Articles tagged with Older Adults
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that severe hypoglycemia is associated with nearly double the risk of cardiovascular disease or death in older adults with type 2 diabetes. Within three years of a dangerously low blood sugar episode, one-third of those in the study died.
Adults over 60 years old face a significantly increased risk of death following a pelvic fracture, particularly within the first four weeks. The study emphasizes the severity of these fractures and highlights the need for improved preventive strategies to reduce mortality rates.
A new study found that Medicare Part D reduced elderly mortality by 2.2 percent annually since 2006, primarily driven by a 4.4 percent reduction in cardiovascular mortality. The program's social value is estimated at $5 billion per year, accounting for a significant fraction of its total expenditures.
A study of 1566 community-dwelling Japanese elderly found elevated dementia risks in individuals with fewer remaining teeth. Individuals with 10-19 and no teeth had significantly higher risks compared to those with more teeth.
Researchers found that older adults with heavier chronic disease burdens and shorter original hospital stays are more likely to be readmitted within a week. Hospital strategies to ensure patients are healthy enough for discharge could help prevent early readmissions.
A study by the University of Exeter found that drinking concentrated blueberry juice improved cognitive function, blood flow to the brain, and working memory in healthy older adults. Flavonoids, rich in blueberries, may be an important component in causing these effects.
Nurses are urged to use the American Nurses Association Code of Ethics as a framework to address policy issues relevant to their profession's care for older adults. The code prescribes compassion, respect for dignity, and commitment to patients, families, and communities.
A tailored preventive oral health intervention significantly improved the cleanliness of teeth and dentures among elderly home care clients. Functional ability and cognitive function were strongly associated with better oral hygiene in this study from the University of Eastern Finland.
A McGill University and Health Canada study found that air pollution from wood burning increases the risk of heart attacks in seniors by 19% during cold seasons. The researchers suggest that tackling air pollution caused by fireplaces and woodstoves may improve public health.
A study published in PAIN found that physically active older adults have lower pain perception and better ability to block responses to painful stimuli. This suggests that low levels of sedentary behavior and greater light physical activity may be critical in maintaining effective endogenous pain inhibitory function.
A large study of postmenopausal women who suffered a hip fracture found low rates of osteoporosis assessment and treatment. Regular doctor visits were the strongest predictor of osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment.
A study found that collaborative care improved depressive symptoms in older adults with subthreshold depression compared to usual care. After four months, participants in collaborative care had lower scores on measures of self-reported depression severity and fewer cases of depression.
A review of mindfulness research found that focused attention practices may benefit older adults by fostering a greater quality of life and improving cognitive functioning. However, the field is limited and would greatly benefit from larger randomized controlled trials to confirm results.
A new longitudinal study of LGBT older adults found higher rates of disability, cardiovascular disease, depression, and social isolation. The research highlights pathways to better understand health for all marginalized communities.
Researchers at the University of Missouri are studying 'Living Apart Together' (LAT) relationships among older adults, who are increasingly forming new partnerships without shared residences. LAT couples face challenges such as family caregiving and decision-making, highlighting the need for open discussions with families and partners.
Researchers found that older adults living in poor neighborhoods with high homicide rates experience more depressive symptoms. Neighborhood factors like violence, poverty, and safety perception contribute to depression, highlighting the need for targeted policy interventions.
A new supplemental issue of The Gerontologist presents the findings of the largest national survey on LGBT older adults' health and well-being. Findings show that LGBT older adults face higher rates of disability, cardiovascular disease, depression, and social isolation.
Older adults with newly diagnosed epilepsy are often prescribed older anti-epileptic drugs, with only half starting treatment within the first 30 days. Despite this, minority groups do not appear to receive different AED treatment compared to whites.
Dr. Anne Murphy's research aims to improve pain management strategies for people aged 65 or older, who experience severe under-treatment of chronic pain. She will use a systems-level approach to investigate the impact of age on central opioidergic circuits.
A study published in Anesthesiology found that combining opioids with alcohol increases the risk of respiratory depression, a potentially life-threatening side effect. The combination is particularly concerning for elderly individuals, who are more likely to experience repeated episodes of shallow breathing.
Taking five or more medicines increases risk for harmful side effects and frailty in older adults. Research suggests reducing avoidable prescriptions can lessen risks.
A study found that elderly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients experiencing definitive radiation had a lower incidence of esophagitis compared to younger patients. The study, published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, showed an inverse correlation between age and rate of esophagitis for both grade levels.
A recent Indiana University study found that older adults in Africa are sexually active and report high-risk behaviors, highlighting the need for targeted HIV prevention measures. The study reveals that older adults are a significant proportion of people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, where most HIV cases occur.
Researchers found association between sleep-disordered breathing and cognitive impairment in older adults, emphasizing need for clinicians to screen for both conditions. Treatment of sleep apnea may improve quality of life but does not delay or prevent cognitive decline.
Engaging in brain-stimulating activities like games, crafting, and socializing can lower the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older adults. A study of over 1,900 adults found a strong association between mentally stimulating activities and decreased MCI incidence.
Researchers are exploring aerobic exercise as a potential treatment for mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) in wounded warriors. The study aims to improve soldiers' quality of life by assessing intensive cardiorespiratory exercise, which may help alleviate symptoms such as migraines and motor problems associated with mTBI.
The AGS extends its hip fracture co-management program with a new national initiative that positions geriatricians as co-managers with orthopedic surgeons to improve care and health outcomes. The model reduces length of stay, re-admissions, and complications, while increasing older adults' chances of going home directly from the hospital.
Two new articles emphasize the need for comprehensive approach to geriatric care, focusing on person-centered care and evidence-based changes. AGS prioritizes programs supporting high-quality care for older Americans, aiming to improve clinical care and workforce skills.
A recent study found that mutations in blood cells of elderly humans may contribute to atherosclerosis, a leading cause of death. The research suggests that hematopoietic mutations could be an age-dependent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
A new study links mutations in blood cells to atherosclerosis, a leading cause of death in the elderly. The research found that accumulated DNA mutations in hematopoietic cells contribute to plaque formation and inflammation.
A study found that sedentary elderly women have shorter telomeres, indicating accelerated biological aging. Regular exercise can slow down this process.
Researchers at Tohoku University developed a Processing Speed Training Game (PSTG) that significantly improved processing speed and inhibition among healthy older adults. Regular playing of PSTG also reduced depressive moods compared to a Knowledge Quiz Training Game (KQTG).
Researchers found that older, fitter adults outperformed younger counterparts in memory tasks, with increased brain activity observed in regions typically declining with age. This suggests that cardiorespiratory fitness may contribute to brain maintenance and serve a compensatory role in age-related memory decline.
A Penn Medicine study found that older adults walked 2,348 steps and 2,562 steps per day with financial incentives and charity donations, respectively. The study suggests that goal-based interventions can motivate older adults to exercise more effectively.
A recent study found that cannabis use among older Americans is increasing, with most users taking it less than once a week. The study suggests that social attitudes, state laws, and individual health needs are shaping these paths, and recommends a national survey to inform public policy.
A study found that older adults with obesity receive only one-third the benefit from memory training compared to those with normal weights. Researchers investigated the effects of cognitive training on memory, reasoning, and speed processing in 2,800 participants aged 74.
A study found that performing even a third of the recommended activity is beneficial for older adults with arthritis. Participants who achieved a minimum of 45 minutes of moderate activity, such as brisk walking, per week were 80% more likely to improve or sustain high function over two years.
A study by Yale researchers found that older adults who visit the emergency department (ED) are at increased risk for disability and decline in physical abilities up to six months later. The discharged group had significantly higher disability scores than the control group, and were also more likely to be living in a nursing home.
A study found that high monthly doses of vitamin D reduced acute respiratory infections in older long-term care residents by 40%. However, it also increased the number of falls experienced by these individuals. The study suggests daily dosing with high levels of vitamin D may be needed to minimize risk.
Researchers found that taking an hour-long nap after lunch significantly improved mental health outcomes in older Chinese adults. The study revealed that napping for about an hour was associated with better performance on cognitive tests compared to shorter or longer naps.
A study of 2,394 adults aged 77-101 found that poor vision worsened over time, leading to decreased physical activity and mental stimulation. The researchers suggest that preventing vision loss may also help delay physical and cognitive decline.
A new Yale-led study finds that changes in brain anatomy, specifically the posterior parietal cortex, are more closely related to risk avoidance in older adults than aging itself. The research team used MRI scans and risk-choice experiments to analyze the phenomenon.
A study by University of Illinois researchers links higher blood serum levels of lutein to better performance on crystallized intelligence tests in older adults. Participants with higher lutein levels also showed thicker gray matter in the parahippocampal cortex, a brain region associated with preserved cognitive function.
A study examining late-life couplehood in assisted living found benefits of companionship, support, and affection. Fellow residents can play an important role in shielding against negative health outcomes associated with marital transitions.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers reveals a strong link between angiotensin receptor autoantibodies and increased risk of frailty in older adults. The study suggests that common blood pressure drugs targeting the autoantibodies, called ARBs, may help protect against functional decline in some people.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals that only 12% of older Americans have dental insurance, and those who do often face high bills. The research found that income is a significant predictor of receiving dental care, with high-income beneficiaries more likely to receive care than low-income ones.
A new research letter published online by JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that walking fewer than 900 steps per day is associated with hospitalization-associated functional decline in older hospitalized patients. The study included 177 older patients who walked less than 900 steps per day, with 55.4% experiencing functional decline.
A study published in Optometry and Vision Science found that cataracts are associated with higher rates of depressive symptoms in older adults, regardless of education level or socioeconomic status. Symptoms were more common in women and those with lower vision acuity.
Dr. Sarah Szanton has received the GSA's Senior Scholar Award for her research on food assistance and its impact on nursing home admissions among low-income older adults. Her study found that SNAP recipients are significantly less likely to enter a nursing home and have shorter stays.
David Burnes is awarded for his presentation on varying appraisals of elder mistreatment among victims, which highlights the need for detection and response strategies. The award recognizes Burnes' work on understanding and preventing elder mistreatment in community and long-term care settings.
The American Geriatrics Society has released new guidance on care and decision-making for 'unbefriended' older adults. The recommendations aim to support vulnerable individuals while protecting others from becoming unbefriended as they age.
A recent study from the University of Georgia found that individuals with higher levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in their diets had better cognitive performance, as measured by fMRI technology. The researchers suggest that these compounds may help buffer age-related brain decline and improve neurocognitive function.
A decline in dementia prevalence was reported in the US between 2000-2012, affecting an estimated 4-5 million older adults annually. The decline may be attributed to factors such as increased education levels and improved cardiovascular treatment, leading to a 24% reduction in dementia prevalence.
Researchers found that participating in social activities like hobby clubs and volunteer groups can delay the decline in older adults' ability to function. Women who engaged in these activities were less likely to experience a decline, while men who participated in hobby clubs maintained their ability to function.
A new networked system of smart homes, HomeSHARE, will advance research on older adults' health and independence. The IU-led project installs high-tech sensors and equipment in 15 elderly volunteers' homes to collect data.
Researchers found that older adults can outperform younger counterparts on certain problem-solving tasks by broadening their attention more easily. This study challenges the common assumption that aging brains require high cognitive control and highlights the potential benefits of reduced focus.
Researchers induced oxidative stress in cultured RPE cells to explore the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Oxidative stress led to cell senescence and proliferation inhibition, highlighting its potential role in AMD progression. The study suggests antioxidants may be a new treatment approach for AMD intervention.
Studies in the US and Denmark show that older adults are undertrained in CPR, with only 18% reporting current training. Higher education level and household income are linked to increased likelihood of CPR training, but there is a steep drop-off after age 50. The elderly often cite lack of knowledge and fear as barriers to performing CPR.
The Gerontological Society of America has selected 16 distinguished reporters for the Journalists in Aging Fellows Program. The fellows will develop major aging-focused stories or series during GSA's Annual Scientific Meeting, exploring concerns such as elder isolation, homeless seniors, and the digital future.
A study published in Marketing Science found that leveraging psychological theories on sympathy when drafting a fundraising letter can significantly increase donations. The experiment involved varying the content of fundraising letters and measuring the response, resulting in a 300% increase in donations.