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Geriatric palliative care news

Annual frailty screening recommended for the over 65s

A new framework to prevent and manage frailty in older Australians has been developed in a national project led by University of Queensland researchers. The Australian Consensus Statements are recommendations designed in ...

In older adults, adding whey protein doesn't make more muscle

Packing in the protein is all the rage. From cereal to pasta to nacho chips and more, food manufacturers are trying to get as much of the stuff into their products as possible, and one of the benefits they tout is that protein ...

Why supplements aren't a shortcut to healthy aging

The use of dietary supplements has increased sharply in recent years. Vitamins, minerals and other nutritional products are often marketed as simple ways to boost energy, support immunity, protect brain health or even promote ...

Research reshapes the complexity of aging

A study highlighting key advances in the complexity of aging has been published in Science Advances. The work is titled "The longevity effects of reduced IGF-1 signaling depend on the stability of the mitochondrial genome."

Aging well in a digital world

As Australia and the world face rapidly aging populations, technology is increasingly promoted as the answer to helping older people live safely, independently and well—but experts warn that innovation alone is not enough.

Study finds major gaps in dementia care across Mississippi

Some 80% of Mississippi counties have no adult day service centers, and even counties that do have centers cannot meet the needs of people with dementia and their caregivers, a new University of Mississippi-led study indicates. ...

Novel in-hospital screening method detects cognitive issues

More than 40% of older people admitted to U.S. hospitals have dementia, yet only half of them have been diagnosed with memory and cognitive difficulty. Cedars-Sinai Health Sciences University investigators have developed ...

Choosing safer diabetes medications for older adults

Older adults with type 2 diabetes face a difficult trade-off: they are among the most vulnerable to medication-related harms yet are often underrepresented in the clinical trials that guide treatment decisions. A new study ...

Voting is linked to living longer

A new study co-authored by Femida Handy of the School of Social Policy & Practice at the University of Pennsylvania finds that, among older adults, voting predicts a lower risk of mortality for up to 15 years.

Oldest-living dogs reveal potential key to fighting frailty

Frailty threatens older individuals because it increases their vulnerability to detrimental health outcomes, such as falling, longer hospitalization, or even shortened life expectancy. New research exploring the linkage between ...

When a hearing aid isn't enough

Hearing loss among older adults remains vastly undertreated. Federal epidemiologists have estimated that it affects about one in five people ages 65 to 74 and more than half of those over 75.

Bucket list wishes can make final days meaningful

Whether it's taking a trip to Disneyland or sharing a meal with a loved one, fulfilling a "bucket list" wish near the end of life offers more than fleeting joy. A new study from The University of Texas at Arlington finds ...

Teaching end-of-life care: Q&A with professor of medicine

Every year, thousands of families sit in hospital rooms hearing words no one wants to hear: "We have done everything we can." What happens next, whether doctors stay engaged or step away, can transform one of life's most ...

The brain may not be a muscle, but it still needs exercise

As we age, keeping our bodies active helps us stay healthier for longer and protects against chronic disease. We can also exercise our brains to prevent age-related mental decline with activities like reading aloud, writing ...

End of life care study reveals gaps in palliative care access

A new study from Swansea University, U.K., using population-scale data, has revealed insights into how people use health and care services in their final year of life and highlights the need for better identification and ...