Articles tagged with Older Adults
A new study from Indiana University found that a low-cost workforce model can effectively reduce depression burden in primary care. The ABC Medical Home program, which utilizes trained and scalable care coordinator assistants, resulted in a 50% decrease in depression severity over six months.
Research at York University found that eating more fruits and vegetables daily, combined with regular exercise, improves cognitive functioning and may delay dementia. The study, which analyzed data from over 45,000 participants, showed a significant relationship between physical activity and better cognitive performance.
A study found that regular physical activity, consuming more fruits and vegetables, and being normal weight or overweight are associated with improved cognitive function. Higher levels of physical activity may mediate the relationship between fruit and vegetable consumption and better cognitive performance.
A cross-sectional study of nearly 107,000 Medicare patients found that older black adults have a 30% increased likelihood of readmission compared to white counterparts. Increasing nurse-to-patient staffing ratios may help reduce these disparities by improving health outcomes for all patients, particularly high-risk groups.
The Alliance will develop a nationwide cohort of advocates with expertise in PCOR/CER to address under-representation of older adults and caregivers. The project aims to improve informed health care decisions and increase the usefulness of PCORI's information.
A study found that elderly Chinese immigrants in the US feel at home due to favorable social policies like Medicare and Medicaid, as well as affordable cost of living. However, language barriers continue to be a significant issue, with many unable to speak fluent English and relying on family members for translation.
A recent review and analysis of published studies found low-to-moderate evidence that dietary and exercise interventions can improve physical function and quality of life in older adults with obesity. The study included 405 adults aged over 60 years, highlighting the need for well-designed trials to address obesity in this population.
A study by NTNU researchers found that older adults who were fit and had the highest fitness levels had lower cardiovascular risk factors despite spending more hours sedentary. Conversely, meeting physical activity guidelines alone was not enough to eliminate these risks if an individual lacked cardiorespiratory fitness.
Elder abuse affects approximately 1 in 10 older adults in the US, with 23 million emergency department visits annually. A new study estimates that only 1 in 7,700 visits result in a formal diagnosis of elder abuse, highlighting a major missed opportunity for patient safety and unmet care needs.
Researchers found that older adults' brains degrade speech processing in quiet environments, making it harder to comprehend speech amidst background noise. The study suggests that brain training techniques may help improve speech comprehension in older adults.
A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that frequent participation in multiple types of leisure activities reduces heart-related deaths among seniors. Engaging in low-intensity daily physical activity can provide cardiovascular protection.
A study found that high folate consumption is associated with increased risk of peripheral neuropathy in older adults with a specific genetic variant. The researchers recommend keeping folate intake close to the recommended amounts and obtaining nutrients from a balanced diet.
A modified casting technique resulted in comparable functional outcomes to surgery at 6 months, while reducing wound complications and intervention costs. The study found no significant differences in quality of life, pain, or mobility between the two groups.
Researchers found that a new casting technique called close contact casting can reduce the need for surgery in elderly patients with unstable ankle fractures while minimizing drawbacks of traditional casts. The study compared outcomes between close contact casting and traditional surgical treatment.
A study by the American Society for Horticultural Science found that gardening significantly improves physical and cognitive functions in older women. Participants showed reduced waist circumference, improved aerobic endurance, and enhanced hand dexterity. In contrast, those who did not garden experienced increased depression symptoms.
Researchers found that vitamin E supplementation decreased pneumonia risk by 35% in smokers starting at age 21 or older. Vitamin E also reduced pneumonia incidence by 69% in a subgroup of light smokers exercising in their leisure time. This benefit was seen even among heavy smokers and those not exercising.
A new study found that volunteering regularly over time may have benefits for older adults' memory and physical health. Volunteering reduces the risk of cognitive problems by 27%, even among those with other risk factors.
A recent study found that personalized primary care programs can improve daily functioning in older adults, particularly those with higher levels of education. After six months, participants in the treatment groups experienced fewer problems compared to the control group, but further studies are needed to confirm these results.
Research found that healthy lifestyle habits like exercising, eating a healthy diet, and staying socially connected can potentially compress the period of disability in older adults before death. However, factors such as smoking, being inactive, and unhealthy diets were associated with longer periods of disability.
Researchers found that current testing procedures are only 77% accurate in predicting driving safety for people with dementia, highlighting the need for better tools to assess their ability to drive safely. Healthcare professionals should work closely with older adults and caregivers to determine when it's time to stop driving.
A new study aims to evaluate treatment strategies for older adults with depression who have not responded to medications. The researchers will compare the effectiveness of switching people to a new medication or augmenting their current medication with a second drug.
New research highlights age-specific approaches for caring for older adults with HIV, addressing late diagnoses, differing side effects, and comorbidities. The study offers tools like the VACS Index to guide personalized care.
A study led by Georgia State University found that incorporating laughter into a physical activity program can improve the mental health, aerobic endurance, and confidence of older adults. The LaughActive program, which includes playful simulated laughter exercises, also increases motivation to participate in exercise.
New technologies can assist in protecting older adults from financial fraud, including transactions via wearable technologies and bank cards with chip-and-signature security features. Professionals should be trained to recognize signs of cognitive decline and help clients plan for the possibility of future impairment.
A study found that using an electric fan increased heart rate and core temperature in elderly adults, suggesting that fans may not be effective in mitigating cardiovascular strain. The researchers also discovered that the elderly's impaired sweating capacity limits the effectiveness of electric fans.
The University of Texas at Arlington has awarded four seed grants to interdisciplinary research projects tackling pressing problems such as loneliness among the elderly and urban Indian healthcare crisis. The winning teams will receive $20,000 to advance their work towards competing for externally funded grants.
A new study reports that two-thirds of older inmates experience at least one distressing health symptom, such as chronic disease or emotional suffering. The researchers suggest the need for comprehensive programs to assess, treat, and manage geriatric conditions to help older adults while incarcerated.
A new study predicts that heart failure will more than double by 2040 and triple by 2060, with the majority of patients being elderly individuals. The study, which analyzed data from 5706 randomly selected elderly participants, found that the prevalence of heart failure increases with age and is higher in men than women.
The American Geriatrics Society has released a virtual journal issue featuring 20 seminal articles that have shaped geriatric research since the new millennium. The studies focus on topics such as cognition, physical disabilities, frailty, and medication use, and have had significant impacts on eldercare expertise.
Steven L. Wolf, PhD, PT, FAPTA, FAHA, has received the 2016 Excellence in Rehabilitation of Aging Persons Award from the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) for his work on fall prevention and stroke rehabilitation.
A new study finds that older adults consistently improve their psychological well-being over time, with lower levels of stress and depression compared to younger adults. The researchers attribute this to increased wisdom with age, better coping mechanisms, and fewer negative emotions.
A recent study found that over three-quarters of patients were exposed to at least one non-opiate drug associated with increased fracture risk before their fracture. The researchers suggest that better management of these high-risk drugs may help prevent secondary fragility fractures in the elderly population.
A new study finds that having closer family ties is associated with a lower risk of death in older adults, while friendships do not have the same effect. The study, which analyzed data from over 2,000 participants, suggests that familial relationships may provide a unique benefit for longevity.
Combining virtual reality and treadmill training reduces fall rates in older adults, with a 42% decrease in the virtual reality plus treadmill group compared to treadmill training alone. This intervention has potential as part of prevention packages for falls risk before injuries occur.
Researchers used GIS mapping to identify areas with socially and medically vulnerable older adults in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. The study found that these populations often lack adequate access to healthcare services, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Scientists have pinpointed the specific part of the brain that helps older adults differentiate speech sounds in background noise. The study found that the speech motor area of the frontal lobe steps in to compensate for hearing loss, enabling seniors to identify speech embedded in noise.
A study published in Stroke found that elderly stroke survivors require nearly double the caregiving hours of non-stroke patients. The estimated annual cost of caregiving is around $40 billion due to a need for approximately $11,000 per week in assistance. Caregivers can include family, friends, and paid caregivers.
Despite societal perceptions, many seniors consider sexual activity essential to their well-being. Researchers found that some older adults are finding their golden years optimal for exploring new dimensions of sexuality. Others emphasized they remained sexually able and interested throughout their later years.
A study developed a prediction score to help healthcare professionals identify older adults at risk of developing pneumonia. The seven critical factors include age, chronic lung disease, smoking, and body mass index. This scoring system may encourage preventive measures such as vaccination and quitting smoking.
Elderly patients with wrist fractures are more likely to have poor balance, increasing the risk of future injuries. Researchers recommend evaluating and treating balance deficiencies after a fracture to prevent further complications.
Researchers found that older adults with memory deficits selectively recalled positive information, while high-performers retained neutral material. The test could potentially detect Alzheimer's susceptibility in early stages.
A Georgia State University study found that losing private health insurance from an employer can lead to increased symptoms of depression and limitations in daily activities among older adults in early retirement. The loss of employment-based insurance was associated with poorer health outcomes, even when retirees sought non-group insu...
Sarcopenic obesity is a combination of low muscle mass and high fat mass, common in older adults. Research suggests that public health strategies are needed to prevent and treat this condition, which increases risks of mobility issues, metabolic disease, and mortality.
A study found that caregiver assistance increased among home-dwelling older adults with functional disabilities, from 42% in 1998 to 50% in 2012. The greatest increase was among those with fewer impairments, suggesting a shift towards community-based care.
A study published in Public Health Nursing highlights the cognitive factors that inhibit effective driving among older adults with dementia. The authors propose a three-pronged approach to testing for safety, including patient assessments and medication reviews, computerized simulations, and road tests. This evaluation program aims to ...
A large study of 15,000 adults found that falling up to six months before surgery is common and linked to lower quality of life and increased risk of injury. The frequency of falls among middle-aged patients was similar to those aged 65+, suggesting that a history of falls may be a powerful tool in assessing overall health.
A global analysis of 38 studies found that over a third of elderly patients receive invasive and potentially harmful medical treatments at the end of their life. The study highlights the need for better training for hospital doctors and more community education to reduce non-beneficial treatments.
A systematic review of over 68,000 elderly people found no association between 'bad cholesterol' and cardiovascular deaths. High levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) were often linked to longer life, contradicting the long-held cholesterol hypothesis.
A new study at Hospital for Special Surgery shows that a communication skills training program for orthopedic surgery residents has a positive impact on their interactions with older adults. The program, which includes interactive sessions and presentations, results in improved attitudes and anxiety levels towards older adults.
A new study investigates the effects of early dementia screening on family members of older adults, exploring potential benefits and harms. The EFECT study aims to inform optimal care for at-risk individuals and impact the lives of caregivers, measuring knowledge, caregiver preparedness, and mental health outcomes.
A study at IRB Barcelona discovered that Mitofusin 2 is required to preserve healthy muscles in mice, with its loss associated with muscle wastage and sarcopenia. The protein could serve as a therapeutic target to ameliorate sarcopenia in the elderly.
A study found that most older adults (72%) are up-to-date with screening, but timely follow-up rates vary by age and comorbidity. The research emphasizes the need for personalized risk assessment tools to improve screening completion and follow-up among this vulnerable population.
Researchers found that people with probable dementia who had not been diagnosed were more likely to engage in potentially dangerous activities. Healthcare practitioners can better address safety concerns by asking older adults about their activities.
Researchers found that some older adults, known as 'adapters,' live longer and healthier lives despite higher disease burdens. These individuals exhibit high vigor levels and a unique coping mechanism that enables them to thrive.
Research shows that older adults experience age-related deficits in inhibition, leading to slower processing of visual information. This decline affects their ability to distinguish between familiar and novel objects, making it harder for them to perceive shapes and objects clearly.
Older adults who engage in more than 20 leisure activities per week are less likely to experience post-operative delirium. Research suggests that reading, emailing, and playing computer games can reduce the risk of delirium following surgery.
The American Geriatrics Society will continue hosting prestigious scientific conferences on emerging issues in geriatrics, focusing on multimorbidity and developing actionable agendas. The NIH-funded series aims to improve health outcomes for older adults through collaboration and research.
A new study suggests that just 15 minutes of daily physical activity can significantly reduce the risk of death in older adults. The research found that even low levels of exercise, equivalent to half the recommended amount, were associated with a 22% lower risk of death.
A recent study published in an online supplement of the journal Sleep found that normal older adults with excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue had more brain atrophy and lower cognitive scores. The research may help identify individuals at higher risk for dementia before symptoms appear, allowing early interventions to prevent progr...
A new study found that older people's brains absorb irrelevant information subconsciously, making it harder for them to recall details. This 'clutter' in their minds negatively impacts their ability to clearly remember relevant information.