Research on health and aging in later life. Covers attention and cognition, longevity, organ aging, and age-related disease.
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.
Research found that young people with older friend connections exhibit reduced ageism, even without direct experience. Knowing positive relationships among peers expands acceptance of older adults.
A recent study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults with probable dementia but without a diagnosis are more likely to perform potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving and managing finances. This suggests that early diagnosis can help address safety concerns and plan for the future.
Research finds that hearing problems impact older people's ability to communicate, move about, and participate in hobbies. Studies show that those with hearing issues have a limited life space and lower quality of life compared to those with good hearing.
A study published in Optometry and Vision Science found that visual blurring, like bifocals or progressive lenses, can cause errors in foot position when walking. This can contribute to the risk of tripping and falling in older adults, especially in challenging environments.
A new study published in JAMA Oncology found that frailty prevalence among young bone marrow transplant survivors is similar to that of the elderly population. Frailty was associated with a more than twice increased risk of subsequent death in these patients.
A Johns Hopkins study found that undiagnosed dementia patients are nearly twice as likely to engage in potentially unsafe activities, such as driving and cooking. Those without a diagnosis, however, were less frequently engaging in these activities compared to those with possible or no dementia.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed radar and bed sensor technologies that monitor walking speed and heart rate to detect early signs of illness. These non-invasive systems provide significant benefits for older adults, allowing for timely intervention before health problems become severe.
A study examining obese older adults in nursing homes found that those with higher body mass indexes were more likely to be admitted to facilities with deficiencies in care. Nearly 22% of admitted residents were obese, with morbidly obese individuals facing even greater challenges.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that urine tests are not reliable for detecting dehydration in older adults. The researchers tested 383 participants over 65 and found that urine tests were too low to be useful, missing some dehydrated individuals and incorrectly identifying others.
Higher blood pressure fluctuations are associated with faster declines in brain and cognitive function among older adults. Average blood pressure readings were not linked to changes in brain function, suggesting that controlling blood pressure instability may be key to preserving cognitive function.
A survey by Northwell Health found that nearly 7 in 10 older adults with hip fractures are not informed about osteoporosis, despite the disease being a common cause of hip fractures. The study suggests that improved education and treatment for osteoporosis could reduce re-fracture rates and improve patient outcomes.
Intensive therapies to reduce high blood pressure cut the risk of heart disease in older adults by nearly a third and death by almost a quarter. Participants with diabetes or heart failure were excluded from the trial.
A new study reveals that chronological age plays little role in determining differences in older people's health and well-being. The research presents a comprehensive model of health and aging, highlighting the importance of psychological, social, and physical factors in addition to diseases.
A new approach using a two-minute video has been shown to boost pneumococcal vaccination rates among older adults, with 64% watching the entire video and receiving the vaccine. The study found that patients who viewed at least part of the video were three times more likely to receive the vaccine.
Dr. Callahan has spent over two decades developing new models of care to improve the health of older adults with internists or primary care physicians. His research emphasizes team-based care, social services, and practical strategies for primary care physicians.
The American Psychological Association's special issue explores the importance of psychology in promoting healthy aging, preventing dementia, and ensuring retirement security. Researchers examine the impact of ageism, financial exploitation, and family dynamics on older adults' well-being.
A simple 20-second arm test has been developed to rapidly and accurately identify physiological frailty in older adults, using wearable technology. The test showed high agreement with the gold standard frailty index, making it a valuable tool for surgeons to assess risk of postoperative complications.
A small study by University of Florida researchers suggests that as we age, we may become more sensitive to pain and experience a quicker and higher magnitude inflammation. This could predispose older adults to chronic pain, making anti-inflammatory medication an early treatment option.
A study found that specific personality traits, such as neuroticism and extraversion, were associated with individual differences in the use of MBSR during and post-training. The findings suggest that MBSR programs can be tailored to targeted populations based on their personality traits.