Articles tagged with Older Adults
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.
A new study by the Hebrew SeniorLife Institute for Aging Research has found a link between altered blood flow in the brain and slow gait and falls in elderly people. Seniors with abnormal blood flow changes were more likely to experience falls, highlighting the importance of exercise and treatment for high blood pressure in preventing ...
Daily probiotic cheese consumption boosts natural and acquired immunity in older adults by activating NK blood cells and increasing phagocytic activity. The study aims to thwart immunosenescence, an age-related deterioration of the immune system that increases susceptibility to infections and cancer.
A study by LSU researchers found that socioeconomic and physical disadvantages, as well as social isolation, are associated with higher rates of older adult malnutrition death rates across the US. The research highlights the importance of addressing poverty, disability, and limited access to resources in reducing malnutrition-related d...
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine found that music enhances recognition memory for Alzheimer's patients, but not healthy older adults. The study suggests that understanding musical processing and memory may lead to effective therapies for this prevalent disease.
Researchers presented studies on predicting pregnancy-associated breast cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder in breast cancer patients, and novel drug candidates such as flavaglines. The conference also explored the use of circulating tumor cells and gene differences to predict survival outcomes in breast cancer patients.
The study analyzed over 11,000 elderly men in Sweden, US, and Hong Kong, finding that age significantly impacts the risk of falling, while ethnicity and environment play a role. The proportion of frequent fallers varied across countries, with highest rates in the US, followed by Sweden, and lowest in Hong Kong.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that spouses of dementia sufferers have a significantly increased risk of developing dementia themselves. The risk is six times higher for those whose spouse develops dementia, particularly men.
Researchers found that older adults with late-life depression don't respond normally to emotional stimuli, making treatment more challenging. This study highlights the importance of emotion in understanding late-life depression and developing effective therapies.
A new study found that cochlear implants improve hearing for older adults with age-related hearing loss. However, the effectiveness of implants decreases with increasing age, highlighting the need to reassess implant criteria for elderly patients.
Researchers found that volunteers high in neuroticism traits had lower volumes of gray matter in the frontal and medial temporal brain regions compared to those high in conscientious traits. This association suggests that personality may influence the rate of brain aging.
People who think more abstractly respond better to mixed emotions ads, which portray conflicting feelings. The researchers found that age and culture affect people's ability to think abstractly, with elderly and Asian subjects thinking more abstractly.
Participation in dance-based therapy can improve balance and gait in older adults, decreasing their risk of falling and reducing costly injuries. Nursing professionals can help move these programs into practice to reduce the burden caused by falls.
Significant increases in death rates from falls, motorcycle crashes, machinery use, and unintentional poisoning have been observed among older Americans. The overall change in injury mortality for individuals aged 65 years and older increased by three percent, with the greatest increase seen in whites.
A new study by researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center refutes the widely held belief that intentional weight loss in older adults leads to increased risk of death. The research shows that seniors who intentionally exercised and/or modified their diets to lose weight were half as likely to die within eight years of...
A study published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that maintaining regular daily routines is associated with improved sleep quality and reduced insomnia in older adults. Stability in basic activities such as bathing and eating was more strongly linked to better sleep quality than stability in instrumental activities.
A new study found that a patient's pre-surgical health classification, as determined by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), is a leading indicator of how well they will fare after hip fracture surgery. Medical complications were more common in patients with ASA class 3 and 4, highlighting the need for close medical managem...
A study of 3,746 elderly Americans found that over one-fourth lacked the capacity to make end-of-life medical decisions. Those with advance directives, however, received care in line with their wishes most of the time. The study emphasizes the importance of preparing oneself and family for complex medical decisions at the end of life.
Research from North Carolina State University finds that daily behavior changes significantly impact medication remembering, particularly in older and younger adults. Young people remember to take their medication more when they're busier, while older adults do better on days when they're less busy.
A new study shows that older adults' inability to ignore distracting information contributes to memory decline. Prior knowledge of an impending distraction does not improve working memory performance in this age group.
Older adults remember past experiences positively due to strong brain connections between emotion and memory regions. In contrast, young adults lack these connections, making it harder to recall positive events.
A new study has found that people in their 20s and 30s have significant balance issues, increasing their risk for falling. The test, developed by University of Missouri researcher Carmen Abbott, is a combination of a health questionnaire and physical performance tests.
Researchers found that physicians prioritize what's best for the patient overall, followed by the patient's preferences and pain management. However, ageist assumptions may influence decision-making, with a decreased reliance on patient preferences among older adults.
As one in four Canadians will be 65 or older by 2025, the need for safe driving retirement programs is growing. Municipalities and governments can develop solutions such as car pooling incentives, subsidized shuttle services, and urban planning to help seniors continue driving safely.
A study found that knee replacement surgery significantly improves dynamic balance and quality of life in elderly patients with severe osteoarthritis. The results reinforced the importance of balance in maintaining function and independence, especially for those with knee problems.
The joint position paper by SNE, ADA, and ASN emphasizes the importance of nutrition programs for older adults living in communities, addressing issues like food insecurity and malnutrition. The recommendations include promoting healthful aging, seeking community resources, and supporting more people staying healthy at home.
Research found no significant differences in tolerance and efficacy between elderly and non-elderly NSCLC patients receiving salvage targeted therapy or chemotherapy. Elderly patients showed comparable response rates, disease control, and survival times as younger patients.
Researchers found that exergames significantly improved mood and mental health-related quality of life in older adults with subsyndromal depression. The study suggests encouraging results from using video games to improve symptoms, with over one-third of participants experiencing a 50-percent or greater reduction of depressive symptoms.
A study of 2,929 individuals aged 65+ found that hospitalization for acute or critical illness was associated with lower cognitive scores and higher dementia risk. Noncritical illness hospitalizations had a 40% higher risk of dementia compared to never-hospitalized participants.