Articles tagged with Older Adults
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.
The University of Birmingham is rolling out the REACT programme, a group-based exercise programme proven to support people with mobility limitations, to regions around England. The three-year programme aims to improve and maintain physical function and reduce health care costs in older adults.
A modeling study finds that COVID-19 vaccination is more cost-effective for individuals aged 65 and above, with favorable results across different parameter input scenarios. The study's findings support the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' decision to recommend vaccination with the 2023-2024 mRNA vaccines.
SuperAgers, individuals with exceptional memory performance beyond their age, have been studied for 25 years. Their brains show a distinct neurobiological profile, linked to resistance and resilience mechanisms that may prevent Alzheimer's disease progression.
Researchers found a 9% increased risk of death from all causes for those living in flood-affected zip codes, with higher risks in Connecticut and New York City. The study highlights the importance of considering long-term health impacts of hurricane-related flooding on older adults.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School found that lithium loss in the brain is an early change leading to Alzheimer's, while a novel lithium compound can reverse memory in mice. The study suggests a new theory of the disease and a potential strategy for diagnosis and treatment.
A comprehensive genetic analysis of nearly one million participants found hundreds of genetic markers influencing frailty risk. The study reveals frailty is not caused by a single factor but by multiple genes affecting the immune system, brain, and metabolism.
A study by the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that older adults participate more in social activities after moving into long-term care facilities. However, gaps in access to these opportunities persist, affecting men, nursing home residents from minority groups, and those with lower participation rates before admi...
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that centenarians tend to accumulate diseases at a slower rate compared to non-centenarians. The study showed that centenarians are less likely to develop multiple diseases simultaneously, and those diseases often occur later in life.
A new study published in JAMA Health Forum suggests that Medicare could save $3.6 billion annually by eliminating or reducing low-value tests and procedures for patients who do not benefit from them. This reduction in unnecessary care could also result in $800 million less in out-of-pocket costs for older adults.
A study found that semaglutide and liraglutide use are associated with a higher risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in older patients with type 2 diabetes. The GLP-1 receptor agonists showed varying levels of risk, with liraglutide posing the greatest threat.
A large study examines 17 years of Medicare hospitalization claims and major flooding events, finding increased rates of specific health issues among older adults. The research highlights the need for targeted outreach, robust evacuation planning, and improved access to medical services to protect public health during climate change.
Researchers found that taking blood thinners like warfarin does not significantly increase the risk of brain bleeding after blunt head trauma, contradicting previous assumptions. In fact, patients with poorly controlled warfarin activity had the highest bleeding risk.
Two studies from University of Michigan researchers suggest many older adults and people with disabilities need more impartial help picking the best Medicare plan. Only about 13% of enrollees switch plans annually, and even fewer use the internet to research options.
The US POINTER trial found that a structured lifestyle intervention of regular exercise, adherence to the MIND diet and social engagement had greater benefits on global cognition compared to an unstructured intervention. The study showed significant cognitive benefit after two years in older adults at elevated risk of Alzheimer disease.
A comparative effectiveness study estimates that COVID-19 vaccinations averted 2.5 million deaths during 2020-2024, with the majority of benefits secured for older adults within this age group.
A recent study by Florida Atlantic University reveals that up to 40% of hospital transfers from nursing homes can be avoided. The study identified common medical conditions linked to unnecessary hospitalizations, including feeding tube complications and urinary tract infections.
A retrospective study found that older adults hospitalized with RSV experienced significantly longer hospital stays, transfers to intensive care, and 30-day mortality compared to patients with other conditions. Additionally, RSV hospitalization was associated with higher rates of heart failure and atrial fibrillation post-discharge.
Aging and depression are linked to complex brain-body communication, with organs aging at different rates and influencing disease susceptibility. Dr. Hamilton Oh's research reveals how immune cells and metabolic organs amplify or dampen mood symptoms, offering novel therapeutic targets.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) treatment was associated with reduced all-cause mortality among older patients with cancer and type 2 diabetes. The survival benefit persisted across various subgroups, including age, sex, and cancer type.
A new study introduces a novel muscular clock, MAA, which measures how quickly an individual's muscles are aging compared to their actual age. The research found that about 25% of healthy middle-aged and older adults experience accelerated muscle aging, increasing the risk of sarcopenia.
A new poll suggests that older adults are divided on the use of artificial intelligence (AI), with some expressing curiosity and others skepticism. The study found that nearly all participants wanted clear labeling of AI-generated information, while also acknowledging its potential benefits for independent living. However, many express...
A new study found that older adults with insomnia face triple the risk of developing depressive symptoms compared to sound sleepers. The study suggests that treatments targeted at inflammation-related depression may benefit these patients and improve their overall quality of life.
A new study found that walking at a pace 14 steps per minute faster than usual can improve physical function in frail or at-risk older adults. Researchers developed a smartphone app to accurately measure walking cadence, making it easier for daily use.
A recent study of over 5,500 widowed individuals found that emotional loneliness increases significantly after a spouse's death and continues for years. Despite stronger parent-child relationships, particularly among mothers who act as kin-keepers, social and emotional loneliness persists.
A study presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting found that socially isolated older adults are 34% more likely to have diabetes and 75% more likely to have poor blood sugar control. Social isolation is being recognized as a critical social determinant of health, highlighting its importance in caring for older patients.
A study of 62,839 people diagnosed with non-metastatic prostate cancer in Sweden found that those treated according to NCCN Guidelines were likely to survive their cancer for their remaining life-expectancy. Those with low- and intermediate-risk cancer were six times more likely to die of other causes than prostate cancer.
Higher anticholinergic exposure accelerates decline in gait speed and grip strength in older adults, affecting healthy aging. The study suggests minimizing anticholinergic medications is crucial for maintaining physical function.
Researchers at Emory University have discovered that psilocybin can delay cellular aging by over 50% and extend the lifespan of human skin and lung cells. In a study involving aged mice, psilocybin was shown to increase survival by 30% and improve physical features, suggesting potential for anti-aging therapies.
The study found that acute hepatitis E incidence and Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) increased globally from 1990 to 2021, with a slight rise in age-standardized rates. The number of incident cases is expected to continue increasing up to 2030.
A nationwide study of 1,500 US women aged 40-65 found that most continue to experience orgasm at the same frequency and quality as younger peers. The study suggests promoting masturbation among older women may enhance well-being and alleviate menopausal symptoms.
A Brazilian researcher is studying induced pluripotent stem cells from centenarians to understand cellular resilience in COVID-19 survivors. The study aims to identify key cellular pathways that influence longevity and potentially contribute to therapeutic approaches for age-related diseases.
A recent multinational study found that people diagnosed with dementia are living longer due to advancements in diagnosis and care. The study of over 1.2 million individuals across eight regions revealed a lower risk of death in five regions, primarily attributed to improved prevention and treatment methods.
A new study from the University of Southern California reveals that just 30 days of guided mindfulness meditation can significantly enhance key aspects of attentional control. The study demonstrates that even short-term meditation can lead to measurable cognitive improvements, particularly in reaction speed.
A new pilot study found that brain stimulation plus coaching significantly increased physical activity in older adults, with an average daily step count of 1,179 steps per day. The results suggest that brain stimulation may enhance motivation and behavior change, particularly when paired with accessible coaching.
Research from Kyoto University found that continuing to play a musical instrument into old age preserves brain function and prevents atrophy in the putamen. Long-term practice showed no decline in verbal working memory performance or gray matter volume, while short-term practice improved memory function for four months.
A study of over 2,500 adults aged 50-80 found that nearly 1 in 6 take aspirin for cardiovascular protection without a history of heart disease. Despite revised guidelines reducing aspirin use for primary prevention after age 70, many patients are unaware of the increased risk of bleeding.
A community-based pneumococcal vaccination support program in Sera Town, Japan, reduced pneumonia-related mortality by 25% among the elderly. The program reversed a previously increasing trend in pneumonia mortality rate in the community.
A new study found that slower arm movements in older adults increase the risk of falls, which can lead to hip fractures. The research team discovered that faster arm corrections can limit whole-body movement during a slip, highlighting the importance of strengthening targeted muscles.
Scientists at Duke University have developed a freely available tool that can estimate an individual's rate of aging and predict their risk for chronic diseases like dementia. The tool, called DunedinPACNI, analyzes brain scans to identify those who are aging faster, which may lead to cognitive decline and age-related health problems.
A new study from the University of Bath found that inappropriate polypharmacy is a major driver of emergency hospital admissions among adults aged 65 and over. The researchers developed a digital tool to proactively identify older adults at risk of medication-related harm, which could reduce preventable emergency hospitalisations.
A large-scale study found no association between medication use and the development of microscopic colitis, contradicting previous findings. SSRIs were linked to a slightly higher risk, but also increased the likelihood of receiving a colonoscopy.