Tag

Older Adults

All articles tagged with #older adults

health8 days ago•41 min saved

Two Quick Fitness Tests That Reveal How You're Aging

A Taiwan study of 13,423 adults aged 65+ followed for a median of seven years found that higher fitness across balance, agility, strength, and cardio is linked to lower all-cause mortality; two simple tests—the 8-foot up-and-go and the 1-leg stance—were especially predictive, and a composite score showed the highest performers had up to a 61% lower death risk. The message: maintaining balance, strength, and cardiovascular fitness together supports healthy aging, and it's never too late to start.

via Yahoo News Singapore|

#aging #balance #fitness

health9 days ago•3 min saved

Older Adults Face Deadlier Heat at Lower Temps, New Study Warns

A Lancet Public Health study finds people aged 60 and over are at risk of uncompensable heat stress at lower temperatures than younger groups, meaning heatwaves will affect older adults more severely as global warming continues; with the global 60+ population projected to reach about 2.1 billion by 2050, many more older people—especially in lower-income countries—will face dangerous heat exposure, with risk rising from as little as 1.5C of warming and increasing with each additional degree.

via The Guardian|

#climate-change #health #heat-stress

health12 days ago•9 min saved

FDA approves first mRNA flu shot for adults 50+, aiming for better strain matching

FDA approves Moderna’s mRNA-based flu vaccine, mFlusiva, for adults 50 and older (standard approval for ages 50–64 and accelerated approval for 65+), leveraging faster manufacturing to allow strain updates closer to the season. In a large trial, it was about 27% more effective than standard flu shots in people over 50 but had more mild to moderate side effects; serious events were similar to other vaccines. A post-marketing study is required, and availability may be limited this fall while a CDC recommendation is pending due to a delay in the ACIP meeting. Insurance coverage remains uncertain until guidelines are issued. The vaccine could be a valuable option for an older population at higher risk of severe flu outcomes.

via CNN|

#fda-approval #flu-vaccine #health

health13 days ago•9 min saved

FDA approves first mRNA flu vaccine for adults 50+, aiming for better strain matching

FDA approves Moderna’s mFlusiva, the first mRNA-based flu vaccine, for adults 50+, with standard approval for 50–64 and accelerated approval for 65+, enabling faster production and closer strain matching; in a 40,000+ participant trial it was about 27% more effective than standard vaccines for ages 50+, though with more transient side effects; a post-marketing study is required, rollout may be limited this fall, and insurance coverage remains unclear until ACIP weighs in (scheduled for October).

via CNN|

#fda-approval #flu-vaccine #health

health13 days ago•60 min saved

New Flu Shot for 50+ Promises Stronger Protection This Fall

FDA-approved Moderna’s mFlusiva, an mRNA flu vaccine, for adults 50–64 (full approval) and 65+ (accelerated approval) after trials showed about 27% higher effectiveness than the standard flu shot; the vaccine could be updated quickly to address circulating strains. It’s expected to be available this fall, though insurance coverage remains unclear. Side effects may be stronger than with traditional vaccines but are generally mild. Health experts say to get whichever flu vaccine is available to protect yourself early in the season.

via AOL.com|

#flu-vaccine #health #mflusiva

health15 days ago•10 min saved

Sharper Balance and Mobility Predict Longer Life in Seniors

A large Taiwanese study of 13,423 adults around age 73 found that stronger performance across seven simple fitness tests—especially balance and agility (one-leg stand and an 8-foot up-and-go)—was linked to markedly lower all-cause mortality over seven years; the strongest association came when combining all tests into a single fitness index, with the top fifth showing about 61% lower death risk than the bottom fifth, even after adjusting for health conditions, income, body weight, and self-reported activity.

via StudyFinds|

#balance #fitness-testing #health

health19 days ago•12 min saved

Brisk Walking May Boost Brain Health in Older Adults

A study of 3,989 adults aged 80+ found those who walked the fastest—about 2.9 mph and dubbed 'super movers'—were roughly 50% less likely to develop cognitive impairment and 60% less likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's over five years, though brain scans showed similar levels of brain changes, suggesting greater resilience rather than less disease. The findings reinforce the link between mobility and brain health and, alongside general exercise guidance (about 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly), suggest social walking and pacing strategies to boost walking speed.

via HuffPost|

#brain-health #cognitive-decline #health

health21 days ago•24 min saved

30-minute daily brain routine linked to modest cognitive gains in older adults

A 12-week, 30-minute daily routine combining reading aloud, handwriting, and simple math improved scores on the Mini-Montreal Cognitive Assessment from 12.73 to 13.26 out of 15 in 102 older adults with memory concerns; gains were mainly in memory recall and were larger for those living independently. The study notes limitations (no control group, small effect size) and calls for active-control future research. The routine is accessible, low-cost, and customizable via personal reading/writing topics to build cognitive resilience.

via PsyPost|

#brain-exercises #cognitive-decline #dementia

health22 days ago•20 min saved

Brisk strides in old age may guard against cognitive decline

A Washington Post Well+Being piece reports that scientists label “super movers” as older adults who walk much faster than peers; new research shows they are about half as likely to experience cognitive decline, reinforcing that maintaining a brisk walking pace into aging may protect brain health.

via The Washington Post|

#brain-health #cognitive-decline #exercise

health25 days ago•3 min saved

More Pills, Higher Risk: Study Ties Polypharmacy to Mortality in Older Adults

A study of 7,828 adults aged 65+ followed for about 8.5 years found that taking five or more prescription medications (polypharmacy) is associated with a 38% higher overall mortality risk, with each additional medication linked to roughly a 7% increase. The findings suggest considering deprescribing, but limitations include a single 30-day medication snapshot and the observational nature of the study; patients should review all meds with their clinician.

via LiveNOW from FOX|

#drug-interactions #health #mortality-risk

health29 days ago•4 min saved

MHRA urges older adults to cut back on anticholinergic medicines amid dementia uncertainty

The UK MHRA advises older adults to limit how many anticholinergic medicines they take and use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time after a safety review found a small, uncertain link between bladder anticholinergics and dementia. While evidence does not prove causation, prolonged exposure and use of multiple anticholinergics may raise cognitive risks, so clinicians should minimize exposure. Bladder antimuscarinics are commonly used for overactive bladder, a condition frequently seen in dementia, and memory- or confusion-related side effects are noted, prompting a cautious approach to long-term use.

via Medscape|

#anticholinergic-drugs #bladder-antimuscarinics #dementia-risk

health1 month ago•43 min saved

Grip strength: a simple health marker for seniors—and a budget-friendly way to improve it

Grip strength is highlighted as an important biomarker of health in older adults, with experts noting that stronger grip correlates with greater independence in daily tasks. The piece reviews a portable NIYIKOW hand grip strengthener (2-pack) with adjustable resistance from 22 to 132 lbs, noting its convenience for on-the-go training and stress relief. Experts advise starting light, building gradually, and training about once or twice a week to avoid overuse. While suitable for everyday hand strength, heavier equipment may be needed for serious forearm gains.

via Yahoo Lifestyle Canada|

#exercise #grip-strength #hand-grip-strengthener

health1 month ago•4 min saved

Time-Restricted Eating Shows Early Cognitive Gains in Older Women on Weight-Loss Plan

A six-month pilot in 47 overweight/obese women aged 50–79 found that restricting eating to an 8–9 hour window (about 10 a.m.–6 p.m.) with a 500-calorie daily reduction yielded similar weight loss to a 12-hour window but produced greater improvements in spatial planning and problem-solving, with a trend toward fewer memory errors. No significant differences were seen in multitasking or reaction time. Findings are preliminary and require confirmation in larger studies; researchers will explore circadian, metabolic, and inflammation-related mechanisms. Presented at Nutrition 2026.

via StudyFinds|

#cognition #dementia-risk #health

health1 month ago•73 min saved

Sleep Guidelines for 60+: Aim 7–8 Hours Nightly, Experts Say

Experts say adults aged 60 and over should aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night to protect brain health and overall well-being. This aligns with National Sleep Foundation guidelines and reflects age-related shifts in circadian rhythms, which can cause earlier awakenings and lighter sleep. Prioritize regular bed and wake times, morning light, consistent activity, and limiting bright light at night; persistent sleep problems should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

via AOL.com|

#brain-health #circadian-rhythm #health

health-and-families1 month ago•13 min saved

Ageing: the real cancer risk and the call for geriatric oncology reform

Ageing is identified as the leading cancer risk, reflecting a global and Canadian shift toward older populations. The piece argues for routine geriatric assessments before cancer treatment and for more specialized geriatric oncology services, noting that Canada currently has few clinics and that such care can save costs. Barriers include funding, workforce shortages, inertia in oncology care models, and ageism. The authors—Kristen Haase and Shabbir Alibhai—call for targeted, nurse-led or geriatric approaches to expand access and improve quality of life for older adults with cancer (republished from The Conversation).

via The Independent|

#ageing #canada #cancer