Articles tagged with Older Adults
Researchers have confirmed that veins stiffen as we age, a change that may contribute to high blood pressure. Regular exercise training may help maintain vein flexibility. The study, led by William Farquhar from the University of Delaware, recruited healthy young and older adults and monitored their blood flow.
A recent study published in The Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that varenicline was well-tolerated and effective in reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms in elderly smokers. The researchers reported mild adverse reactions, including nausea, but no participants withdrew from the study.
A Mayo Clinic study of 144 participants found that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplements had no effect on age-related changes in body composition, physical performance, or quality of life. The study's findings contradict previous reports and suggest that DHEA should be treated as a regulated drug.
A study of 1,911 adults found that visual impairment significantly increases the risk of hearing loss, with both conditions affecting physical and mental domains. The two impairments share common risk factors, including oxidative stress, smoking, and atherosclerosis.
Physicians can now provide personalized exercise recommendations using the FITT-PRO guidelines, which include frequency, intensity, type, time, and progression. Regular physical activity has been shown to benefit people of all fitness levels, particularly seniors who have limited access to information.
Researchers at McMaster University found that seniors can re-learn multi-tasking with practice, achieving levels similar to younger participants. The study showed that training improved performance in both older and younger subjects, with benefits lasting up to three months later.
A new study published in JCSM found that brief behavioral treatment for insomnia (BBTI) significantly improves sleep quality and daytime symptoms of anxiety and depression in older adults. The study showed a 71% favorable response rate among BBTI participants, compared to 39% in the control group.
Behavioral therapies produce reliable changes in bedtime problems and night wakings in infants and children, with 82% of children benefiting from treatment. For women with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), early diagnosis and treatment can reduce healthcare costs and improve sleep quality.
A Kent State University study develops a web-based intervention to alleviate depression in caregivers and stroke survivors through peer and professional support. The innovative program aims to improve the psychological well-being of both individuals concurrently.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that long-term lead exposure is linked to cognitive decline in older adults. The researchers tested 985 participants and found higher tibia lead levels were consistently associated with worse cognitive performance on tests, equivalent to two to six years of aging.
Researchers found that one-third of older adults struggle with bathing, highlighting the need for bathroom safety features and education. The study recommends installing shower curtains instead of glass doors and providing proper instruction on built-in safety features.
A team-based approach to treating depression in primary care significantly reduces suicidal thoughts in older adults, with patients receiving IMPACT care being half as likely to report suicidal thoughts even up to 12 months after treatment. The study also shows improved physical functioning and quality of life for patients.
A study of 120 older adults found significant memory problem complainants had reduced gray matter density in the brain, even without a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment. This suggests that memory complaints may indicate an early 'pre-MCI' stage of dementia.
A study found that reducing contrast material injection by at least 10% in elderly patients undergoing CT exams of the pancreas and biliary region can decrease costs and complications. This reduction was achieved without affecting image quality.
According to researchers at Harvard University and the University of Michigan, healthcare in America has been cost-effective overall. The study found that improved healthcare contributed significantly to increased life expectancy, with 70% of gains attributed to reductions in cardiovascular disease deaths.
A new study found that open-mindedness predicts higher intelligence in young adults, while disagreeableness is linked to better vocabulary and knowledge retention in older age. Conscientiousness also plays a role in strong short-term memory and visual processing in older adults.
A recent study published in Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that never-married individuals are 58% more likely to die between 1989 and 1997 compared to their married peers. The 'never married penalty' is higher for those in excellent health, but not among the poor or elderly.
A recent study found that extreme heat increases mortality risk among the elderly, diabetics, and African Americans. The research analyzed 7.8 million deaths across US cities from 1989 to 2000, revealing a significant association between extreme temperatures and cardiovascular-related deaths in African Americans.
A recent study published by the American Heart Association found that severe sleep apnea significantly increases the risk of ischemic stroke in older adults. The study analyzed data from over 390 participants aged 70-100 and discovered that those with severe sleep apnea were 2.5 times more likely to experience a stroke.
New research from Ohio State University finds that severe heat waves are particularly deadly in neighborhoods without businesses to draw older people out of their apartments. The study analyzed data from the 1995 Chicago heat wave and found higher-than-average mortality rates in areas with run-down, liquor-focused businesses.
A study found that drinking flavanol-rich cocoa improved blood vessel function in both young and older adults. This suggests that flavanol-rich cocoa may be a useful dietary approach for maintaining endothelial vessel function, particularly in the aging population.
A new drug, eszopiclone, has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce daytime napping in elderly patients with insomnia. The study found that eszopiclone significantly reduced wakefulness after sleep had begun and improved sleep efficiency and total sleep time.
Sleep disturbance in the elderly is associated with decreased memory, impaired concentration, and impaired ability to function. Geriatricians recommend addressing sleep problems through lifestyle changes, such as keeping a diary to track sleep patterns, and trying daytime walks and environmental adjustments to improve sleep quality.
A computer card game called FreeCell has been adapted to detect early signs of dementia by assessing players' planning and efficiency. Researchers found that the game can distinguish between cognitively healthy elders and those with mild cognitive impairment, suggesting potential for early treatment strategies.
Researchers found that the death rate from mitral valve surgery decreased dramatically among elderly patients, with five-year survival rates of 91-97% for different age groups. The study also showed improved feasibility and benefits of correcting a leaking mitral valve in older patients.
The Quality of Life Technology Engineering Research Center aims to develop technologies that enable older adults and people with disabilities to live independently and productively. Researchers will create intelligent systems that monitor health, prompt memories, and control household appliances.
Research published in Heart reveals high humidity increases heart attack deaths among the elderly in Athens. Average monthly humidity was the single most important factor influencing average monthly death rates from heart attack in those over 70.
A recent study published in JAMA Network found that older adults who engage in more daily physical activity have a lower risk of death. The researchers measured energy expenditure over a two-week period using doubly labeled water and found that higher levels of activity were associated with a 69% lower risk of death.
Prolonged immobility in older adults can lead to functional decline within 48 hours. Simple policy changes can prevent complex problems and improve patient outcomes.
A personalized program of occupational and physical therapy, combined with home modifications, has been shown to improve daily living tasks and increase survival rates among the elderly. The six-month intervention helped participants build confidence, use effective coping strategies, and make their homes safer.
A study found that 34.9% of people over 65 with anxiety or depression used complementary or alternative medicine, compared to 26.5% without mental symptoms. However, fewer than 20% used CAM to treat their condition, a surprising finding.
The GeriEd Program aims to improve physicians' skills in medicine and navigating the healthcare system to better care for elderly patients. The program will target 157 practicing physicians and residents, as well as 750 medical students annually.
As early as 20 years from now, Germany's hours worked per capita may decrease by 8 percent due to the aging population. This shift requires a more flexible and evenly distributed workforce to maintain productivity.
Researchers found that practicing a combination of Qigong and Tai Chi improved balance, lower body strength, and stance width in healthy senior citizens. Participants also reported enhanced mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being after just two months of practice.
A recent study found that dehydration affects a significant proportion of older adults, particularly those in long-term care facilities (LTC) and emergency departments (ER). Sufficient fluid consumption has been linked to various health benefits, including reduced falls, constipation, and improved rehabilitation.
Research suggests a protein derived from fat tissue, adiponectin, may play an important role in longevity. Boosting growth hormone production also shows promise in extending independent living among the elderly.
Researchers found that participants receiving growth hormone secretagogues (GHS) experienced improved physical function and increased lean body mass. The treatment also led to higher levels of growth hormone and IGF-1 in the bloodstream, suggesting potential benefits for reducing aging-related effects.
A new study reveals that older American women, particularly those from minority groups, receive significantly lower rates of mammogram screening than previously reported based on self-reported data. The study analyzed national Medicare data and found that the rate of screening among non-white women is substantially lower than that for ...
The Aymara language locates the past ahead and the future behind, defying the conventional spatial metaphor for chronology. The study's findings suggest that cognition of everyday abstractions like time is partly a cultural phenomenon.
Studies in Sweden, China, and the US find strong links between smoking and osteoporosis, with smoking hastening bone erosion and increasing fracture risk. Second-hand smoke also significantly increases risk for osteoporosis and fractures in both men and women.
A study found that prominent hand veins are the physical characteristic most commonly giving away age, while fullness and lack of wrinkles make hands appear younger. Skincare regimens and non-surgical procedures like laser treatments and chemical peels can reduce age spots and improve hand appearance.
The article advocates for a more nuanced approach to treatment decisions for the frail elderly, emphasizing physician accountability and respect for patient autonomy. Dr. Rockwood suggests ways to empower patients and facilitate care that prioritizes their best interests.
A study found that colonoscopy screening in very elderly patients results in only a small gain in life expectancy, suggesting the benefit may be smaller than previously believed. The prevalence of advanced neoplasia increased with age, but the average extension of life expectancy was much lower in the elderly groups.
A study found that higher dose flu vaccines significantly enhanced protection against naturally occurring influenza, increasing immunogenicity in the elderly. The research also showed that all three vaccine dosage levels were safe and well-tolerated.
A new NIAID study found that a higher dose of flu vaccine significantly increases the immune responses of older adults, providing hope for better protection against seasonal influenza. The trial showed that participants who received a high-dose vaccine had 44-79% higher levels of antibody than those who received the standard dose.
The study found that falls among the elderly in North East England resulted in a significant cost to the ambulance service, with an average of £145 per fall. A third of calls required assistance only and were related to sheltered housing organisations, while one in four of those transported to emergency care were admitted to hospital.
Research shows that generalized anxiety disorder affects 7% of seniors, causing significant impacts on quality of life. Untreated anxiety can lead to anxious depression and poorer cognition in the elderly. New studies aim to address the need for better treatments and therapies for anxiety disorders in older adults.
The study found that elderly individuals unable to complete the quarter-mile walk had a significantly higher risk of disability and death. Those who completed the test had a three-to-four fold higher risk of death compared to those in the fastest 25 percent of walk time.
Researchers investigated whether older adults' lower IQ scores are due to aging or sensory deficits. The study found that even subtle perception deficits, such as reduced spatial contrast sensitivity, can significantly impact performance on intelligence tests.
A study of over 2,000 women found that unpaid leave made a significant difference in reducing employee turnover among middle-aged caregivers. Access to family-friendly benefits like flexible hours and paid vacation days did not ease the psychological distress of caregivers.
Patients' views on treatments that may worsen their condition shift as their health declines. After experiencing a decline in functional abilities, patients become more willing to accept treatments for mild and severe physical disability. Cognitive impairment and pain remain unacceptable to most participants throughout the study.
Researchers estimate 27,152 glasses-related injuries treated in US emergency departments between 2002-2003. Injuries varied by age group, with falls and sports causing most cases. Protecting eyes with safety eyewear can prevent many of these injuries.
Chronic pain in elderly population projected to increase by 75% between 2010 and 2030, with limited effective treatment options. Dr. Debra Weiner emphasizes the need for more research to better treat chronic pain in older adults.
A study of 25,719 women found that five-year cancer survivors reported functional limitations, such as heavy household work and mobility issues. The authors highlight the need for interventions to prevent and reverse functional decline among elderly long-term cancer survivors.
A new Kent State group called the Center for Health Literacy aims to improve the health literacy of adults and families. The project will evaluate all aspects of the health information-seeking process and make recommendations to help health-related institutions craft more effective health information programs and services.
A study of 2,946 patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) found that those with more severe AMD had poorer cognitive function and lower brain reserve. This association remained even after controlling for other factors, suggesting a link between vision and cognitive impairment.
Researchers are conducting a year-long study on pastoral care for older Australians, gathering insights from elderly individuals, relatives, and caregivers. The project seeks to understand the value and practice of pastoral care in Australia's rapidly aging population, with a focus on its spiritual significance.
Researchers found that older participants preferred happy faces and avoided angry ones, while younger subjects showed a preference for fearful faces. This study challenges traditional views on how age affects emotional processing and suggests a more positive outlook in older adults.
A recent study found that patients with minor or subsyndromal depression are five and a half times more likely to be diagnosed with major depression within a year. These less-severe conditions often go undiagnosed and untreated, causing greater functional disability among the elderly population.
Research reveals that as people age, their brains become less specialized, a phenomenon likely driven by age-related changes in brain volume or efficiency. To compensate, older adults exhibit increased activity in the frontal cortex.