Articles tagged with Older Adults
A new study found that older adults with insomnia face triple the risk of developing depressive symptoms compared to sound sleepers. The study suggests that treatments targeted at inflammation-related depression may benefit these patients and improve their overall quality of life.
A new study found that walking at a pace 14 steps per minute faster than usual can improve physical function in frail or at-risk older adults. Researchers developed a smartphone app to accurately measure walking cadence, making it easier for daily use.
A recent study of over 5,500 widowed individuals found that emotional loneliness increases significantly after a spouse's death and continues for years. Despite stronger parent-child relationships, particularly among mothers who act as kin-keepers, social and emotional loneliness persists.
A study presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting found that socially isolated older adults are 34% more likely to have diabetes and 75% more likely to have poor blood sugar control. Social isolation is being recognized as a critical social determinant of health, highlighting its importance in caring for older patients.
A study of 62,839 people diagnosed with non-metastatic prostate cancer in Sweden found that those treated according to NCCN Guidelines were likely to survive their cancer for their remaining life-expectancy. Those with low- and intermediate-risk cancer were six times more likely to die of other causes than prostate cancer.
Higher anticholinergic exposure accelerates decline in gait speed and grip strength in older adults, affecting healthy aging. The study suggests minimizing anticholinergic medications is crucial for maintaining physical function.
Researchers at Emory University have discovered that psilocybin can delay cellular aging by over 50% and extend the lifespan of human skin and lung cells. In a study involving aged mice, psilocybin was shown to increase survival by 30% and improve physical features, suggesting potential for anti-aging therapies.
The study found that acute hepatitis E incidence and Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) increased globally from 1990 to 2021, with a slight rise in age-standardized rates. The number of incident cases is expected to continue increasing up to 2030.
A nationwide study of 1,500 US women aged 40-65 found that most continue to experience orgasm at the same frequency and quality as younger peers. The study suggests promoting masturbation among older women may enhance well-being and alleviate menopausal symptoms.
A Brazilian researcher is studying induced pluripotent stem cells from centenarians to understand cellular resilience in COVID-19 survivors. The study aims to identify key cellular pathways that influence longevity and potentially contribute to therapeutic approaches for age-related diseases.
A recent multinational study found that people diagnosed with dementia are living longer due to advancements in diagnosis and care. The study of over 1.2 million individuals across eight regions revealed a lower risk of death in five regions, primarily attributed to improved prevention and treatment methods.
A new study from the University of Southern California reveals that just 30 days of guided mindfulness meditation can significantly enhance key aspects of attentional control. The study demonstrates that even short-term meditation can lead to measurable cognitive improvements, particularly in reaction speed.
A new pilot study found that brain stimulation plus coaching significantly increased physical activity in older adults, with an average daily step count of 1,179 steps per day. The results suggest that brain stimulation may enhance motivation and behavior change, particularly when paired with accessible coaching.
Research from Kyoto University found that continuing to play a musical instrument into old age preserves brain function and prevents atrophy in the putamen. Long-term practice showed no decline in verbal working memory performance or gray matter volume, while short-term practice improved memory function for four months.
A study of over 2,500 adults aged 50-80 found that nearly 1 in 6 take aspirin for cardiovascular protection without a history of heart disease. Despite revised guidelines reducing aspirin use for primary prevention after age 70, many patients are unaware of the increased risk of bleeding.
A community-based pneumococcal vaccination support program in Sera Town, Japan, reduced pneumonia-related mortality by 25% among the elderly. The program reversed a previously increasing trend in pneumonia mortality rate in the community.
A new study found that slower arm movements in older adults increase the risk of falls, which can lead to hip fractures. The research team discovered that faster arm corrections can limit whole-body movement during a slip, highlighting the importance of strengthening targeted muscles.
Scientists at Duke University have developed a freely available tool that can estimate an individual's rate of aging and predict their risk for chronic diseases like dementia. The tool, called DunedinPACNI, analyzes brain scans to identify those who are aging faster, which may lead to cognitive decline and age-related health problems.
A new study from the University of Bath found that inappropriate polypharmacy is a major driver of emergency hospital admissions among adults aged 65 and over. The researchers developed a digital tool to proactively identify older adults at risk of medication-related harm, which could reduce preventable emergency hospitalisations.
A large-scale study found no association between medication use and the development of microscopic colitis, contradicting previous findings. SSRIs were linked to a slightly higher risk, but also increased the likelihood of receiving a colonoscopy.
A community-based cohort study found that COVID-19 hospitalization was associated with accelerated declines in cognition among older adults, compared to those not infected. Avoiding severe SARS-CoV-2 infection may help preserve cognitive function in this population.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma investigate the overlap between cognitive decline caused by chemotherapy and aging, discovering decreased blood flow, disrupted blood-brain barriers, and senescent cells. Removing these cells with senolytics can improve cerebral blood flow, cognition, and overall brain health.
The study found that 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines provide additional protection against medically attended COVID-19 and critical illness. These results highlight the significance of receiving recommended COVID-19 vaccinations for adults 18 years or older, contributing to improved public health outcomes.
A new poll reveals significant variation in older adults' preparations to age in place, with 46% having taken steps to make their home more age-friendly. However, differences persist based on health, disability, and home ownership status, highlighting opportunities for policymakers and families.
Dr. Eric Sun's groundbreaking work uses spatial aging clocks to measure biological age at the individual cell level, identifying specific cell types that drive brain aging in neighboring tissues. His machine learning models reveal complex intercellular communication networks that determine aging rates.
A USC study found that high levels of iron in the brain contribute to cell damage and oxidative stress, accelerating Alzheimer’s symptoms in individuals with Down syndrome. This connection could lead to targeted treatments and improved outcomes for those at risk.
A large-scale study identified early indicators of frailty decline in older adults, including health deficits such as sleep disturbances and muscle weakness. Early intervention programs addressing these modifiable health issues can contribute to disease control and slow frailty progression.
Dr. Sophia Shi's groundbreaking research reveals that the glycocalyx deteriorates with age, leading to blood-brain barrier dysfunction and cognitive decline. Her work provides concrete molecular targets for drug development and may lead to treatments that address the root causes of neurodegeneration.
A study on long-lived bats found that they possess robust tumor-suppressor mechanisms that protect against cancer. The researchers discovered that increased activity of the p53 gene is a key defense against cancer, and that safely increasing telomerase enzyme activity could be a way to apply their findings to humans.
Researchers developed a blood-based proteomic score to predict healthy aging and age-related diseases. A lower score is associated with higher mortality and disease risk, offering a powerful tool for understanding biological aging.
A study analyzing health and long-term care insurance data from Tsukuba City found that 73.5% of older patients were weaned off ventilators within 180 days, while 42.6% were discharged from the hospital. Patients with higher care levels had longer hospital stays.
A study found slightly lower adenoma detection rates in adults aged 45-49 compared to older groups, consistent with previous evaluations of screening colonoscopies. The study's findings suggest that the lowered screening age may have a beneficial effect on colon cancer prevention.
A new study found that problems with accessing high-quality care were a major driver for switching Medicare Advantage plans, not cost concerns. Dissatisfaction with medical care access was more common among those in poor health, and those who enrolled in MA plans with low star ratings were also more likely to switch.
A study found that cannabis use among older adults in the US has reached a new high, with 7% of adults aged 65 and over reporting current use. The profile of those who use cannabis has changed, with pronounced increases in use by college-educated, married, female, and higher-income individuals.
Prevalence of current cannabis use rose significantly among adults aged 65+, particularly those with higher incomes. Adults with initial lower cannabis use rates now exhibit the highest prevalence by 2023.
A cohort study of 4 countries found that both maternal and paternal higher education levels were linked to reduced cognitive decline, with own education mediating these associations. The study highlights the long-term impact of parental education on offspring cognitive health across diverse cultural contexts.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that mindfulness training and non-invasive brain stimulation can significantly reduce bladder leaks and feelings of urgency evoked by specific environments or scenarios. The study, published in Continence, used transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to activate the prefrontal co...
A combination of Rapamycin and Trametinib therapies significantly prolongs the life of mice by up to 30%, reducing chronic inflammation and delaying cancer onset. The unique combination achieves novel effects on gene expression, offering a potential geroprotector approach to extend human lifespan.
Sustained midlife weight loss was associated with lower chronic disease incidence and decreased all-cause mortality. The study's findings suggest that maintaining a healthy weight during middle age can have long-term health benefits.
A new research paper published in Aging-US identified unintentional weight loss as the strongest predictor of fall risk among Taiwanese elderly. The study found that analyzing each frailty feature individually provided more accurate predictions of fall risk than using a broad frailty label.
A study found that prescribing guideline-directed medical treatment to patients 90 years and older following their first heart attack can improve survival rates. The greatest benefit was observed in those who received all four recommended therapies, including beta-blockers and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors.
The study highlights a substantial growing burden of skin cancer among older adults, particularly males living in high-socioeconomic countries. Effective prevention and management strategies are urgently needed to address this issue.
A new study finds that cannabis use disorder diagnoses rose substantially across all age groups, race/ethnicity, and comorbidity subgroups nationwide from 2000 to 2022. People living with HIV experienced the greatest relative increase in CUD diagnoses, particularly among older adults.
Researchers used machine learning to classify older adults in Japan by physical and cognitive functions. Five functional subtypes were identified, including severe multicomponent and moderate physical types, which showed higher risks of death and hospitalization respectively.
A study of 2,268 US individuals aged 60+ found strong association between social activities and low 4-year mortality risk. High social engagement, such as charity work and sports participation, was significantly linked to reduced risk of dying.
Research highlights potential link between microplastics in ultra-processed foods and brain health, with possible connections to depression and dementia. The studies propose a novel hypothesis connecting ultra-processed food consumption, microplastic exposure, and mental health outcomes.
US survivors of adolescence and young adult cancer experience significantly worse mental health outcomes into middle age and older adulthood. Cancer clinicians should acknowledge this mental health burden and take steps to address it.
Researchers found that midlife intakes of high-quality carbohydrates and dietary fiber were associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases, cognitive decline, and physical function impairments. Intakes of refined carbohydrates, on the other hand, were linked to a higher risk of unhealthy aging.
A cohort study found that high-quality carbohydrate intake and dietary fiber consumption were positively correlated with healthy outcomes in older adulthood. The study suggests that focusing on carbohydrate quality may be crucial for maintaining overall health as people age.
A national study in Sweden reveals that COVID-19 vaccination levels among older people have become increasingly uneven, with regional and socio-economic differences emerging. The study found lower vaccination rates among certain groups, including those born outside Sweden, men, and individuals with low income and education.
A study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity reveals that older adults in sub-Saharan Africa are at risk of HIV infection, particularly those who have experienced social stigma and lack access to education. Interventions such as repeated testing, PrEP, and awareness campaigns can help reduce infections among the elderly.
A cross-sectional study found that more than one-third of veterans aged 65-84 who used cannabis in the past 30 days had a cannabis use disorder. Routine health screening for cannabis use is necessary to identify older adults with cannabis use. Frequent and inhaled cannabis use was associated with higher odds of any cannabis use disorder.
A new study found that patients using factor Xa inhibitors experienced significantly fewer cardiovascular problems than those on other anticoagulants. Researchers followed over 1,000 patients aged 80 and above for up to five years, revealing lower rates of heart failure, artery disease, and cardiovascular death.
A new robot designed to physically support the elderly and prevent falls as they move around their homes. The Elderly Bodily Assistance Robot (E-BAR) has a set of robotic handlebars that can be used for support, with airbags that inflate instantly to catch users if they fall.
A new study suggests that including pork in plant-forward diets makes meals more appealing and just as healthy, offering a higher protein quality score compared to plant-based proteins. The study found that meals with lean pork delivered significantly better results for satisfaction, satiety, and willingness to adopt post-trial.
A space-saving version of boccia, called Boccia XR, has been developed as a rehabilitation program for older adults. Participants showed improved moods, vitality, and energy after experiencing both Boccia XR and traditional boccia, with increased muscle activity in the rectus femoris during both types of boccia.
Researchers found that people with diverse, active relationships had the highest levels of self-rated health, while those in smaller, more isolated groups reported poorer health. Frequent, meaningful interactions can buffer limited network size, but starting in a restricted network is challenging to escape.
The Buck Institute's hybrid intervention combines a daily ketone ester with ICOPE-INTENSE, a personalized approach improving Intrinsic Capacity and age-related functions. The team aims to restore muscle, cognition, and immune function by 10 years in one year or less.
A new study found that providing hearing aids and advice on their use can help preserve social connections in older adults, reducing loneliness. The study showed that those treated for hearing loss retained one additional social connection over a three-year period compared to those who received no treatment.
The RSV protein subunit vaccine showed similar efficacy to clinical trials, with diminished immune response in immunocompromised patients. The vaccine was associated with a small increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome, but not immune thrombocytopenic purpura.