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Going to physician visits with older loved ones could improve care

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...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 23, 2012

Enhancing cognition in older adults also changes personality

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateJan 18, 2012
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

'Exergames' may provide cognitive benefit for older adults

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.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 17, 2012

Thousands of seniors lack access to lifesaving organs, despite survival benefit

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.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 12, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Elderly can be as fast as young in some brain tasks, study shows

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...

SourceOhio State University·JournalChild Development·DateDec 27, 2011

Seeing brands as people

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.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Scarborough·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 1, 2011
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Elderly emergency patients less likely to receive pain medication than middle-aged patients

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...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateNov 11, 2011
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Results of the STACCATO Trial reported at TCT 2011

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.

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·DateNov 10, 2011

Researcher finds elderly lose ability to distinguish between odors

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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateNov 10, 2011

Under money strains, some older adults may turn to alcohol

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.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateNov 9, 2011
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Physical functioning declines more rapidly among the poor, study finds

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.

SourceOhio State University·JournalHealth & Social Care in the Community·DateNov 7, 2011

Individual CO2 emissions decline in old 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.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalDemography·DateNov 7, 2011

How we create false memories: Assessing memory performance in older adults

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.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 4, 2011
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Prestigious Hartford grants bolster awardees' social work research

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.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateOct 28, 2011

Study finds no link between elderly patient activity and hospital falls

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateOct 28, 2011
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Never too old to donate a kidney?

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.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateOct 28, 2011

Bedside assessment may provide better outcomes for older cancer patients

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...

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 26, 2011

Elderly long-term care residents suffer cognitively during disasters

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Gerontological Nursing·DateOct 21, 2011

Mayo Clinic study identifies earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease

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).

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateOct 10, 2011
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

A third of elderly Medicare beneficiaries undergo surgery during their last year of life but many procedures are likely to be unnecessary or unwanted

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.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 5, 2011

Calorific controversy for intensive care patients

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.

SourceQueen's University·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateOct 4, 2011

Elderly breast cancer patients risk treatment discrimination

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.

SourceECCO-the European CanCer Organisation·DateSep 22, 2011
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Study: Overweight older women have less leg strength, power

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.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalJournal of Electromyography and Kinesiology·DateSep 19, 2011

GSA sets focus on optimizing older adults' pain care

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.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateSep 15, 2011
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Mild hearing loss linked to brain atrophy in older adults

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.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateAug 30, 2011
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

How Japan looks after its elderly people: a benchmark for nations worldwide

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.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 30, 2011

UCLA memory fitness program improves memory abilities of oldest adults

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateAug 29, 2011

Clinical study shows young brains lack the wisdom of their elders

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.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateAug 25, 2011

Learning information the hard way may be best 'boot camp' for older brains

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.

SourceBaycrest Centre for Geriatric Care·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateAug 24, 2011
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Decision making changes with age -- and age helps!

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.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 23, 2011
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Better mattresses improve care, cut hospital costs: U of T study

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.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateAug 17, 2011

Want to keep your exercise resolutions? New research offers pointers

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.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 16, 2011
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Finding could reduce antibiotic use in critically ill patients

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.

SourceQueen's University·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateAug 3, 2011

Charles to receive GSA's 2011 Richard Kalish Innovative Publication Award

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.

SourceThe Gerontological Society of America·DateAug 2, 2011
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Yale researchers show how memory is lost -- and found

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.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateJul 27, 2011

JCI online early table of contents: July 25, 2011

A study by Lukas Van Oudenhove and colleagues found that a fat solution to the stomach attenuates behavioral and nerve cell responses to sad emotion in humans. This discovery has implications for treating disorders such as obesity, eating disorders, and depression. Additionally, two independent research groups have generated new data o...

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 25, 2011
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

1 in 3 Michigan seniors can't afford basics Wayne State University study says

A recent analysis by Wayne State University's Seniors Count! project reveals that 37% of Michigan's seniors live at or below basic economic security. This 'invisible poverty' affects many middle-class residents, who struggle to afford basic expenses like food, housing, and healthcare.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateJul 20, 2011