Articles tagged with Older Adults
A new checklist from Australian doctors aims to prompt frank discussions about end-of-life care and minimize futile treatments. The CriSTAL tool assesses 29 predictors of death in elderly patients, helping healthcare professionals recognize the inevitability of death and provide more appropriate services.
Researchers found a 30% relative increase in falls among older adults aged 65+, with an 8% absolute increase, from 1998 to 2010. The study suggests that the rise in reported falls may not be due to aging population demographics.
A study found that nearly two-thirds of older adults with complex or very complex health status maintained tight blood sugar control, suggesting potential overtreatment. This vulnerable population is unlikely to benefit from intensive glucose management and may experience harms such as hypoglycemia.
Research at the University of Illinois at Chicago found that playing catch can improve balance and prevent falls in seniors by enhancing anticipatory postural control. The study also showed a transfer effect, where training improved performance on other tasks beyond the specific activity.
A new study by Ruopeng An found that smokers and the obese incur substantially higher annual health care costs compared to their peers. Out-of-pocket medical expenses, inpatient and outpatient care, emergency room visits, and prescription drugs contribute to these added expenditures.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that providing additional $67 per month to elderly residents in poor countries improves their health outcomes. Participants who received this supplement showed significant improvements in lung function and memory, as well as increased access to healthcare services.
A recent study published in Journal of Gerontology reveals that cardiorespiratory fitness has a positive impact on long-term memory in older adults. The research found that participants with higher levels of physical fitness performed better on cognitive tasks and showed improved executive function.
A new study found that only 18% of seniors with Type 2 diabetes use apps to manage their condition, despite interest in web and mobile applications. The study suggests that age-related confidence in technology use is a significant barrier to adoption.
A randomized controlled trial found the high-dose flu vaccine produced a stronger immune response in frail older adults living in long-term care facilities. The study suggests the high-dose vaccine may be the better option for this population to protect against flu.
The IU and Regenstrief GRACE study is a pioneering program that provides comprehensive care management for older adults in their homes. It has been shown to improve quality of life, reduce hospital admissions, and decrease healthcare costs, making it a model for geriatric medicine.
A new study found that low-crime, walkable neighborhoods reduce severe depressive symptoms in older Latino adults. The 12-month and 24-month follow-up results showed a significant reduction in depression among participants living in safer neighborhoods.
A new study finds that malnutrition is an independent predictor of long-term survival in geriatric patients undergoing the Whipple procedure. Geriatric patients with preoperative severe nutritional risk had significantly decreased long-term survival, while those without SNR had a seven-year survival rate of 84 percent.
A study of healthcare professionals reveals persistent barriers to effective transitional care, emphasizing the importance of patient education and provider accountability in reducing complications and rehospitalizations among older adults
Regular internet use and engaging in civic, leisure, and cultural activities may help maintain health literacy skills among older adults. Health literacy scores fell by one or more points in around a fifth of people over six years, regardless of initial score.
A new study shows that senior citizens who run regularly can walk as efficiently as 20-year-olds, while those who only walk expend more energy. The research suggests that running helps slow down the aging process and improves independence.
A new survey of 11 countries found that Americans with Medicare have quicker access to specialist care than many other nations. However, the US population is also reported to be sicker compared to older adults in these countries.
A month-long residential program with strong linkage to community-based follow-up care enabled almost 30% of opioid-dependent participants to remain abstinent a year later. This study suggests that abstinence-focused, 12-step residential treatment may be a viable alternative to outpatient approaches for young adults.
Researchers found a link between the APOE e4 allele and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as lower HDL cholesterol levels. Higher cholesterol in older adults may be associated with longevity, challenging current cholesterol-lowering medication practices.
The first issue of the 'From Policy to Practice' publication series from The Gerontological Society of America explores the impact of policies on pain care for older adults. Chronic pain affects 100 million Americans, costing the nation $635 billion annually, and this publication aims to address these issues.
A new Duke University study finds that older adults recruit an additional brain area to remember competing consumer products and choose the better one. The study suggests that this brain activity, involving the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, allows them to perform at a higher level.
A systematic review found that computerized cognitive training (CCT) has a small overall effect on performance of cognitive tests, particularly for nonverbal and verbal skills. Training completed under supervision showed positive outcomes, while training alone was ineffective.
A new study reveals that computer-based cognitive training can improve memory, speed, and visuospatial skills in older adults. However, self-directed brain training at home has no therapeutic effect on cognition. Training frequency is also crucial, with one to three sessions per week being most effective.
A study finds that elderly Americans with low health literacy are less likely to use the internet for health information. Interventions targeting health literacy among older adults may help bridge the digital divide.
Researchers at IU School of Medicine are evaluating the advantages of physical exercise, cognitive exercise, or a combination of both on the aging brain. The five-year project aims to enhance cognitive abilities in older adults with mild memory loss and may lead to a delay in dementia onset.
A new study from the University of Kansas found that neighborhoods that encourage walking for leisure and transportation are associated with improved physical health and cognition in older adults. The research suggests that easy-to-walk communities can help stave off cognitive decline, even in individuals with mild Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at MIT developed an algorithm that can accurately determine whether a patient is suffering from emphysema or heart failure based on carbon dioxide readings in their breath. The algorithm achieved an area under the curve of 0.98, outperforming traditional diagnostic methods.
A new study finds that life satisfaction increases with age in high-income, English-speaking countries, but declines in other regions. The researchers analyzed data from the Gallup World Poll and found that residents of these countries experience a U-shaped curve of increased satisfaction after middle age.
The AZTI study reveals that 50% of seniors are happy to accept new foods, but they insist on traditional flavors and health-enhancing properties. The research aims to design new foods for elderly people (65+) and pre-seniors (40-50) with a focus on pleasure and satisfaction.
A broad review of blood pressure medications found that mild control at 150 or less is sufficient for adults over 60, while more work is needed on older populations. The study's findings support a shift away from stricter guidelines, which prioritize younger adults.
Researchers found that vibratory stimulation applied to the soles of the feet using piezoelectric technology significantly improves balance by reducing postural sway and gait variability. The study participants showed a persistent improvement in performance on timed tests, indicating potential benefits for fall prevention.
A simplified frailty index based on the ACS NSQIP database can predict mortality and serious complications in older patients. Patients with high frailty scores had a significantly higher mortality rate and risk of postoperative complications.
A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition found that making meaningful errors while learning can benefit memory. When participants made near-miss guesses related to the correct answer, they performed better on later memory tests. In contrast, random or unrelated mistakes hindere...
A new RAND Corporation study estimates that informal caregiving for elderly people in the US comes to $522 billion a year. Replacing this care with paid options would cost $221 billion or $642 billion annually.
A new study has identified high levels of drinking among low-income older adults, with spikes in consumption around social security check dates. The study used a novel approach involving bogus recycling bins to assess alcohol consumption and found that medical conditions like diabetes may reduce drinking rates.
A new study found that older adults who feel comfortable with the aging process are more proactive in seeking preventive health care services. These individuals were more likely to undergo regular health screenings, such as cholesterol tests and mammograms, compared to those who were less satisfied with aging.
A recent study found that approximately 20% of older adults in the affected area were homebound, highlighting a public health concern. The study's geographical analysis revealed that distances to retail stores and availability of hawker bus services significantly impacted the risk of being homebound.
A new study finds that insomnia symptoms in older adults may stem from poor sleep quality rather than long sleep hours. Discrepancies between self-reported insomnia and objective assessments using wrist actigraphy revealed that most older adults get sufficient sleep, but struggle with feeling rested.
A study by University of Akron researcher Jennifer Tehan Stanley found that young and middle-aged adults consider aggressive humor funny, whereas older adults do not. The study suggests our concept of what is funny may evolve over time as we age.
The Journal supplement highlights innovative approaches to healthy aging, including community-based efforts, technology uses, and civic service. Strategies like Experience Corps and volunteering are shown to enhance social engagement, independence, and well-being in older adults.
A large cohort study found that younger patients (18-64) have higher readmission rates for heart failure than older adults, but lower rates for myocardial infarction and pneumonia. After adjusting for confounding factors, the study suggests a post-hospital syndrome in both age groups, with similar timing and reasons for readmission
The Archstone Foundation's Depression in Late Life Initiative aims to improve depression care for older adults through collaboration among primary care clinics, family members, friends, and community-based organizations. Depression affects 2-5% of older adults in the community and 50% in nursing homes.
Regular physical activity and avoiding sedentary lifestyle crucial for brain health in older age. Older adults who engage in moderate-to-vigorous exercise tend to have less white-matter lesions, a key indicator of cognitive decline.
Adequate vitamin E levels are critical for fetal development and nervous system health. Inadequate intake is linked to increased infection, anemia, stunting of growth, and poor pregnancy outcomes.
A recent study by University of California, Berkeley researchers has found evidence of neural compensation in individuals with beta-amyloid deposits, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. This discovery could help explain how some older adults maintain normal cognitive function despite the presence of these deposits.
A large case-control study found that long-term benzodiazepine use is associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that the strongest association was seen with long-acting benzodiazepines, emphasizing the need for careful balance between benefits and risks in elderly patients.
A recent study reveals that nearly half of older adults (18 million) struggle with daily activities, with 20% requiring assistance. The majority receive help from informal caregivers, but unmet needs persist, particularly among those with few economic resources.
A study conducted by National Cancer Centre Singapore found that breast cancer surgery can be safely performed on women aged 80 and above. Most patients recovered without complications, while only 3% developed major complications. The results dispel the misconception that surgery is unsafe for elderly patients.
A meta-analysis found that antihypertensive therapy significantly reduces systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure in older adults. The therapy also reduces the risk of all-cause mortality, death from cardiac causes, cardiovascular events, and stroke in this population.
A new study finds that volunteering is associated with reductions in depression symptoms, better overall health, and greater longevity. Volunteering appears to peak at a moderate level, with benefits diminishing beyond 100 hours annually.
A study by the JAMA Network found that vision loss significantly impacts daily life and can increase mortality risk. The research highlights the importance of addressing vision impairment to prevent adverse outcomes.
Researchers at University of Waterloo are investigating factors impacting food intake in long-term care settings, with a focus on improving nutrition for older adults. The study, funded by $1.5 million in grants, aims to understand the complex relationships between meal quality, food access, and mealtime experience.
A new study by Angelina Grigoryeva found that daughters provide an average of 12.3 hours of elderly parent care per month, while sons contribute only 5.6 hours. This gender-based division of caregiving responsibilities has significant implications for the health and well-being of caregivers and their families.
A study suggests that practicing hatha yoga for eight weeks can improve cognitive tasks in older adults, including information recall, mental flexibility, and task-switching. The findings indicate that yoga may boost brain function by reducing stress and anxiety.
A new study presents findings on how older adults coped with the economic downturn, revealing that over 40% reported a decrease in financial strain between 2006 and 2010. The research also found that initial financial strain and increasing strain exacted a toll on mental health, particularly anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Researchers found that a husband's declining health increases his wife's glucose levels, while a widowed spouse only affects men's blood sugar control. Caregiving demands on married women may lead to poor eating habits and inadequate glucose control.
A Vanderbilt-led study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that the high-dose flu vaccine is 24% more effective than the standard-dose vaccine in protecting persons ages 65 and over against influenza illness. The study, which enrolled 31,989 participants, showed that the high-dose trivalent vaccine induces significan...
A study found that nearly three-quarters of older adults with malnutrition had never been diagnosed, highlighting the importance of screening in emergency departments. Factors contributing to malnutrition include depression, difficulty buying groceries, and denture problems.
A recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that poor sleep quality is associated with a higher risk of suicide in older adults. The research, conducted over a 10-year period, revealed that individuals who reported poorer sleep at baseline had a significantly increased risk of suicide, even when controlling for depressed mood.
A new study by researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found that over half of older emergency department patients were either malnourished or at risk for malnutrition. Most of these patients had not previously been diagnosed as malnourished, highlighting the need for better nutrition assessments and support services.
A study at the University of Adelaide found that certain areas of the brain remain protected from aging, enabling spatial attention skills to remain consistent across ages. The research challenges current models of cognitive aging and may have implications for understanding Alzheimer's disease.