Articles tagged with Older Adults
A recent study found that sensory loss is a common issue among older adults, affecting 94 percent of those in the US. The most prevalent deficit was decreased sense of taste, with 48% of participants rated as poor. Understanding the underlying causes and developing prevention strategies are crucial for improving quality of life.
A study published in Cancer found that combining chemotherapy with radiation therapy improves survival rates among a subset of elderly head and neck cancer patients, specifically those aged 71 to 79. This improvement was not previously shown in patients older than 70 years.
The American Geriatrics Society and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have released a new guide to assessing and counseling older drivers. The guide provides healthcare professionals with practical, person-centered advice on safely navigating the road for older adults, who account for 10% of all traffic fatalities annually.
A new study finds that unpaid caregivers, often family members, experience significant emotional, physical, and financial difficulties due to their caregiving responsibilities. They are also more likely to be less productive at work and require support from healthcare providers and employers.
A new study suggests that caregivers providing substantial health care assistance experience emotional, physical and financial challenges. The study highlights the importance of supporting family caregivers who provide most assistance with everyday activities.
Cognitive scientists have found that younger and older adults show different brain wave patterns when performing the same memory task. The study used MRI and MEG to track potential age-related differences in brain activity, revealing a surge of theta power in younger adults and alpha oscillatory power in older adults.
When older adults stop driving, they experience doubled symptoms of depression, faster physical and mental health declines, and increased mortality risk. Effective programs ensuring mobility and social activities are needed to mitigate these adverse effects.
By 2050, older adults representing minority groups are projected to rise to 39% globally, with significant increases among Asian and Native Hawaiian populations. To address this growing need, the American Geriatrics Society recommends culturally sensitive indicators to improve healthcare outcomes for diverse older adult populations.
As the US welcomes its largest and most diverse group of older residents, AGS sheds light on health disparities and the importance of culturally effective care. The new guidance outlines present health disparities and the need for sensitivity to culture and health literacy when working with older individuals.
The financial industry is facing a major economic threat from elder financial exploitation and cognitive decline, which can result in significant losses for individuals and society. New research and initiatives are being developed to detect, prevent, and intervene in these cases, including predictive models and algorithms.
A study published by The BMJ found no direct association between benzodiazepine use and dementia, but suggests a possible link in those with low or moderate use. Healthcare providers are still advised to avoid benzodiazepines in older adults due to potential adverse health outcomes.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that serious depression symptoms increase the risk of stroke and heart disease in older adults. The study discovered that adults with high levels of depressive symptoms had a significantly higher risk of experiencing heart disease or stroke events over a 1...
A study found that lower respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia, account for 26 percent of all ER visits for infectious diseases and 15 percent of deaths during hospitalizations. Influenza vaccination is underutilized among older adults, with about one-third not receiving the vaccine.
Negative attitudes towards aging have been shown to negatively affect both physical and cognitive health in older adults. Participants with positive attitudes exhibited improved cognitive ability. Researchers highlight the importance of societal-wide interventions targeting attitudes towards aging.
A new study found that individuals with fewer than 12 years of schooling benefit more from cognitive training than their more highly educated counterparts. Cognitive training on speed of information processing resulted in a 50% greater effect for those with less than a complete high school education.
A recent study found that adolescents are more prudent in their decision-making when a slightly older adult is present. The researchers discovered that groups with younger soldiers benefited from the inclusion of a mid- to late-20s soldier, who led to fewer risks and a stronger preference for delayed rewards.
A recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that zinc supplementation significantly improved serum zinc concentrations and T-cell function in older adults with low zinc levels. The researchers also discovered a positive correlation between serum zinc levels and the number and effectiveness of T-cells.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that older adults who stop driving face accelerated declines in cognitive function and physical health. This cessation is linked to a higher risk of depressive symptoms, reduced social networks, and increased dependence on caregivers.
A population-based study found that preoperative frailty is strongly associated with an increased risk of death following surgery, particularly in younger patients and after joint replacement. Frail patients are at a higher risk of mortality, especially in the early postoperative period.
The American Geriatrics Society has established a coordinating center to provide strategic resources for 44 HRSA awardees working on projects to increase geriatric training in primary care. The program aims to develop a healthcare workforce that improves health outcomes for older adults by integrating geriatrics into primary care.
Delirium occurs frequently in elderly GI surgery patients, often due to advanced age and poor physical health. Patients with postoperative delirium tend to experience longer hospital stays and increased mortality rates.
A new review suggests that stopping driving in older adults can contribute to various health problems, including depression. The decision to stop driving is often accompanied by declining cognitive and physical functions, highlighting the need for personalized plans to maintain mobility and social functions.
Researchers found that high-challenge activities improved memory performance and brain activity efficiency in older adults. The study suggests that mentally demanding activities may be neuroprotective and essential for maintaining a healthy brain into late adulthood. Enhanced neural efficiency was maintained a year after participation.
Aging is associated with chronic low-level inflammation, which can impair white blood cells' ability to fight infection. Reducing inflammation in older adults helps clear infections and improve recovery.
A recent study published in the journal Surgery found that outpatient thyroid surgery is safe for even the elderly and super-elderly, thanks to a standardized treatment approach. The study showed that while older patients have more comorbid conditions, complication rates held steady at 5-6 percent across all groups.
Researchers developed a portable system using patent-pending Coded Hemodynamic Imaging technology to monitor blood flow at multiple arterial points simultaneously. This allows for continuous monitoring and more complete body imaging, enabling early detection of cardiovascular issues and greater independence for older adults.
The study found that over 3.1 million elderly adults visited emergency departments in the US due to infectious diseases, accounting for 13.5% of all visits. The most common diagnoses were lower respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and septicemia.
A new collaborative best practices guideline has been released for optimal care of older adults before, during, and after surgical operations. The guideline provides expert recommendations for surgeons, anesthesiologists, and allied health care professionals to address postoperative complications and prolonged recovery in older patients.
Researchers used a portable device to compare brain activity in people with Parkinsonian syndromes and healthy adults. The study found that those with Parkinsonian symptoms demonstrated higher prefrontal cortex oxygenation levels to maintain stability while standing, and this difference relates to their performance in maintaining balance.
Researchers identified molecular signatures that predict immune protection in response to flu vaccination, with elderly individuals showing high levels of monocytes and low antibody-producing B cells. This study provides insight into potential mechanisms underlying reduced vaccine efficacy in older adults.
Seniors struggle to process multisensory information, affecting tasks like driving and balance. Training methods, such as video games or brain stimulation, may help improve perceptions of time in older adults.
Tetyana P. Shippee, PhD, is awarded the 2015 Senior Service America Senior Scholar Award for her research on long-term care and aging, particularly focusing on cumulative inequality theory and patient-centered measures.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Toronto found that negative views on aging can negatively impact memory and hearing in older adults. The study suggests that education and training exercises can help improve cognitive and physical performance, dispel stereotypes about aging, and enhance overall quality of life.
Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that TigerPlace residents who used sensor technology and onsite care coordination stayed in their apartments for an average of 4.3 years, nearly double the national median of 1.8 years.
Researchers discovered unique gene variants that protect against neurodegenerative diseases in older adults, preserving their valuable contributions to society. These protective genes are present in Africa and evolved to help preserve elderly wisdom and cultural knowledge.
A study at the University of Helsinki found that approximately half of elderly patients with acute subdural hematomas who undergo surgery can recover to an independent life. The researchers emphasize that the decision to operate should not be based solely on age, but rather on individual patient factors.
Recent Western blood pressure guidelines may be too high for Asian populations, especially those at high risk of cardiovascular disease. The guidelines recommend a target blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg, but this threshold could boost stroke risk in elderly Asians.
A UMD study found that improving fitness through moderate exercise can counteract brain atrophy in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. The study showed increased cortical thickness in both healthy and MCI participants, with greater improvements seen in those with MCI.
A large prospective community-based study of older Americans found that modest physical activity is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Walking at a pace faster than three miles per hour and engaging in leisure activities such as lawn-mowing, raking, or hiking also showed significant CVD benefits.
The new Brain Safety Lab will develop potential brain safety solutions, test prototypes and deploy them in real-world clinical settings. The lab will focus on addressing medications with anticholinergic effects and preventing repeated episodes of hypoglycemia in older adults with diabetes.
A recent study published in Journal of Aging and Physical Activity found that fitness level is the strongest correlate of physical activity among Norwegian older adults. Higher education was associated with increased physical activity for males but not females. The study, which analyzed data from 850 participants aged 70-77, also disco...
A 36-year-old woman with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) becomes unintentionally pregnant and seeks a treatment approach that balances cancer remission and healthy delivery. Through her successful experience, doctors and patients gain insight into the complexities of managing CLL during pregnancy.
A new study found that older adults with dementia visit emergency departments at higher rates, are admitted to hospitals more often, and have a higher death rate after ED visits compared to those without dementia. The study also highlights the need for better care in fast-paced emergency departments.
A new study by Oregon State University reveals that rural residents aged 85 or older have higher levels of chronic disease, take more medications, and die earlier than their urban counterparts. The research highlights the challenges faced by older populations in rural areas due to limited access to healthcare services.
Elderly individuals living in UK care homes are at high risk of dehydration due to conditions like dementia, diabetes, and kidney problems. Research finds dehydration is associated with poor health outcomes, including disability and death.
A new study reveals that fitness level impacts brain connectivity in older adults, with more fit individuals showing stronger brain connections. The research suggests that cardiorespiratory fitness has a positive effect on brain health as people age.
Researchers found that adults over age 30 are not happier than they used to be, but teens and young adults are experiencing higher levels of happiness. The study, led by San Diego State University professor Jean M. Twenge, analyzed data from four nationally representative samples of Americans ages 13 to 96.
A recent study by UC San Diego researchers found that young adults experience envy more frequently than older adults, particularly in regards to physical appearance and academic success. The study also revealed that men and women tend to envy someone of the same age group, with younger participants reporting envy over looks and romance.
A Grand Valley State University nursing faculty member is presenting research on the effectiveness of text messaging for medication adherence among older adults. The study found that enrolling patients through a specialty pharmacy resulted in higher enrollment rates, and that adults over 60 were more likely to participate.
A study by ETH Zurich researchers found that a serum concentration of around 40 micrograms of vitamin D per litre of serum is ideal for slowing or preventing bone degeneration in postmenopausal women. The study showed that daily vitamin D supplements can increase calcium absorption and reduce bone degeneration.
A new study found that older adults were better than young adults at correcting their factual errors, with improved performance on low-confidence errors. This challenges the notion that older adults are less accurate and suggests a focus of attention driven by a desire to prioritize truth over confidence.
Researchers found that fitter men performed better mentally than less fit men by using parts of their brains in the same way as in their youth. Aerobic fitness was associated with higher left-PFC activity and faster reaction times, indicating older adults who use a more youth-like brain perform better.
Researchers found that antipsychotic prescriptions for seniors increased with age after 65, with nearly half of those over 80 using the drugs in excess of 120 days. The study highlights concerns about safety and calls for alternative treatments.
Aging-related changes in physical condition and life circumstances can lead to financial vulnerabilities, which may result in substantial loss of resources. The term age-associated financial vulnerability (AAFV) describes a pattern of behavior placing older adults at risk for considerable loss of resources.
A study of 137 older adults found that hearing loss was linked to accelerated cognitive decline. However, participants who used hearing aids showed reduced declines in cognitive function over a 25-year period compared to those without hearing aids.
Older adults do not accurately predict their own life expectancy, contrary to common wisdom that they overestimate. A study found that 54.7% of participants had similar estimates to objective calculations, while 32.7% underestimated and 11.5% overestimated.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that nearly four in ten older adults struggle with managing their health care needs, with many delaying or avoiding treatments. Despite this, the majority prefer to play an active role in making decisions about their healthcare.
Researchers found that patients with advanced cancer are willing to pay more for aspects of a good end-of-life experience compared to healthy older adults. Both groups highly value high-quality healthcare experiences, including being treated with respect and receiving coordinated care. The study suggests that health reform efforts shou...
A new study by Oregon Health & Science University found that regular face-to-face social interactions with family and friends significantly lower the risk of depression, while phone calls and digital communications have less impact. Study participants who met up frequently had the lowest level of depressive symptoms.
Barry Edelstein, a renowned geropsychologist, has been recognized with the GSA's Distinguished Mentorship in Gerontology Award. He is known for fostering excellence and making a major impact through his mentoring, inspiring students and colleagues across various fields.