Articles tagged with Older Adults
A new national poll reveals that significant gaps exist in primary care for older Americans, with only 7% receiving all seven recommended services to support healthy aging. The survey highlights the importance of counseling on falls prevention and accessing Medicare's Annual Wellness Visit to improve geriatric care.
Researchers argue that a youthful brain can be maintained through engagement and lifestyle choices, rather than just compensating for age-related decline. Engagement, including social, mental, and physical stimulation, has been shown to promote better cognitive performance in older adults.
A new study published in Annals of Neurology suggests that increased consumption of flavonoid-rich blueberries and strawberries may slow cognitive decline in older adults, delaying aging by up to 2.5 years.
A study by Regenstrief and IU found that screening for cognitive impairment in hospitals does not improve patient outcomes. The study suggests that a more nuanced approach to addressing the issue is needed.
A study by Bowling Green State University's National Center for Family and Marriage Research found that one-third of adults aged 45-63 are unmarried, with a more than 50% increase since 1980. Single baby boomers face economic and health vulnerabilities, including poverty, disability, and lack of health insurance.
Researchers found that one fall requiring emergency response occurs every 56 hours at Boston Logan International Airport, with 37% involving hospital transport. Diverting at-risk passengers to elevators could significantly reduce the number of falls.
The American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) has awarded nearly $2.5 million in career development grants to 83 advanced fellows and junior faculty members at 28 Hartford Centers of Excellence in Geriatric Medicine and Training. The awards aim to support research, teaching, and leadership in geriatric medicine.
A study found that older adults with major and minor electrocardiographic abnormalities were associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease events. The addition of ECG abnormalities to traditional risk factors improved the prediction of CHD events.
A study found that large day-to-day variations in summer temperature may shorten life expectancy for elderly people with chronic medical conditions. The researchers estimate that greater summer temperature variability could result in over 10,000 additional deaths per year.
Researchers found that older adults who experienced moderate psychological distress were seven times more likely to experience functional limitation than those without distress. Engaging in physical activity can help achieve greater independence and positive health gains for active older adults.
A study of 1,939 elderly people in Spain found that 62.3% of men and 37.4% of women are sexually active, with common practices including kisses, caresses, and vaginal penetration. Factors limiting sexual activity include physical illness, widowerhood, age, education level, and health perception.
A recent study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that elderly thyroid surgery patients are at a higher risk for serious complications. The study examined 7,915 patients from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database and found that elde...
A recent study by Sonia Lupien's team at the Centre for Studies on Human Stress found that testing older adults in unfamiliar and stressful environments can significantly reduce their memory performance. The researchers tested older adults under conditions similar to those in which cognitive examinations take place, and found that stre...
A national survey of UK ambulance services found significant variation in response to elderly falls patients, with some trusts utilizing dedicated clinical advisors and triage systems. Despite efforts to reduce delays, the provision of care remains inconsistent, highlighting the need for research to inform policy and practice development.
A new study published in BioMed Central shows that cognitive training can improve reasoning, memory, language, and hand-eye coordination in healthy older adults. The results suggest that this type of training may help prevent mental decline and promote independent living among elderly individuals.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that hospitalization in older adults is associated with a faster rate of cognitive decline. The study, which analyzed data from 1,870 participants over 12 years, found that overall cognitive function declined more than twice as fast after a first hospital stay.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that prescribing opioids for pain after short-stay surgery is associated with long-term analgesic use. Researchers analyzed population-based data and found that patients who received opioid prescriptions within seven days of surgery were more likely to become long-term opioid users.
A recent study found that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased mortality in female nursing home residents. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, examined 961 nursing home residents and found that 92.8% were deficient in vitamin D.
A new survey of over 150,000 Americans shows that subjective sleep quality improves over a lifetime, with women reporting more sleep disturbances than men. Health problems and depression are associated with poor sleep, but except for an uptick during middle age, sleep quality consistently improves with age.
A study led by University of Rochester Medical Center researcher Kathi L. Heffner found that poor sleepers react to stress with significantly larger increases in a marker of inflammation, which may increase risk for mental and physical health problems. This association could not be explained by other factors linked to immune impairment.
Researchers found that playing World of Warcraft improved spatial ability and focus in older adults who scored poorly on cognitive tests before playing the game. However, memory performance showed no significant improvement.
Researchers discuss advancements in cochlear implant technology and spiral ganglion cell regeneration, aiming to improve sound localization and processing. They also explore strategies for auditory training of older adults to enhance speech understanding in noisy environments.
New research from North Carolina State University shows that a fluctuating sense of control is associated with improved cognitive abilities in older adults. The study found that participants who normally reported low sense of control performed better on problem-solving tests when feeling more in control.
Researchers found that 12-weeks of high-speed power training improves muscular power in older people. The study showed significant gains in neuromuscular and cardiovascular function, as well as improved functional capacity and quality of life. Power training is a promising measure for preventing or reducing loss of functional capacity ...
Hip fracture patients with undiagnosed neurological disorders, such as cervical myelopathy, are at increased risk of falls and additional fractures. Screening for cervical myelopathy should be standard care for all hip fracture patients to reduce this risk.
Researchers have identified key factors that influence professionals' decisions to spot financial exploitation of elderly people, including the older person's mental capacity and nature of the financial problem. The study aims to improve recognition and prevention of financial abuse through better decision-making among professionals.
A study by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, found that the quality of life for disabled elderly people is closely tied to their sense of dignity and autonomy. Most participants rated their quality of life as 'fair to very good' on a five-point scale.
Researchers found that older adults tend to use an egocentric strategy, while younger adults prefer allocentric strategies in navigating spatial tasks. This study aims to identify potential behavioral interventions to improve cognitive functions in aging individuals.
A visit to the emergency department during nonsummer months was associated with a three-fold risk of acute respiratory or gastrointestinal infection in elderly residents of long-term care facilities. The study found that these residents had a higher rate of chronic illnesses and were more likely to be less independent.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that family companions who regularly attend physician office visits with older adults can significantly impact health care quality. The study discovered that three-quarters of consistently accompanied older adults were accompanied by the same companion over time, sugg...
A new study found that cognitive training can increase openness to experience in older adults, a trait previously thought to be fixed. Participants showed significant improvement in pattern recognition and problem-solving skills, as well as increased openness.
A new study found that virtual-reality enhanced interactive exercise, such as exergames, yields greater cognitive benefits than traditional exercise for older adults, with a 23% reduction in progression to mild cognitive impairment. Interactive features like competition and 3D scenery may contribute to these benefits.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers reveals that thousands of senior citizens with kidney disease are good candidates for transplants, but are often overlooked. The study estimates that between 9,000 and 40,000 adults over 65 would have been eligible for a transplant, but none were given the chance.
A study published in Hepatology found that older Americans with cirrhosis require twice the amount of informal caregiving and contribute added strain on the healthcare system. The prevalence of cirrhosis is expected to climb in this frail population due to increasing obesity and aging of those with hepatitis C.
A review of 16 prognostic indices found that none were free from potential bias and only two were independently validated. The study highlights the need for further research on the quality and limitations of these indices before they can be recommended for routine use in clinical practice.
A new study published in Archives of Ophthalmology found that replacing Medicare's visual acuity screenings with coverage for dilated eye exams for healthy patients could be highly cost-effective. The research used a Monte Carlo cost-effectiveness simulation model to analyze the costs and benefits of this policy change.
A study published in Neurology found that nicotine patches improved memory loss in older adults with mild cognitive impairment by 46% after six months. The treatment had minimal side effects and showed promise for further research into its potential benefits.
Researchers found a link between silent strokes and memory loss in older adults, with those having silent strokes scoring worse on memory tests. The study suggests that stroke prevention may help stave off memory problems.
Research suggests that older adults can be trained to respond faster without compromising accuracy, indicating their cognitive skills are not as impaired as previously thought. In contrast, younger children exhibit slower response times and poorer accuracy compared to adults, improving with age. The study's findings challenge the preva...
New research reveals that brands perceived as partners elicit cooperative behavior, while those viewed as servants prompt competitive actions. Participants' responses were influenced by automatic social behaviors, revealing a complex relationship between cognition and consumer culture.
Researchers studied hematopoietic stem cells in healthy young and elderly individuals, finding that older stem cells produce fewer lymphocytes and more myeloid cells. This bias may lead to inadequate immune responses and increased risk of blood cancers.
The first-ever issue of Public Policy & Aging Report on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) aging explores gaps in policy and research on LGBT older adults. The report highlights significant barriers they face, including poor health outcomes and social isolation, and proposes alternative policy solutions.
A study found that retinal microvascular changes are associated with disability in daily activities among older adults. The presence of two or more retinal signs was linked to a higher risk of disability, independent of vascular risk factors and carotid atherosclerosis.
Studies suggest that physical activity, hormone therapy, and social engagement can boost brain health in older adults, reducing memory loss and decision-making problems.
A new study by the University of North Carolina Health Care found that elderly patients are less likely to receive pain medication in hospital emergency departments compared to middle-aged patients. The study suggests that physicians may be cautious about potential side effects in older adults, leading to a significant gap in pain mana...
The STACCATO trial found that transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation (a-TAVI) may be inferior to surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) in operable elderly patients, with a higher risk of death, stroke, and renal failure at 30 days. The study was terminated early due to safety concerns.
Researchers found that elderly individuals over 60 experience reduced specificity in olfactory sensory neurons, making it harder to differentiate between smells. This can lead to malnutrition and increased risk of poisoning due to impaired ability to detect spoiled food and toxic vapors.
A study of over 2,300 older Americans found that those under financial strain were at risk of boosting their drinking, especially men and those with less education. In contrast, older women tended to cut down on drinking when facing financial hard times.
Researchers used a unique brain scan to assess amyloid plaques and tau tangles in older adults with severe depression. The study found higher protein levels in critical brain regions, suggesting a link between depression and possible dementia later in life.
A new national study by Ohio State University researchers reveals that wealthier Americans and those with private health insurance fare better in physical functioning. The study found that the disadvantage for the poor snowballs over time, leading to steeper declines in their health as they age.
Demographer Emilio Zagheni's profile shows that societies with a growing elderly population tend to produce lower CO2 emissions. As people age, their carbon dioxide emissions decrease due to reduced consumption of energy-intensive goods and increased healthcare spending.
A new study investigates how age-related stereotypes influence memory performance in older adults. Researchers found that older adults are more likely to falsely recall unrepresented words due to implicit beliefs about their age. However, by reducing the influence of negative stereotypes, memory performance can be improved.
Regular physical activity is associated with a lower risk of suffering depression in old age. Self-determined motivation and perceived competence are key factors in persuading elderly people to exercise more.
Michigan State University launches a statewide Division of Geriatric Medicine with $800,000 federal grant to tackle the health care needs of Michigan's aging population and reduce costs. The division aims to create a network of osteopathic geriatric fellowships for doctors to undergo specialized training.
The prestigious Hartford Doctoral Fellows Program in Geriatric Social Work has selected twelve outstanding students to conduct research on aging topics. The fellows will receive a $50,000 dissertation grant and matching support from their home institutions to focus on their research projects over the next two years.
A new study from University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that elderly patients who suffered in-hospital falls actually moved around no more than those who did not fall. The researchers analyzed the mobility patterns of patients fitted with electronic devices and found no statistical difference in walking between the groups.
A new study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that individuals over 70 years old can safely donate a kidney without compromising their health. The organs from these elderly donors last as long as those from younger deceased donors, but not as long as those from younger living donors.
A new study assesses the effectiveness of bedside geriatric assessments in identifying vulnerable older adults with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) who can benefit from aggressive treatment. The assessment tool evaluated cognitive function, psychological state, physical function, and co-morbid disease to provide more individualized tr...
Researchers found that elderly residents in long-term care facilities who were evacuated during a severe summer storm experienced delirium, cognitive changes, hospitalizations, and death. The study highlights the need for nurses to be aware of the potential difficulties older adults may experience during disasters.
A Mayo Clinic study recommends adding categories to more effectively identify and treat people with preclinical Alzheimer's disease, a long latent stage of the disease. The researchers suggest two additional sub-groups: Stage 0 (normal biomarkers and no cognitive impairment) and SNAP patients (with suspected non-AD pathophysiology).