Articles tagged with Older Adults
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Patients over 65 who survive hospitalization with mechanical ventilation are more likely to suffer from long-term disabilities compared to those without ventilation. Researchers found that these patients experience greater mobility difficulties and activities of daily living (ADL) disability, even when their pre-hospitalization disabil...
A recent study found that lower and higher vitamin D levels are associated with an increased likelihood of frailty in older women. Women with optimal vitamin D levels (20.0-29.9 ng/ml) were at the lowest risk, while those with levels below 20 ng/ml or above 30 ng/ml had a higher risk of frailty.
A comprehensive overview of volunteering and service activities among older people is now available. The book features essays from leading scholars and classic research articles from the Gerontological Society of America's peer-reviewed journals.
A new study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev has shown that individually tailored dietary treatment for acutely hospitalized elderly can significantly reduce mortality rates. The study found a 64% decrease in death rates among those receiving intensive nutritional treatment compared to the control group.
A study from the University of California, Riverside and Boston University found that perceptual training can improve visual performance in elderly adults. The researchers used a texture discrimination test to demonstrate that repeated performance of visual tasks can lead to improved vision.
A six-month music-based multitask exercise program improved gait, balance, and reduced falls in community-dwelling elderly individuals. The study found a significant reduction in falls and risk of falling among participants, suggesting that this program may be useful for fall prevention and rehabilitation.
A study of over 5,200 adults found that those with mildly decreased sodium levels had a higher rate of fractures, despite no difference in bone mineral density. Screening for low sodium concentration may be an important new strategy to prevent fractures.
A new biomarker, cardiac troponin T (cTnT), has been found to be associated with the development of heart failure or cardiovascular death in older adults. Higher concentrations of cTnT were linked to a greater risk of both outcomes, independent of traditional risk factors.
A novel program in Livingston County, NY, uses EMS technicians to identify and address unmet needs of elderly residents, resulting in high patient satisfaction rates. The program's success highlights the potential of innovative collaboration between healthcare providers and social services to improve quality of life for seniors.
A new screening test, Sweet 16, can detect dementia in elderly patients more rapidly, providing an alternative to the Mini-Mental State Examination. The tool has been shown to accurately characterize mental status without influencing patient education or sociodemographic factors.
A new cognitive assessment tool with 16 items could be useful for identifying thinking, learning and memory problems among older adults. The Sweet 16 scale correctly identified 80% of individuals with cognitive impairment.
A Kaiser Permanente study shows that electronic alerts can significantly reduce unnecessary D-dimer tests for elderly patients, resulting in a 69.7% decrease in orders. The alerts, which explain the test's inaccuracy in older adults, were implemented in eight primary care clinics and maintained throughout the study period.
A study found that testosterone treatment improved muscle mass, strength, and quality of life in frail elderly men, but these effects were not maintained six months after treatment. Researchers suggest a multi-disciplinary approach, including resistance exercise and lifestyle options, to interrupt the downward spiral into frailty.
A new study finds that older adults wearing multifocal contact lenses may have slower driving speeds at night and reduced ability to recognize road hazards compared to those using progressive addition glasses. However, they can still see road signs at a shorter distance.
A new study reveals that volunteering helps adults with functional limitations live longer by alleviating a sense of diminished usefulness. Older adults who volunteered were found to have lower mortality rates compared to those without such limitations.
A University of Toronto study reveals that visual attention diminishes with age, leading to better memory for irrelevant information. Older adults are less capable of filtering out distracting information, which broadly influences cognitive deficits in normal aging.
A study from Indiana University School of Medicine finds that a home-based geriatric care management program, GRACE, improves health and quality of life, decreases emergency department visits and hospital admission rates among high-risk patients. The program's cost-saving benefits are also highlighted.
A Yale study reveals that hospitalizations and injuries are linked to worsening functional ability in older adults, especially those who are physically frail. The study found that fall-related injuries led to the highest likelihood of developing new or worsening disability.
Three models of comprehensive primary care, including GRACE, Guided Care, and PACE, have shown promise in improving effectiveness and efficiency for complex primary care. These models focus on proactive processes such as comprehensive assessment, evidence-based care planning, and coordination of professionals to tailor care to patients...
Researchers found that patient age may diminish the death benefit of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. Moderate to severe pain was common in patients' final years, especially for those with arthritis. E-cigarettes pose a new challenge for physicians counseling patients to abstain from nicotine due to safety concerns and potentia...
A recent study has found that elderly women are at higher risk of receiving unnecessary urinary catheters in emergency departments. The study revealed that nearly half of female patients over 80 years old did not meet institutional guidelines for urinary catheter placement.
Kidney failure affects nearly half a million US individuals, with 48% being 60 years or older. Elderly patients are now more likely to receive a kidney transplant due to increased access to organs from living and deceased donors, as well as improved survival rates while waiting.
Research found that 60% of hospitalizations for severe sepsis were associated with worsened cognitive and physical function among surviving older adults. Cognitive impairment was 3.3 times higher following an episode of sepsis than for other hospitalizations.
Researchers found that celiac disease is on the rise, with increasing cases in the elderly, challenging the common speculation that it develops in childhood. Environmental factors may play a role in developing tolerance to gluten before an autoimmune disease sets in.
A randomized trial found that 30 months of supervised exercise followed by voluntary home training significantly reduced the risk of fractures in high-risk elderly women. The study also showed improved balance and gait, as well as lower mortality rates, compared to a control group.
Researchers at Florida State University found that people with Parkinson's disease alter their gait when asked to perform verbal tasks while walking, increasing the risk of falls. Even healthy adults without a neurological impairment demonstrated similar difficulties walking and talking, highlighting the need for healthcare professiona...
A new study by Timothy Salthouse found that mental abilities decline with age, but not as steeply as previously thought. After adjusting for 'practice effects,' which inflate test scores due to repeated testing, the study revealed smaller declines in mental aging.
A study published in CMAJ found that early surgery within 24-72 hours reduces the risk of death and postoperative complications. Hip fractures are associated with a mortality rate of 14 to 36%, but early surgery can decrease this risk.
The ALIAS project, a three-year, 3.87-million-euro initiative, seeks to develop adaptable robots capable of serving as safe assistants for elderly people. The robots will monitor home environments, provide cognitive assistance, and facilitate social contacts, aiming to improve quality of life.
The study found that indoor falls are associated with an inactive lifestyle, disability, and poor health, while outdoor falls are linked to higher activity levels and better-than-average health. Outdoor falls also occur more frequently among younger, healthier individuals.
A new study by Baycrest's Rotman Research Institute found that older adults are more prone to destination memory failures, including falsely believing they've shared information. They remain highly confident in these false beliefs, leading to awkward social situations and miscommunication.
A study of nearly 2,000 people with diabetes found that many remain sexually active, but experience impairment in desire and rewards. Men are more likely to express a lack of interest in sex and experience erectile dysfunction, while women report orgasm difficulties.
A new study confirms an association between moderate drinking and reduced mortality among older adults, but notes that the health benefits are complicated by underlying risks such as prior problem drinking and socioeconomic status. The study followed 1,824 older adults for 20 years and found that controlling for confounding factors sub...
A less intensive bortezomib-based regimen is as effective as the standard treatment for elderly patients with multiple myeloma, but with fewer serious side effects. The regimen resulted in a reduction in peripheral neuropathy and gastrointestinal symptoms while maintaining efficacy.
A 70-year-old woman presented with confusion and memory loss, leading to a misdiagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. However, treatment with cyclophosphamide infusions and steroids revealed an alternative diagnosis of limbic encephalitis.
A new study at McMaster University shows that using lighter weights can build muscle just as effectively as heavier ones. The key is to lift until fatigue sets in, pumping iron for a specific duration.
A study found that improved Medicare Part D coverage led to an increase in antibiotic use among older adults, especially for broader-spectrum antibiotics. This suggests that reimbursement may play a role in addressing inappropriate antibiotic prescribing and use.
A new study reveals falls as the leading cause of non-fatal injuries among older adults in China, with 70% of injuries occurring at home or on the street. The divorced and widowed elderly are identified as high-risk groups for injury, highlighting the need for targeted prevention programs.
A study published in CMAJ found that revascularization procedures in elderly patients after a heart attack decreased one-year mortality rates from 48.4% to 30%. The use of invasive cardiac procedures and recommended medications increased, contributing to improved survival rates.
The Association of Specialty Professors has announced the ninth class of T. Franklin Williams Scholars, supporting research on pulmonary fibrosis, chronic kidney disease, and palliative care for older adults. Seven new investigators will join 75 previous scholars in advancing knowledge on these topics.
Research from Purdue University shows that obese older adults are more likely to use walkers, canes, and other assistive devices at a younger age, increasing the risk of incorrect usage. Obesity heightens the risk of disability, affecting daily life in multiple ways.
A review analyzing previous research found delirium in older patients increases risk of death, dementia, and institutionalization. The study controlled for age, illnesses, and severity, confirming the association independent of these factors.
Obesity rates among seniors in Latin America and the Caribbean have surged, leading to a significant increase in disability among elderly populations. Current trends suggest that unchecked obesity will result in larger numbers of people vulnerable to chronic medical conditions, straining healthcare resources in poorer countries.
A brain fitness program has been shown to improve visual memory in older adults by up to 10%, leading to increased accuracy and a link to changes in neural activity. This study's findings suggest that focused training can lead to plasticity in the brain, improving cognitive function in aging populations.
A study found substantial regional differences in treatment practices for end-stage renal disease, including hospice care and dialysis before death. Regional variations were not explained by patient characteristics, highlighting the need for personalized and evidence-based decision-making.
Researchers found that low vitamin D levels are associated with cognitive decline in older adults, particularly in executive function. The study, which assessed 858 adults over six years, showed a 60% increased risk of substantial cognitive decline among those with severely deficient vitamin D levels.
The ASPREE study aims to assess whether aspirin can prolong a life free of physical disability and dementia in healthy older people. The trial will enroll 6,500 participants in the US and Australia and monitor changes in health markers, functional ability, and cognitive function over five years.
A study of over 15,000 Chinese elderly people found that childhood hunger increased the risk of cognitive impairment by 29-35%. The research suggests that fighting hunger in children can enhance cognitive well-being in late life and has long-term benefits for society.
A North Carolina State University study reveals that older adults fare equally well as young adults in making intuitive decisions, but face challenges with complex decision-making. Older adults with higher education performed better at remembering specific criteria and utilizing them when making decisions.
A study by researchers at the University of California, San Diego found that older adults spent three times more time watching TV than younger adults, yet reported lower levels of positive emotion during TV viewing. This suggests a need to increase awareness of alternative activities and reduce barriers to social engagement.
A study published by Purdue University found that older adults report better marriages, more supportive friendships, and less conflict with children and siblings. The perception of limited time, willingness to forgive, aging stereotypes, and attitudes of respect all play a role in improving relationships with age.
A new study from the Institute for Aging Research found that nearly 52% of participants who reported a fall were barefoot or wearing slippers at the time. The study recommends wearing well-fitting shoes with slip-resistant soles to minimize the risk of falls among elderly people.
Lewis Lipsitz has been recognized for his groundbreaking research on abnormal blood pressure regulation and its relationship to falls and syncope in the elderly. The 2010 Joseph T. Freeman Award winner will present a lecture at the GSA's Annual Scientific Meeting.
Mary Tinetti, MD, MPH, received the 2010 Maxwell A. Pollack Award for her innovative program to reduce falls among older adults in Connecticut. The award recognizes her successful translation of research into practical application, improving public health and policy.
New research findings indicate that delaying cholecystectomy in elderly patients with acute cholecystitis results in increased costs, morbidity, and mortality. Prompt surgical treatment leads to lower re-admission rates and improved survival rates.
Researchers at Duke University found that cognitive ability, not age, is the key factor in predicting risky decisions. The study showed that older adults who scored higher on cognitive tests made similar economic decisions as younger adults.
The Medicare program is expected to spend over $510 billion on 47 million individuals by 2010, with costs projected to skyrocket. Solutions proposed include preventing hospital readmissions, enhancing communication among healthcare providers and patients, and realigning the physician payment system.
Older adults living in residential communities are at increased risk of suicidal behavior due to social factors such as widowhood, divorce, substance abuse, and family discord. The study suggests that public health systems and residential communities can counter this risk by assessing resident populations and setting priorities for sui...
A study found cochlear implants slightly benefit older adults, but not as much as younger patients. The results suggest that older patients may experience a prolonged adaptation phase and have inherent limitations in processing high-rate stimulation paradigms.
A new study found that altered brain blood flow due to high blood pressure may lead to an increased risk of falls in elderly people. The research, published in Neurology, suggests that daily exercise and treatments for high blood pressure could be a new strategy for preventing falls.