Articles tagged with Older Adults
A study published in Psychology and Aging found that older adults who were tested in the morning performed better on demanding cognitive tasks and showed greater activation of attentional control regions in their brains. This suggests that scheduling mentally challenging tasks for the morning can be beneficial for older adults.
A study found that storing medication in the bathroom and incorporating it into daily routines can improve adherence to prescribed inhalers. The research identified six strategies that aid elderly asthmatics in managing their condition, providing clinicians and care coaches with useful ideas to support patients.
A study of over 4,100 New York State residents aged 60+ found that 2.7% were financially exploited in the past year, with 78% having their money or property stolen. Family members, particularly adult children, are the most common perpetrators.
Barbara J. Bowers, PhD, RN, FAAN, of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has been recognized with the GSA's 2014 Minority Mentorship Award. Her research focuses on frail older adults and quality of care, influencing public policies and organizational practices.
A psychology researcher proposes a new theory, 'selective engagement,' to explain why older adults show declining cognitive ability in lab settings but not in daily life. Motivation plays a key role in this disparity, with tasks deemed personally relevant eliciting higher cognitive performance.
Researchers found that acupuncture at the Taixi (KI3) acupoint activates cerebral neurons in 20 brain regions, including the anterior cingulate gyrus and medial frontal cortex, in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment. This study suggests a potential therapeutic approach for improving cognitive function in older adults.
A study from UMass Medical School found that older adults have two times the risk of falling while walking out of necessity than walking for recreation. The study also revealed that falls on sidewalks and streets are more likely to result in an injury, even with less walking distance.
New study finds orthopedic surgeries for patients aged 80+ generally safe, with significant decreases in mortality and complication rates. Spinal fusion, total knee replacement, and total hip replacement procedures show improved outcomes in patients without comorbidities.
Researchers found that motivation, crystallized knowledge, and compensatory mechanisms can help maintain cognitive function in older adults. Contrary to popular beliefs, older adults may not be more susceptible to consumer fraud.
A new study published in the Journal of Gerontology found that the Mediterranean diet has a significant correlation with slower cognitive decline among African American older adults, but not white older adults. The study suggests that further research is needed to confirm this association and understand the underlying factors.
Researchers evaluated 459 patients who underwent transcatheter valve-in-valve implantation for failed bioprosthetic aortic valves. The study found that survival rates were associated with surgical valve size and mechanism of failure, with patients experiencing better outcomes for regurgitation compared to stenosis.
Malnutrition is a significant problem in older adults due to chronic health conditions affecting dietary intake. A comprehensive geriatric analysis (CGA) includes nutrition screenings to address potential problems, emphasizing the importance of timely interventions involving healthcare providers.
Researchers at Duke-NUS found that short sleep is linked to faster brain ventricle enlargement and decline in cognitive performance. The study of 66 older Chinese adults suggests that seven hours of sleep per day may be optimal for brain health.
Researchers found that immune cells in the central nervous system of elderly mice fail to activate an important signaling pathway, lowering chances for repair after spinal cord injury. In contrast, young adult mice showed a functional repair response.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that older adults prescribed thiazide diuretics are at a greater risk for developing metabolic-related adverse events. The study, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, suggests that these risks are common and warrant closer monitoring.
A large, multi-site clinical trial will test new patient-centered strategies to prevent fall-related injuries. The trial aims to develop and implement individualized care plans for adults at high risk of falling.
Two Regenstrief Institute investigators, Michael LaMantia and Noll L. Campbell, have received NIH career development awards to study delirium recognition in emergency departments and the adverse cognitive effects of medications in older adults. Their projects aim to improve care and management of older adults with delirium.
Researchers found usability problems with popular activity trackers among older adult users, including low color contrast, small fonts, and inaccurate step count tracking. The study suggests that companies should market their products directly to this demographic to improve health management.
A new study from Uppsala University found that elderly carriers of the FTO gene have higher ghrelin levels and lower leptin levels, making them more prone to weight gain. The study suggests that this genetic variant may facilitate weight gain by shifting the endocrine balance towards hunger hormone ghrelin.
A recent AP-NORC analysis of Californians' experiences with long-term care highlights growing concerns among minority groups, particularly Hispanics and foreign-born individuals. The survey reveals that nearly two-thirds of Californians age 40 or older expect to need long-term care, but many have not planned for it.
A study by University of Waterloo professors found that considering personal dilemmas as outsiders would lead to wiser reasoning. Employing a third-person perspective can help individuals think more wisely about relationship conflicts. The research results contradict the adage that age brings wisdom and highlight the importance of self...
Untrained elderly men achieved marked improvements in maximum oxygen uptake, muscle function, and bone mineralization after playing football for four months. The study shows that intense football training can change the lives of elderly men, making it easier to live an active life and overcome physical challenges.
Research highlights dangers of elderly gun ownership due to dementia, depression, and suicide risks. Proposed '5 L's' questions aim to identify guns in homes with vulnerable individuals.
Older adults who exercised regularly experienced less physical decline than their peers, according to a University of Missouri study. The researchers found that muscle-strengthening exercises, which are crucial for maintaining muscle strength, were often overlooked despite having access to recreational activities and exercise equipment.
A new UCLA-led study found that depression is linked to a far greater chance for early death among adults 65 and older with diabetes, compared to those without depression. The researchers suggest that depressed individuals are less likely to adhere to their prescribed medications and lifestyle changes.
Regular positive interactions with family and friends can help older adults maintain good health, but negative social interactions present health risks. Studies found that social networks are associated with more involvement in leisure activities, leading to better health outcomes.
A daily 20-minute walk can significantly reduce the risk of mobility disability in older adults, with a 18% reduction observed in participants who engaged in physical activity. The Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) Study found that maintaining mobility is key to functioning independently.
A University of Florida study shows that daily moderate physical activity can help aging adults maintain their ability to walk and prevent long-term mobility loss. The study found a 18% increase in walking speed among participants who exercised regularly compared to those who did not.
A study published in JAMA found that participation in a structured moderate-intensity physical activity program significantly reduced the risk of major mobility disability among older adults. The study, known as LIFE, involved 818 participants who were randomly assigned to either an exercise group or a health education program.
Researchers at McGill University discovered that melatonin supplements increase bone volume and density in elderly rats, making them stronger. This finding suggests that melatonin may be a useful tool in combating osteoporosis.
A new study reveals that Sardinians' active lifestyle, social connections, and access to healthcare contribute to lower levels of depression among the elderly. In contrast, residents from Northern Italy face higher rates of depression due to factors like limited social support and high-stress lifestyles.
A new study by Soo Kim and David Gal found that practicing self-acceptance can help individuals avoid damaging behavior and increase the likelihood of improving areas where they fall short. Self-acceptance may be a more effective alternative to self-destructive behaviors, promoting overall well-being.
A UofL research team led by Valerie Lander McCarthy proposes a new definition of successful aging that goes beyond traditional measures of physical and cognitive function. The concept emphasizes the importance of coping with challenges, maintaining social connections, and finding meaning in life.
A cost-saving, coordinated brain care model developed by Indiana University researchers is attracting nationwide attention for its ability to improve health outcomes and quality of care while lowering costs. The ABC model, tested in large clinical trials, improves care at a lower cost than standard care.
A study published in Psychological Science found that finding a direction for life and setting overarching goals can help people live longer. The research analyzed data from over 6000 participants and found that greater purpose in life consistently predicted lower mortality risk across the lifespan.
Researchers found that older adults experiencing weight and age discrimination had significantly lower physical and emotional health compared to those who did not experience such discrimination. Loneliness was the most widespread health consequence of discrimination among older adults.
A multidimensional frailty score developed from the comprehensive geriatric assessment and other variables can predict longer hospital stays and increased risk of complications or death after surgery in elderly patients. The model supports surgical treatment for fit older patients at low risk of complications.
A decade-long study found that older adults with schizophrenia are twice as likely to receive a dementia diagnosis compared to those without the condition. However, they also experience higher rates of other serious illnesses and mortality rates, with a notable exception being lower cancer rates.
The report ranks states based on 42 health care measures, showing that only a few states improved on most indicators, while many lost ground. Despite improvements in some areas, the overall pace of change was slow, with wide gaps persisting among states.
Penn State researchers found that older adults fear companion robots will negatively affect young people, leading to design challenges for developers. To address this concern, robot designers may need to include parental controls to monitor children's use of robots and prevent dependency.
A genome-wide association study found a strong link between ABCC9 gene variations and an increased risk of Hippocampal Sclerosis of Aging (HS-A). The study also suggests that sulfonylurea medication use is associated with an elevated risk for HS-A. Researchers hope this discovery may inform new strategies to search for cures.
A study published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience found that moderate physical activity can preserve the volume of the hippocampus in older adults at increased genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease. This suggests a potential delay in cognitive decline and onset of dementia symptoms.
The EORTC and SIOG have updated their expert opinion on NSCLC management in elderly patients, highlighting the need for personalized treatment decisions based on life expectancy and biological age. Multidisciplinary geriatric assessments can improve treatment outcomes for this population.
Researchers found that compassionate behaviors are associated with better health and well-being as we age. The study identified three factors predictive of self-reported compassion: gender, recent suffering, and high mental resiliency.
A new study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society examines the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and cognitive impairment in older adults. The research found a strong association between low vitamin D levels and worse cognitive performance over time.
Researchers developed a new scoring system, CAM-S, to measure delirium severity in older adults, which is associated with hospital mortality rates of up to 33% and estimated annual healthcare costs of over $182 billion. The study found that length of hospital stay increases with delirium severity, as well as mean hospital costs.
A multidisciplinary team approach can help patients make informed decisions about surgery, considering medical treatment options, risks, and benefits. For the sickest elderly patients, a patient-centered treatment approach can lead to better outcomes.
New research by Kelli Canada finds that older adults in mental health courts experience the same substance use and housing instability as younger adults, challenging assumptions about age as a protective factor. This study highlights the need for tailored assessments and effective treatment plans to address the unique needs of older ad...
A recent study found that glucosamine supplementation extended the lifespan of nematode worms by 5% and ageing mice by almost 10%, promoting glucose metabolism and protection against diabetes. This effect is comparable to a low-carb diet, suggesting a potential health benefit for humans.
Two new dementia care models seek to decrease stress for caregivers, reduce health care costs and improve quality of care for older adults. Caregivers' close involvement with the medical team is a key feature of both models.
A Swedish study found that long-term low levels of vitamin D intake are associated with higher 10-year fracture risk in elderly women. The study showed that vitamin D insufficiency sustained over 5 years contributed to increased 10-year fracture incidence, especially in those with consistently low vitamin D levels.
A new study from Michigan Medicine and the Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System found that a record 72% of elderly Americans completed living wills in 2010, up from 47% in 2000. Despite this increase, hospitalization rates and deaths in the hospital remained largely unchanged over the decade.
A study found that β-amyloid plaque buildup in the brain is associated with increased artery stiffness in elderly patients. Arterial stiffness was measured using pulse wave velocity and was higher among patients with β-amyloid deposition.
The updated 2014 blood pressure guideline significantly affects US adults, with approximately 6 million no longer needing hypertension medication and 13.5 million meeting goal blood pressure levels primarily among older adults and those with diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
Repeat sternotomy is a low-risk surgical option for octogenarian patients who have had previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The study found similar results in terms of operative morbidity and mortality between repeat sternotomy and primary sternotomy and surgical aortic valve replacement.
The US Preventive Services Task Force found insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for cognitive decline in older adults. The FDA is reforming its approval process for high-risk medical devices to prioritize patient safety, requiring clinical data and clear labeling.
A smart home system, developed by Tecnalia, monitors a person's habits and activities to detect early symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The system records data from various sensors and identifies changes in behavior, allowing for early diagnosis and improved patient care.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a computerized treadmill program to prevent falls in older adults. Studies show that people can be trained not to fall, with adaptations retained for up to 12 months. The training is safe even for those with reduced bone density or osteoporosis.
Researchers used an age-adjusted D-dimer threshold to safely exclude pulmonary embolism in elderly patients. This approach significantly reduced false positives, especially in older adults.
A new study from the University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences found that older Americans with more muscle mass are less likely to die prematurely. The research suggests that clinicians should focus on improving body composition rather than relying solely on body mass index (BMI) when counseling older adults.