Articles tagged with Older Adults
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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).
The study found that nearly one in five patients underwent a surgical procedure in the last month of life, and nearly 1 in 10 had a procedure in their last week. The likelihood of surgery varied by age, location, and hospital bed availability, suggesting that some operations may be discretionary or avoidable.
A recent study of over 7,800 ICU patients in 33 countries found that those receiving at least two-thirds of their prescribed calorie intake had reduced mortality rates. The optimal caloric intake was approximately 80-85% of total prescribed calorie intake.
A study found that elderly breast cancer patients are more likely to die from age-related conditions rather than the disease itself, highlighting shortcomings in patient care. Researchers argue that these patients are being under-treated due to a false perception of their prognosis.
A new study from the University of New Hampshire finds that overweight older women have less leg strength and power than normal-weight counterparts, which can lead to increased disability and loss of independence. The study suggests that maintaining a normal weight and improving strength through exercise may help mitigate this risk.
Research found that under 16s comprise just 0.6% of national NHS patient surveys since 2004, with most young adults being less satisfied with their care than older adults
The Gerontological Society of America is releasing two new publications to improve pain relief and medication for seniors. These resources address shortfalls in pain assessment and treatment, as well as labeling changes for acetaminophen, to provide better care and quality of life for older adults.
The study finds wide variation in state performance on long-term services and supports, with top-performing states still facing challenges. States can improve by adopting policies shown to provide better outcomes, and all states need to vastly improve areas such as home care and support for family caregivers.
Researchers at MU have developed two motion-sensing systems using video gaming technology to monitor seniors' behavior and detect increased risk for falls or early symptoms of illnesses. The Kinect uses infrared light to create a depth image, while Doppler radar recognizes changes in walking and movement patterns.
Researchers found that declines in hearing ability accelerate gray matter atrophy in auditory areas of the brain, leading to increased listening effort for speech comprehension. Early detection and intervention can help prevent speech comprehension difficulties in older adults.
Japan's universal health coverage has been a success story, maintaining equity and containing costs over the past 50 years. However, the ageing society of Japan threatens its sustainability, with rising premiums and emerging uninsured populations.
Japan's mandatory long-term care insurance has proven effective in managing care needs, with over half of elderly residents reporting no financial hardship. The system provides a range of services, including adult day care, home help, and nurse visits, and has increased formal care use while reducing financial burdens.
A new UCLA study found that a six-week memory fitness program improved verbal memory and reduced age-related memory decline in seniors over 80. The program included education on lifestyle factors impacting memory ability and overall brain health, resulting in enhanced self-perceived memory and cognitive function.
A study at the University Geriatrics Institute of Montreal found that older brains are wiser than young ones, allowing for comparable performance in certain tasks. The researchers discovered that older adults' brains learn to better allocate resources and make more adjustments only when necessary, resulting in improved cognitive function.
Researchers found that trial-and-error learning benefits older brains more than errorless learning in certain conceptual tasks. Older adults outperformed younger peers in memory tests when learning through trial-and-error., This challenges the long-held assumption that making mistakes hurts memory performance for older adults.
Research shows that older decision makers trounce their younger counterparts due to improved ability to evaluate options, develop strategies, and utilize pre-frontal cortices. This increased wisdom enables them to make more rational choices in complex environments.
A study found that older adults consuming high amounts of sodium in their diet, coupled with low physical activity, are at a greater risk of cognitive decline. Researchers discovered that low-sodium intake combined with moderate exercise levels can mitigate this risk.
A study by Harvard Medical School found that complex insurance choices in Medicare Advantage plans can lead to poor decisions among elderly patients with low cognitive ability. These patients often benefit from more generous coverage but struggle to navigate the numerous options.
Researchers at Virginia Tech and the University of Virginia are creating a portable fall prediction monitoring system that can identify individuals most at risk for falling. The system, called ROOP-Alert, uses sensors to measure gait, posture, and mobility, providing early diagnosis and treatment before falls occur.
A U of T study found that upgrading to pressure-reduction mattresses can prevent 1,005 pressure ulcers and save $7.2 million in healthcare costs annually for elderly patients in Ontario's emergency departments. The cost of upgrading would be 30 cents per patient, resulting in a savings of $32 per patient.
A new study explores how cognitive strategies and abilities increase 'situation-specific self-confidence,' a quality that enhances exercise adherence. Participants who improved their executive function skills, such as multitasking and goal-setting, were more likely to stick with an exercise program.
A study found that trastuzumab increases the risk of heart problems in elderly women with a history of heart disease or diabetes. The researchers recommend referring these patients to a cardiologist and monitoring for cardiac function.
A review of five studies found that monitoring procalcitonin levels can guide the duration of antibiotic treatment, reducing courses by two days without affecting patient health. This could lead to significant cost savings for healthcare systems.
Charles was chosen for her article, 'Strength and Vulnerability Integration: A Model of Emotional Well-Being Across Adulthood,' which presents a strong theory with empirical examples. The Strength and Vulnerability Integration (SAVI) model posits that effective emotion regulation strategies can preserve well-being in older adults.
A new study by Baylor University researcher found that older men and women have different opinions on body satisfaction, with physical activity improving satisfaction in both sexes. The study also revealed a shift in body satisfaction away from appearance towards functionality as people age.
A new study published in Nature shows that the neural networks in the brains of middle-aged and elderly individuals have weaker connections and fire less robustly than in younger ones. However, the research suggests that this condition is reversible with the help of a medication called guanfacine.