Articles tagged with Older Adults
A recent study by Brandeis University researcher Patricia Tun suggests that older adults' difficulty in following conversation is linked to fast-paced and noisy environments. The study found that seniors' ability to process speech was impaired when faced with rapid-fire talkers, multiple background voices, or distracting noises.
A study of over 1,200 elderly adults found that higher levels of education were associated with healthier behaviors, biological conditions, and psychological factors. These findings suggest that social disparities may continue to affect health outcomes in late life, even among those who are functioning well cognitively.
A Cornell University study reveals that 6.4 million homes have modifications to accommodate elderly residents' physical limitations. The most common types of modifications include bathroom grab bars and wheelchair ramps, with 60% of homes with someone over 90 modified for mobility.
A new study from the University of Washington found that generalists are more likely to provide primary care to elderly Medicare patients, suggesting an approach at the center of most managed-care plans. Specialists tend to restrict themselves to medical problems specific to their specialty and rarely immunize their patients.
This study investigated the association of dietary components with iron stores in an elderly population. The results found five significant dietary factors positively associated with serum ferritin, including heme iron, supplemental iron, and vitamin C.
A University of Florida study found that women are more competent than men in finding personal items and remembering lists, despite men's greater confidence in their memory abilities. The research suggests that societal expectations and childhood play activities contribute to these differences.
A Johns Hopkins study found carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is safe for people in their 80s and 90s, with lower mortality rates than previously thought. The procedure's safety and efficacy were confirmed by analyzing data from over 9,900 procedures performed at 48 hospitals between 1990 and 1995.
Peripheral neuropathy affects sensation, causing instability and increased fall risk; preventive steps like support, education, regular eye exams, right shoes, exercise, and practice balancing on one foot can help prevent falls.
As baby boomers age, their stepchildren and stepgrandchildren may take on increased caregiving responsibilities, expanding the pool of family members who can provide support. The analysis suggests that traditional views of support ratios for retirement and long-term care may need to be reconsidered.
A new program using free phone counseling has shown to improve social contact and reduce symptoms of depression in seniors identified as suicide risks. After four months, clients reported significant improvements in daily living challenges and life situations.
Researchers found that angioplasties in high-volume centers with skilled physicians had low mortality rates and comparable heart attack rates compared to younger patients. The study suggests that elderly patients can benefit from angioplasty when appropriate candidates, paving the way for more advanced care.
A study of over 1,700 older adults found a strong association between frequent religious services and lower levels of inflammation. Researchers discovered that attending church regularly was only half as likely to have elevated interleukin-6 levels, which can indicate immune system dysfunction.
Declining taste and smell in elderly people can lead to malnutrition, lowered immunity, and chronic diseases. Enhanced foods with flavored powders may help increase flavor and enjoyment, potentially boosting immune status.
A new study by the University of Georgia suggests that older adults often struggle with using ATMs due to lack of training and design flaws. The researchers propose several suggestions for banks to improve ATM usability, including improved lighting, error correction mechanisms, and user-friendly interfaces.
A researcher found that older people's successful real-life experiences with swindlers and con artists are not often used in official advice, which may stem from legal liability concerns. The expert suggests incorporating individual success stories into educational materials to provide positive behavioral models for others.
Researchers at NIA found that high blood pressure speeds up memory loss in the elderly by accelerating brain atrophy and cognitive decline. Current treatment practices may not be sufficient to prevent this combined effect of hypertension and aging on the brain.
A recent study comparing US and Canadian heart attack patient care found small but statistically significant short-term edges for American cardiac care. However, overall data suggest conservative Canadian practices may favor better long-term outcomes.
A study by Penn researchers found that minor depression in elderly populations is linked to differences in brain structure, specifically smaller prefrontal lobe volume. This finding has important neurobiologic implications for minor depression and may inform the development of new treatments.
A variable-priority technique adapted from fighter pilots has been shown to enhance skills needed for multiple and often-simultaneous tasks in older adults. The approach improved recall and pattern recognition in older subjects, narrowing the age-related gap in performance by 29 percent.
A Purdue University study found that 10% of respondents would end their lives if faced with a terminal illness or low quality of life, while 1/3 preferred letting someone else decide. The study's findings suggest a strong need to survive and inhibitions against self-destruction among older adults.
A six-month study found that elderly and young women who owned pets had lower blood pressure readings than those without pets. Pet owners experienced physiological benefits comparable to those derived from human companionship, suggesting that pets can play an important role in moderating age-related increases in blood pressure.
A new study by Victor Cicirelli asks older adults about their end-of-life options and finds that a majority would prefer to live, but some may choose assisted suicide under low-quality conditions. The study also reveals that social support and well-being are not key factors in these decisions.
Research shows that training is essential for overcoming fears about using automatic teller machines (ATMs) among older adults. Studies have found that non-users are willing to try ATMs if shown proper usage, and hands-on training improves success rates. Banks can benefit by making ATMs more personal, interactive, and secure.
ATMs are increasingly used due to their convenience, but users face difficulties such as machine malfunctions, poor visibility, and slow operation. Design changes and training can address these issues, incorporating technologies like touch screens, voice guidance, and Braille indicators.
A recent study by Penn State found that Meals on Wheels clients, particularly women, are at risk for iron deficiency due to insufficient nutrition. The study's authors recommend iron supplementation as a viable solution to improve the iron status of female recipients.
Researchers from the University of Michigan have found that healthy and active older men are faster to stop when confronted with an obstacle while walking compared to older women. The study, conducted on a group of 40 adults aged 20-72, revealed that older females need more time to stop than older males or young adults.
A study found that frail elderly patients are less likely to favor physician-assisted suicide, while their relatives are more supportive. Relatives often struggle to agree on the patient's wishes, highlighting the need for advanced directives and living wills.
Experts suggest modifying building codes to provide air-conditioned lobbies, utilizing churches as shelters, and implementing debt-forgiveness programs to help vulnerable populations. Proactive measures like sentinel surveillance, public education, and outreach can save lives during heatwaves.