Research on health and aging in later life. Covers attention and cognition, longevity, organ aging, and age-related disease.
A new research paper published in Aging-US identified unintentional weight loss as the strongest predictor of fall risk among Taiwanese elderly. The study found that analyzing each frailty feature individually provided more accurate predictions of fall risk than using a broad frailty label.
A study found that prescribing guideline-directed medical treatment to patients 90 years and older following their first heart attack can improve survival rates. The greatest benefit was observed in those who received all four recommended therapies, including beta-blockers and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors.
The study highlights a substantial growing burden of skin cancer among older adults, particularly males living in high-socioeconomic countries. Effective prevention and management strategies are urgently needed to address this issue.
A new study finds that cannabis use disorder diagnoses rose substantially across all age groups, race/ethnicity, and comorbidity subgroups nationwide from 2000 to 2022. People living with HIV experienced the greatest relative increase in CUD diagnoses, particularly among older adults.
Researchers used machine learning to classify older adults in Japan by physical and cognitive functions. Five functional subtypes were identified, including severe multicomponent and moderate physical types, which showed higher risks of death and hospitalization respectively.
A study of 2,268 US individuals aged 60+ found strong association between social activities and low 4-year mortality risk. High social engagement, such as charity work and sports participation, was significantly linked to reduced risk of dying.
Research highlights potential link between microplastics in ultra-processed foods and brain health, with possible connections to depression and dementia. The studies propose a novel hypothesis connecting ultra-processed food consumption, microplastic exposure, and mental health outcomes.
US survivors of adolescence and young adult cancer experience significantly worse mental health outcomes into middle age and older adulthood. Cancer clinicians should acknowledge this mental health burden and take steps to address it.
Researchers found that midlife intakes of high-quality carbohydrates and dietary fiber were associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases, cognitive decline, and physical function impairments. Intakes of refined carbohydrates, on the other hand, were linked to a higher risk of unhealthy aging.
A cohort study found that high-quality carbohydrate intake and dietary fiber consumption were positively correlated with healthy outcomes in older adulthood. The study suggests that focusing on carbohydrate quality may be crucial for maintaining overall health as people age.
A national study in Sweden reveals that COVID-19 vaccination levels among older people have become increasingly uneven, with regional and socio-economic differences emerging. The study found lower vaccination rates among certain groups, including those born outside Sweden, men, and individuals with low income and education.
A study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity reveals that older adults in sub-Saharan Africa are at risk of HIV infection, particularly those who have experienced social stigma and lack access to education. Interventions such as repeated testing, PrEP, and awareness campaigns can help reduce infections among the elderly.
A cross-sectional study found that more than one-third of veterans aged 65-84 who used cannabis in the past 30 days had a cannabis use disorder. Routine health screening for cannabis use is necessary to identify older adults with cannabis use. Frequent and inhaled cannabis use was associated with higher odds of any cannabis use disorder.
A new study found that patients using factor Xa inhibitors experienced significantly fewer cardiovascular problems than those on other anticoagulants. Researchers followed over 1,000 patients aged 80 and above for up to five years, revealing lower rates of heart failure, artery disease, and cardiovascular death.
A new robot designed to physically support the elderly and prevent falls as they move around their homes. The Elderly Bodily Assistance Robot (E-BAR) has a set of robotic handlebars that can be used for support, with airbags that inflate instantly to catch users if they fall.
A new study suggests that including pork in plant-forward diets makes meals more appealing and just as healthy, offering a higher protein quality score compared to plant-based proteins. The study found that meals with lean pork delivered significantly better results for satisfaction, satiety, and willingness to adopt post-trial.
A space-saving version of boccia, called Boccia XR, has been developed as a rehabilitation program for older adults. Participants showed improved moods, vitality, and energy after experiencing both Boccia XR and traditional boccia, with increased muscle activity in the rectus femoris during both types of boccia.
Researchers found that people with diverse, active relationships had the highest levels of self-rated health, while those in smaller, more isolated groups reported poorer health. Frequent, meaningful interactions can buffer limited network size, but starting in a restricted network is challenging to escape.
The Buck Institute's hybrid intervention combines a daily ketone ester with ICOPE-INTENSE, a personalized approach improving Intrinsic Capacity and age-related functions. The team aims to restore muscle, cognition, and immune function by 10 years in one year or less.
A new study found that providing hearing aids and advice on their use can help preserve social connections in older adults, reducing loneliness. The study showed that those treated for hearing loss retained one additional social connection over a three-year period compared to those who received no treatment.
The RSV protein subunit vaccine showed similar efficacy to clinical trials, with diminished immune response in immunocompromised patients. The vaccine was associated with a small increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome, but not immune thrombocytopenic purpura.
A multicentre study found that biological ageing, measured by frailty index and telomere length, can predict cardiovascular disease risk more accurately than traditional tools. The study, involving over 14,000 individuals, suggests that incorporating biological age into risk assessments could improve cardiovascular health outcomes.
The study found that mRNA-1083 induced higher immune responses than standard care influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, with an acceptable tolerability and safety profile. The vaccine met noninferiority criteria for all 4 influenza strains and SARS-CoV-2 across various age groups.
Paul Mulhausen, MD, will lead the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) in advancing healthcare for older adults. The AGS has elected Mulhausen as its new President following his extensive experience in clinical care, medical education, and policy advocacy.
Researchers developed a new health-assessment tool that uses eight metrics derived from physical exams and routine lab tests to characterize biological age. The tool predicts risk of disability and death better than current health predictors.
A new poll by Michigan Medicine reveals that nearly two-thirds of Americans over 50 believe Medicare will cover their nursing home costs, despite it not currently paying for this type. Only half have taken key actions to prepare for long-term care needs. The poll also shows that 70% of people who survive to age 65 will need long-term c...
This study found a decline in racial and ethnic disparities in receipt of ERBB2-targeted therapies among older Medicare beneficiaries with ERBB2-positive breast cancer. The narrowing of disparities may be attributed to changes in healthcare practices or policies over time.
A new MRI technique measures a person's 'functional age' of their heart, revealing how unhealthy lifestyles add years to their heart's aging process. This method has the potential to transform heart disease diagnosis and offer a lifeline to millions by catching problems early.
Researchers have identified Clusterin as a novel marker capable of functionally categorizing aged HSCs. Clu-positive HSCs showed an increased propensity towards differentiating into platelets or myeloid cells, while Clu-negative HSCs maintained a balanced cell production approach typical of younger stages.
Exposure to high levels of smoke pollution increases hospitalizations for respiratory diseases in older adults. The study highlights the need for interventions to mitigate the health impacts of wildfire smoke exposure.
A recent study developed a VR game that combines olfactory stimulation with immersive gameplay to improve cognitive function in older adults. After just 20 minutes of play, participants showed significant improvements in visuospatial rotation and memory tasks.
A long-term follow-up study found that cycling among older adults improves health and life expectancy, particularly among nondrivers, who experience lower risks of long-term care requirements and mortality. Cycling contributes to maintaining physical and mental health, making it a vital lifestyle companion for this demographic.
A new study suggests habitual coffee consumption of 4-6 cups per day is associated with reduced risk of frailty. The research highlights the possible beneficial association between daily coffee consumption and reduced risk of frailty in later life.
A new study found that staying active through moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is associated with significantly better processing speed, working memory, and executive function in older adults. Even small changes to daily activities can have big impacts on brain health.
Cigarette smoking prevalence is expected to decrease in the US by 2035, primarily among young adults in historically high-prevalence states. This trend is likely to slow health consequences, particularly for older adults.
A new study from the University of Missouri highlights how 'smoothed' graphs can help doctors better manage patients with hypertension. The findings suggest that these graphs can reduce errors in assessing blood pressure control, potentially alleviating pressure on the healthcare system.
The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) has honored 21 leaders in the field of geriatrics, representing various medical disciplines. The award recipients have made significant contributions to high-quality, person-centered care for older adults.
A recent study published in The Gerontologist found no difference in spatial working memory between older people with autistic traits and those who are neurotypical. Most participants maintained their cognitive ability over time, suggesting that autism is not associated with increased risk of age-related cognitive decline.
A new study led by University College London researchers found that people with Alzheimer's disease scored slightly higher on a measure of empathy than peers with mild cognitive impairment. Despite this, emotional reactivity to negative emotions was heightened among those with Alzheimer's disease, contributing to difficulties regulatin...
A study of 120,238 Ontario long-term care residents found that 20% became permanently unable to make everyday decisions, with 13% becoming totally dependent on care. Advance care directives reduced time spent living with severe disability.
A study of 50-90 year olds across 29 countries found that middle-aged Americans experience high levels of loneliness, unlike other countries. The reasons for this vary by country, but factors like unemployment, depression, and poor health contribute to the problem.
Researchers found that surgery induces accumulation of senescent cells in the hippocampal region of aged mice, leading to neuroinflammation. Dosing with a combination of Dasatinib and Quercetin reduced surgery-induced inflammation.
The journal will publish research exploring digital health and advance care planning for older adults, including caregiver integration and technological innovation support. JMIR Aging boasts a strong impact in the field, with a Journal Impact Factor of 5.0 and a CiteScore of 6.5.
Dr. Rameau's cross-cutting research combines clinical expertise with AI to improve detection and treatment of swallowing disorders in older adults. She has made significant contributions to the field, including developing innovative tools for early diagnosis and intervention.
A Northwestern University study found virtual group singing can be an effective tool for promoting well-being and social connection during isolation. Participants reported high satisfaction with the sing-alongs, which helped evoke emotional resonance and promote intellectual engagement.
A multi-state study found that only half of high-risk adults with flu received antiviral treatment, highlighting a critical need for timely care. The gap in treatment increases the risk of severe flu complications, particularly among older adults and those with underlying conditions.
A recent study by researchers from the University of Tsukuba found that cognitively impaired older drivers are less likely to be involved in car-to-car crashes when accompanied by a passenger. The analysis revealed that second-party drivers were more likely to have been accompanied by a passenger than first-party drivers, regardless of...
A cohort study found that hearing loss is associated with an increased risk of incident dementia in older adults. Treating hearing loss may help delay dementia onset for a large number of people, suggesting potential benefits for dementia prevention.
A new study published in Sleep reveals a strong connection between insomnia symptoms, sleep medication use, and disability in older adults. The research found that incremental increases in insomnia symptoms and sleep medication use were associated with a 20% increased risk of disability the following year.
The American Geriatrics Society names Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky as its 2025 recipient of the David H. Solomon Memorial Public Service Award, recognizing her efforts to strengthen the geriatrics workforce and enhance quality care for older Americans. The award celebrates her leadership in advancing critical programs like the Geriatri...
A cohort study found that women with screen-detected estrogen receptor–positive or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative breast cancer who underwent prior screening had an earlier stage of diagnosis and lower breast cancer mortality compared to those who did not undergo prior screening.
Dr. Christine K. Wanich Bradway is recognized for her dedication to improving care for older adults through education and research, particularly in urinary incontinence and severe obesity. She has shaped the field of gerontological nursing and will receive the prestigious Dennis W. Jahnigen Memorial Award at the #AGS25 Annual Scientifi...
A new UBC study examines how long-term social patterns impact eating habits in older adults. Women who engage in a variety of social activities tend to maintain healthier diets, while those with fewer or no interactions show declines.
The statement offers evidence-based guidance to help clinicians navigate cholesterol management in older adults without cardiovascular disease. It balances potential benefits of ASCVD prevention with realities of aging and end-of-life considerations.
A study found that New York's opioid restriction law led to decreased opioid quantities after total joint replacement surgeries. The findings suggest refining laws may further reduce opioid prescribing nationwide.
Rebecca Conant, MD, a pioneering leader in home-based geriatric care, has been honored by the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) as Clinician of the Year for her transformative impact on geriatric medicine. Her leadership and innovations have expanded access to high-quality, person-centered care for older adults.
A Mediterranean diet combined with physical activity mitigates weight loss–related bone mineral density decline in older adults with metabolic syndrome. This study suggests that lifestyle interventions may be effective in maintaining bone health in this population.
Home care cooperatives have achieved half the turnover rates of traditional agencies, thanks to factors like respect, control, job support, and compensation. These cooperative businesses are owned and operated by caregivers themselves, fostering a more collaborative experience.
A new study published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series A found that long-term exposure to high levels of air pollution is associated with lower scores in key cognitive abilities, especially language skills. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter was linked to poorer language performance.
A study found that 76% of people aged 50+ have patient portal accounts, with 65% sending at least one message in the past year. However, 13% report paying co-pays or charges for these interactions, especially those with Medicaid or low incomes.