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Geriatric palliative care news

Online medical misinformation is scarce, but older adults see most of it

Even as misinformation proliferates across the Internet, sites containing low-credibility health information remain relatively scarce and unseen.

Commonly used drugs could help prevent delirium after surgery

A new study has found that several commonly used drugs could significantly reduce the risk of delirium in older people following surgery. Delirium—a sudden state of confusion and memory problems—affects around one in ...

Smart vest to prevent hypothermia deaths in elderly

Scientists have developed a smart textile vest which can monitor body temperature and detect risk of hypothermia in older people. The technology aims to mitigate the increased risk that elderly people face due to losing body ...

Study shows that key protein can slow aging

The United States is a rapidly aging country. By the year 2050, nearly 1 in 4 Americans will be 65 or older, and many will live into their 90s and beyond. This leads to health care and social support concerns and also begs ...

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 ...