Research on health and aging in later life. Covers attention and cognition, longevity, organ aging, and age-related disease.
A national co-management intervention aims to improve person-centered care outcomes and decrease healthcare spending. The program, supported by the John A. Hartford Foundation, positions geriatrics professionals as co-leaders in pre- and post-operative management of older adults with fragility fractures.
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that only 77% of patients accurately assessed their ability to perform tasks after visiting emergency departments. This highlights the need for direct assessments rather than relying on patient statements about abilities.
A new initiative to add price tags to medicines worth over £20 in England may have unintended consequences, warns an editorial in the Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin (DTB). The move could lead vulnerable patients to worry about being a burden on society, while others may view cheaper drugs as less important. Furthermore, the added cost ...
A telephone-based cognitive behavioral therapy significantly reduced symptoms of worry, generalized anxiety disorder, and depression in rural older adults. The therapy was more effective than a non-directive supportive therapy approach in improving overall mental health outcomes.
A five-year grant is funding research into strategies to help older adults prevent or reverse typical age-related cognitive decline. Researchers will recruit 580 people over 65 with significant memory problems but no dementia, and evaluate their progress with cognitive tests and MRI scans.
Analysis of 835 studies shows that even low weekly physical activity is associated with a 22% lowered risk of death. The most significant health benefits were found among those who increased their physical activity, particularly women.
The project aims to educate 1,100 health care students and providers on a team-approach to care for older adults, targeting underserved areas in Missouri. With the growing elderly population, the initiative seeks to increase primary care providers by 34 percent to meet their complex healthcare needs.
The Alliance for Aging Research released a white paper highlighting the factors driving low vaccination rates among seniors and offering recommendations for improvement. Vaccination rates are lower than target levels set by Healthy People 2020, resulting in significant health issues and deaths among older adults.
A new study by Michigan Medicine reveals that seniors receive prescriptions for mental health medications at more than twice the rate of younger adults. However, they are much less likely to be getting their mental health care from a psychiatrist, raising concerns about potential interactions with other medications.
Researchers identified the hectic emergency department environment and lack of baseline cognitive state as major barriers to delirium recognition. Doctors emphasized the need for a rapid screening test and a 'physician-proof' dementia screening tool to improve detection rates.
A study of approximately 500 older adults found that two-thirds who screened positive for cognitive impairment refused diagnostic assessment. Living alone was a significant factor, as well as negative preconceptions about dementia stigma.
Peter Lichtenberg's Institute of Gerontology at Wayne State University has developed the Lichtenberg Financial Decision-Making Screening and Rating Scales, a tool to profile an older adult's vulnerability to exploitation. The scales have shown initial studies confirm their reliability in identifying those at risk of financial abuse.
A recent study by University of Minnesota researchers highlights the importance of everyday contact with nature for healthy aging in seniors. Green and blue spaces are found to promote feelings of renewal, restoration, and spiritual connectedness, as well as provide opportunities for multi-generational social interactions.
A UBC study found that women responded positively to emotional support, while men did not, highlighting the importance of tailored social support strategies for senior citizens. The research aims to improve fruit and vegetable intake among seniors, with a goal of meeting the recommended five-a-day guideline.
A new study published in the Journal of Politeness Research found that people are more likely to intervene in public conflicts when they consider taking the moral high ground. The researchers studied real-life scenarios and discovered that intervention is prompted by behavior that violates social norms.
A NYU study found that a life review writing workshop combined with student interactions enhances the sense of purpose for older adults living independently. The program showed significant benefits in promoting well-being and reducing depressive symptoms among community-dwelling seniors.
Living in areas with high road traffic noise may reduce life expectancy due to an increased risk of heart or blood vessel disease. Adults and the elderly living in noisy areas were found to be more likely to die from cardiovascular disease and experience strokes.
A new article highlights key action areas for healthcare professionals to improve the quality of life of older adults by maintaining brain health. Action areas include formal cognitive assessments, screening for risk factors, and promoting physical exercise and social engagement.
A study found that over half of seniors injured in motor vehicle crashes were still taking pain medication six months later. The results highlighted the need for effective management of acute pain in older adults to prevent negative consequences on function and quality of life.
A recent study found that 34% of participants had moderate or severe sleep-disordered breathing, and 31% experienced short sleep duration. Racial/ethnic minorities were more likely to have undiagnosed sleep apnea and poor sleep quality compared to whites.
The study found that almost one-third of the U.S. population are informal caregivers, with women providing more unpaid care hours than men. Elderly people were frequently cared for by spouses, not adult children. The researchers also estimated the value of unpaid care nationwide at $691 billion in 2012.
Researchers have discovered that an existing drug, rapamycin, reduces body fat and appetite in older rats, preserving lean body mass. The study's findings have implications for developing anti-obesity treatments for aging humans, with potential benefits including improved health outcomes.
Researchers discovered that rapamycin, a pharmaceutical used to prevent transplant rejection, reduces body fat and appetite in older rats, preserving lean body mass. The drug targets how the body makes leptin, a hormone that affects hunger and metabolism.
Elder abuse is a common issue globally, affecting up to 47% of older adults with dementia in North America. The prevalence varies widely across regions, with higher rates found in Asia and lower rates reported in some African countries.
A new study found that many older adults are participating in online communities to discuss and learn about sex, swapping advice on keeping their sexuality active into old age. These online forums provide a safe space for seniors to share their thoughts and experiences without fear of judgment.
Research suggests that light-intensity exercise can lead to improved health outcomes, including lower BMI and reduced chronic disease risk, for individuals over age 65. Engaging in 5 hours of light physical activity per week appears to provide similar benefits as moderate exercise.
A new study suggests that one night of partial sleep deprivation promotes biological aging in older adults by activating gene expression patterns consistent with increasing damage accumulation. The findings support the hypothesis that sleep deprivation may be associated with elevated disease risk by promoting molecular processes involv...
According to a study by the University of the Basque Country, cognitive decline starts at age 20 but may not be noticeable. Episodic memory deteriorates with age, while semantic and procedural memories remain relatively stable or even improve in some cases.
A study of 1169 Medicare beneficiaries found that those with impaired smell identification were at higher mortality risk. Participants with the worst smelling ability had a 45% mortality rate after 4 years, significantly higher than those with the best scores.
Researchers found that older adults' cycling speed improved while completing cognitive tasks without sacrificing cognitive performance. The study suggests combining physical activity with mental tasks may encourage more vigorous exercise.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience found a link between poor sleep and the accumulation of beta-amyloid protein, which is believed to trigger Alzheimer's disease. Researchers discovered that excessive sleep disturbances can lead to impaired long-term memory consolidation.
Older adults perform just as well as younger adults in simple decision-making, according to a study published in Cognition. However, in more complex decisions, older adults may struggle due to age-related cognitive decline. The study suggests that simple learning strategies can be useful for aging decision makers despite limitations.
A new NIH grant will help researchers at SDSU study brain connections and cognitive abilities in older adults with autism. This is a significant step towards understanding how autism affects individuals across the lifespan.
New Michigan State University research reveals tablets can help seniors overcome barriers to getting connected online. The use of tablets makes it easier for older adults to maneuver and access information without the need for a mouse.
Research in elderly people found that moderate drinking may lead to subtle changes in the heart's structure and function. Women appear more susceptible to cardiotoxic effects of alcohol than men.
Researchers found strong association between hospital admissions and progression of disability among older adults during last year of life. Hospitalizations were a key predictor of mortality and disability severity among these patients.
A large cohort study found that even short duration and low intensity exercise has a negative correlation with mortality rate in the elderly. The risk of death decreased by 57% in those with higher levels of physical activity compared to those with lower levels.
Regular physical activity among elderly men is linked to a 40% lower risk of death from any cause. The study found that even light physical activity was associated with a significant reduction in risk, and those who engaged in moderate to vigorous physical activity lived five years longer than sedentary individuals.
Research highlights physical activity interventions for obese older adults, explorations of muscle decline in influenza infection, and dementia care management strategies. The findings suggest regular physical activity can prevent disability even in extremely obese older adults.
The project aims to develop individualized robots that can adapt to the special needs of each elderly user, improving their well-being. The robots will be designed to model human-human interaction and adjust to user pace, abilities, and actions in real-time.
The study found that older adults are using more mobility devices, with a third reporting the use of multiple devices. Despite this, using a cane was linked to limiting activities due to fear of falling.
A study by Dr Mark Moss and colleagues found that age has the biggest influence on motivators and barriers to exercise among older people. The researchers suggest that new health messages should tailor their information to account for differences between 'young' and 'older' older adults.
A three-year study will enroll 2,000 adults aged 65+ who've had a fall-related fracture to assess the effectiveness of an exercise program integrating strength training, balance exercises, and walking with coaching. The study aims to reduce the risk of falls and fractures among seniors by addressing barriers to exercise
Researchers found a positive association between cardiorespiratory fitness and white matter structural integrity in the brains of older adults. Exercise, particularly walking, was identified as a potentially effective strategy for delaying cognitive decline and improving quality of life.
Preliminary research suggests that elderly individuals in China will contribute significantly to TB infections and cases, with their burden increasing from 13% to 71%. Developing a 'post-infection' vaccine could reduce TB rates by almost a third by 2050.
A new study suggests statins could be a cost-effective tool for preventing heart attacks and other cardiovascular incidents in adults over age 75. However, potential side effects such as muscle weakness and cognitive impairment need to be considered.
Research reveals that Dutch doctors are withholding treatment from a substantial proportion of elderly patients, driven by considerations of comfort and respect rather than ageism. Treatment was withheld in 37% of cases, with the oldest patients being more likely to have artificial feeding and fluids or antibiotics withdrawn.
A new study found that statins can help prevent heart disease in older adults but may cause muscle pain, weakness, and mild cognitive impairment. The study suggests that the benefits of statin use may be offset by these side effects, particularly in geriatric populations.
A national survey found that over half of US older adults are now taking a daily dose of aspirin for primary prevention, with 81% having no prior heart attack or stroke. The reasons cited for its use include heart attack and stroke prevention, as well as cancer prevention.
A new research agenda outlines top priorities to address gaps in acute geriatric care, including advanced care planning and delirium management. The framework aims to improve care for complex older patients with limited formal training.
A Case Western Reserve University researcher found that housework improves physical and emotional well-being in older adults with chronic illnesses. The study, which analyzed data from 337 participants aged 65-94, revealed that maintaining a clean home has a positive impact on mental health, contrary to expectations.
A clinical trial found that zoledronic acid improved bone mineral density and reduced bone turnover in frail elderly women with osteoporosis. The treatment group showed significant increases in hip and spine bone mineral density at 12 and 24 months, while the placebo group showed decreases.
In a pilot study, older adults aged 60+ reduced their sitting time by an average of 27 minutes per day through coaching. Participants reported improved ability to perform everyday tasks and fewer symptoms of depression. The study suggests that reducing sedentary behavior in older adults could have significant health benefits.
Sarcopenia, age-related muscle mass and strength loss, lacks a widely accepted clinical definition. A new review aims to develop refined criteria, addressing the need for a consensus definition.
The American Geriatrics Society and AARP have developed a free guide to help older Chinese-Americans manage their health. The guide highlights common health concerns and provides practical recommendations for discussing cultural issues with healthcare providers.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that chronically lonely older adults are more likely to visit their doctors for social contact. The research suggests that identifying and targeting interventions for lonely elders could significantly decrease physician visits and healthcare costs.
Researchers found that folic acid supplementation increased nitric oxide production in older blood vessels, improving skin blood flow and reducing cardiovascular risk. This inexpensive alternative to pharmaceutical treatments shows promise for helping older adults cope with environmental heat waves.
Researchers will investigate biophysical factors, environmental exposures and allergens associated with asthma control in older adults. The five-year study aims to develop interventions to improve symptoms, reduce emergency room visits and enhance overall well-being for seniors with asthma.
A study from Oregon State University reveals that zinc deficiency can induce an increased inflammatory response in cells, particularly in older adults. The researchers found that reducing zinc levels led to improper immune cell activation and dysregulation of a cytokine IL-6, which affects inflammation.
A study published in JAMA found that early imaging for back pain in older adults did not lead to better outcomes, but rather increased costs. The study compared function and pain at 12 months among patients who received early imaging versus those who did not.