Research on health and aging in later life. Covers attention and cognition, longevity, organ aging, and age-related disease.
Researchers found that distracting older adults during memory tests increased their performance to match that of younger adults. The study's findings have significant implications for designing learning strategies and equipping senior-housing with visual distraction cues to aid memory recall.
A study found that elderly patients are significantly underrepresented in clinical trials, with only 33% of highly cited trials excluding them. Researchers recommend increasing age diversity to better represent the median age of advanced NSCLC patients.
A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that thigh fat is a significant predictor of mobility loss in otherwise healthy older adults. The research suggests that preventing age-related declines in walking speed requires addressing not only muscle mass but also body composition changes.
A UCLA study found a link between untreated depression and decreased effectiveness of the shingles vaccine in older adults. Patients with depression showed a weaker immune response to the varicella-zoster virus, making them less responsive to the vaccine.
Aerobic exercise increases critical brain structures and improves cognition in children and older adults. Physical activity also reduces susceptibility to diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
A study suggests a link between untreated depression and decreased response to the shingles vaccine in older adults. Depression treatment, however, boosts cell-mediated immunity and increases vaccine effectiveness.
Early-onset prostate cancer is linked to high levels of androgen receptor activity in young patients, leading to gene rearrangements that promote cancer. This discovery could lead to new diagnostic, prognostic, therapeutic, and prevention strategies for the disease.
Researchers at UIC will study how young adults use e-cigarettes, snus, and other new tobacco products, seeking to understand their motivations and potential effects on tobacco dependence. The study aims to develop effective ways to convey factual information about alternative tobacco products to young adults.
The Gerontological Society of America has received a three-year grant to build upon its success in training geriatric social workers. The grant aims to establish a National Center on Gerontological Social Work Excellence, focusing on collaboration with the VA and mobilizing the HGSWI Alumni Network.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that older adults spend less time fixating text and show lower brain activity when using e-readers compared to paper books. This is likely due to better text discrimination on backlit displays, benefiting older readers. No issues with comprehension were reported.
A four-month instructional dance program for Latino seniors aims to increase their level of physical activity, balance, and cognitive function. The BAILAMOS program, led by UIC associate professor David Marquez, seeks to prevent disability among this disadvantaged group.
Research finds older bikers three times as likely to be seriously injured in crashes compared to younger adults. Middle-aged bikers also face increased injury risks, particularly fractures and internal organ damage.
A UCLA-led study found that older adults' general mistrust of the government and AIDS-related conspiracy theories significantly impact their willingness to get tested for HIV. Despite venues offering free testing, 45% of participants had not taken an HIV test in the past year.
Researchers found that easy mood-boosters like candy helped seniors perform significantly better on tests of decision-making and working memory. The study showed that a good mood can help overcome some cognitive declines with aging, providing good news for older adults.
Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, have found a link between poor sleep, memory loss and brain deterioration in older adults. Boosting 'slow wave' sleep may help restore memory, suggesting a potentially new treatment avenue for age-related memory loss.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that older adults with hearing loss declined in cognitive abilities 30-40% faster than those with normal hearing. The study, involving 1,984 participants, suggests that hearing loss may be linked to social isolation and brain energy diversion.
A study of 1,984 older adults found that hearing loss was associated with a 41% faster rate of decline in global function and a 32% faster rate of decline in executive function compared to those with normal hearing. Individuals with hearing loss also had a 24% increased risk for incident cognitive impairment.
A recent evidence review suggests that primary care interventions may reduce child abuse and neglect, with clinic-based interventions showing reduced physical assault and improved medical adherence. Additionally, the US Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening all women of childbearing age for intimate partner violence.
A new study in Spain found that breast cancer mortality among women under 50 has decreased, but among those over 85, it has remained stable. The researchers suggest adapting preventative practices according to patient age to improve outcomes.
Researchers found no link between dietary patterns and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome in older adults. However, a Western diet was associated with an increased risk of hypertension. The study suggests that overly restrictive diets may not be beneficial for older adults.
A new study by Dr. Ilene Siegler and colleagues found that having a partner during middle age is protective against premature death. Married individuals had a significantly lower risk of dying early compared to those who never married or lost their partner, even after controlling for personality and health behaviors.
A study found that individuals with age-related macular degeneration exhibit decreased focus on internal facial features, leading to difficulty in recognizing faces. The researchers used optical coherence tomography/scanning laser ophthalmoscopy to examine the interior of the eye in nine patients with AMD.
Researchers from Singapore found that carotenoids decrease hip fracture risk in lean, elderly Chinese men. Low BMI is a stronger risk factor for hip fractures in men compared to women, according to the study.
New research shows that elderly individuals mount normal immune responses to virus infections, retaining T cell functionality. This finding has important implications for vaccination strategies in the elderly.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that immune cells from older adults can respond to virus infections similarly to those from younger individuals. This discovery has important implications for vaccination strategies targeting the elderly.
A new study found that up to 40-50% of older adults with eye disease limit their activities due to a fear of falling. This fear leads to social isolation and disability in seniors, emphasizing the need for interventions to help them feel more confident about their abilities.
Elderly consumers use shopping, meal preparation, and caregiving to assert their identity and resist being labeled old. They employ various strategies, including joint activities and covert exclusion of younger caregivers, to challenge perceived stereotypes.
A new study published in CMAJ found that depressed elderly men have a twofold risk of hospital admission and experience longer hospital stays. The study, which analyzed data from 5411 men aged 69 years and older, suggests that depression exacerbates chronic diseases and impairs communication with healthcare providers.
A Brown University analysis found that states spending more on home-delivered meals under the Older Americans Act have fewer low-care nursing home residents. Home-based meals emerged as a statistically significant factor affecting state-to-state differences in low-care nursing home population.
A new UCLA study suggests that older adults' brains are less active in the anterior insula region, which is linked to disgust and detecting dishonest faces. This reduced activity makes it harder for older adults to recognize untrustworthy faces, leading to increased vulnerability to financial exploitation.
A study identified a pattern of frequent injuries, including facial trauma, dental trauma, and brain hemorrhages, among abused elderly patients. Radiologists can use these findings to aid in identifying potential cases of elder abuse, which is often neglected compared to child abuse.
A study of four commonly prescribed antipsychotics in older adults with psychosis or dementia found that these medications lack safety and effectiveness. The study suggests that off-label use should be short-term and undertaken with caution, emphasizing the need for alternative treatments.
Researchers discovered that older adults rely more on holistic cues to identify words, making it easier for them to comprehend text. This finding contradicts the common belief that older adults struggle with reading due to declining visual sensitivity.
A recent study reveals that more than half of retired people aged 65 and over report sleeping at least 7.5 hours per night, contradicting common stereotypes about elderly sleep patterns. The study, led by Timothy H. Monk, Ph.D., found that most seniors do not have reliably earlier bedtimes than younger adults and often experience dayti...
Research shows that exposure to fine air particulate matter may be an environmental risk factor for reduced cognitive function in older adults. Cognitive decline was associated with every ten point increase in fine air particulate matter exposures, equivalent to aging three years.
A study by Oregon State University researcher Michelle Barnhart found that society devalues old age, leading to negative stereotypes and conflicts. Elderly consumers use various strategies to negotiate their identity with others, including verbal arguments or independent activities.
The elderly are disproportionately affected by disasters like Hurricane Sandy due to inadequate disaster infrastructure and response. Experts highlight the need for targeted policies and refined programs to enhance existing systems of care.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine finds that per capita Medicare spending on the elderly has grown nearly three times faster in the US than in Canada since 1980. The authors attribute this difference to Canada's single-payer system, which includes fewer administrative costs and a greater emphasis on primary care.
A study by Georgia Institute of Technology found that older adults (65-93 years) are willing to use robots for tasks like cleaning, laundry, and taking out the trash. However, they tend to prefer human assistance for personal care activities like getting dressed, eating, and bathing.
A Concordia University study found that lonely older adults who use positive thinking can reverse negative health issues, reducing cortisol secretion and improving CRP levels. This suggests a positive approach to health can contribute to successful aging.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that older adults are worse at distinguishing between lifted weights than younger counterparts. The researchers assessed the ability of participants in two age groups to estimate weight ratios and found that older adults consistently estimated the ratios as much higher than they actually were.
A study by Indiana University found that physical activity enhances muscle reflexes and coordination across both sides of the body in people of all ages. This improved coordination can help prevent falls and reduce the risk of injury.
Dr. Mary E. Northridge is leading a five-year, $3.7 million NIH grant to analyze how racial and ethnic older adults overcome barriers to accessing oral health care services. The research will examine the effects of social networks, community support, and healthcare attitudes on oral health outcomes.
The study analyzed videos of 227 falls from 130 individuals, finding incorrect weight shifting as the most frequent cause. The researchers identified common hazards, such as foot getting caught on tables or chairs, that require attention to prevent future falls.
Researchers aim to improve protection against pneumonia with a higher dose of pneumococcal vaccine in older adults. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, will compare two dosages of a pneumococcal vaccine approved for children and adults.
The report provides 29 specific recommendations for effective communication with older adults, including tips for optimizing interactions between health care professionals and older patients. It aims to encourage behaviors that consider the unique abilities and challenges of older adult patients.
A study published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology found that fit elderly patients with non-small cell lung cancer can benefit from salvage targeted therapy without increased toxicity. The study analyzed data from 255 patients and showed no difference in response rates or progression-free survival between age groups.
Observational research suggests that daily low-dose aspirin may protect the brain in elderly women at high risk of heart disease and stroke. The study found that women taking aspirin for five years showed less decline in cognitive ability than those not taking the drug.
A new study finds that zinc transporters are dysregulated in old animals, leading to increased inflammation and oxidative stress. Experts recommend adequate dietary intake of zinc for the elderly, particularly through supplements or seafood/meat-rich foods.
A new study found that preoperative falls in older surgical patients are a powerful predictor of complications, prolonged hospital stays, and higher rates of disability. Researchers found that adverse outcomes occurred more frequently in patients who had reported one or more falls in the six months prior to their operation.
Researchers found that inviting patients to read their doctors' notes boosts patient engagement, adherence, and control in healthcare plans with minimal impact on doctor workload. Additionally, the use of electronic health records improves diabetes care by enhancing monitoring, treatment, and glucose control. New equations for estimati...
The new guidelines, published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons, apply to every patient 65 years and older as defined by Medicare regulations. The guidelines cover 13 key issues of preoperative care for the elderly, including cognitive impairment, decision-making capacity, and medication management.
An Indiana University assistant professor will evaluate the effectiveness of a nationwide training program to aid people with impaired vision in making safe street-crossing decisions. The research aims to improve pedestrian safety and quality of life for elderly, visually impaired, or blind individuals.
A recent study published by The Endocrine Society found that mildly elevated TSH levels in the elderly do not increase mortality risk. In fact, having subclinical hypothyroidism may be protective, and higher thyroid hormone levels are associated with a higher risk of death.
Researchers found that older adults are open to robot assistance with some daily living tasks, such as housekeeping and laundry, but prefer human assistance with others. The study highlights the need for further research on how robots can support older adults in living independently.
A new study found that untreated severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases cardiovascular mortality in the elderly. However, adequate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment significantly reduces this risk, especially from stroke and heart failure.
A new study finds that out-of-pocket spending on healthcare in the last five years of life can account for a significant proportion of an individual's household assets. More than three-quarters of households spent at least $10,000 on healthcare costs, with some individuals contributing as much as their total household assets.
Researchers found that blood glucose tracking apps can pose challenges for older adults due to declining vision, memory, and motor skills. The apps' design problems include small text, poor color contrast, and font sizes that decrease when text exceeds one line.
A systematic review found that approximately one in five elderly prescriptions are inappropriate, with medications like diphenhydramine and propoxyphene being used incorrectly. The study highlights the need for more accurate medication prescribing practices in primary care settings.
A University of New Hampshire researcher is studying the effectiveness of two distinct strength-training regimens on older adults. The study compares traditional resistance training exercises with a light-load program that uses blood flow restriction, which has been shown to increase muscle mass and strength in older adults despite ver...