All articles tagged with #older adults
A Dutch dietary modeling study shows that replacing animal-based foods with plant-based substitutes can lower total protein and essential nutrient intakes across age groups, with older adults and adolescents most at risk. The findings suggest careful planning, fortified foods, and age-tailored guidance are needed to maintain nutritional adequacy when shifting toward plant-based eating.
A six‑month study of adults aged 65–85 found high‑intensity interval training (HIIT) reduced body fat while largely preserving muscle, outperforming moderate‑intensity workouts. While HIIT offers notable benefits for healthy aging, it isn’t suitable for everyone and should be pursued with safety and medical guidance, with moderate exercise still providing advantages for many seniors.
Medicare is rolling out a temporary Bridge program that will cover GLP-1 weight-loss medications (Wegovy, Zepbound, and Foundayo) for eligible adults at about $50 per month, running through December 2027. To qualify, individuals must be 18+ on Medicare Part D and meet BMI criteria (35+ or 27–34.9 with obesity-related conditions). Studies suggest older adults can lose weight as effectively as younger people on these drugs, but data are still limited and side effects, dehydration, and potential muscle loss mean close medical supervision is essential. Recommendations include staying hydrated, seeking nutritional counseling, prioritizing protein to preserve muscle, engaging in resistance exercise, and keeping goals focused on function rather than a specific weight. The program aims to reduce obesity-related health risks and may improve long-term outcomes, though cost and individual risk must be weighed.
Newcastle University researchers analyzed about 300 people across northern Britain and found vitamin D insufficiency remains common year-round, with summer sun not significantly boosting levels in older adults or those from minoritized ethnic backgrounds, prompting calls for year-round strategies and targeted public health measures.
A Yale-led study of more than 11,000 Americans aged 65+ followed for up to 12 years finds that 45% show improvements in at least one domain (cognition or physical function), with those harboring more positive beliefs about aging more likely to improve; findings challenge the inevitability of decline and suggest mindset-based interventions to bolster resilience in older adults.
A large study of more than 1 million U.S. veterans found the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine was linked to fewer major adverse cardiovascular events in the following eight months, with about a 38% drop in COVID-related cardiac events and a 24% drop in all-cause cardiac events—especially among those aged 75+ or with chronic conditions—suggesting updated vaccines may offer broader protection beyond preventing COVID symptoms.
An FDA advisory panel unanimously recommended approving Moderna’s mFlusiva, the first influenza vaccine made with mRNA technology, for adults ages 50–64 and 65+ pending final FDA clearance by early August. The shot could enable faster manufacturing and better matching to circulating strains. In trials, it reduced flu cases by about 27% in people 50+ versus a standard vaccine and produced a strong immune response in 65+ compared with a high-dose vaccine, with mostly mild, temporary reactions. If approved, Moderna will run a large follow-up study (about 400,000 people 65+) over two seasons to gather more safety and efficacy data, including in frail or immunocompromised individuals.
An FDA advisory panel unanimously recommended Moderna’s mRNA flu vaccine (mFlusiva) for adults 50 and older, approving it for two age groups (50–64 and 65+), with a requirement for an additional post‑market trial in the older cohort. In trials, the shot was about 27% more effective than standard flu vaccines. If FDA and then CDC sign off, it could become the first mRNA influenza vaccine, and its flexible, quickly updated design could help match circulating strains, though final timelines and access this fall remain uncertain amid regulatory and political considerations.
A small UCSF study of 52 healthy older adults (median age ~75) found that adding a brief instruction to focus on moments of awe during a 15-minute weekly walk for eight weeks led to higher daily gratitude and compassion and lower distress compared with a control group. Selfies taken during walks suggested participants appeared smaller and smiled more over time, providing exploratory evidence of a link between awe and emotional health. The authors caution that this is a small, observational study and not medical advice, and results may not generalize to everyone.
A BBC Health feature argues therapy isn’t just for the young, highlighting 70-year-old Maurizio and 73-year-old Antonio (with 68-year-old Gigliola) who describe clearer thinking, lighter mood and better relationships after psychotherapy. The piece cites evidence that psychotherapy works across all adult ages and may be especially beneficial for older adults facing isolation and chronic illness, with group-based therapies showing strong gains. Yet access remains limited by cost and referrals, and ageism; only about 4% of US adults 65+ receive psychological therapy, while completion rates among older adults can be high (up to 54%).
Newcastle University researchers find that vitamin D levels remain low year-round in adults 65+ and people from minoritized ethnic backgrounds in northern Britain, even during sunny months. The study, involving about 300 participants, shows summer sun does not reliably raise vitamin D for these groups, highlighting a potential public-health blind spot and the need for year-round strategies—such as routine clinician discussions and targeted supplementation—to prevent long-term deficiency.
A trainer endorses five standing moves—sit-to-stand squats, split squats, step-ups, wall sits, and reverse lunges—to restore quad strength and improve balance for those over 60, arguing that functional, multi-joint standing exercises are more effective for daily movement than leg-extension machines; includes setup, form cues, and rep recommendations.
A 67-year-old grandmother who began strength training at 65 explains how consistent coaching, progressive lifts (she deadlifted 148 lb at 67), and a protein-rich diet improved her balance, mobility, and independence—she now trains three days a week (plus plyometrics) and can lift luggage and chase her grandkids with ease.
A University of Exeter study found older adults who drank nitrate-rich beetroot juice for two weeks experienced a drop in blood pressure, an effect not observed in younger participants, possibly due to age-related declines in nitric oxide production and changes in mouth bacteria that process nitrates. The findings suggest dietary nitrates from vegetables could support cardiovascular health but are not a substitute for medication, and larger trials are needed; other nitrate-rich foods like spinach and kale may offer similar benefits.
ACE CEO Cedric X. Bryant says older adults using GLP-1 weight-loss meds should prioritize preserving strength, physical function and lean mass through regular resistance training (2-3 days/week; six-to-ten exercises; 1-3 sets; 8-15 reps) and adequate protein (roughly 1.2-1.6 g/kg/day), with targets tailored by age and health; programming should be individualized and safety-conscious, especially for those in their 70s and beyond.