Older Adults
A new pilot study using data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) found that 10 out of 14 geriatric-specific variables can predict morbidity and mortality outcomes in older surgical patients. The study identified risk factors such as cognitive impairment, surrogate consent, and...
Seniors need twice as long as young adults to realize they are falling, increasing their risk for serious injury. The study's findings will help shape wearable fall prevention technology and aid clinicians in identifying at-risk individuals.
Taking prescribed sleep medications for insomnia increases risk of falling in older adults, according to researchers. Non-drug approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy may be more effective and safer.
A long-term study found that global sensory impairment can predict poor health outcomes, including greater risk of death, in older US adults. Adults with worse sensory impairment had slower physical and cognitive abilities, and a higher risk of dying over five years.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults with multiple sensory losses had worse mobility, difficulty performing daily activities, and increased risk for dying. The researchers concluded that these individuals should be closely monitored to prevent problems.
A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that older adults are more likely to disclose suicidal thoughts as they age, especially those with chronic pain, diagnosed illness, social isolation, and recent mental health care. Researchers identified four key interventions to prevent suicide among older adults.
Researchers found that depressive symptoms are associated with difficulties in performing daily activities in older Japanese adults. Symptoms of depression, including loss of interest and feelings of helplessness, can increase the risk of institutionalization and disability.
This thematic issue explores customized diabetes management in medically complex patients, including those with mental illness, post-bariatric surgery, older adults, and disparity populations. Key findings highlight the importance of psychosocial assessment and medication adjustments to improve patient outcomes.
A recent ECDC study found that the rate of newly reported HIV cases increased by 2% each year among older adults between 2004 and 2015. This translates to around 17% of new diagnoses being among people aged over 50, accounting for 5076 reported cases.
A new poll finds that nearly half of older Americans struggle with sleep, but many don't discuss it with their doctors. Prescription sleep medications carry significant health risks for older people, and non-medication-based habits are a more effective solution.
A study found that cold temperatures and atmospheric pressure increases are associated with a higher risk of hospitalization and death in elderly patients with heart failure. The researchers suggest that elderly patients should avoid fog and low cloud weather in winter to prevent such events.
Researchers found that older drivers modify their response criteria to identify hazards in high-traffic situations, leading to more false alarms. This adaptation allows them to compensate for age-related changes and potentially improve their driving abilities through training.
A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that older adults with type 2 diabetes have deficits in cortical bone microarchitecture, increasing their risk of fractures. This is particularly concerning for hip fractures, which are a significant public health problem.
A new study found that individuals with type 2 diabetes may experience modest deficits in cortical bone, which can increase the risk of fractures. The research highlights the importance of addressing skeletal deficits in individuals with diabetes to reduce fracture risk.
A recent study found that most older adults (88%) have used prescription medications in the past year, with 42% taking potentially inappropriate medications. Despite this, only 42% of participants had discussed stopping one or more prescribed medications with their healthcare provider.
A University of Michigan study found that older Americans report feeling dramatically healthier than 14 years ago. However, the majority of health gains went to high-income, well-educated, and white individuals. Researchers used data from 55,000 adults to analyze health trends by education, race, and income.
A study found that most older adults want healthcare providers to discuss life expectancy, and reactions were not as negative as expected. The research suggests that addressing concerns about discussing life expectancy can improve the quality of care received by older adults.
A national survey of Canadians over 65 years old found that two-thirds take more than five prescription drugs daily, and many worry about their medication regimen. The survey also revealed that only 7% of seniors are aware of the term 'deprescribing', highlighting a need for education and awareness.
A study of 562 older adults found that those admitted to hospice care during the last year of life were slightly older and more likely to have cognitive impairments. The most common conditions leading to death were frailty, organ failure, advanced dementia, and cancer.
A systemic review and meta-analysis of 15 studies involving nearly 47,000 people found that older adults who have fallen are 40% more likely to experience a car crash after their fall. Falls accounted for more than 177,000 additional car crashes each year.
A Yale-led study found that nearly half of older adults admitted to hospice during their last year of life experienced symptoms for months prior to admission. The most common conditions leading to hospice admission were cancer and advanced dementia.
A study in 60 countries revealed that individuals with older political leaders perceive older adults as having equal social status to middle-aged adults. Exposure to photographs of older adults in prestigious positions can also change perceptions.
A new study by Tufts University found that adding 48 minutes of moderate exercise per week can improve overall physical functioning and lower the risk of major mobility disability in older adults. This is particularly encouraging as it suggests that even small, incremental changes to activity levels can have significant benefits.
A new study by Dr Daniel Brown defines thriving as a combination of personal development, succeeding at mastering something, and feeling good about life. The research outlines six recommendations for future studies on thriving.
Researchers found that frailty tends to worsen over time but also improves in some cases. Married men with greater leg power were more likely to improve their frailty status, while those with diabetes or COPD were less likely to do so.
A new $2.7 million national study is evaluating ways to improve care planning conversations for frail elderly Canadians, with a focus on person-centred care based on their goals and values.
One in eight older adults in Ireland are vitamin D deficient, increasing with age and socio-economic status. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to debilitating chronic conditions, emphasizing the need for public health policy interventions.
A new University of Michigan study found that elderly Chinese-Americans who experience racial discrimination are twice as likely to consider suicide. The study, which examined 3,157 Chicago-area Chinese-American adults aged 60 and older, also highlights the impact of age, loneliness, pain, and depression on suicidal thoughts.
Researchers found that young children can reason about their abilities and global self-worth, but failure can affect their motivation. The study suggests that parents and educators should foster a productive learning environment to prevent discouragement in young children.
Lesbian and bisexual older women are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, weakened immune systems, and lower back or neck pain. Meanwhile, more LGB adults engage in preventive health measures like HIV testing and blood pressure screening.
A recent study found that consuming one fresh avocado per day for six months improved working memory and problem-solving skills in healthy older adults, with a significant increase in lutein levels. Lutein is a carotenoid pigment commonly found in fruits and vegetables that may act as an anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant.
A new NIST study reveals that frailty, particularly among the elderly, significantly increases the risk of death from home fires. The research suggests that communities should evaluate and address home fire risks based on age demographics to maximize effectiveness in preventing fire deaths and injuries.
A new study investigates how different blood pressure targets affect cognitive function in older adults and finds racial disparities. The research, published in JAMA Neurology, suggests that lower blood pressure targets may offer greater protection for black patients with hypertension.
A study of over 30,000 older US adults found that visual impairment is associated with worse cognitive function. Visual dysfunction was also linked to broader limitations in function from cognitive and directly visual tasks.
Participants listed keeping in touch and monitoring others' updates as main reasons for using Facebook, while also citing privacy concerns and triviality of posts. The researchers suggest that clear privacy control tools are needed to promote older adults' Facebook use.
A new analysis of care needs in England from 1991 and 2011 reveals an increase in years spent with substantial care needs for older adults. By 2025, an estimated 191000 more people will require medium dependency care, leading to a need for an additional 71000 care home places.
A study found that older cancer patients and their caregivers often differ in assessing the patient's physical abilities, with caregivers rating them as having poorer function. This disparity is associated with greater caregiver burden. The researchers suggest considering caregiver burden when assessing patients' needs.
A recent study found that imagining an action between two objects and its potential consequence can improve memory performance. Older adults who learned to use this strategy showed significant improvements, suggesting a promising approach for personalized memory rehabilitation.
The American Geriatrics Society calls for bipartisan collaboration to improve the nation's healthcare system, focusing on expanded in-home care options and adequate resources for caregivers. Experts also emphasize the need for geriatricians' training and research on healthy aging and age-related health problems.
A study of older adults seen in emergency departments found that nearly half had visited an ED before their death, yet many did not receive mental health evaluation or treatment. The researchers concluded that improving responses to suicide risk detection and treatment for older adults are crucial to reducing deaths from suicide among ...
Alcohol use disorder increased in the US population from 65.4% to 72.7%, with significant growth among women, older adults, racial/ethnic minorities, and those with lower educational levels and family income. High-risk drinking also rose by 29.9% over two decades.
A recent review suggests that frailty can be prevented with proper exercise, weight management and socialization. By adopting these measures, the elderly may be able to live healthier lives and avoid symptoms like fatigue and isolation.
A study found that older adults who visit emergency departments for falls are less likely to participate in fall prevention programs. Despite this, patients reported discussing their falls with healthcare providers and family members, suggesting room for improvement in the healthcare response.
A University of Michigan study found that hospital admissions for older adults rose an average of 4 percent in the 30 days after a tornado outbreak in 2011. This increase was significant even when excluding the initial three days following the disaster.
A study of 2,597 older adults found that those with poor appetites consumed less protein, fiber, and solid foods, but more dairy and sweets. Researchers hope to identify specific food preferences to help improve appetite and diet quality.
A University of California San Diego study found that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with reduced mortality and greater chances of remaining cognitively healthy into older age. Among men and women aged 85+, individuals who consumed 'moderate to heavy' amounts of alcohol were twice as likely to be cognitively healthy than no...
A community-based service learning experience involving interaction with older adults positively impacts medical residents' career development. Participants gained knowledge of resources, improved communication skills, and expanded their understanding of health topics important to older people.
A population-based study found a 16% increased risk of hospitalization among elderly individuals taking potentially inappropriate medications. The study estimated that 27,444 fewer hospitalizations would have occurred if exposure to these medications had been zero.
A study by Hirojuki Hikichi and colleagues found that group relocation increased informal socializing and social participation among older adults. Nearly three years after the disaster, respondents who relocated with their community showed increases in meeting with friends and participating in sports clubs.
Eating Mediterranean and MIND-style diets is linked to lower risks for memory difficulties and cognitive impairment in older adults. The studies found that participants who ate these healthy diets scored significantly better on cognitive function tests, with a 35% lower risk of poor performance.
Researchers found that dog owners who walk their pets regularly are more active and less sedentary on rainy days than those without dogs. Dog ownership is linked to increased physical activity levels, reduced daily sitting time, and improved health outcomes.
The GSA-developed KAER model provides a four-step process for primary care providers to assess, evaluate, and refer older adults with cognitive impairment. The toolkit offers practical guidance, measurement instruments, and community resources to aid in earlier diagnosis and better care.
The Gerontological Society of America has released a white paper making six recommendations to promote oral health in older adults, including education, integrated interprofessional programs, and improving access to dental care. The recommendations aim to create a culture of oral health champions across all professions.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that tai chi significantly reduced the rate of falls by 43% compared to other interventions. Tai chi also showed promise in reducing injurious falls risk, with a 50% reduction over short-term follow-up.
A study found that an individual's awareness of aging affects their mood, with positive attitudes leading to better moods and negative experiences having a bigger impact on mood for those with positive attitudes. The study enrolled 116 participants aged 60-90 who kept daily logs of stressors, age-related experiences, and affect.
A study published in JAMA found that long-term, moderate-intensity physical activity led to a small reduction in total sedentary time among older adults with mobility impairments. The intervention also showed sustained effects over 24 months.
A study in Mexico found that certain occupations contribute to mobility problems among older adults, exacerbating income-based disability disparities. Poorer workers are more likely to hold physically demanding jobs, leading to increased mobility limitations.
A study of 930 older adults found that non-elective hospitalizations accelerated cognitive decline by 60%, while elective hospitalizations had no association. Researchers highlight the need for attention on hospitalization as a risk factor for dementia and cognitive decline in older adults.
Scientists found greater cortical thickness in elderly female yoga practitioners' brains, associated with improved cognitive functions like attention and memory. Long-term yoga practice appears to shape the brain structure and could offset age-related cognitive decline.
A new study found that dying adults in the US receive almost twice as much caregiving support per week compared to those not at the end of life. Unpaid family caregivers, particularly spouses, report high levels of physical difficulty and time constraints.