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Geriatric palliative care news

How quickly older adults can take a step may predict longevity

Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) have found that how quickly an older adult can execute a voluntary step—especially when distracted (concurrently performed cognitive task)—may serve as a valuable ...

Pet visits bring 'a small moment of home' to long-term care, study finds

Residents in an Edmonton long-term care home are getting regular visits from therapy dogs this summer, thanks to a pilot project designed by University of Alberta nursing researcher Brittany DeGraves. The project builds on ...

Dementia care: Re‑envisioning the role of music

As a certified music therapist, I have observed firsthand the many ways music can bring meaning and beauty into people's lives, even under very difficult circumstances. Much of my clinical work and research has occurred in ...

At 85 and healthy? Why more medicine may do more harm

When a patient has made it to 85 years old in reasonable health, their instinct—and often their physician's—is to redouble prevention efforts, optimize every number and close every gap. I want to argue the opposite.

Statin use linked to lower risk of frailty in older veterans

Researchers at Mass General Brigham have demonstrated that older U.S. veterans who initiated statin therapy were significantly less likely to develop frailty over time, suggesting that the cholesterol-lowering medications ...

Life after work: Why social connections matter

Social networks may help protect cognitive functioning in later life, particularly among older adults who are no longer working, according to a new IIASA-led study. Drawing on data from 27 European countries, the researchers ...

How hospital admission affects persons with dementia

Dementia makes most things in life more difficult, including hospital care. Though often essential for patients with severe acute illness, hospital care can be confusing for persons with dementia (PWD). Compared with older ...

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 ...