New AI model measures how fast the brain ages
"The first-of-its-kind tool can non-invasively track the pace of brain changes using MRI scans; faster brain aging closely correlates with a higher risk of cognitive impairment"
[PROVE IT!] Dating app users of all ages want platforms to verify information
"While consumers rely on dating apps to find romantic partners, the vast majority would like to feel more confident that other users are representing themselves accurately, according to a recent survey report from TransUnion. The survey found that 85% of women and 87% of men believe that dating platforms should verify user information such as age, recency of photos, and location."
[MOVIN’ IN] Senior housing pricing shifts for independent vs assisted living
"Fresh data from the “4Q 2024 NIC MAP Actual Rates Report” reveal a notable shift in how senior housing operators are pricing independent living (IL) and assisted living (AL) properties, as reported in a blog by NIC analyst Omar Zahraoui. As 2024 wrapped up, IL properties pushed rates higher while easing up on discounts, but AL properties took the opposite route—slower rate growth and heavier discounting."
[SMART TIP] Math and reading skills use could prevent cognitive decline with age
"People who use math or reading skills regularly do not experience aging-driven decline in cognitive skills, according to a new longitudinal study. The researchers found that, for most individuals, cognitive skills increased into their forties before declining, and did not drop at all for people with above-average skill usage at work or at home. "
[TYING THE KNOT?] Marriage, age tied to risk for overweight, obesity
"Research to be presented at the European Congress on Obesity 2025 in May shows that being married triples the risk of living with obesity for men, but not for women. The study also found that each year of additional age increased the risk of overweight and obesity in both sexes. "
[HOME ALONE] Retiring abroad may boost some older adults' risk of loneliness
"Many people may consider retiring to a warmer, less expensive country. But retirees who move abroad may be at greater risk of loneliness than those who stay in their home country, according to research published by the American Psychological Association."
One in ten older South Asian immigrants in Canada have hypothyroidism
"Older age, higher dietary intake of fat, and low consumption of fruits and vegetables also associated with higher odds of hypothyroidism."
Herpesviruses may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease via transposable elements
"HSV-1 is associated with Alzheimer’s-associated transposable elements in infected, Alzheimer’s-affected brains, which may be reversed through available drugs"
New frailty measurement tool could help identify vulnerable older adults in epic
"Investigators at Mass General Brigham have developed a tool that can identify older adults at increased risk of emergency healthcare needs, rehospitalization or death"
EpiAge: A new test to measure biological age using saliva or blood
"“Our findings demonstrate that epiAgePublic can effectively estimate biological age with an accuracy comparable to more complex, established epigenetic clocks.”"
Paxlovid’s impact on hospitalization and death in COVID-vaccinated older adults far weaker than previously thought
"Paxlovid does not significantly reduce COVID-19 hospitalization and mortality among vaccinated older adults, according to new UCLA-led research."
Stressful childhood experiences accelerate brain aging
"Early identification and prevention of dementia in later life"
Clinical biomarkers of perioperative neurocognitive disorder: Initiation and recommendation
"PND is a common and serious neurological complication in elderly patients during the perioperative period, significantly affecting postoperative cognitive function. Currently, the diagnosis of PND primarily relies on cognitive function tests, which have limitations due to their subjectivity and time-consuming nature. Therefore, identifying objective and effective biomarkers for PND is crucial for the early identification of high-risk patients and providing a scientific basis for timely intervention and treatment."
Legionnaires’ disease from a lake swim
"Swimming in some lakes with still water can lead to infection with Legionella, bacteria that can cause pneumonia, and people who engage in open water swimming should be aware of this risk, say the authors of a practice article published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) https://www.cmaj.ca/lookup/doi/10.1503/cmaj.241086."
Aging and Disease | Insilico unveils a robotics lab-driven study highlighting TNIK inhibition as a promising anti-aging strategy
"A groundbreaking study led by researchers at Insilico Medicine has revealed the potential of TNIK inhibition as an innovative anti-aging strategy. Using an AI-driven robotics laboratory , the team identified INS018_055 (Rentosertib) —a potent small-molecule TNIK previously developed by Insilico Medicine, which has already advanced into clinical trials for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)—as a highly effective senomorphic agent capable of mitigating cellular senescence. The findings were published in Aging and Disease（IF=7.843). "
U.S. facing critical hospital bed shortage by 2032
"U.S. hospitals are battling unprecedented sustained capacity into 2024, largely driven by a reduction of staffed hospital beds, putting the nation on-track for a hospital bed shortage unless action is taken"
Inflammation and metabolic syndrome linked to benign prostatic hyperplasia
"“Our research results suggest that pro-inflammatory mediators and suppressors of inflammation are involved in the development of BPH, but their exact contribution has yet to be investigated.”"
[DON'T GO IT ALONE] Alzheimer's shared decision-making tool launched
"As part of a national initiative funded by The John A. Hartford Foundation (JAHF), the national, independent nonprofit FAIR Health has launched a new shared decision-making tool for Alzheimer’s disease. Provided at no cost to users, the tool is accompanied by an educational healthcare cost tool and resources such as printable checklists and links to websites and organizations that offer additional information and resources. "
[LOG ON] Digital program cuts fall risk, boosts strength in older adults
"Researchers at University of California San Diego have reported promising results from a study evaluating the university’s “Strong Foundations” program, a digitally delivered fall-prevention initiative for older adults. The findings emphasize the program’s effectiveness in improving posture, balance and strength — key factors in reducing fall risk."
[LET ME IN] Entrance fee CCRCs show higher occupancy than rentals
"NIC recently published a blog post on continuing care retirement community (CCRC) performance in the 4th quarter of 2024, comparing entrance fee vs rental CCRCs. The findings are the result of a recent analysis of 571 entrance fee and 488 rental CCRCs in the 99 NIC MAP primary and secondary markets. "
[LIGHT ON] Blue light therapy boosts sleep quality, daily activity
"Blue-enriched light can improve sleep quality and daily activity in older adults living at home, according to a study from the University of Surrey, United Kingdom. Researchers found that this type of light therapy led to greater daytime activity, earlier bedtimes, regular sleep patterns and improved sleep quality, offering a promising, non-pharmacological approach to address age-related sleep challenges."
[UNREAL!] Movies, TV show stereotypes of aging, not reality
"Adults ages 50 and over have significant buying power, so the entertainment industry should listen up when the older population is unhappy with how they’re being represented in movies and TV. That’s the message of a recent AARP survey, “Breaking Stereotypes: The Push for Real Representation of older adults in Movies and Television.” "
