With a little help from their friends: Poll shows role of close friendships in older adults’ health
"Most people over 50 have at least one close friend, and feel able to discuss health with them – but gaps seen for those in worse physical or mental health"
Alzheimer’s disease: Insights into pathology, molecular mechanisms, and therapy
"Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia, characterized by the accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Genetic predispositions, aging, systemic inflammation, and lifestyle factors contribute to its development. The disease progresses over 15-20 years, from initial amyloid pathology to overt dementia. Early intervention is crucial, and biomarkers in blood are essential for early diagnosis and personalized treatment. Recent advances in biomarker research and the FDA approval of anti-Aβ monoclonal antibodies offer hope for better management and treatment."
Good news for seniors: Study finds antibiotics not linked to dementia
"For healthy older adults, using antibiotics is not associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment or dementia, according to a study published in the December 18, 2024, online issue of Neurology®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology."
Societal inequality linked to reduced brain health in aging and dementia
"Researchers from Trinity College Dublin have collaborated with international partners to explore if societal inequality affects our brain. Their research paper is published in Nature Aging today, [Friday, December 27th] by an international team of researchers from the Multipartner Consortium to expand dementia research in Latin America (ReDLat), the Latin American Brain Health Institute (BrainLat), the GIobal Brain Health Institute (GBHI) at Trinity College Dublin, and other centres across the globe. The study reveals a direct link between structural inequality—such as socioeconomic disparities measured by a country-level index (GINI)—and changes in brain structure and connectivity associated with aging and dementia. "
Singapore ranks 10th globally in readiness for a rapidly ageing society: Study by NUS and Columbia University
"Singapore has been ranked among the world’s top 10 nations - and first in Asia – for its readiness to address the challenges and leverage the opportunities of an ageing population, according to a recent study conducted by researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Columbia University. Switzerland tops the rankings, with Japan ranking 15th globally and second in Asia, while USA ranks 24th."
It is time to care for people at home, not in hallways
"New campaign calls on government to invest in millions more hours of home care for Ontarians"
["JOINT" VENTURE] Hinge Health partners with Amazon to curb musculoskeletal pain
"Hinge Health, San Francisco, California, recently collaborated with Amazon Health Services to feature the company's musculoskeletal (MSK) care platform on Amazon.com. Hinge Health is the first digital MSK platform to join Amazon Health Services’ offering that aims to help people enroll in digital health programs available through their employer or health plan at no additional cost. "
[BYE, BYE IRON MAN] Specific nutrients can curb brain-altering iron buildup
"This study evaluated longitudinal brain iron accumulation in older adults, its association with cognition, and the role of specific nutrients in mitigating iron accumulation. "
[STAY CONNECTED] Community-building key to women's socialization
"A recent AARP study found that, on average, women 60-plus have 13 social connections, and that creating and maintaining relationships is a priority for this age group. Most of those surveyed relied on text messaging weekly or more often (81%), while others made it a priority to talk over the phone (62%), connect through social media (60%), or meet in person (59%). About half communicated via email, and some used Facetime or other video chat platforms. "
[GRANTED!] JAHF funds dementia care, caregiver support, advocacy projects
"The John A. Hartford Foundation Board of Trustees recently approved new grants totaling $5,047,896 to promote dementia care, support family caregivers, and develop leadership and advocacy to meet the needs of an increasingly diverse aging population. The grantees include:"
[BETTER THAN EVER] Age-related declines slowing among older adults
"A recent study revealed significant improvements in the health of older adults in England when compared to previous generations. Rather than considering health by the presence or absence of disease, the study, applied a new approach that examined trends in people’s functioning – i.e., their cognitive, locomotor, psychological, and sensory capacities."
[QUICK MOVES] 4 minutes of daily vigorous activity tied to lower heart risks in women
"An average of four minutes of incidental vigorous physical activity a day could almost halve the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attacks for middle-aged women who do not engage in structured exercise, a recent study suggests. High-intensity physical activity that forms part of a daily routine is known as “vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity”(VILPA). Longer sessions of VILPA were linked to significantly lower cardiovascular disease risk. The researchers say that, given fewer than 20% of middle-aged or older adults engage in regular structured exercise, engaging in VILPA could be a good alternative. "
[EATING RIGHT?] 2025 US Dietary Guidelines released for comment
"The 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s Scientific Report has been submitted to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), and is now available for comment online. The report contains the committee’s evidence-based findings and advice to the secretaries of HHS and USDA, which will help inform the two departments as they work together to develop the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030."
[BREATHE WELL, THINK WELL ] Cardiorespiratory fitness tied to cognitive health
"Higher cardiorespiratory fitness in older age is linked to the preservation of several core aspects of cognitive ability that are vulnerable to age-related decline, a recent study revealed -- and this association holds true irrespective of key risk factors for cognitive decline, such as age and carriage of the high-risk APOE4 gene."
[NEVER STOP LEARNING] University retirement community planned for Maryland
"Goucher College and Edenwald Senior Living recently announced plans for the first university retirement community (URC) in Maryland, combining lifelong learning and programming from a college with the residences, services, and amenities of a life plan community, all on a shared campus. Goucher will offer educational and cultural activities for all current and new Edenwald residents, including the ability to participate in international study abroad programs, audit Goucher College classes, and collaborate in a cooperative community garden. Edenwald residents will also have access to other amenities on the Goucher College campus, including use of the library and attending performing arts events."
[WHAT'S NEXT?] New hub supports Canadians experiencing loss
"Navigating a death and knowing what to do when someone dies can be one of the hardest things anyone will ever experience and, since it is a priority for the Government of Canada to help Canadians deal with major life events, Employment and Social Development Canada recently introduced a portal to help Canadians deal with the difficult circumstances surrounding death."
VEOZAH® (fezolinetant film-coated tablets) receives Health Canada approval as first and only non-hormonal treatment for vasomotor symptoms (VMS) associated with menopause
"New treatment option helps fill unmet need for women experiencing hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause"
New review highlights that daily coffee consumption can add up to two extra years of healthy aging to your life
"A new review paper review paper1 published in Ageing Research Reviews and supported by the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC) explores the science behind coffee’s relationship with healthy aging. "
Unlocking the aging brain's potential while navigating in the dark: A new research by Reichman University shows cognition improvement by using an innovative mobile app
"A multi-sensory digital treatment protocol, incorporating sensory integration, sensory substitution, and sensory masking (e.g., blindfolding), significantly improved participants’ performance on spatial memory tasks. Resting-state fMRI analysis showed that these improvements were associated with enhanced connectivity between memory-related brain regions, executive frontal areas, and the default mode network (DMN). This protocol holds promise for mitigating the effects of age-related cognitive decline, potentially supporting healthier aging and longevity by improving brain connectivity in both healthy individuals and patients with mild cognitive impairments (MCI) or Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)."
Vivacity: Vancouver to host groundbreaking medical aesthetics & healthy aging consumer show
"Vivacity, presented by Beautifi, is the first consumer-focused event celebrating advancements in medical aesthetics and healthy aging. The event will debut in Vancouver from September 19-21, 2025, at the Vancouver Convention Centre West, with a second show planned for Toronto in Spring 2026."
Unlocking the aging brain's potential while navigating in the dark: A new research by Reichman University shows cognition improvement by using an innovative mobile app
"A multi-sensory digital treatment protocol, incorporating sensory integration, sensory substitution, and sensory masking (e.g., blindfolding), significantly improved participants’ performance on spatial memory tasks. Resting-state fMRI analysis showed that these improvements were associated with enhanced connectivity between memory-related brain regions, executive frontal areas, and the default mode network (DMN). This protocol holds promise for mitigating the effects of age-related cognitive decline, potentially supporting healthier aging and longevity by improving brain connectivity in both healthy individuals and patients with mild cognitive impairments (MCI) or Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)."
Sleep deprivation in dementia: Heart disease, diabetes, anxiety, and thyroid disorders
"Sleep disturbances are a significant concern in individuals with dementia, affecting their overall health and quality of life, as well as that of their family members and caregivers.”"
UCLA professor Helen Lavretsky reshapes brain health through integrative medicine research
"Leading geriatric psychiatrist shares transformative journey and vision in exclusive Genomic Press Interview series"
Empowering older adults with home-care robots
"Researchers assess factors influencing willingness to use home-care robots among caregivers and older adults in Japan, Ireland, and Finland"
AGE-WELL announces new research projects to support healthy aging for Canadians
"Following a competitive, nationwide call for proposals, AGE-WELL is pleased to announce funding for nine cutting-edge research projects through its 2024 AgeTech Advance: Healthy Aging Research Program (HARP), aimed at advancing the development and application of technology-enabled solutions that support healthy aging."
Aging myths challenged: Elderly more risk-tolerant and resistant to manipulative choices
"Older adults are more inclined toward risk-taking than previously believed, and they also demonstrate an inherent ability to resist manipulation effectively, according to a study conducted by SWPS University researchers that challenges prevailing myths about this age group."
Living in a disadvantaged neighborhood linked to higher blood pressure and lower cognition
Active Aging Leading, connecting and defining the active aging industry since 2001. ICAA provides world class information, education, resources and tools to help health and wellness professionals be more successful with their clients age 50 plus
National Center to Reframe Aging Partners with the National Rural Health Association to enhance age-friendly care in rural communities
"The National Center to Reframe Aging — which provides expertise in effective communication strategies surrounding aging issues — has established a new strategic partnership with the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) through the National Rural Age-Friendly Initiative, a program focused on transforming age-friendly care in rural communities."
Mednow and Integracare Inc. partner to enhance home healthcare for aging Canadians
"Canada's premier digital health and pharmacy platform, and Integracare Inc., a market leader in private home healthcare services, are pleased to announce a partnership aimed at addressing one of Canada's most pressing healthcare challenges: supporting Seniors in aging safely and comfortably at home."
Email reminders improved flu shot rates in Denmark, notably among heart attack survivors
"American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2024, Late-Breaking Science Abstract 4171521"
Government of Canada signs two bilateral agreements with Newfoundland and Labrador, providing $25 million to Home Support Workers
"Agreements will increase wages for home support workers, and improve access to and affordability of drugs for rare diseases"
Baycrest launches innovative free tool to empower Canadian caregivers
"Baycrest today announced the launch of the Canadian Caregiver Assessment and Resource Tool (C-CART), a free online tool available 24/7 to help caregivers access the resources, services, education and guidance they need wherever they are located with ease. C-CART is Baycrest's response to the significant and escalating challenges faced by the growing number of caregivers of all ages such as isolation, emotional burnout and financial stress, that are not currently addressed by the Canadian healthcare system."
Developing an evaluation scale to predict the risk of requiring long-term care based on three simple physical performance tests
"Decline in physical performance is a major factor in the onset of the need for long-term care among older adults. In Japan, physical performance tests are being promoted by local governments to motivate older adults to maintain and improve their physical performance; these tests also help governments evaluate the effectiveness of their long-term care prevention programs. The timed up and go test, the chair sit-to-stand test, and the single-leg balance test have been adopted nationwide to effectively predict the need for long-term care among older adults; however, these tests are assessed individually, and no comprehensive assessment method has been proposed for use among Japanese older adults."
Validating an electronic frailty index in a national health system
Active Aging Leading, connecting and defining the active aging industry since 2001. ICAA provides world class information, education, resources and tools to help health and wellness professionals be more successful with their clients age 50 plus
25-year study reveals key factors in healthy brain aging and cognitive performance
"Landmark Scottish research tracks cognitive changes from age 11 to 82, offering unprecedented insights into lifetime brain health"
