Research on health and aging in later life. Covers attention and cognition, longevity, organ aging, and age-related disease.
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.
A new study published in JAMDA found that visits from home health workers within a week of discharge from skilled nursing facilities lower the risk of hospital readmissions within 30 days. This association was strongest compared to appointments with physicians or nurse practitioners.
Researchers review three cases of delayed-onset PTSD in patients with dementia, highlighting the importance of recognizing early life trauma. Clinicians can differentiate between PTSD and BPSD by considering a patient's unique narrative and history of previous trauma.
A recent study found that elderly patients who visit emergency departments due to falls are at risk for adverse events, including additional falls, hospitalization, and death within 6 months. The study highlights the importance of educating patients on how to prevent falls after discharge from the emergency department.
A multilingual group program for older adult caregivers in Ontario uses talk therapy principles to improve their mental well-being. The program has helped over 275 caregivers since its launch in 2015 and aims to provide a cost-effective treatment option for those in need.
A multidisciplinary research team is focusing on the economics of providing transportation for rural elderly populations. The study aims to identify innovative solutions and information technology that can improve the coordination and efficiency of rural transit systems.
A new study found that older adults are less likely to leave the hospital against medical advice than younger individuals, with men and people insured by Medicaid or without health insurance at highest risk. Factors such as race/ethnicity, poverty, and suboptimal communication play a role in this phenomenon.
Researchers found that older adults improved movement performance when encouraged to make larger and faster movements, even if it meant making mistakes. This approach helped fine-tune their control and reduce variability in movement patterns.
A study estimates the national incidence of facial fractures in adults 55 and older due to recreational activity, with a 45.3% increase between 2011 and 2015. The most common causes were bicycling, team sports, outdoor activities, and gardening, with men being more prone to injuries from these activities.
Dog ownership has been found to encourage older adults to be more physically active, with an average of 22 minutes spent walking per day compared to non-owners. The study, published in BMC Public Health, also showed that dog owners had fewer sedentary events than non-dog owners.
Researchers at Nagoya University found that people eat more and rate food as tasting better when eating with a mirror, not just another person. The study suggests a possible approach to improving the appeal of food for older people who frequently eat alone.
Researchers studied data from nearly 4 million Medicare beneficiaries over 65 with multiple chronic conditions, comparing hospitalizations, deaths, and medical costs between those who saw PCPs and specialists. People who saw PCPs had fewer hospitalizations and lower costs.
A recent study found that a significant number of older adults with delirium were not diagnosed by healthcare professionals. The researchers concluded that developing more objective screening tools could improve diagnosis accuracy. Understanding delirium is crucial to recognize and address the condition in older adults and caregivers.
The study found that adult children are the largest group of caregivers, with many limiting social activities due to caregiving responsibilities. Few caregivers used respite care or support groups, but those caring for people with dementia and disability were more likely to use these services.
A new study by Michigan State University scholar William Chopik found that friendships become increasingly important to one's happiness and health across the lifespan. In older adults, friendships are actually a stronger predictor of health and happiness than relationships with family members.
A new study explores how spouses influence an older adult's decision to complete advance directives, revealing differences in gender and relationship characteristics. The results suggest that joint experience as a couple plays a crucial role in end-of-life planning, with some insights shedding light on individual and spousal factors
Researchers at the University of Iowa found that even simple conversations on a cell phone can affect drivers' brain ability to focus on the roadway. The delay is about 40 milliseconds, which compounds and contributes to impaired driving.
Older adults with UTIs often don't show symptoms, but antibiotics can still cause harm. New research suggests that natural microorganisms in the body may help prevent UTIs. However, certain groups like pregnant women and those undergoing surgery may benefit from antibiotic treatment.
Research suggests that older adults require more protein than previously thought to maintain muscle mass and prevent weight loss. Experts argue for increased focus on leucine-rich proteins like milk and whey to support elderly health.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine analyzed data from a clinical trial and found no benefit of statins for all-cause mortality or coronary heart disease events when started for primary prevention in older adults. The authors concluded that treatment recommendations should be individualized for this population.