Research on health and aging in later life. Covers attention and cognition, longevity, organ aging, and age-related disease.
A study found that invasive management improves quality of life and reduces major adverse cardiac events in elderly patients with CAD. Patients aged 75 or older with chronic angina benefit from revascularisation procedures.
A study of over 3,000 senior citizens found that some drinking among the elderly may fight age-related brain injuries like silent strokes and white matter disease, but any level of alcohol intake may shrink brain matter. Light drinkers had fewer white matter lesions than abstainers or heavy drinkers.
A recent randomized controlled trial suggests that preventing falls among elderly people remains a challenging task. Despite improvements in adherence to interventions, injuries and subsequent harm persist. Researchers emphasize the need for continued research and practice to address this critical public health issue.
A study found that an oral immune-enhancing nutritional supplement improved preoperative host defence, reduced postoperative infections, and preserved renal function in elderly and high-risk patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass. The supplement contained L-arginine, 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and yeast RNA.
Research by University of Michigan cognitive neuroscientist Patricia Reuter-Lorenz found that older adults activate both hemispheres of the brain to perform memory and information processing tasks. This bi-hemispheric processing may help compensate for age-related short-term memory and mental speed declines.
A recent Duke University Medical Center study found that women and the elderly remain underrepresented in cardiovascular clinical trials, with only 25% of trials including women and 9% including patients over 75 years old. This underrepresentation undermines evidence-based care for all cardiac patients.
A study found that physical maladies such as diminished energy and sleep disturbances can reliably indicate depression in the elderly. However, symptoms like work inhibition and weight loss are poor discriminators of depression in older adults due to factors like aging process and ill health.
A large-scale population study found that low cholesterol concentrations were associated with higher death rates among elderly people. The study, which analyzed data from over 3,500 men aged 71-93, suggested that long-term persistence of low cholesterol concentration increases the risk of death.
A study found that two nutritional screening approaches, one for identifying hospitalization risk and another for detecting warning signs of poor health, were comparable in recognizing elderly at risk. The screenings assessed factors such as weight change, eating habits, medication use, and functional limitations.
A 10-year study of elderly Dutch men found that those who consumed the most black tea had a significantly lower death rate from ischemic heart disease. High catechin intake was associated with healthy lifestyle practices, such as a balanced diet and regular activity.
The UCSF program will support senior-level nurses in executive roles with $45,000 over three years to develop key leadership competencies. The focus is on addressing complex issues in healthcare through a comprehensive leadership project and mentorship.
A study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology finds that family caregiving for elderly patients with cancer translates to an average yearly cost of $1,200 per patient and about $1 billion nationally. Informal care is often overlooked when estimating total costs of cancer treatment.
A study found that nutrient-dense food supplementation significantly lowered serum homocysteine and methylmalonic acid levels, indicating a reduction in cardiovascular risk. However, exercise had no effect on neuropsychological functioning or nutritional health in frail elderly subjects.
A new study by Michigan Medicine found that elderly women with disabilities receive significantly fewer hours of informal home care than their male counterparts. Despite being the traditional family caregivers, these women often go unmet due to sociocultural factors.
A study found that disabled elderly women receive approximately 15.7 hours of informal home care per week, compared to 21.2 hours for men, and are more likely to rely on children for support. Married disabled women also tend to receive fewer hours of informal care from their spouses.
A new study published by the American Psychological Association found that older adults who feel they have control over valued roles tend to adopt healthier behaviors and live longer. The study suggests that maintaining a sense of control over the most important role can help prevent premature death.
A Yale University study found no correlation between household hazards and elderly falls, contradicting common wisdom. Instead, researchers recommend targeting proven methods like increasing muscle strength, improving gait and balance, and proper medication management.
Vitamin D deficiency is common among elderly community-living women, associated with higher levels of disability. Elderly black women are at significant risk due to lower cutaneous synthesis of vitamin D3, while obesity is linked to deficiency in less-disabled women.
The Pennsylvania State University School of Nursing was awarded the top prize for its innovative approach to gerontological nursing education, which emphasizes health and illness, developmental, holistic care. The university's curriculum incorporates separate courses, clinical sites, and partnerships with community resources.
Researchers at UCLA Medical Center found that implementing a dual list for organs increases the supply of usable donor hearts for older adults. The program allows patients over 65 to receive transplants from donor hearts with minor repair needs, previously deemed unsuitable for younger patients. This approach improves patient survival ...
A cross-sectional study found that only 35% of elderly patients with delirium were diagnosed in the emergency department, highlighting the need for improved detection methods. The study emphasizes the importance of developing better tools to identify delirium in ER settings.
A study of older adults living alone after hospitalization found that they struggle with daily activities and are at risk of nursing home admission. Informal visits from family and friends can provide crucial support to help them recover and maintain community living.
A recent study review suggests that elderly smokers who quit can significantly reduce their risk of lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and coronary artery disease. Additionally, quitting at an older age can still lead to improved life expectancy and a lower risk of smoking-induced mortality.
Physician and nurse education may not be sufficient to reduce antibiotic overuse; restriction and concurrent review shown to lead to sustained improvement.
A 10-year study of 4,162 elderly adults found that whites are nearly three times more likely to be prescribed antidepressant medications than African Americans. The disparity jumps to seven times more likely if only selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are considered.
A new Yale-led study reveals that negative views of aging can have a direct impact on cardiovascular health. Participants who were exposed to positive stereotypes showed significant decreases in blood pressure, while those exposed to negative stereotypes saw an increase in stress measures.
A new study found that elderly men who rate their health as poor are more likely to die than women with similar ratings. Men's perceptions of their health are a better predictor of death risk, while women consider emotional distress from various factors, reducing accuracy in predicting mortality.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that older adults with asthma are hospitalized at higher rates due to more severe symptoms and co-morbid illnesses. Earlier diagnosis and better medical care can help lower these hospital admission rates.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that high vitamin K intake was associated with lower incidence of hip fractures in elderly participants, while no correlation was found with bone mineral density or apo-E genotype. Researchers analyzed data from the Framingham Heart Study and discovered a significant...
Researchers found that older adults' inability to suppress unwanted information leads to increased prejudicial thoughts. Despite efforts to overcome biases, older adults tend to hold stereotypical views on intelligence and race.
A new study finds that subclinical hypothyroidism, a condition prevalent in older women with no observable symptoms, is a strong indicator of risk for hardening of the arteries and heart attacks. Additionally, low-birthweight babies and babies of underweight mothers have a high risk for a diabetic condition.
A six-year study found that elderly women who lose weight are nearly four times more likely to die than those who maintain their weight. Maintaining average BMI over the study period had the lowest death rate among participants.
The Hartford Institute/NOLF Award honored two nursing organizations for promoting geriatric best practices among specialty nurses. The award recognizes their efforts in disseminating geriatric knowledge through workshops, newsletters, and conferences.
A new study of people aged 70-80 reveals significant voice quality differences between older adults and younger peers. Researchers recommend an acoustical test to accurately monitor potential voice disorders, as conventional tests may lead to misdiagnosis.
A study of 339 patients found that laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery is effective and safe for elderly patients, with functional outcomes comparable to younger patients. Elderly patients may tolerate the procedure better and have fewer complications than previously thought.
A new analysis of the SUPPORT study found that less aggressive treatment for seriously ill elderly adults does not explain their higher short-term mortality rates. In contrast, reporting HIV-infected patients by name had a limited impact on timely care and partner notification.
A Duke University Medical Center study found that elderly patients aged 75 and older who received angioplasty or bypass surgery lived significantly longer than those treated conservatively with medicines only. The study suggests that aggressive therapies may be beneficial for the very elderly, challenging traditional treatment guidelines.
Research suggests that some older adults have impaired decision-making skills, making them more vulnerable to fraudulent activities. A study found that a third of healthy individuals in their 60s performed poorly on a gambling task, similar to those with known brain damage.
A study by Harvard Medical School found that elderly patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) covered by non-profit health maintenance organizations (HMOs) received higher use of lifesaving therapy and emergency transportation compared to those with fee-for-service insurance. HMOs improved access to timely urgent care, particula...
A recent study found that the majority of nurses in hospitals and nursing homes are ill-prepared to care for the elderly, with many having no formal training in gerontology. The study calls for increased geriatric education in nursing programs to ensure optimal care for older adults, who account for a growing share of healthcare needs.
A University of Iowa study found that nearly 70% of older Iowans received the flu vaccine, but only about half got the pneumococcal vaccine. The researchers identified factors such as age, marital status, and access to healthcare as associated with vaccination rates.
A new case-control study suggests that high levels of serum ferritin are associated with an increased risk of heart attacks in elderly individuals with other cardiovascular risk factors. Consuming iron-rich foods like red meat can contribute to elevated serum ferritin levels.
Research reveals that showing pictures of admired individuals from marginalized groups can significantly decrease unconscious prejudice. Exposure to images of admired blacks reduced levels of unconscious prejudice by one-third, while exposure to images of admired elderly people lowered ageism by a similar amount.
Researchers at Emory University found that 25 patients with depression failed to respond to conventional treatment showed significant improvement after receiving electromagnetic stimulation. The study suggests that rTMS may be a viable option for patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have found that electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) can identify older adults with heart disease who appear healthy through standard non-invasive tests. EBCT measures coronary and aortic calcification, which are known risk factors for coronary events.
The study found that elderly pedestrians often encounter insufficient crossing time at intersections, with many experiencing physical difficulties. The researchers emphasize the need for countermeasures such as engineering design considerations and educational campaigns to enhance safety.
A Cornell University study found that grab bars, good diet, and moderate drinking can significantly enhance elderly bathing functionality. The benefits of using assistive devices outweigh the costs by preventing falls, injuries, and long-term care, according to assistant professor Nandinee Kutty.
A recent study found that less than 20% of eligible elderly patients with high cholesterol received treatment, despite being at risk for death from coronary heart disease. The Cardiovascular Health Study suggests that older patients and their physicians may have preferred dietary therapy over pharmacological treatment.
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.