Articles tagged with Older Adults
Research by Yale University suggests that moderate gamblers aged 65+ experience improved overall health due to increased socialization and cognitive stimulation. However, the activity can still become highly addictive, particularly with non-strategic games, posing financial risks for older adults on fixed incomes.
The American Journal of Nursing and the Gerontological Society of America aim to increase nurse certification in gerontology, stimulate institutional changes, and provide continuing education resources. The partnership will produce a bimonthly series on nursing care of older adults, publishing 15 evidence-based articles.
Researchers found that extended outpatient rehabilitation therapy significantly improves functional abilities, strength, balance, mobility, and quality of life in elderly hip fracture patients. In contrast to standard home-based therapy, supervised rehabilitation with resistance training led to greater improvements.
The study found that vitamin E had no significant effect on incidence or duration of respiratory tract infections, but significantly fewer participants acquired one or more respiratory tract infections. Vitamin E also showed a lower risk of common colds among those who completed the study.
A study by Katharine Donato and Chizuko Wakabayashi found that women caregivers are more likely to live in poverty and rely on Supplemental Security Income. The researchers also discovered that women who took on caregiving roles in their early sixties were particularly vulnerable, with 15% of those aged 60-61 living in poverty.
A study by Duke University researchers found that over a year, one in five elderly Americans filled prescriptions for at least one 'drug of concern', including anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs with severe adverse effects. This highlights the need to improve education and screening of prescriptions to reduce risks.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that 21% of elderly patients fill prescriptions for potentially inappropriate medications, with Amitriptyline and doxepin being common culprits. The researchers used a large national pharmaceutical benefit company's outpatient claims database to identify these inappropriate medic...
A study of 4,537 Olmsted County residents found that heart failure incidence remained stable between 1979 and 2000, but survival rates improved for women. In contrast, men experienced poorer outcomes, with higher incidence rates and lower survival rates.
Researchers analyzed over 750 fossils to discover that modern humans experienced a quadrupling of survival rates among older adults. This trend is believed to have contributed to population expansions and cultural innovations, as well as strengthened social relationships and kinship bonds.
A study of over 3,200 older adults found that even occasional exercise can significantly reduce the risk of death from heart disease and other causes. Physical activity was found to improve survival rates by 28-40%, depending on frequency and intensity.
Older black and Hispanic Americans are less likely to receive flu vaccinations due to reduced access to healthcare and poorer general health. Regular exams play a significant role in determining vaccination rates among the elderly population, with white individuals more likely to get vaccinated after receiving medical check-ups.
A study found that states with mandated in-person license renewal laws had a lower death rate among drivers aged 85 and older. In-person renewal allowed for medical evaluations, which may lead to decreased fatality rates among this age group.
Elderly individuals with chronic illnesses like depression, bipolar disorder, and severe pain are at increased risk of suicide. Researchers found that treatment for multiple illnesses also strongly correlates with an increased risk of suicide in this population.
Scientists discovered that certain brain systems remain intact in individuals with Alzheimer's disease, enabling the retention of implicit memory capabilities. Structured training programs may be an effective approach to improving cognitive function.
Researchers found that older adults with Alzheimer's symptoms can still use implicit memory to perform tasks, similar to young adults. By training these individuals using repetition and practice, their performance can be improved, according to a new study.
A new study will evaluate the effectiveness of a face-to-face support group for older adults with depression and HIV/AIDS. The intervention aims to improve coping mechanisms, quality of life, and social support.
A recent study found that diabetes-related mortality may increase in relative importance among the elderly population, with a 10% per year mortality rate among those with diabetes. The study suggests that prevention of diabetes among the elderly should be a priority, as demonstrated by the Diabetes Prevention Program.
A new matching system allows use of kidneys from older, high-risk donors increasing the number of patients who can benefit from transplantation. Success rates are similar between younger and older recipients, paving the way for more elderly adults to receive kidney transplants.
A Georgia Institute of Technology study found that older adults are willing to sacrifice some privacy for technologies that enable them to live independently longer. The study evaluated various technologies, including Cook's Collage and FaceBot, which sparked both positive and negative reactions among participants.
Anemia is associated with increased disability, poorer physical function, and low muscle strength in older adults. Researchers found that participants with anemia reported an average of 1.7 disabilities compared to 1.0 for non-anemic subjects.
A recent study found that height loss of between 2-3 inches increases the risk of hip osteoporosis by nearly fourfold. Researchers suggest a simple evaluation of height can help physicians decide whether patients should undergo a bone density scan to check for osteoporosis.
Researchers found that carpeted wooden floors were associated with the lowest number of fractures, while concrete floors carried the greatest risk. The study suggests that replacing uncarpeted concrete flooring with carpeted wooden surfaces could reduce hip fractures by up to 80%.
Researchers explored the potential of 7-oxo DHEA to enhance T-cell function in human lymphocytes, a key component of the immune system. The supplement may play an important role in restoring immune function in elderly individuals, improving quality of life.
A randomized controlled trial found that a home-based program, PEARLS, significantly improved depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life in medically ill, low-income, mostly homebound older adults. The study showed promising results for non-pharmacological treatments in this vulnerable population.
The study found that Experience Corps volunteers experienced increased physical, cognitive, and social activity, which could lead to improved health outcomes. Volunteers also reported feeling stronger and had a reduced need for canes. In contrast, the control group showed a decline in social activity and an increase in TV viewing.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found a strong link between smoking and accelerated cognitive decline in elderly individuals. Smoking was shown to lower MMSE scores by up to .16 points per year, with higher cigarette pack-year exposure leading to greater declines.
The ECCO conference emphasized the need for risk-reducing interventions, genetic counseling, and psychological support for breast cancer patients. Delegates called for no upper age limit in treatment plans and patient participation in clinical trials based on performance status.
Older women with breast cancer often lose out on effective treatments, with prognosis not linked to tumour factor. Health policymakers need to develop strategies for elderly patients, while doctors must find suitable treatments tailored to their needs.
A study of 4,939 elderly patients with hypertension found that home blood pressure testing was more accurate than office tests in predicting cardiovascular events. Home blood pressure testing showed a 17.2% increased risk of cardiovascular events for each 10-mm Hg increase in systolic blood pressure.
A study by University at Buffalo researchers found that experience with elderly patients is more effective than classroom learning in changing age bias among dental students. Students who worked with elderly patients showed a decrease in negative bias, while those with limited clinical experience showed an increase.
A study by University of Alberta researchers found that 22 patients had vertebral fractures, with 45% going undiagnosed. Vertebral fractures often indicate osteoporosis, a common disease in the elderly that can be easily treated with drugs.
An educational program tailored to individual needs improved safety behaviors among older drivers, but had no effect on collision rates. The program focused on visual deficits and strategies to avoid challenging driving situations.
A study by Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation found that elderly patients experienced decreased pain intensity and improved sleep disturbances with once-daily Kadian dosing. The trial, KRONUS-MSP, showed a lower incidence of side effects compared to other opioids, making it an ideal option for managing chronic pain in older adults.
Researchers found that elderly women with low vitamin B-12 levels experience rapid hip bone loss, a risk factor for fractures. Simple dietary supplements or multivitamins may help slow bone loss rates.
Researchers aim to develop enhanced warning signals to aid elderly drivers in detecting critical information, as visual and auditory abilities decline with age. The study will examine the relationship between warning signal perceptions and driving skills in both young and elderly drivers.
A study examined trends in potentially inappropriate drug prescribing at ambulatory care visits among older adults from 1995 to 2000. The research found that pain relievers and central nervous system drugs made up most of the inappropriate prescriptions, with rates higher for patients with multiple prescriptions and women.
Researchers have identified four key characteristics that reliably distinguish Lewy body dementia (DLB) from Alzheimer's disease (AD). These include daytime drowsiness, falling asleep during the day, staring into space, and disorganized speech. The discovery aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of DLB.
A study published in Archives of Surgery examined 564,267 outpatient surgical procedures and found that risk factors include advanced age, prior hospitalization, and invasive surgeries. The results highlight the importance of proper assessment and resource availability for high-risk patients undergoing outpatient surgery.
A study by Oregon Research Institute found that cobblestone mat walking improves pain relief and mental well-being in older adults. Participants who walked on the cobblestone mat experienced enhanced physical activity and reduced stress levels compared to those in an attention control group.
Gerbrand Izaks and Rudi Westendorp propose a model where diseases are caused by cumulative risk factors, making every age-related change a potential symptom of an illness. This framework encourages doctors to reassess older patients' body functions, comparing results to 'normal values' from healthy young adults.
A study found that patient and doctor attitudes play a crucial role in influenza vaccination rates among older adults. A vaccination-friendly culture at veterans' hospitals exceeded the national goal of 90%, highlighting the importance of promoting preventive measures.
Researchers will monitor elderly individuals with existing heart disease to see how daily air pollution levels impact their ailments. The study aims to find an association between ultrafine particles and the severity of heart disease, which could lead to better air pollution regulations and improved medical treatment.
Epilepsy can develop as people age, often due to common health problems like stroke, cancers, or heart diseases. The NCOA and Epilepsy Foundation launch an initiative to educate about epilepsy in the elderly, emphasizing subtle symptoms and effective treatment options.
A recent study analyzed patients treated with Keppra and found it to be well-tolerated and more effective in the oldest age group, those 60 years and older. The rate of epilepsy occurring in the elderly is twice that of people under 65, making treatment challenging due to multiple health conditions and medications.
Late-life anemia significantly increases the risk of death and hospitalization in older adults, regardless of underlying conditions. Anemia affects about 13% of people over age 70, with approximately 30% cases remaining unexplained.
A study of 33 elderly men with advanced prostate cancer found that external beam radiation therapy was well-tolerated and effective in keeping the cancer at bay. The patients experienced no unusual interruptions in treatment due to illness from radiation, and many remained alive and disease-free for several years.
A nationally representative sample of 7,889 men aged 75+ reported undergoing PSA screening tests, with 32.5% of elderly men screened in the past year. This highlights concerns about physicians suggesting unnecessary screenings to patients.
A new study reveals that vitamin D levels predict the risk of falls among women, with 45% of nursing home residents suffering from deficiency. Vitamin D supplements are proposed as a solution to prevent falls and related health issues.
A study found that nearly 70% of women aged 50-64 and 40% of those 85-90 had received mammograms in the last two years, despite limited benefits. The research suggests that over-screening can be costly and wasteful, particularly for healthy individuals.
A study found that people with Alzheimer's disease show increased activation in the default network, a set of interconnected brain areas responsible for passive mental processes. This could be an attempt to compensate for memory problems caused by normal aging or Alzheimer's.
A long-term study found that regular physical activity in postmenopausal women is associated with better functional status and fewer physical limitations. The researchers also discovered that consistent physical activity levels over time are crucial for maintaining physical function.
The University of Florida's smart house utilizes computer and sensor technology to provide automatic assistance for elderly residents. The system includes devices that track movement, alert caregivers, and adjust lighting and entertainment systems, aiming to improve the quality of life for aging individuals.
The PATH program encourages interactions between children and older adults, reducing fear and increasing understanding. The program has a positive impact on both generations, with older adults feeling validated and contributing to the lives of younger participants.
The SCOPE study found a significant 42% relative risk reduction in fatal/non-fatal strokes in the Atacand group compared to the control group. The study showed that Atacand offers important clinical benefits by reducing the risk of stroke in elderly patients with isolated systolic hypertension.
Researchers found that memory-enhancing drugs increase PKA activity in the prefrontal cortex, impairing dynamic working memory in older animals. This suggests that these compounds may exacerbate age-dependent decline in working memory.
The University of Minnesota is receiving a $1 million grant to expand its assisted living services for the elderly using telemedicine technology. The VALUE project will bring healthcare services directly into the homes of elderly people who lack access to affordable care.
A new study highlights the need for improved care of vulnerable older adults with conditions such as bedsores and incontinence. Leech therapy shows promise in relieving pain from osteoarthritis, but more research is needed to determine its effectiveness.
A recent study found that only 17.7% of eligible substance abuse treatment programs provide specialized care for older adults, despite the increasing number of people over 65 in high-risk states like Iowa, Florida, and Arizona. The study highlights the need for developing strategies to manage late-life alcoholism.
A study found that vibrating insoles can significantly improve balance and reduce sway among elderly participants. Younger individuals also showed reduced sway with stimulation, suggesting the potential of noise-based devices to enhance motor control performance.
A recent census study found that white families are less likely to live in extended family households than black families, which has shifted over time. This shift started in the late 1960s and was more pronounced among whites, with a significant decline in intergenerational living compared to blacks.