More articles about: Geriatrics
Health Lab
LGBTQ+ people over 50 face more aging-related challenges
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and other sexual and gender minority adults over 50 have higher rates of mental health, disability, social isolation and health care access issues, though they also may have more connections than before to non-LGBTQ+ people in their age group.
Health Lab
Michigan’s a great place to grow older, say those doing it
Michigan residents over 50 mostly feel that it’s a good or great state to grow old in, but some measures were rated lower by those who are Black, disabled, Northern, or had low incomes or major physical or mental health concerns.
Minding Memory
The Impact of Social Isolation and Loneliness on Cognitive Health
In this episode we're going to discuss a topic that's increasingly recognized as central to cognitive health and social connection. We'll define what it is and what happens when it's missing. Social isolation and loneliness are now widely discussed as public health concerns, and evidence has really mounted that social disconnection has profound effects on health, including cognitive decline and dementia risk. To help us think through this, we're joined by Dr. Ashwin Kotwal, a geriatrician and health services researcher at UCSF and the director of the Social Connections and Aging Lab. His work examines how social relationships shape aging related outcomes, including cognitive health, disability, and mortality.
Minding Memory
Convoys of Caregiving: Arab American Families Living with Dementia
In this episode, Matt & Lauren speak with Kristine Ajrouch, PhD - a new member of our CAPRA leadership team. Kristine is a Research Professor at the Institute for Social Research whose work focuses on aging, health, immigration and family in the United Statues and the Middle East; social networks over the life course; and Arab American identity and well-being.
Kristine discusses a recent article that examined an intervention to improve outcomes among Arab American caregivers who provide care to a family member living with dementia. She also shares what this work teaches us about caregiving as a family system rather than the responsibility of a single individual.
Health Lab
Caregiving without a net: Poll shows who needs help most
1 in 3 people over 50 act as caregivers to adult family members or friends, but a sizable percentage don't feel like they have the support they need, or don't know about or use programs like adult day care or respite care that could help them.
Health Lab
Pets can help older adults’ health and well being, but may strain budgets too
Having a dog, cat or other pet can help older adults stay active and maintain a sense of purpose, but pet-related costs may increasingly strain their budgets, a new poll suggests.
Health Lab
Why aren’t more older adults getting flu or COVID-19 shots?
Many older adults who didn’t get updated flu and COVID-19 vaccines say they thought they didn’t need the shots, despite strong evidence that they reduce the risk of severe illness in this age group.
Health Lab
Missing Medicare data alters hospital penalties, study finds
The Hospital Readmission Reduction Program may inadvertently penalize hospitals that serve high percentages of Medicare Advantage enrollees, costing millions of dollars in financial.
Health Lab
With telehealth coverage on the brink, study shows it hasn’t driven up total visits
Telehealth coverage under Medicare hasn’t led to an increase in total visits since 2020, but different medical specialties, especially mental health, have different rates of use.
Health Lab
9 easy New Year’s resolutions for people over 50
Findings from the National Poll on Healthy Aging suggest 9 things that people over 50 can resolve to do in the new year.
Health Lab Podcast
Talking end-of-life planning at the holidays
It may seem odd to talk about end-of-life planning at this time of year. But seizing the opportunity while the family is together can save heartaches and misunderstanding later.
Health Lab
Want to curb cannabis-related crashes? Don’t forget older adults
Cannabis use before driving can increase crash risks. A new study of people over 50 looks at who is most likely to use marijuana within two hours of driving.
Health Lab
How can nursing homes protect more patients from infections?
Nursing home infection prevention and control is the subject of a new national guideline that includes MDRO “superbug” precautions, PPE, antibiotic stewardship and more.
Health Lab
Americans are unprepared for the expensive and complex process of aging
A Michigan Medicine geriatrician explains how Americans can prepare to age well.
Health Lab
Most older drivers don't think about the road ahead, poll suggests
Most people over 65 drive at least weekly and are confident they can drive safely, but most aren’t aware they can plan ahead for a time when it’s no longer safe for them to drive.
