Research on health and aging in later life. Covers attention and cognition, longevity, organ aging, and age-related disease.
A study of nearly 30,000 adults found that heart failure is associated with a significant decrease in cognition at diagnosis and rapid decline over time. Adults with heart failure reach the threshold for meaningful decline in global cognition nearly six years earlier than those without it.
A UK study found that GPS navigation assistance is associated with increased driving mobility in older adults, particularly those with poor spatial abilities. The study suggests that integrating navigational assistance into strategies can help maintain driving independence.
A new study published in PLOS Digital Health found that older drivers with GPS navigation systems tend to drive more frequently, suggesting these tools help maintain driving mobility. The research reveals that using GPS can alleviate spatial orientation difficulties and support older adults' independence on the roads.
Cynthia Jacelon, a renowned nurse and researcher, has developed the Jacelon Attributed Dignity Scale (JADS), a widely used concept to measure dignity in older adults. Her work focuses on rehabilitation care and promoting function in vulnerable populations.
Researchers found that habitually exercising retired adults outperformed sedentary peers in physical and cognitive tests. The study suggests that regular physical activity can help avoid the negative impacts of mental fatigue on cognitive and physical performance.
A recent study published in the Journal of Ageing and Physical Activity found that older adults exhibit similar or even less muscle damage than young adults after exercise. Muscle soreness was consistently lower in older adults, with reductions of around 34% at 48 hours and 62% at 72 hours compared to younger individuals.
Researchers calculated two indicators from body composition data to examine the relationship between muscle quality and long-term care need. People with low phase angles and extracellular to intracellular water resistance ratios were found to be at high risk of becoming dependent, especially when values fell below median thresholds.
A cross-sectional study found that hospitalized adults with RSV vaccine eligibility were more likely to receive the vaccine. Sociodemographic differences in vaccine uptake occurred, suggesting appropriate prioritization of populations with increased risk.
The University of Texas at Arlington has launched a new Mobile Simulation Lab to tackle workforce and training challenges in rural areas. The lab, equipped with advanced patient manikins and simulation bays, will provide specialized training for local healthcare providers to expand their expertise.
A new Electronic Frailty Index 2 (eFI2) system will improve the accuracy of identifying older people's frailty by integrating data on 36 health problems. This will enable GPs to provide personalized treatments to prevent costly loss of independence and falls in older age.
Research presented at #AGS25 sheds light on the impact of aging on physical resilience, with declines linked to mitochondrial function. Family caregiver distress also shows a significant association with care outcomes, including nursing home placement and psychotropic medication prescribing.
A large majority of older Americans believe health insurance – including Medicare – should cover anti-obesity medications. Nearly 37% of respondents met the criteria for overweight and 36% for obesity. Medicare currently covers a drug used for weight management but only in people with diabetes or a history of heart attack or stroke.
Most older U.S. adults support Medicare covering weight management medications, particularly those with a BMI of 30 or greater. The survey also found that more than half of participants were interested in using these medications to manage their weight.
A new study in Health Data Science identifies individuals with both cardiovascular and musculoskeletal conditions as a distinct high-risk group. These 'osteo-cardiovascular fallers' face a higher risk of severe falls and death compared to healthy participants.
A study of over 105,000 individuals found that following a healthy diet rich in plant-based foods and moderate animal-based foods can promote overall healthy aging. The Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) was the leading dietary pattern, emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
Groundbreaking research from the University of South Australia shows that any form of exercise can significantly boost brain function and memory across children, adults, and older adults. Regular exercise improves general cognition, memory, and executive function in both healthy individuals and those with clinical conditions.
A new poll found that nearly 3/4 of older Americans have experienced at least one extreme weather event, increasing their concern about climate change's effects on their health. Those who lived through such events are more likely to express worry about the impact on themselves and future generations.
Researchers found that verbal fluency, a measure of vocabulary and ability to use it, is significantly linked to longevity. Verbal fluency was found to be a complex process that relies on multiple cognitive abilities, including long-term memory, vocabulary, efficiency, and visual memory.
Hebrew SeniorLife's outpatient primary care clinics at Orchard Cove and NewBridge on the Charles have been designated as Age-Friendly Health Systems – Committed to Care Excellence. The recognition is based on the organization's commitment to providing safe, high-quality care that aligns with the individual needs of older adults.
A new study of over 1,500 individuals in the US and Europe found that those prone to nostalgia have more close friends and work harder to maintain their relationships. Nostalgia is associated with a greater number of strong social ties and better overall health and wellbeing.
Researchers developed a portable system using AI to spot cognitive impairment by measuring subtle differences in motor function. The device accurately identified 83% of participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), offering potential for early intervention and improved outcomes.
A recent study by the American Psychological Association found that retirees moving abroad are at a higher risk of loneliness. This is despite having better socioeconomic status and health compared to non-migrants. Maintaining social connections with family and new acquaintances in the destination country can mitigate this issue.
A study of 24 countries found that digital exclusion significantly increases the risk of depressive symptoms among older adults. The association remains strong even after adjusting for demographic factors.
A cohort study found that healthier diets and lower waist-to-hip ratios were associated with improved brain connectivity and memory in older adults. The study suggests that interventions targeting diet and central obesity may be most effective between ages 48 and 70 to promote better cognitive health.
A new study found that exercise significantly reduced falls among elderly women with polypharmacy. Those using multiple medications benefited the most from the intervention, experiencing a 29% lower risk of fall compared to the control group.
Promoting cardiovascular health may help alleviate neurodegenerative disease burden in older adults, particularly among Black adults. The study found a positive correlation between cardiovascular health and biomarkers of neurodegenerative disease.
A new study suggests that hospital rehabilitation for older adults might only be the beginning of a longer journey. While therapy is crucial in mitigating functional decline, only a small minority of patients receiving intensive therapy (14+ hours/week) had a greater likelihood of home discharge.
Breast cancer death rates are predicted to increase in EU patients aged 80 years and older, while falling in all other age groups. This is attributed to a lack of regular screening and access to modern treatments.
This theme issue explores digital health solutions to address social isolation, health literacy, and cultural influences on aging health. Contributors are encouraged to submit their work by September 30, 2025.
A randomized clinical trial found that a customized smartphone app, Silvia Program, significantly improved cognitive functioning among residents with mild cognitive impairment. The program's combination of daily goal setting, cognitive training, and AI-generated conversations showed promising results.
A comprehensive meta-analysis of 39 studies from 21 countries reveals that group arts interventions can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety among older adults. The benefits were consistent across different types of art and diverse populations, suggesting a synergistic effect.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have identified a small molecule drug that targets a specific serotonin receptor, showing promise as a treatment for sarcopenia. The study suggests that this neurotherapeutic can improve muscle strength by activating motor neurons to fire more effectively.
A nursing study pairs teens and older adults with smartwatches to test monitoring health in under-resourced communities. The results show that 91% of older adults engaged with the smartwatch prompts, highlighting the importance of social engagement for brain health.
A study by Flinders University found that certain bacteria in the throat may indicate greater health vulnerability in older adults. The presence of Staphylococcus aureus was linked to higher mortality rates, even after adjusting for other health factors.
A new study found that one-third of Canadian adults aged 55 or older are nutritionally at risk, potentially leading to increased hospital stays and emergency visits. The SCREEN-8 tool was used to measure an individual's nutrition risk, and those with higher scores had significantly lower odds of reporting healthcare issues.
Research suggests that resistance exercise is the most effective type for tackling insomnia in older adults, with a significant improvement in sleep quality. Aerobic and combination exercises also show promise, but to a lesser extent. The study analyzed data from 24 studies involving over 2,000 adults aged 60 and above.
A study found that social influence and trust play key roles in older adults' adoption of demand-responsive transportation. The research, conducted in Senboku New Town, Osaka, revealed significant relationships between behavioral intention and performance expectancy among older people.
A new pilot study suggests that intermittent treatment with senolytic medications like Dasatinib and Quercetin may improve cognitive function in older adults at risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The study found an improvement in cognitive scores, particularly among participants with the lowest baseline cognitive function.
A new study suggests that extreme heat exposure accelerates biological aging in older adults, with participants experiencing greater increases in biological age in neighborhoods with more days of high heat. The study analyzed epigenetic changes and found a significant correlation between heat index values and biological age.
Researchers have developed an online exercise program that improves posture, balance, and strength in older adults, reducing fall risk by up to 36% in some cases. The 'Strong Foundations' program uses semi-individualized instruction to correct exercise form and provide personalized guidance.
New research from the University of Surrey found that morning blue light therapy improved sleep quality and daily activity in older adults. The study, which investigated 36 adults aged 60 and over, revealed that exposure to blue-enriched light in the morning led to greater daytime activity and regular sleep patterns.
A novel LASSO-derived model was developed to predict coagulation disorders after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in elderly individuals. The model demonstrated good prediction performance, identifying preoperative and intraoperative variables associated with coagulation disorders.
A new University of Cincinnati trial is comparing two types of omega-3 supplements, LPC-DHA and TAG-DHA, to slow or prevent dementia progression in elderly adults. Researchers aim to investigate whether LPC-DHA supplementation increases CSF DHA levels and improves cognitive function.
A new AI model measures how fast the brain ages by analyzing MRI scans, providing a more accurate picture of brain health. The tool closely correlates faster brain aging with increased cognitive decline and dementia risk, offering potential for early biomarkers and personalized treatment.
A new study reveals that most well-known national suicide prevention organizations do not have easily accessible resources targeting older adults, who are at the highest risk of suicide. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted campaigns and tailored prevention programs that address the unique healthcare needs of older adults.
Researchers found that patients receiving telemedicine care had lower rates of low-value tests, such as cervical cancer screening and imaging for uncomplicated low back pain. However, virtual options may reduce barriers to care but also deter clinicians and patients from completing some low-value tests.
A study found that GLP-1RAs may have a modest effect on depression risk compared to DPP4is, but not SGLT-2is in older adults with diabetes. Researchers used Medicare claims data from 2013 to 2020 and found slightly higher HgbA1c levels in MA beneficiaries, suggesting possible differences in disease management.
Researchers developed a frailty index using electronic health record data from over 500,000 patients, identifying those at high risk of adverse health outcomes. The tool classifies patients as robust, pre-frail, frail or very frail based on age-related health deficits.
A panel of experts identified key biomarkers for PND through a comprehensive literature review of 194 clinical studies. The study highlights the potential for these biomarkers to predict and diagnose PND, improving postoperative cognitive health in elderly patients.
New UCLA-led research finds that Paxlovid does not significantly reduce COVID-19 hospitalization and mortality among vaccinated older adults. The study suggests that Paxlovid's potential effect on COVID-19 hospitalization in vaccinated older adults is four times weaker than originally reported.
Research found that community-dwelling older adults with advanced age, frailty, or multiple prescription medications had greater net benefits from intensive blood pressure lowering. However, this approach can increase treatment-related harms in these groups.
Thousands of Medicare beneficiaries developed postoperative infections up to six months after coronary artery bypass grafting or aortic valve replacement. Women had a 60% greater odds of developing infections, including urinary tract, pneumonia, and sepsis.
A new study from the University of Texas at Arlington found that Americans aged 65 and older who experienced parental divorce as children were more likely to suffer a stroke compared to their peers. The study analyzed data from over 13,000 older Americans and found that about 14% had experienced parental divorce during childhood.
A new study published in Annals of Neurology found that lower concentrations of vitamin B12 in healthy, older adults led to signs of neurological and cognitive deficiency. These individuals showed slower processing speeds, brain lesions, and delayed responses to visual stimuli compared to those with higher B12 levels.
A study published in Annals of Neurology found that severe early-life adversity accelerates brain aging and amplifies neurodegenerative processes in women. Researchers analyzed biomarkers, brain scans, and cognitive tests to determine the link between childhood trauma and later dementia risk.
FAIR Health introduces a new shared decision-making tool for Alzheimer's disease, providing clinical information on self-care options and drug therapies. The tool also offers related cost information to support age-friendly care, available at no cost to users.
A new study reveals a stark wealth divide in physical activity and diet among older adults, with those in lower-income groups experiencing higher rates of depression. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are linked to lower depression risk, highlighting the need for urgent action to address health disparities.
A study of 153 people between the ages of 60 and 89 suggests a modification to the well-established clinical test for assessing balance in the elderly to make it more efficient, accessible, and predictive. The assessment can predict the risk of falling over a six-month period with accuracy.
A new poll by Michigan Medicine reveals that working past age 50 has positive impacts on physical health, mental wellbeing, and overall wellbeing. However, some experience negative effects, with 33% citing a negative effect on physical health and 29% saying it affects mental health.
A study published in the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus found that the prevalence of older Americans without disabilities increased from 61% in 2008 to 65% in 2017. This represents a significant improvement, with an additional 2.07 million older Americans potentially having had disabilities if trends had remained constant.