Articles tagged with Older Adults
Researchers used virtual reality to identify balance impairments and train people to improve their balance. The study found that virtual reality can reveal balance deficits that are not apparent during normal walking, providing an important roadmap for detecting balance impairments.
A new study found that drinking beetroot juice before exercise improves brain connectivity and efficiency in older adults, similar to those of younger brains. The researchers also discovered higher levels of nitrate and nitrite in the blood after exercising with beetroot juice compared to placebo groups.
A recent study by Philip Guo of older adults learning computer programming reveals a diverse range of motivations, including personal enrichment and connecting with younger family members. Despite frustrations with bad pedagogy and lack of real-world relevance, most respondents were eager to learn and saw the value in digital literacy.
A study highlights the importance of increased funding for geriatrics education, citing a vital need for dedicated time and financial support. The Geriatrics Academic Career Awards (GACAs) program played a crucial role in training over 41,000 health professionals since 1998.
Researchers found that men with lower magnesium levels had an increased risk of fractures, particularly hip fractures. Higher magnesium levels were associated with a reduced risk of fractures, with no cases reported among those with very high magnesium levels.
Research highlights growing challenges faced by older adults in managing medications and finances over time. The study found that rates of needing help with these tasks increased with age, particularly among women and those with certain health conditions.
As people age, they experience a decline in deep sleep, which is crucial for memory and cognition. This shift can start as early as the mid-thirties and becomes more pronounced with age.
Researchers found that cognitively average elderly adults experienced greater annual whole-brain cortical volume loss compared to SuperAgers. Despite this, SuperAgers showed signs of slower brain atrophy over an 18-month period, with potential implications for understanding cognitive decline and age-related brain changes.
The American Geriatrics Society and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched a public information campaign to help older adults and caregivers access resources for safely navigating the open road. The campaign provides actionable safe driving tips, conversation advice, and transportation alternatives to promote mobility ...
A new study by researchers at the University of Gothenburg found that many treatments for urinary and fecal incontinence are ineffective, with surgery being the most successful treatment option. The study analyzed thousands of research articles and found that only 37% of people treated with bulking agents achieved long-term success.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that integrating informal caregivers into discharge planning reduces hospital readmissions by 25% for elderly patients. Proper training and support enable caregivers to manage complex care responsibilities, preventing readmissions.
A study found that adding a question about blood thinner use improves sensitivity for identifying traumatic intracranial hemorrhage. Researchers analyzed charts for 2,100 patients and suggested that medication history should be available to EMS providers to ensure timely treatment.
Research highlights the potential of older adults as a resource for climate action, with individual steps such as reducing energy consumption and family leadership. The publication aims to engage this demographic in addressing climate change, leveraging their time, talent, and desire for purpose.
Research found no 'weekend admission effect' for patients with hip fracture in the NHS, contrary to previous reports. Delays to surgery and certain discharge times were associated with increased mortality risk.
A new collaboration aims to find trans-Atlantic common ground in geriatrics for older adults with multiple chronic conditions. The initiative emphasizes the importance of holistic care and person-centered goals.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that poor oral health and food scarcity are major contributors to malnutrition in older adults. The research suggests that linking patients in need to existing food assistance programs, such as Meals on Wheels, can help address this issue.
A new study at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that Americans prioritize affordability based on household income. Respondents favored a health insurance policy with a 5% household income cap, rather than the current Ryancare plan which transfers benefits from poorer households to wealthier ones.
A new program developed by Kari Lane at the University of Missouri has shown significant improvement in hearing aid wear time among older adults. The program, called Hearing Aid Reintroduction (HEAR), uses a systematically gradual approach to support adjustment to hearing aids, increasing wear time from one hour to 10 hours over 30 days.
A new study by Yale researchers found that over 40% of veteran-surrogate pairs lacked advanced care planning, leading to disagreements about end-of-life decisions. The study emphasizes the importance of facilitating discussions between patients and surrogates to ensure understanding of patient preferences.
Researchers have discovered a new potential predictor of early dementia through abnormal brain activity in older adults with no noticeable communication problems. Brain regions that process speech were found to be more resilient to Alzheimer's disease, but showed changes that predicted mild cognitive impairment and dementia.
The Brain Health Food Guide provides evidence-based dietary advice for older adults, highlighting the importance of a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Research suggests that following this guide can decrease the risk of Alzheimer's disease by 36% and mild cognitive impairment by 27%.
Researchers have discovered a way to predict long-term cognitive decline after postoperative delirium by analyzing pre-surgery cognitive function in patients. Those with higher cognitive scores before delirium are less likely to experience cognitive decline afterwards.
A study from Duke-NUS Medical School found that tailored physical therapy programs can significantly reduce the severity of falls and slow physical decline in elderly patients. Those with fewer medical conditions reported fewer falls overall.
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.