Articles tagged with Older Adults
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.
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.