Older adults face unique challenges when dealing with intimate partner violence (IPV). This is not just about physical harm. It involves a mix of emotional, cognitive, and social factors. Three stories from a mental health service show how complex this issue can be. First, let's talk about the big picture. IPV in older adults is not just a personal problem. It's a s...
Older adults often take medications that can affect their daily activities. One type of drug, called anticholinergics, has been linked to a decline in physical abilities. These drugs block a natural chemical in the body called acetylcholine, which helps with muscle movement and other functions. Researchers have found that taking these drugs over time can make it har...
Older adults often have many health issues. Doctors in family medicine are trying to make care better for them. They focus on what each person needs. This is called patient-centered care. A recent study looked at how well this works. The study found that when doctors listen and understand their older patients, it helps. These patients feel better and stay healthier....
Older adults in Taiwan are showing interest in smartwatches for health management. A recent study looked into what makes them want to buy these devices. The study found that seniors care about how well the smartwatch works, how easy it is to use, what others think, and if they have help when needed. Surprisingly, the fear of something going wrong with the smartwatch...
When older adults have surgery that isn't related to the heart, there's a chance they might get confused afterwards. This isn't just a small issue. It can lead to bigger problems and make their stay in the hospital longer. What's more, different hospitals see this happening at different rates. This variation is something that needs more attention. This confusion, ca...
Ever wonder how older adults deal with feeling out of control? Two experiments looked into this. They found that when older adults feel like they have less control, they tend to crave more structure in their lives. This craving for structure can lead them to adopt negative stereotypes about aging. In the first experiment, researchers made participants feel like they...
Older adults with multiple health problems often struggle with daily tasks. But here's a simple idea: staying social might help them more than those who don't. It's not just about having fun. It's about keeping their independence. Think about it. When people engage in social activities, they move more. They talk more. They think more. All these things can make daily...
Older adults often face hurdles when moving from hospital to home. Current tools don't always catch what helps or what gets in the way. A new study stepped in to create a better tool for this job. The goal was clear: make a tool that spots both the roadblocks and the helpers in this transition. This tool, called TOCAS-BF, was designed to measure what makes this move...
Ever wonder if going to church or temple could help keep your brain healthy? Some researchers decided to find out. They studied older adults with mild memory problems. They discovered that those who went to religious services more often had fewer issues with behavior and thinking. This was true at two different times, so it wasn't just a fluke. But wait, don't jump ...
Older adults often take medications that can be risky, like benzodiazepines and sedatives. These drugs can cause problems, especially for seniors. Doctors have tried different ways to reduce the use of these medications, but with limited success. One way to help is by using electronic health records (EHRs). These are digital systems that doctors use to keep track of...