older adults
Coverage of older adults in the Nexus archive.
- Kupuna Caregiver: How to avoid risk of any setbacks after a hospital stay
The article discusses the vulnerability of older adults returning home after a hospital stay and provides guidance for caregivers on supporting healing and preventing setbacks. It highlights challenges faced during this transition and emphasizes the role of caregivers in mitigating risks.
- 'Not an Inconsequential Nothing-Burger': What We Heard This Week
Ziyad Al-Aly, MD, of Washington University in St. Louis, stated that while the severity of COVID-19 has declined, it remains a significant threat for older adults and others. The article highlights ongoing concerns about the virus's impact despite reduced severity.
- Medical Moment: Stroke survivor defies odds, urges others to know the signs
A stroke survivor is raising awareness about stroke signs, challenging the misconception that strokes primarily affect older adults with health conditions.
- How scams and exploitation start — and what you can do about it
Scams targeting older adults often begin with friendly interactions, such as a handyman or caregiver, and exploit vulnerabilities like loneliness and a more trusting brain. Experts recommend concrete measures like securing passwords and monitoring conversations to prevent financial abuse.
- Only one workout helped older adults lose fat without losing muscle
A six-month study found that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) helped older adults in their 70s reduce body fat while preserving muscle mass. Moderate and low-intensity workouts also caused fat loss but failed to maintain lean muscle.
- How Americans are feeling about the country's 250th anniversary, according to new polls
A new survey shows about 40% of U.S. adults feel 'proud' and 30% feel 'excited' about the U.S. 250th anniversary, with Republicans and older adults expressing stronger positive sentiments. However, many Americans, particularly Democrats and younger people, feel indifferent or conflicted, and some believe the nation’s founders would be disappointed with current conditions.
- Yale study finds nearly half of older adults improved with age
A long-term Yale study found that nearly half of adults over 65 improved physically, mentally, or both over time, challenging the myth that aging causes constant decline. The study also noted that individuals with more positive attitudes about aging were significantly more likely to show these improvements.
- Food Labels and Childhood Obesity; Prehabilitation in Older Adults
The article discusses a weekly podcast from Texas Tech that covers food labels and childhood obesity, as well as prehabilitation in older adults. Elizabeth Tracey and Rick Lange analyze top medical topics.
- FDA panel recommends mRNA flu vaccine for older adults
An FDA panel recommended an mRNA flu vaccine for older adults. The final decision on Moderna’s flu shot is unclear due to the FDA lacking a permanent vaccine chief and commissioner.
- IRS warns older adults about financial fraud
The IRS has issued a warning about increasing financial fraud targeting older adults over the age of 60. The agency aims to raise awareness to help protect against these scams.
- FDA panel recommends Moderna’s mRNA flu shot for older adults
An FDA panel has recommended Moderna’s mRNA flu shot for older adults. The recommendation highlights the potential of mRNA vaccines to be developed and updated quickly to match circulating flu strains later in the year.
- One year in, plans to expand Bayview shelter for older adults remain shelved
The city of San Francisco has highlighted Jerrold Commons as a success, but neighborhood stakeholders report it is overcrowded. Expansion plans for the Bayview shelter for older adults have remained shelved for a year.
- A daily probiotic may help relieve depression and anxiety
A small clinical trial found that older adults with depression who took a daily probiotic alongside their antidepressant treatment showed slightly greater improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms compared to those who received a placebo.
- COVID Shots Tied to Lower Risks of Heart Attack, Cardiac Death
Three studies found that COVID-19 vaccines are associated with a lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, including heart attack and cardiac death, particularly among older adults. The research involved over 1 million veterans.
- Most older Americans better at self-care than younger generations, new research claims
New research claims most older Americans are better at self-care than younger generations, with 90% of older adults reporting that self-care positively impacts their daily lifestyle.
- The supplements older adults actually need and the ones they don't
The article highlights that supplements like B12 and D are beneficial for older adults with specific deficiencies, while protein is crucial for maintaining strength and independence. It warns that excessive supplementation can be harmful or interfere with medications, emphasizing the need for targeted use.
- Kenya: Rising Illness Burden Among Elderly and Children Deepens Kenya's Health Financing Gap
Kenya's healthcare financing challenge is increasingly shaped by the needs of school-going children and older adults, as healthcare products and coverage models have not kept pace with the risks facing these populations, deepening the country's health financing gap.
- Kenya: Rising Illness Burden Among Elderly and Children Deepens Kenya's Health Financing Gap
Kenya's healthcare financing challenge is increasingly influenced by the health needs of school-going children and older adults. Experts note that healthcare products and coverage models have not adapted to the distinct risks faced by these populations.
- A study of 8,300 older adults revealed a surprising salt habit
A study of 8,300 older adults in Brazil found that adding extra salt at the table is common, particularly among men. The habit is linked to serious health problems and faster cognitive decline, while women’s salt use correlates more with lifestyle and diet.
- ABC7 Feed SoCal: Older adults team up with Food Share of Ventura County to help feed their own
Older adults in Ventura County are collaborating with Food Share of Ventura County to address nutritional needs amid rising grocery prices and fixed incomes. The initiative highlights how seniors rely on local food assistance programs to manage financial challenges.
- New laser heat treatment could stop blindness before it starts
A new experimental laser heat treatment using near-infrared light may prevent blindness caused by dry age-related macular degeneration by activating cellular repair systems before significant damage occurs. Researchers at Aalto University developed the technique, which targets tissue at the back of the eye.
- Beware the first workday after a holiday — it could literally kill you
A study warns that the first workday after a holiday may pose a higher risk of death, particularly for older adults and individuals with a history of heart conditions. The risk is amplified after two or more consecutive holidays, according to researchers.
- Think desire fades with age? Study finds over-65s are still enjoying active love lives - with some women even having their first orgasms in later life
A study reveals that individuals over 65 maintain active sex lives, challenging the notion that desire fades with age. Some women in later life report experiencing their first orgasms, highlighting evolving sexual health awareness and satisfaction in older adults.
- Beet juice lowers blood pressure in older adults in just 2 weeks
Drinking nitrate-rich beetroot juice twice daily for two weeks significantly lowers blood pressure in older adults, according to the largest study of its kind. Younger adults did not experience similar effects, suggesting age-related differences in response.
- Scientists warn that current vitamin B12 guidelines may be putting your brain at risk
Researchers at UC San Francisco have discovered that current vitamin B12 guidelines may be insufficient to protect brain health in older adults. Their study found that seniors with normal but lower active B12 levels exhibited slower cognitive processing, delayed visual processing, and increased white matter damage in the brain.
- Scientists say a daily multivitamin may help slow aging
A daily multivitamin may help slow biological aging in older adults, with participants showing slower aging after two years. The effect was equivalent to about four months less biological aging. People who were biologically older than their actual age benefited the most.
- The hidden risk in taking omega-3 supplements: For decades, older adults have been advised to take them - but now studies suggest they could have a worrying downside
Older adults have been advised to take omega-3 supplements for decades, but new studies suggest they may have a worrying downside. Omega-3 supplements have been linked to potential health risks. The findings are based on recent research studies.
- The hidden risk in taking omega-3 supplements: For decades, older adults have been advised to take them - but now studies suggest they could have a worrying downside
Older adults have been advised to take omega-3 supplements for decades, but new studies suggest they may have a worrying downside. The potential risks of taking omega-3 supplements are now being questioned. Further research is needed to understand the effects of these supplements.
- Excessive napping in older adults may signal serious health issues, study finds
A study by Mass General Brigham and Rush University Medical Center found that excessive daytime napping in older adults may indicate serious health issues. The 20-year study tracked over 1,300 adults aged 56 and older, revealing a link between prolonged napping and underlying health problems.
- More naps, higher risk? Research links daytime sleep to health warnings in aging adults
A study by Mass General Brigham found that excessive daytime napping in older adults is linked to higher mortality risk. Using wrist-worn trackers, researchers observed that longer, more frequent naps—especially in the morning—correlated with increased mortality, suggesting potential early signs of health decline. However, the study notes correlation does not imply causation.
- Lonely people have worse memory but don’t decline faster, study finds
A large European study tracking over 10,000 people for seven years found that loneliness correlates with weaker initial memory in older adults but does not accelerate cognitive decline. The research challenges previous assumptions that loneliness directly speeds up mental decline or dementia progression, suggesting it primarily affects baseline brain performance.
- Former FBI Director Airs Warning About Elder Fraud
A former FBI and CIA director is issuing a public warning about elder fraud schemes targeting older adults. The warning is directed at seniors, their families, and caregivers to increase awareness of fraud risks.