Aging, Social Issues / 22.07.2024

Key Takeaways
  • Understanding the needs and challenges faced by aging loved ones.
  • Effective communication strategies to ensure their well-being.
  • Available resources and services to provide the best care.
  • Tips for balancing caregiving responsibilities with personal life.
Understanding the Needs of Aging Loved Ones As our loved ones age, their physical, emotional, and social needs change significantly. It's crucial to understand these evolving needs in order to provide the best possible support. This can vary from ensuring they have regular health check-ups and managing chronic conditions to making sure they maintain a social life to prevent loneliness and depression. Engaging in activities such as daily walks, social gatherings, and community events can help keep their spirits high and their bodies active. To find out more here about understanding and addressing these needs effectively, consider the services of professional caregivers who are trained to cater to the unique needs of older adults. Another aspect of understanding their needs is recognizing the importance of mental stimulation. Activities like reading, puzzles, and engaging conversations can go a long way in keeping their minds sharp. Regular mental exercise is just as important as physical activity for overall well-being. (more…)
Exercise - Fitness, Mental Health Research / 10.07.2024

Meditation, an ancient practice, has become more popular in recent years, largely due to its myriad health benefits. For seniors, meditation holds significant value. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it provides a natural method to manage stress, enhance mental clarity, and improve overall well-being. The National Institute on Aging emphasizes that as we age, maintaining both physical and mental health becomes increasingly crucial. Meditation serves as a simple yet effective tool to support these goals. WebMD reports that meditation can help seniors sleep better. This practice can also help deal with symptoms associated with depression. If you're a senior looking to get started with meditation, here are a few expert tips to help you out.

Understanding the Benefits of Meditation

meditation-pexels-photo-4498219.webp Meditation, as explained by Mayo Clinic, has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve sleep quality. For seniors, these benefits are particularly significant as they can help manage chronic conditions and promote a sense of calm and relaxation. Regular meditation practice can also enhance focus and cognitive function, which can be beneficial in maintaining mental sharpness as one ages. Furthermore, meditation promotes inner peace and enhances emotional health, thereby contributing to an improved overall quality of life. (more…)
Aging, Geriatrics, Nursing / 15.06.2024

  Nursing homes are supposed to be safe places where elderly people receive the care they need. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. Nursing home abuse is a serious issue that affects many seniors. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, about 10% of elderly people experience some form of abuse in nursing homes. If you suspect abuse, take action quickly and seek help from nursing home abuse attorneys to ensure your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve. No one should have to suffer in silence, and with the right support, you can ensure that your loved one receives the care and respect they deserve. Read on for a few of the most common nursing home abuses you should know about.  

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is one of the most common forms of nursing home abuse. It involves any act that causes physical harm to a resident. Signs of physical abuse may include unexplained bruises, cuts, broken bones, or other injuries. Examples of Physical Abuse:
  • Hitting or slapping a resident
  • Shoving or pushing
  • Restraining a resident with straps or ties
  • Not providing necessary medical care
(more…)
Accidents & Violence, Aging, Technology / 11.06.2024

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults, making the availability of fall detection in medical alert systems essential. Having a medical alert system with fall detection can provide peace of mind, knowing that help will be on the way even if you can't push a button. This feature can be particularly critical in emergencies where immediate assistance can significantly affect outcomes. This article takes you through the reasons why having a fall detection system is an essential add-on to your medical alert system.

fall-protection-deviceFall Detection Technology

Fall detection technology relies on advanced sensors and algorithms to ensure timely assistance when a fall occurs. This technology is built into various wearable devices, offering accuracy and reliability in monitoring movements and detecting falls.

How Fall Detection Works

Fall detection systems typically use accelerometers and gyroscopes embedded within the device to monitor movement patterns. When a fall is detected, the device triggers an alert, contacting emergency services or a designated caregiver automatically. These systems measure changes in speed and orientation to identify sudden impacts. They provide a vital safety net for individuals who might not be able to manually signal for help following a fall. (more…)
Aging, Author Interviews, Exercise - Fitness, JAMA, USPSTF / 10.06.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Li Li, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H Walter M. Seward Professor Chair of Family Medicine Director of population health University of Virginia School of Medicine Editor-in-chief of The BMJ Family Medicine Dr. Li joined the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force in January 2021 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings of the underlying studies? Response: Falls are the leading cause of injuries in older adults and can lead to serious disability and even death. To help prevent these incidents, the Task Force looked at the current evidence on ways that primary care clinicians can help prevent falls in adults aged 65 and older who live at home and are more likely to fall. We concluded that healthcare professionals should recommend exercise interventions for adults aged 65 and older who are at increased risk for falls. This could include gait, balance, and functional training, as well as strength, resistance, and flexibility training. Clinicians can also talk with their older patients who are most likely to fall about whether additional interventions might be helpful to reduce their risk of falling. (more…)
Dermatology / 17.05.2024

Our skin is subject to a multitude of internal and external influences that can affect its thickness and texture over time. Factors such as aging, environmental aggressors, lifestyle choices, and genetics can contribute to the gradual thinning and deterioration of skin quality. However, the good news is that there are various approaches to address these concerns and promote the restoration of skin thickness and texture. In this article, we'll explore a few crucial factors that, according to research, play pivotal roles in this rejuvenation process.

The Proliferation and Migration of Skin Cells

skin-care-dermatologyAccording to the National Institutes of Health, at the core of skin thickness and texture restoration lies the process of cell proliferation and migration. The epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, constantly undergoes renewal through a process known as epidermal turnover. Stem cells within the basal layer of the epidermis divide and differentiate into keratinocytes. These gradually migrate upward to the skin's surface, replacing old, damaged cells. According to Beyond CellCare, stem cell therapy differs from traditional treatments, which only target the symptoms of skin aging. By fostering cellular repair and renewal, it targets the fundamental mechanisms of aging. Furthermore, certain skincare ingredients and treatments, such as chemical exfoliants and professional procedures like microdermabrasion and chemical peels, can accelerate cell turnover. You’ll also find the use of exosome injection and similar therapy methods involving exosomes becoming popular in this regard. Exosomes facilitate skin cell proliferation and migration by transferring growth factors and signaling molecules. (Please note that exosomes are currently not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat or diagnose any disease). (more…)
Aging, Social Issues / 12.05.2024

 Supporting a family member to age comfortably at home can range from regular check-ins at a parent's place to aiding a partner in daily tasks like bathing and cooking, along with managing medications and giving injections. No matter the extent of your assistance, the following suggestions can enable your loved one to stay at home comfortably for as long as possible.

Create a plan

Balancing immediate needs with future considerations is crucial. Managing day-to-day tasks alongside medical appointments and medication renewals is essential, all while considering potential challenges related to your loved one's health and age. While you can't predict everything, proactive planning allows for better emergency responses. Don't handle it solo; create a support network with family and friends.
  • Identify responsibilities and reach agreement. Inquire about each team member's willingness to aid in the person's care. Even those at a distance can manage tasks like bill payments, medication orders, and arranging medical appointments. Collaborate on a strategy with them.
  • Assess your own capabilities honestly. Determine what tasks you're comfortable handling. If direct caregiving makes you uneasy, such as assisting with bathing, explore if another team member can take over or discuss the possibility of hiring professional help.
  • Document the plan comprehensively. Having a written plan ensures clarity among all team members, including the care recipient, thereby minimizing confusion. Keep in mind that the plan may need adjustments over time; update it accordingly.
(more…)
Aging, Mental Health Research / 31.01.2024

age-regressionAge regression stands as a captivating psychological occurrence that has piqued the curiosity of scholars, therapists, and individuals alike. It represents a state wherein adults briefly retreat to a more childlike mindset, marked by shifts in conduct, emotions, and cognitive processes. This article delves into the concept of age regression, its telltale signs, and the triggers and catalysts behind it. Are you or someone you know struggling with age regression and its effects on mental health? Don't walk this path alone. MentalHealth's dedicated professional service can help you understand and cope with age regression, providing you with the support and guidance you need to live life to the fullest. Contact them today to take the first step towards a healthier and happier lifestyle. (more…)
Author Interviews, Cognitive Issues, Memory / 07.08.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Michael Leon, Professor emeritusDepartment of Neurobiology and BehaviorCenter for the Neurobiology of Learning and MemoryInstitute for Memory Impairments and Neurological DisordersUniversity of California Irvine MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?  What types of aromas were employed? Response: The olfactory system is the only sense to have a direct “superhighway” access to the memory centers of the brain. The other senses can contribute to the health of the memory centers, but they have to take the brain's “side streets” to get there and consequently have much less impact on the health of those centers. If there is olfactory loss for any reason, the memory centers start to deteriorate. Stimulation of those memory centers with odors allows those centers to allow for better memory. We used naturally occurring pleasant odors: rose, orange, eucalyptus, lemon, peppermint, rosemary, and lavender. (more…)
Aging, Author Interviews, Mental Health Research, Sleep Disorders / 02.07.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Valentina Paz, M.Sc Ph.D.  Student Research and teaching assistant Universidad de la República, UruguayHon. Research AssistantMRC Unit for Lifelong Health & Ageing Department of Population Science & Experimental MedicineInstitute of Cardiovascular ScienceUniversity College London MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Prior research indicates that napping can enhance performance on specific cognitive tasks. However, some authors argue that the advantages derived from napping may vary between individuals who frequently have a nap and those who never naps. Furthermore, it remains to be seen whether habitual daytime napping has a positive or negative impact on cognition and the association between napping and brain volume is not well characterized. Therefore, our study aimed to examine whether the association between genetic liability to daytime napping, cognitive function, and brain volumes might be causal using a technic called Mendelian randomization and the UK Biobank. (more…)
Accidents & Violence, Aging, Author Interviews, BMJ, Brain Injury, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Exercise - Fitness / 15.12.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Rachel Grashow PhD Research Scientist Department of Environmental Health Football Players Health Study at Harvard University Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Anecdotally, we heard from former NFL players that they felt older than their chronological age. At the same time, doctors and medical care providers treating former players also observed that players appeared clinically older in some health domains. These observations motivated us to ask:  despite superior fitness and success as young men, are football players experiencing early aging and living with illness and disability for more years than their non-football peers? (more…)
Aging, Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Dermatology, Heart Disease, Herpes Viruses, Stroke / 23.11.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:| Sharon G. Curhan, MD, ScM| Director, CHEARS: The Conservation of Hearing Study Channing Division of Network Medicine Department of Medicine Brigham and Women’s Hospital Harvard Medical School Boston, MA 02114 MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response:       Herpes zoster, commonly known as “shingles,” is a viral infection that often causes a painful rash. Shingles can occur anywhere on the head or body. Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person has chickenpox, the virus stays in their body for the rest of their life. Years and even decades later, the virus may reactivate as shingles. Almost all individuals age 50 years and older in the US have been infected with the varicella zoster virus and therefore they are at risk for shingles. About 1 in 3 people will develop shingles during their lifetime, and since age is a risk factor for shingles, this number may increase as the population ages. The risk is also higher among individuals of any age who are immunocompromised due to disease or treatment. A number of serious complications can occur when a person develops shingles, such as post-herpetic neuralgia (long-lasting pain), but there was limited information on whether there are other adverse long-term health implications of developing shingles. There is a growing body of evidence that links VZV, the virus that causes shingles, to vascular disease. VZV vasculopathy may cause damage to blood vessels and increase the risk of stroke or coronary heart disease. Although some previous studies showed a higher risk of stroke or heart attack around the time of the shingles infection, it was not known whether this higher risk persisted in the long term. Therefore, the question we aimed to address in this study was to investigate whether shingles is associated with higher long-term risk of stroke or coronary heart disease. To address this question, we conducted a prospective longitudinal study in 3 large US cohorts of >200,000 women and men, the Nurses’ Health Study (>79,000 women), the Nurses’ Health Study II (almost 94,000 women) and the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (>31,000 men), without a prior history of stroke or coronary heart disease. We collected information on shingles, stroke and coronary heart disease on biennial questionnaires and confirmed the diagnoses with medical record review. We followed the participants for up to 16 years and evaluated whether those who had developed shingles were at higher risk for stroke or coronary heart disease years after the shingles episode. The outcomes we measured were incident stroke, incident coronary heart disease [defined as having a non-fatal or fatal myocardial infarction (heart attack) or a coronary revascularization procedure (CABG, coronary artery bypass graft or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty)]. We also evaluated a combined outcome of cardiovascular disease, which included either stroke or coronary heart disease, whichever came first. (more…)
Aging, Author Interviews, JAMA, Menopause, USPSTF / 09.11.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: James Stevermer, M.D., M.S.P.H. Vice chair for clinical affairs Professor of family and community medicine University of Missouri Medical director of MU Health Care Family Medicine–Callaway Physicians, Dr. Stevermer joined the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force in January 2021. MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: As people get older, they are more at risk for many chronic conditions like heart disease, osteoporosis, cancer, and diabetes. It’s unclear how much menopause—which typically occurs around age 50—contributes to this risk. Although we all want to stay healthy as we age, the Task Force does not recommend that people who have already gone through menopause use hormone therapy to prevent chronic health problems. (more…)
Aging, Geriatrics, Social Issues / 04.10.2022

If you have aging parents, the one thing you will want to be aware of is the most common health concerns that plague the elderly. While there is no way to definitively say who will suffer from any one of these diseases or conditions, they are most common among the elderly. For this reason, and because the elderly may be prone to memory lapses, it is important that you find a way to communicate with their primary health provider to ensure that everything is as it should be. With HIPAA in effect, you may need to get their approval to speak with their doctor or if they’ve been declared incompetent, the proper authorization from the courts would be necessary. At any rate, these are the health concerns you should be on the lookout for, as they truly are most prevalent in the elderly. (more…)
Aging, Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Frailty, Geriatrics, JAMA / 22.09.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Ariela Orkaby, MD, MPH Geriatrics & Preventive Cardiology Associate Epidemiologist Division of Aging, Brigham and Women's Hospital Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: As the population is living longer, there is increased risk of frailty and vulnerability. Frailty is defined as reduced physiological reserve and decreased ability to cope with even an acute stress. Up to half of adults over the age of 85 are living with frailty and preventative measures are greatly needed. We tested the effect of vitamin D and marine omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on the risk of developing frailty in healthy older adults in the US enrolled in the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL) trial. (more…)
Aging, Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Frailty, Geriatrics, JAMA, Medical Research Centers, Supplements / 15.09.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Ariela Orkaby, MD, MPH Geriatrics & Preventive Cardiology Associate Epidemiologist Division of Aging, Brigham and Women's Hospital Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: As the population is living longer, there is increased risk of frailty and vulnerability. Frailty is defined as reduced physiological reserve and decreased ability to cope with even an acute stress. Up to half of adults over the age of 85 are living with frailty and preventative measures are greatly needed. We tested the effect of vitamin D and marine omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on the risk of developing frailty in healthy older adults in the US enrolled in the VITamin D and OmegA-3 TriaL (VITAL) trial. (more…)
Author Interviews, Geriatrics, JAMA / 15.09.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Jing Li, PhD Assistant Professor of Health Economics The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy and Economics (CHOICE) Institute University of Washington School of Pharmacy MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Dementia and other cognitive impairment are highly prevalent among older adults in the U.S. and globally, and have been linked to deficiencies in decision-making, especially financial decision-making. However, little is known about the extent to which older adults with cognitive impairment manage their own finances and the characteristics of the assets they manage. (more…)
Aging, Annals Internal Medicine, Author Interviews, NIH, Nutrition / 01.09.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Maki Inoue-Choi, Ph.D., M.S., R.D. Staff Scientist Metabolic Epidemiology Branch National Institutes of Health MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Tea is rich in bioactive compounds that can possibly protect against health conditions such as cancer and heart disease. A lower risk of death was seen among tea drinkers than non-drinkers in previous studies, but these were largely in populations where green tea drinking is common. In contrast, the studies in populations where black tea drinking is more common have been limited and the findings from these studies have been inconsistent. (more…)
Aging, Author Interviews, Environmental Risks, Nature / 30.07.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr. Jaga Giebultowicz Professor Emeritus, Department of Integrative Biology Oregon State University Corvallis, OR 97331 MedicalResearch.com:  What is the background for this study?  Where is blue light commonly found? Response: Our study in short-lived model organism Drosophila revealed that cumulative, long-term exposure to blue light impacts brain function, accelerates the aging process and significantly shortens lifespan compared to flies maintained in constant darkness or in white light with blue wavelengths blocked. Blue light is predominantly produced by the light-emitting diodes (LEDs); it appears white due to the addition of yellow fluorescent powder which is activated by blue light. LEDs has become a main source of  display screens (phones, laptops, desktops, TV),  and ambient lights. Indeed, humans have become awash in LEDs for most of their waking hours. (more…)
Aging, Alzheimer's - Dementia, Author Interviews, Brigham & Women's - Harvard, Genetic Research, Nature / 20.04.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Michael B. Miller, MD, PhD Instructor, Harvard Medical School Department of Pathology Brigham and Women's Hospital MedicalResearch.com:  What is the background for this study? Would you explain what is meant by somatic genetic changes and how they might occur?  Response: Changes, also called mutations, in the DNA sequence of genes can be passed from parents to their children, and explain why many diseases run in families. This kind of DNA change is called a germline mutation and is present in every cell in a person’s body. Gene mutations can also occur in a subset of cells of a person, in which case they are called somatic mutations. Somatic mutations are well known as a cause of cancer, and recent research has found that somatic mutations can also happen in non-cancerous cells that appear otherwise normal. Recent studies have even found that somatic mutations are present in neurons, cells in the brain that transmit electrical signals and play an important role in how the brain functions. Furthermore, in neurons, somatic mutations increase with age, so we set out to understand if somatic mutations might be playing a role in age-related brain diseases like Alzheimer’s. (more…)
Aging, Author Interviews, Geriatrics, PLoS, Social Issues / 17.03.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Dr. Holly Bennett PhD Research Associate Population Health Sciences Institute Campus for Ageing and Vitality Newcastle upon Tyne MedicalResearch.com:  What is the background for this study?  What are the main findings? Response: Life expectancy has been increasing over time and we want to ensure these are years in good health rather than increasing years in poor health. There has mainly been good news for those living with long term health conditions. With better treatment, prevention and care, the proportion of remaining years lived disability-free has increased for more recent generations. (more…)
Aging, Author Interviews, Dental Research, Geriatrics, NYU / 23.01.2022

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Bei Wu, PhD Dean's Professor in Global Health Vice Dean for Research Rory Meyers College of Nursing Affiliated Professor, College of Dentistry Co-Director, NYU Aging Incubator New York University New York, NY 10010 MedicalResearch.com:  What is the background for this study?    Response: Social isolation and loneliness are global public health concerns. Social isolation is the lack of social contacts and having few people to have regular interactions; while loneliness is the distressing feeling of being alone or separated. Approximately 24% of community-dwelling older adults aged 65 and above are considered to be socially isolated in the United States, and 43% adults aged over 60 years old report feeling lonely. Increasing evidence suggests that social isolation and loneliness are risk factors for older adults’ health outcomes, such as depression, comorbidities, cognitive impairment and dementia, and premature mortality. However, one key limitation in the literature is that only a few studies have examined the impact of social isolation and loneliness on oral health. (more…)
Aging, Geriatrics / 08.10.2021

There are several reasons why the elderly select assisted living facilities over their lifetime homes, nursing care, and old age homes. Health issues and getting help in case of an emergency also play a role. For those considering this option, it may be useful to know what advantages this mode of living offers, as experienced by those in assisted living facilities. Let us look at the reality of this choice to determine whether it’s the best fit for you.

The Most Common Reasons

The first reason for opting for assisted living is that it provides a solution to elderly people for the housing dilemma. Many people who have already made this move were living in a house that had become difficult and expensive to maintain. Many found that they could no longer keep up with housework adequately. Some also felt that an assisted living facility offered better security than a large property. Assisted living may offer smaller apartments for their residents. This allows you to retain your independence while benefitting from the other advantages already mentioned. This is also a good alternative to an old age home or nursing care which somewhat reduces your freedom. (more…)