Research on health and aging in later life. Covers attention and cognition, longevity, organ aging, and age-related disease.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that less frequent participation in social activity is associated with a more rapid rate of motor function decline in older adults. The research, which analyzed data from 906 participants, suggests that this association may be related to the risk of disability and mortality.
Research at Rush University Medical Center found that less frequent social participation is associated with a faster loss of motor function in older adults. The study, which followed 906 participants for five years, revealed that each one-point decrease in social activity was linked to a 33% more rapid decline.
Researchers from Queen's University Belfast have developed an antioxidant supplement that may slow down sight loss in elderly people. The CARMA supplement, containing carotenoids and co-antioxidants, was shown to preserve macular pigments and slow down progression from early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to late AMD.
A new study by researchers at Rush University Medical Center found that possessing a greater purpose in life is associated with lower mortality rates among older adults. The study used data from 1,238 community-dwelling elderly participants and found a substantially reduced risk of mortality among those with high purpose in life.
A study found that older adults (59-82 years) are more resilient to total sleep deprivation on various cognitive tasks, such as working memory and verbal encoding. In contrast, young adults (19-38 years) experienced significant declines in performance under similar conditions.
A recent study found that 55 percent of older adults reported sleeping less than seven hours per night, highlighting the need for improved sleep habits in this demographic. The study also revealed that individuals with depressive symptoms and poor mental health were more likely to experience short sleep duration.
A recent study published in Archives of Neurology found that cognitive impairment is associated with reduced survival rates among both white and African American older adults. The research, which followed 1,715 participants over an average of 4.7 years, showed that individuals with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease had s...
A large Brandeis University-led study found that cardiac rehabilitation significantly reduces mortality rates among older adult patients with heart disease. The study showed a 19% lower risk of death for those attending more than 24 sessions, and the benefits were most pronounced in extreme elderly patients.
A clinical review found that commonly prescribed medications for allergies, hypertension, asthma, and cardiovascular disease can cause immediate but possibly reversible cognitive impairment in older adults. Anticholinergic effects of these drugs are often unrecognized by prescribers.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that nearly half of people age 65 and older have hearing loss, while one-third have vocal problems. The study suggests a causal relationship between the two disabilities, which can increase depression scores and social isolation.
Research suggests that even perceiving one's neighborhood as unsafe can be hazardous for elder health, leading to mobility disability. The study found a strong correlation between perceived danger and actual violent crime rates.
A recent study by Nancy Morrow-Howell and colleagues found that older adults' reported benefits from volunteering depend on the characteristics of the programs they participate in. Benefits included improved overall health, family well-being, and personal satisfaction.
Researchers suggest 'age-responsive' actions should be integrated into risk assessments and disaster response plans to minimize harm to frail elderly people. The team proposes strategies to address the unique needs of this vulnerable group, including evacuation plans and shelter locations.
A recent study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev reveals a strong link between daily activity energy expenditure and appetite in elderly adults. Participants who reported improved appetite were found to have lower mortality rates, suggesting that subjective appetite measurement can be an important predictor of death.
A study by the Commonwealth Fund found that elderly Medicare beneficiaries have higher ratings for consumer satisfaction, access to care, and quality of care compared to those with ESI. Many adults under age 65 would likely choose a public health insurance option if it were offered as part of health reform.
A study of 717 Medicare recipients found that older adults incorrectly reported having had a stroke, with lower sensitivity and specificity compared to MRI scans. Factors such as memory impairment, cognitive decline, and hypertension also contributed to false-negative reports.
Researchers led by Dr. Robert C. Young are conducting studies to investigate the effects of medications on older adults with bipolar depression, aiming to improve treatment outcomes. The studies focus on quetiapine and lamotrigine, and will help better manage care for geriatric bipolar patients.
A Universite de Montreal study reveals that sharing meals with others increases food consumption among elderly patients in hospital geriatric re-adaptation units. Nutritional deficiencies often occur when patients eat alone, highlighting the importance of social interaction during mealtimes.
A study found that elderly patients experiencing nighttime urination had a higher mortality rate compared to those without nocturia. Researchers identified several factors associated with an increased risk of death, including age, diabetes, and hypertension.
A recent study by North Carolina State University researchers found that senior citizens' ability to remember suffers when negative stereotypes about aging and memory loss are activated. However, those who do not feel stigmatized exhibit significantly higher levels of memory performance.
Researchers found that patients hospitalized for surgery returned to normal baseline function more quickly than those hospitalized for illness, suggesting increased expectations of recovery may be a key factor. The study highlights the importance of promoting physical and cognitive activity during hospitalization to prevent functional ...
A study published in JAMA Network found that cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) significantly improved anxiety symptoms, worry severity, and depressive symptoms in older adults with generalized anxiety disorder. CBT was more effective than enhanced usual care in reducing anxiety and improving overall mental health outcomes.
Research by Oregon State University shows that older adults who engage in less physical activity are more likely to report having difficulty walking due to increased health worry. Resolving health concern issues earlier in life may be key to avoiding walking difficulties, according to lead author Bradley Cardinal.
A National University of Chicago study found that elderly individuals experiencing loneliness face higher risks for poorer mental and physical health. Those who adapt to alone time without developing strong feelings of loneliness tend to fare better.
A study by Indiana University researchers found that yoga practice reduced the fear of falling in older adults, increasing lower body flexibility. The 12-week program also helped alleviate leisure constraints, promoting social and physical activity.
A recent study found that older adults who consume moderate amounts of alcohol perform worse on cognitive tests than their younger counterparts, despite similar blood alcohol levels. The researchers suggest that this is due to factors other than age-related declines in cognitive skills, such as changes in how alcohol affects individuals.
A study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found that older adults perform worse on visual-motor coordination tasks after moderate alcohol consumption. The researchers suggest that this is due to a disassociation between perceptions of ability and actual capabilities, which may be more pronounced in older adults.
A study published in Psychology and Aging found that older adults can regulate emotions more efficiently than young adults, allowing them to perform better on memory tasks. This ability helps older adults maintain quality of life by minimizing the negative impact of emotions.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health identified common hazardous conditions in home healthcare settings, including environmental and physical hazards. The research highlights the need for simple interventions to mitigate these risks and promote patient safety.
A new study found that older women who reported taking daily naps had a 44% increased risk of dying from any cause. This association remained significant among relatively healthy women and was strongest for cardiovascular-related mortality.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that pre-diabetic adults with post-challenge hyperglycemia have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease due to increased glucose and insulin levels, triglycerides, inflammation, and impaired blood vessel function. Routine glucose screening and preventi...
A NYU Langone Medical Center study shows that healthy elderly patients with severe to profound hearing loss can tolerate cochlear implant surgery without significant risk, contrary to conventional wisdom. The procedure significantly improves their hearing and quality of life.
A French study found that healthy elderly people who report feeling sleepy during the day have a significantly higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. The Three City study found a 49% relative risk increase of cardiovascular death compared to those who do not report sleepiness.
Researchers found that one-year survival of elderly patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention was comparable to younger patients. Data suggest age alone should not prevent more aggressive care in these patients.
A six-year vitamin E supplementation study found that high dietary vitamin C intake significantly influenced the effect of vitamin E on mortality in male smokers. Vitamin E decreased mortality by 41% in elderly smokers with high vitamin C intake, while increasing mortality by 19% in middle-aged smokers with similar intake levels.
Stephen Schneider, a climate researcher, emphasizes the need for accurate and comprehensive reporting on global warming. He stresses that developed nations must take control of their greenhouse gas emissions to make the problem solvable in developing countries.
Studies present promising findings on preventing age-related hearing loss using antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, research sheds light on the role of brain function in understanding speech and language disorders.
A study by American Academy of Neurology found that drivers with Alzheimer's disease commit 27% more safety errors than those without the condition. The research used off-road tests to measure thinking, movement, and visual skills, predicting driving safety.
A Johns Hopkins study reveals that volunteering in grade schools increases physical activity in older black women, which remains high for at least three years. The study suggests that volunteer programs can be a win-win for both the elderly and the community, promoting intergenerational social connections.
A research model has shown that training people to avoid falls by exposing them to unstable situations can help them maintain their balance on a slippery floor. The study found that trained subjects were better at controlling the landing foot and unconsciously changed their gait, reducing the risk of falling.
A recent study found that gardening can improve hand strength and self-esteem in older adults, as well as provide moderate physical activity. Researchers at Kansas State University assessed 15 areas of health in older gardeners compared to non-gardeners, revealing the benefits of gardening on hand function and psychological well-being.
A new study published in JAMA found that osteoporotic fractures can double or triple mortality rates for up to 5-10 years after the fracture. The risk is particularly high for hip fractures in women and men over 75, with a nearly threefold increase in mortality.
Two studies found that exercise significantly improves quadriceps strength and function after knee replacement, while certain activities increase risk of osteoarthritis. Rehabilitation targeting impaired areas is essential for optimal recovery.
A study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society suggests that certain medications may be associated with cognitive decline in older adults. The research found that chronic use of medications with anticholinergic properties can lead to memory difficulties and impaired daily functioning.
A Stanford study establishes a method for projecting future kidney function, which could improve transplant outcomes for older kidneys. The research found that older kidneys perform only 70% as well as younger ones and contain fewer functioning glomeruli.
A study published in PLoS Medicine suggests that elderly people with damaged kidneys are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, including heart failure and stroke. Lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems in these individuals.
A study found that escitalopram improved anxiety symptoms and quality of life in older adults with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The drug helped reduce anxiety and improve functioning, including daily activities related to work or family life. Benefits were modest, but the medication was well-tolerated overall.
A study found that escitalopram improved symptoms in older adults with generalized anxiety disorder, but nonadherence reduced benefits. The medication was also associated with adverse effects such as fatigue and sleep disturbance.
A French study of 8801 elderly participants found significant seasonal variations in systolic and diastolic blood pressure according to outdoor temperature. The authors advise careful monitoring and antihypertensive treatment during extreme temperatures, particularly in the elderly, who are at higher risk of cardiovascular events.
A recent study revealed that despite universal health care in the UK, older adults are less willing to undergo dementia screening due to perceived societal stigma. In contrast, Americans show greater acceptance of early detection methods.
A study found that elderly patients with glioblastoma are less likely to undergo surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy due to concerns about toxic side effects. The median survival for these patients was only four months.
A study found that glaucoma is associated with slower spoken reading and increased reading impairment in older adults. The research tested 1,154 individuals and found that those with bilateral glaucoma read 29 words per minute slower than those without the condition and had roughly twice the odds of reading impairment.
A large prospective study published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia found that the risk of permanent harm following a spinal anaesthetic or epidural is lower than 1 in 20,000. The study also revealed that the risk of being paralysed by an injection is 2-3 times rarer than suffering any permanent harm.
A study found that elderly individuals have a higher risk of hypertension during colder months, with average systolic blood pressure 5 millimeters of mercury higher in winter than summer. Blood pressure decreases over time are also strongly correlated with outdoor temperature, particularly in participants aged 80 and older.
University of Missouri researchers developed health-monitoring technology to support seniors living at home, detecting changes in behavior and physical activity through motion sensors. The system identified patterns that predict adverse health events, such as falls, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations.
A recent study by Kansas State University researchers found that gardening provides moderate-intensity physical activity, influencing whole-body bone mineral density and improving mental health. Gardening tasks change throughout the season, making it a great way for older adults to meet recommended physical activity levels.
A study found that nearly half of older adults in the US use prescription and over-the-counter medications concurrently, posing a significant risk of adverse drug interactions. The prevalence of concurrent medication use increased with age, with 68% of older adults using at least two types of medications.
A recent study suggests that college students can benefit from owning a pet, with nearly a quarter reporting that their pets helped them get through difficult times. Students who lived with dogs or cats were less likely to feel lonely and depressed, highlighting the importance of animal companionship in young adulthood.
A recent study published in Physical Therapy found that older adults' perceptions of their overall health and balance significantly influence their walking activity. Those who perceived both as good walked the most blocks per week, while those who perceived one or both as poor walked less.
Top robotics expert Professor Noel Sharkey urges setting policy guidelines for the safe and ethical application of robots. Service robots are increasingly used in care settings, raising concerns about social isolation and potential psychological impacts on children and elderly individuals.