Research on health and aging in later life. Covers attention and cognition, longevity, organ aging, and age-related disease.
A Baycrest study found that subtle features of speech timing, such as pauses and fillers, are linked to executive function and predict cognitive decline. The research uses artificial intelligence to analyze natural speech patterns for early detection of dementia.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute found that aging accelerates pancreatic cancer progression, leading to faster tumor growth and metastasis. By understanding the impact of age on the tumor microenvironment, they developed a new approach to treating this disease in frail patients.
A study of 31 healthy older adults found that consuming 60 grams of peanuts daily for 16 weeks increased global cerebral blood flow by 3.6% and verbal memory by 5.8%. Peanut consumption also improved systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure.
A new poll found large gaps in knowledge about palliative care and hospice among older adults, with many unaware of the options despite interest expressed once explained. The poll highlights racial and demographic differences in understanding and interest, with some groups more likely to know about these types of care.
AFAR is honoring David B. Allison, PhD, Lauren Hunt, PhD, RN, FNP, and Arlan Richardson, PhD, with annual Scientific Awards of Distinction for their exceptional research in aging. Dr. Allison will discuss his work on geroscience, while Dr. Hunt will present on end-of-life care for older adults with dementia.
A new study suggests that supplementing with BCAAs alongside an exercise program may help reduce fatigue, improve strength, and ease symptoms of depression for older adults. The research found notable improvements in participants who combined a BCAA supplement with an eight-week exercise program.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University find that CD4 T cells play a critical role in reducing aging by cleaning out senescence cells. They suggest tracking people in their 30s to assess the pace of aging and developing early interventions.
Researchers validate GLIS model as a reliable predictor of sarcopenia and mortality risk in older patients with heart failure, outperforming existing tests. The model's accuracy enables early detection of physical decline and poor prognosis, informing treatment planning and discharge decisions.
A nationwide retrospective cohort study found that patients with frailty experience worse short- and long-term postoperative outcomes following non-cardiac surgeries. Frailty screening is recommended before major and minor procedures to identify high-risk patients, emphasizing the need for greater surgeon awareness.
A new study suggests reducing prescription sleep medications among older adults could provide substantial health and economic benefits. Avoiding these medications would reduce falls by 8.5% and cognitive impairment by 2.1%, increasing life expectancy by 1.3 months.
A recent study from the University of Georgia suggests that older adults who use smartphones, computers, and tablets are more socially engaged than their less tech-savvy peers. This increased social engagement is associated with better well-being and a longer, more fulfilling life.
Research on 1,000 older Japanese adults found that declining hand function significantly increases the risk of requiring long-term care. Hand function below a certain threshold was associated with an increased risk, highlighting its importance for daily activities and overall health.
A 52% increase in complicated cases of diverticulitis was found among patients under 50, with a shift towards younger demographics and more aggressive disease presentations. Treatment strategies have evolved, but the exact causes of this trend remain poorly understood.
A cohort study found that night light exposure was a significant risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases among adults over 40. Avoiding light at night may be a useful strategy for reducing the risks of cardiovascular diseases.
Rabbi Lior Nevo has received the Heart and Hands Award from LeadingAge Massachusetts for her spiritual leadership and personal counsel. Her work supporting Jack Satter House's Spectacular Seniors 2025 Calendar was also celebrated for its joyful, stereotype-shattering innovation.
A study found that first-generation antihistamines may increase delirium risk in older hospital patients. The analysis of 328,140 patients aged 65+ revealed a 41% increased odds of delirium among those prescribed higher amounts of these medications.
A new poll reveals that 19% of people age 50 and over identify as a person with a disability, while half may be entitled to protections and accommodations due to physical or mental conditions. Despite this, only 18% receive accommodations for healthcare visits.
Greater arterial stiffness is associated with poorer performance in specific areas of thinking, including episodic memory and working memory. Participants with both higher arterial stiffness and elevated NfL levels showed the strongest associations with memory difficulties.
Dr. Ana Daugherty, a cognitive neuroscientist with expertise in aging and Alzheimer's disease, joins Wayne State University's Institute of Gerontology as its new director. She will lead interdisciplinary collaboration, training for emerging scholars, and research on risk and resiliency in aging and dementia.
A new study from Wake Forest University School of Medicine found that individuals living in socially vulnerable neighborhoods showed measurable differences in brain structure and function, including a thinner outer layer of the brain and white matter changes. These findings suggest that the environment in which people live can shape th...
A recent analysis found that former inmates report worse health than non-incarcerated peers, even years after release. The study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, suggests that clinicians consider screening for incarceration history and connecting patients to supportive services.
A pilot study found that a prehabilitation program combining physical therapy, nutrition, and mindset support improved postoperative outcomes in older adults. Participants showed increased walking speeds and better physical function scores after surgery.
New traumatic brain injuries in older adults are associated with a higher risk of developing dementia. Research published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that TBI is linked to an increased rate of incident dementia, even when sustained in late life, and how this risk changes over time.
A new cross-sectional study reveals significant disparities in premature mortality across the globe, highlighting unequal access to health-enhancing technologies and living standards. The research emphasizes the need for rapid and fair dissemination of technological and medical advancements to universalize health benefits.
A large-scale international study found that creative experiences slow brain aging and promote healthier brain function. Creative activities such as music, dance, and video games were linked to 'younger' brain profiles, particularly in regions vulnerable to neurodegeneration.
Approximately 5 million adults are at risk of Medicaid disenrollment due to HR 1's work requirements, with a high prevalence of chronic and function-limiting conditions. This population is particularly vulnerable to the impact of work requirements on their health outcomes.
The Singapore government has launched a nationwide initiative to help seniors age well through dance, combining movement, rhythm, and storytelling. The program, co-developed by NUS Nursing and Lions Befrienders, benefits over 280 seniors with improved physical health, cognition, and emotional well-being.
This qualitative study of home-delivered nutrition services for older adults found meaningful benefits beyond their stated purpose, supporting funding for the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program. The program achieved its intended outcomes and yielded positive results for participants.
Researchers found that feeling in control over everyday stressors can lead to a 62% increase in resolving the issue. The relationship strengthens with age, suggesting that controlling one's sense of control can be a resource for managing daily life and impact health outcomes.
A study found that 21% of Gen X women and 10% of men meet criteria for ultra-processed food addiction, with a higher prevalence in older women. The study highlights the link between ultra-processed foods and risk of chronic disease and premature death, particularly among those who perceive themselves as overweight.
New Cochrane review finds RSV vaccines protect against severe lung infections in high-risk groups. Vaccination with RSV prefusion vaccines reduces lower respiratory tract disease by 77% in older adults, while pregnant people's children benefit from reduced hospitalization risk by 54%.
A new Cochrane review finds RSV vaccines reduce the risk of infection in vulnerable groups, including older adults and infants. Vaccination also significantly reduces severe disease and hospitalization rates.
A new research network aims to detect early signs of dementia through open-source digital tools. Penn State will lead a $39 million grant to advance Alzheimer's detection and reduce the financial, interpersonal, and health impacts of Alzheimer's disease.
A new study suggests that low-dose aspirin can prevent cancer in older adults based on individual characteristics. The analysis found varying treatment effects among participants, highlighting the need for personalized approaches to cancer prevention.
A new poll finds that 38% of people over 50 have had a spouse or other adult at their health care appointment, and 34% have accompanied another person. The vast majority said having someone was helpful, with 92% reporting it made them feel comfortable sharing information and helped them follow through on instructions.
A binational study found nearly 6 in 10 US adults and 3 in 10 Japanese adults discontinued semaglutide within 12 months of treatment. Patients with established cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease had higher discontinuation rates, highlighting the need for alternative treatments.
Researchers at Hebrew SeniorLife discovered a U-shaped relationship between home ambient temperature and self-reported attention difficulty in older adults. Attention was optimal between 20°C and 24°C, with worsening difficulties outside this range.
Brazilian researchers analyzed over 60 scientific articles on microplastics and their impact on bone health. They found that the materials can impair bone marrow stem cells, accelerate cell aging, and promote inflammation, leading to potential bone weakening and fractures.
A new study from Penn State researchers found that submerging hands and forearms in room-temperature tap water can effectively cool older adults and reduce their heart rate during extreme heat. The study demonstrated a reduction in core body temperature by about half a degree Fahrenheit, which may help prevent heat-related illnesses.
A recent study by the University of Edinburgh reveals that retirement has a significant impact on mental health, with certain groups at risk of dips in wellbeing. Researchers found that people on average income who had physically demanding jobs before retirement and those on high-income who retire later are particularly vulnerable to f...
A study by the University of Eastern Finland found that older patients are receptive to using wearable smart rings for remote health monitoring. Patients appreciate the comfort and small size of the device, but also raise concerns about durability, data accuracy, and privacy.
A randomized clinical trial found that acupuncture provided greater improvements in back pain-related disability compared to usual medical care alone. The study suggests that acupuncture needling is an effective and safe treatment option for older adults with chronic low back pain.
Researchers at Penn State found that weight fluctuations and changes can lead to faster cognitive decline in older adults. The study analyzed data from 4,304 participants and showed that those with greater variability in weight experienced more rapid cognitive declines.
Researchers evaluated a tool based on NCCN Guidelines to identify high-risk medications and their association with frailty and outcomes in over 380,000 older adults diagnosed with cancer. The study found that each additional high-risk medication increased the odds of being mildly or moderately-to-severely frail by 66%.
A large sample of U.S. children born between 1959 and 1966 showed a consistent association between higher blood pressure at age 7 and greater risk of premature cardiovascular disease mortality. The findings are supported by similar associations found in siblings, reducing concerns about confounding factors.
Researchers at Tohoku University discovered a way to strengthen legs through daily etiquette, known as Rei-ho, which emphasizes slow and controlled movements. The study found that those who practiced Rei-ho for five minutes daily increased their knee extension strength by an average of 25.9%, compared to only 2.5% in the control group.
Researchers found that older adults who eat breakfast and dinner at later times are more likely to experience physical and mental health issues, such as depression and oral health problems. Consistent meal schedules may help promote healthy aging and longevity.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that older adults living in flood-hit areas in New Jersey faced a 5% higher risk of heart disease for up to five years after Hurricane Sandy's landfall. Flooded ZIP code areas had lower median incomes and higher area deprivation index scores, which are linked to worse health outcomes.
The trial will evaluate the effectiveness of EAET on nearly 700 war veterans across seven US Department of Veterans Affairs centers. Previous research by Dr. Brandon Yarns found that EAET provided significant pain relief compared to traditional cognitive behavioral therapy among older adults.
A new UK review reveals that 89-97% of autistic adults aged 40+ are undiagnosed, leading to a higher risk of age-related health problems. Middle-aged and older autistic adults face significant challenges in employment, relationships, and wellbeing.
A major international review found that targeted approaches such as regular supervised exercise, vitamin D supplements, and improved nutrition can significantly reduce falls in aged care homes. The study also highlights the importance of individualized programs delivered with strong staff engagement.
Hebrew SeniorLife's 108 Centre Street affordable senior housing building has achieved Phius Certification for its high-performance, energy-efficient design. The seven-story building provides 54 affordable apartments for seniors and advances sustainable, healthy housing in Greater Boston.
The project aims to develop personalized technologies that promote lifelong learning in various educational settings. It will guide the creation of IR systems that can effectively support users with complex information needs and foster information literacy.
Aging populations exhibit a positivity bias in recognizing emotions, associated with observable changes in brain linked to cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. The study correlates age-related positivity bias with poorer cognitive performance but not necessarily emotional decline.
A new study found that firearm suicides are rising sharply among older women, with nearly 40% of suicides involving firearms in 2014-2023. The trend outpaces older men, highlighting the need for tailored interventions to mitigate firearm suicides among all older adults.
A new study by USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology researchers finds that Americans with less education are aging faster, with the gap growing over 30 years. The study measured biological aging, which looks at how well organs and systems work, and found that people with more education have slower biological aging.
The Right Care, Right Place, Right Time (R3) Program at Hebrew SeniorLife improves lives by linking housing and health care, reducing costs and helping older adults stay independent. The program includes a nurse care manager, wellness coordinator, and fitness specialist providing supportive services to residents.
A study of over 40 research studies found that older adults often don't understand the risk of extreme heat and aren't prepared for long periods of hot weather. The researchers suggest that individuals themselves go through transformations as they age, which can affect their bodies' reactions to heat.
Two new studies from Karolinska Institutet investigate how somatic mutations in muscles and blood vessels affect ageing. The results show that such mutations can reduce muscle strength and accelerate blood vessel ageing.
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology suggests that using hearing aids can lower the risk of developing dementia, particularly in individuals under age 70. This finding highlights the importance of early intervention for hearing loss and its potential role in preventing age-related cognitive decline.