The fact that people are living longer lives represents one of the crowning achievements of the last century, but also requires careful planning on the part of governments. A new IIASA study investigated the prevalence of activity limitations among older adults in 23 low- and middle-income countries, to help policymakers prepare for the challenges associated with the world’s aging population.
[Read more…] about Planning for a growing elderly populationStudies
Ageing and imprisonment: how to identify the needs of older prisoners
Ageing in prison is the subject of the new International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) report, published in October 2018. It explains how to identify and meet the needs of a very peculiar population: older prisoners.
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The secret of living longer: intermittent periods of fasting
Fasting may have anti-ageing effects, increasing your lifespan and helping healthy ageing, according to a Harvard University Study.
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10 Priorities for a Decade of Action on Healthy Ageing : how we should face the ageing of the world’s population
Today, most people are living longer and a significant proportion of the world’s population are older people. By 2050, the world’s population of people over the age of 60 will double. This demographic change has strong implications for sustainable development. As people grow older, their health outcomes, needs and what they value can change. Supporting these changes by taking multisectoral action on ageing and health is therefore critical and will support the Decade on Healthy Ageing 2020 – 2030.
New BDO report: “The elderly are not as healthy in old age as expected”
Prevention and rehabilitation are key to value-based elderly care: “the elderly are not as healthy in old age as expected”. The new BDO report, published in June 2018, puts the light on “the inappropriate response of the health care system to an ageing population”.
[Read more…] about New BDO report: “The elderly are not as healthy in old age as expected”
2018 Ageing Report: Europe’s population is getting older
The 2018 Ageing Report, published in May 2018, shows that fiscal costs linked to pensions, health care and long-term care are expected to rise over the coming decades, as Europe’s population continues to age significantly.
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According to a recent study, cannabis would help reduce pain for elderly
According to an Israeli study published in February 2018, cannabis could be use for improving the quality of life of elderly currently treated with opioids.
[Read more…] about According to a recent study, cannabis would help reduce pain for elderly
Older Hospitalized Adults Are Infrequently Tested for Influenza
This year’s flu season is shaping up to be an especially serious one, and it’s important for clinicians to promptly recognize, diagnosis, and treat influenza in hospitalized patients, especially in vulnerable populations such as older individuals.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, however, indicates that adults aged 65 years and older who are hospitalized with fever or respiratory symptoms during influenza seasons are less likely to have a provider-ordered influenza test than younger patients.
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Study Uncovers Healthcare Disparities among Octogenarians and Nonagenarians with Advanced Lung Cancer
A new study reveals that, among patients of advanced age with stage III lung cancer, African Americans and individuals who live in lower income areas are more likely to not receive any treatment. Published online in CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the study also found that patients who receive the standard of care treatment for their cancer live longer.
Germany, one of the “super-aged” societies in the world
According to aarpinternational.org, Germany is currently one of five “super-aged” societies in the world, and its population of those age 65 and older will continue to grow, reaching nearly one-third of the total population by 2050.
> Download the full AARP Germany report
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Almost a million older people feel lonelier at Christmas
New research for Age UK shows that nearly a million (928,000) older people feel lonelier at Christmas time.
[Read more…] about Almost a million older people feel lonelier at Christmas
Pensions reforms have slowed in OECD countries but need to continue, says OECD
Pensions at a Glance 2017 says that public spending on pensions for the OECD as a whole has risen by about 1.5% of GDP since 2000. However, the pace of spending growth is projected to slow substantially.
At the same time, recent reforms will lower the incomes of many future pensioners. People will live longer and to ensure a decent pension would have to postpone the age of retirement.
[Read more…] about Pensions reforms have slowed in OECD countries but need to continue, says OECD
Poverty of ageing Japanese population fuelling “silver crime” wave
Nearly one in four elderly Japanese convicts is reoffending and ending up back behind bars within two years of being released, according to new government figures.
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Yoga reduces falls among the elderly, a study suggests
University of Wisconsin–Madison professor of family medicine Irene Hamrick reports that the number of falls in older adults dropped 48 percent in the 6 months after a yoga class began, compared to the 6 months previous.
Indeed, a study, now online in Complementary Therapies in Medicine, looked at older, rural adults who attended yoga classes in Western Wisconsin.
[Read more…] about Yoga reduces falls among the elderly, a study suggests
Is Norway the best place to get old?
A new barometer has been developed that estimates how countries are adapting to the increases in the number and proportion of elderly people. This Index is composed of specific measures across social and economic indicators that reflect the status and wellbeing of older persons in a country.
The five countries in the index coping best with their aging populations are: Norway, Sweden, the United States, the Netherlands and Japan.
[Read more…] about Is Norway the best place to get old?
New findings suggest a genetic influence on aging into the 90s but not beyond
Variants of a gene thought to be linked to longevity appear to influence aging into the 90s, but do not appear to affect exceptional longevity, or aging over 100, a new study has found. The findings have been published in the Journals of Gerontology: Biological Sciences.
[Read more…] about New findings suggest a genetic influence on aging into the 90s but not beyond
Germany: more and more poor elderly
According to a study on elderly’s financial insecurity published by the DIW (Deutsches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung), poverty among elderly tends to gain ground in Germany.
« This phenom would affect more persons that have been through a long period of unemployement, such as mothers », says Peter Haan, co-author of the study.
World population projected to reach 9.8 billion in 2050, and 11.2 billion in 2100
The current world population of 7.6 billion is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030, 9.8 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion in 2100, according to a new United Nations report being launched this week.
With roughly 83 million people being added to the world’s population every year, the upward trend in population size is expected to continue, even assuming that fertility levels will continue to decline.
[Read more…] about World population projected to reach 9.8 billion in 2050, and 11.2 billion in 2100
What about making your brain younger thanks to cannabis?
Cannabis, and especially its main ingredient THC, is known for its effects on the body and the brain. These effects appear in very different ways, depending on personal features such as age. But surprisingly, teams of researchers at the University of Bonn and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found something surprising thanks to their study : cannabis could make seniors’ brains younger.
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Video games, a second youth for elderly people
Many studies suggest, that using our brain regularly, while playing video games or serious games, allows “to limit the time’s effects”.
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Elevated blood pressure not a high mortality risk for elderly with weak grip
A study of nearly 7,500 Americans age 65 or older suggests that elevated blood pressure is not related to high mortality risk among people in that age group with weak grip strength.
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NIH-funded study of brain training makes TIME “List of top scientific discoveries of the year”
TIME Magazine has selected the impact on dementia of a brain training exercise – developed and tested with funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) – as one of the 100 New Scientific Discoveries of 2016. That exercise is commercially available only in the BrainHQ brain training platform.
China: Post-lunch napping tied to better cognition in elderly
Moderate post-lunch napping is tied to better cognition in older adults, according to a study published online Dec. 20 in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
The objectives were to examine the cross-sectional associations between self-reported postlunch napping and structured cognitive assessments in Chinese older adults.
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Number of older adults in the USA expected to surge, highlighting need for accessible housing and policy improvements
By 2035, more than one in five people in the USA will be aged 65 and older and one in three households will be headed by someone in that age group, according to Projections and Implications for Housing a Growing Population: Older Adults 2015-2035, a report released last week by the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies.
Health at a Glance: Europe 2016 report: State of health in th EU cycle
Health at a Glance: Europe 2016, European Commission/OECD joint report shows that policies that aim at promoting good health and preventing diseases as well as reduce healthcare inequalities between EU members.
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Could natural disasters lead to dementia?
A recent study suggested that natural disasters might lead to higher risks of contracting dementia. It was based on the example of Iwanuma, which was among the Japanese cities most badly affected by the tsunami of 2011, which killed 20 000 people. [Read more…] about Could natural disasters lead to dementia?
Why do elders go missing in China?
1,370 elders go missing every day in China, according to a new report by the Zhongmin Social Assistance Institute. [Read more…] about Why do elders go missing in China?
Australia : Senior Citizens club memberships ebbing could mean increasing isolation for the elderly
In Australia, Senior Citizens clubs have had trouble renewing memberships, a phenomenon likely to increase elderly isolation and thus adverse health effects. [Read more…] about Australia : Senior Citizens club memberships ebbing could mean increasing isolation for the elderly
China : the disturbing trend of elderly suicide
In the last couple of decades, elderly suicide has been on the rise in China. The phenomenon can be linked with the trend of “migrant workers”, young people flocking to big cities to find work and leaving their family behind, including children and the elderly. [Read more…] about China : the disturbing trend of elderly suicide
Alzheimer’s : discover the benefits of the Mediterranean diet
According to many sources, the main ingredients of the Mediterranean diet can help stall the decline of cognitive functions and help stave off Alzheimer’s disease. Better yet, those benefits can be transferred into any other regions on the planet. [Read more…] about Alzheimer’s : discover the benefits of the Mediterranean diet
Live long and prosper : two Japanese and Italian recipes for longevity
Centenarians seem to particularly take to certains regions in the world ; Japanese island Okinawa and Italian village Acciaroli are two of their favourite hideouts. What are the secrets to longevity in these regions? [Read more…] about Live long and prosper : two Japanese and Italian recipes for longevity
Researchers from the University of Missouri develop non-wearable fall-detection sensors
The University of Missouri recently developed a new detection system that does not rely on wearable sensors. It monitors the elderly’s movement patterns, thus allowing medical staff to take proactive action against mobility loss. [Read more…] about Researchers from the University of Missouri develop non-wearable fall-detection sensors
A retirement crisis is looming ahead in Great Britain
Dark times are ahead for retirement funding in Great Britain : a fifth of people aged 55 have been unable to save for retirement up until now, meaning they might not be able to maintain the same quality of life upon retirement, according to a study conducted by LV=. [Read more…] about A retirement crisis is looming ahead in Great Britain
Negative class perceptions drive South Korean seniors to suicide
One out of twenty Korean seniors report having had some kind of suicidal thoughts over the last years ; those macabre thoughts could have everything to do with negative class perceptions, according to a recent study. [Read more…] about Negative class perceptions drive South Korean seniors to suicide
Could 45 be the age of empowerment?
Communications strategy expert Sparkler recently conducted a study on empowerment and modern technologies for Facebook IQ. It found that people aged 45 to 70 may find life more fulfilling than other generations, in more ways than one.
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2016 Global retirement index: adapting retirement systems to changing demographics
The Global retirement index of 2016 was published on July 20th by Natixis Global Asset Management. It takes into account key factors affecting retirement security and is instrumental in comparing best practices regarding public and retirement policies across 43 countries. [Read more…] about 2016 Global retirement index: adapting retirement systems to changing demographics
EU 2080 : 1 out of every 8 persons will be aged above 80 years old
On the occasion of the International Day of Old Persons, EUROSTAT, the official statistics office of the European Union, published its recent demographic indicators on elderly people living in the EU. According to their previsions, in the EU, by 2080, 1 out of every 8 persons will be aged above 80 years old. [Read more…] about EU 2080 : 1 out of every 8 persons will be aged above 80 years old
Does mastering new technologies slow the ageing process down?
According to a study published in the scientific journal Intelligence, the brain of an elderly person who masters new technologies ages slower.
Researchers indeed support the hypothesis that the use of smartphones, tablets or PCs improves the cognitive abilities of aged users.
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Study: the elderly sleep better, especially when exposed to nature
Contrary to popular belief, elder people don’t have any particular trouble sleeping because of their age. The results of a Swiss study from the University of Lausanne actually show that the quality of sleep tends to improve rather than worsen with age.
Another study from America show than men and 65+-year-old people sleep better when they keep in touch with nature.
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Going to church, to the mosque or to the synagogue has a good influence on the mental health of the elderly
According to a study conducted by Dutch and British researchers from Erasmus MC and the London School of Economics, attending a worship place may be a factor for “sustained happiness”.
The World Bank on “Golden Ageing”
The World Bank took a closer look to the ageing phenomenon worldwide, particularly towards Europe and Central Asia where ageing often comes with a demographic shrinking. A report was published to identify and point out the main opportunities and policies contributing to an active, healthy and productive Ageing. [Read more…] about The World Bank on “Golden Ageing”
Polypharmacy and Iatrogenesis: elderly people and their medication
In France, 71% of people aged 50 years old and above take daily mediations; 45.000 people aged 70 years and above have medical prescriptions given by their doctors that exceed 10 different types of medicine per day. In fact, elderly people having several chronic diseases may need various medical prescriptions from different doctors (general practitioner, specialists). However, polypharmacy can cause iatrogenesis risks. [Read more…] about Polypharmacy and Iatrogenesis: elderly people and their medication
Memory loss among the elderly
Recent researches show that memory loss among the elderly is not as severe as we originally thought. Wilma Koutstaal (University of Minnesota) and Alaitz Aizpurua (University of the Basque Country) have studied this topic and revealed some information about the matter.
Hearing loss could lead to depression
Hearing loss can lead to depression, according to a study conducted by researchers at the American National Institute of deafness and other communication troubles.
American study reveals a link between stress and memory loss
A new study conducted by the University of Iowa reveals a possible connection between stress hormones and short term memory loss.
The study was conducted by the American university of Iowa and was published in the “Journal of Neuroscience“. It shows that high levels of cortisol can lead to memory loss as we advance in age. Levels of cortisol increase when we feel stress.
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Part of the human brain stays “young” despite ageing
A part of our brain stays “young” as we age. This is the reveal of a study conducted by American researchers at the University of Adelaide.
Researchers hope that this new discovery on the functioning of the brain will help better understand the evolution of neurodegenerative disorders, and most especially the Alzheimer disorder.
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Internet use reduces elderly depression rates by 30%
According to the results of a study published on “The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences“ spending time on the Internet helps prevent depression among retirees, especially those who live alone.
In the article “Internet Use and Depression Among Retired Older Adults in the United States: A Longitudinal Analysis”, the authors explains that Internet use reduces by 33% the risk of falling into depression . [Read more…] about Internet use reduces elderly depression rates by 30%