Research on health and aging in later life. Covers attention and cognition, longevity, organ aging, and age-related disease.
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.
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.