Category: Aging
Want to “age in place” someday? Take action now
Planning ahead, and making changes gradually, can help older adults stay independent and in their homes longer.
Scientists track how the brain changes over a lifetime
The volume of grey matter (brain cells) increases rapidly from mid-gestation onwards, peaking just before we are six years old. It then begins to decrease slowly. The volume of white matter (brain connections) also increased rapidly from mid-gestation through early childhood and peaks just before we are 29 years old. The decline in white matter volume begins to accelerate after 50 years.
What is palliative care? How is it different from hospice?
Palliative care was not associated with shortened survival, pushing back against a popular assumption that pursuing palliative care means “giving up” on fighting disease. In fact, one influential study found that patients with advanced lung cancer who receive specialty palliative care in addition to standard oncology care lived almost three months longer than patients who received standard oncology care only.
Compare nursing homes with this online tool from Medicare
Whether you’re planning ahead or need to make an unexpected decision, there’s a lot to think about when choosing the right nursing home for you or your loved one. Medicare.gov makes it easy to find and compare nursing homes in your area.
Why is it harder to build muscle as you age?
50-year-old muscles just can’t grow big like they used to – the biology of how muscles change with age
Risk factors that determine whether you’re more or less likely to develop cognitive decline
Why some people with mild cognitive impairment develop dementia while others don’t has long been a mystery. But a recent study has identified several factors that determine whether a person is more or less likely to develop mild cognitive impairment. These findings might give us a clue about who might be more likely to develop dementia.
‘Wisdom and Fear’ Lead 90% of U.S. Seniors to Covid Vaccines
When vaccines became available many states targeted seniors first. That effort has proved successful, although rates vary among states: Hawaii, Pennsylvania and Vermont vaccinated more than 99% of their seniors, while West Virginia ranks last with 78%.
Restoring a Sense of Belonging: The Unsung Importance of Casual Relationships for Older Adults
Casual relationships can cultivate a sense of belonging, motivate us to engage in activities, and expose us to new information and opportunities — all without the emotional challenges that often attend close relationships with family and friends.
Most COVID deaths in England now are in the vaccinated – here’s why that shouldn’t alarm you
One way to imagine the risk is as a rain of differently sized ball bearings falling from the sky . . .
The dip in the US birthrate isn’t a crisis, but the fall in immigration may be – UW researcher warns
Migrants tend to be young, and to work. They contribute to the economy and bring dynamism to the society, along with supporting existing retirees, reducing the burden on current workers.
Poll finds risky drinking patterns in older adults during pandemic
23% of adults over 50 who drink alcohol reported that they routinely had three or more drinks in one sitting
Is Your Living Room the Future of Hospital Care?
Hospital-level care at home — some of it provided over the internet — is poised to grow after more than a decade as a niche offering.
Trouble Managing Money May Be an Early Sign of Dementia
Long before they receive a dementia diagnosis, many people start losing their ability to manage their finances.
Dog Aging Project seeks more canine participants
Project is looking for puppies, big and giant dogs, rural dogs, certain breeds, and working dogs.
How will society change as the US population ages? – Video
The change toward longer old age will have profound effects on health care needs, families and what it means to be old.