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...
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed serious gaps in healthcare for older adults across Europe. A recent study dug into this issue, using data from two large surveys conducted in 2020 and 2021. The research focused on older adults who missed out on medical care due to fear of infection, postponed appointments, or were denied treatment. The study found six distinct groups b...
The well-being of older adults in long-term care facilities is a growing concern as the push for healthy aging continues. A recent study focused on understanding the care needs of seniors in Medical and Nursing Care Integrated Institutions (MNCII) and how these needs affect their overall quality of life. The research involved 388 older adults and used advanced statis...
Older adults are often prescribed anticholinergic drugs. These medications can cause problems. For a long time, experts have said it's important to keep track of how many of these drugs older adults take. But, there hasn't been much data on how this has changed over time. A recent study looked at this issue. It focused on older adults living in the community. The st...
Yoga can be a game-changer for seniors dealing with multiple health problems. It's not just about stretching; it's about making life better. But how do you make yoga safe and welcoming for them? That's the big question. First, let's talk about the challenges. Older adults often have more than one health issue. This makes yoga tricky. But it's not impossible. The key...
In Brazil, a big study looked at what makes older folks thrive. It turns out, faith plays a big role. Researchers checked in with 2, 490 seniors living in their communities. They wanted to see how religion affects aging well. Aging well isn't just about being healthy. It's also about staying sharp and connected. The study found that those who are more religious tend...
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can make life tough for older adults. It causes pain, stiffness, and makes it hard to move around. But staying active can help. Let's look at some ways to stay fit and feel better. Walking is a great start. It's simple and can be done anywhere. Studies show that walking, even at a fast pace, can help reduce pain and inflammation. It also ma...
As people live longer, keeping them safe from infections has become a big deal. The immune system weakens with age, making it harder for vaccines to work as well as they should. This is why scientists are working hard to find new ways to boost immune responses in older adults. Vaccines for the elderly are not a new idea. There are already shots for flu, pneumonia, C...
Social connections are vital for the health and happiness of older adults. This is not a new revelation. What is new is the use of real-time tracking to measure these connections. This method, known as Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), is gaining attention for its potential to provide immediate insights into social interactions. However, using EMA with older adu...