Gerontology

Alzheimer’s might not be primarily a brain disease. A new theory suggests it’s an autoimmune condition

The pursuit of a cure for Alzheimer’s disease is becoming an increasingly competitive and contentious quest with recent years witnessing several important controversies. A new theory of Alzheimer’s disease reassesses the role of … READ MORE

Long-term positive impacts and cost effectiveness of REACT for over 65s

The ‘REtirement in ACTion’ programme helps prevent physical decline, reduces the need for health care and is highly cost-effective for those in later life. REACT participants from the Easton group in Bristol. Alex Rotas photo Andy … READ MORE

Warehousing disabled people in long-term care homes needs to stop

Instead, nationalize home care. The failures in both private and publicly funded long-term care (LTC) homes in Canada have led to 15,000 COVID-19 deaths. Calls to reform LTC through nationalization have become widespread, garnering … READ MORE

How technology can help people with disabilities become more independent

The state is really doing a wonderful thing, doing that… You don’t understand how it really actually feels to feel brand new. This here is brand new. This is lovely. – David Slack, who is living in his own house with the … READ MORE

New approach provides potential vaccine and treatment for Alzheimer’s

A promising new approach to potentially treat Alzheimer’s disease – and also vaccinate against it – has been developed by a team of UK and German scientists. The work is a collaboration between researchers at the University of … READ MORE

How to design personalized and meaningful technology for older adults

Marjolein den Haan-Wintermans defends her PhD on ideas to help seniors relax and make sense of their day. More and more research suggests framing ageing positively rather than focusing on problems. In her PhD research on the … READ MORE

Student designs smart mobility aid for people with dementia

According to Alzheimer’s Research UK, one million people in the UK will have dementia by 2025 and this will increase to two million by 2050. This increase is a real concern, especially as the care system is already under strain. … READ MORE

5-minute breathing workout lowers blood pressure as much as exercise, drugs

Working out just five minutes daily via a practice described as “strength training for your breathing muscles” lowers blood pressure and improves some measures of vascular health as well as, or even more than, aerobic exercise or … READ MORE

Back to basics: Simple exercises are a practical, efficient way to boost fitness

Kinesiologist Marty Gibala is the lead author on research that shows that simple, old-school bodyweight exercises —no special equipment needed — can boost cardiorespiratory fitness. Georgia Kirkosn McMaster University By Michelle … READ MORE

Bursts of exercise can lead to significant improvements in indicators of metabolic health

Short bursts of physical exercise induce changes in the body’s levels of metabolites that correlate to, and may help gauge, an individual’s cardiometabolic, cardiovascular and long-term health, a study by Massachusetts General … READ MORE

Standing frame intervention improves life for people with MS

John Kendrick, from Sparkwell, near Plymouth, has progressive multiple sclerosis, and never thought he’d be able to walk any distance again. Now, thanks to taking part in a clinical trial at the University of Plymouth, he can … READ MORE

Coach says 96-year-old ‘crushing it’ every week in CrossFit class

Retired doctor needed to build strength after stroke 2 years ago. 96-year-old Bill Mason doing deadlifts at his Prime Time CrossFit class. Sarah Keaveny Vos CBC Sarah Keaveny Vos, CBC News PEI October 23, 2020 Dr. Bill Mason … READ MORE

High intensity training best for older people

Five years of high-intensity interval training increased quality of life, improved fitness and might very well have extended the lives of participants in the Generation 100 study. High intensity interval training is really hard work, … READ MORE

Program involving community volunteers shows promise for reducing health care use by seniors

Incorporating community volunteers into the health care system shows promise in reducing health care usage by older adults and shifting health care from hospitals to primary care, according to new research in the Canadian Medical … READ MORE

SFU researchers working to improve quality of life for seniors in long-term care

The team looked at how to better protect older adults from hip fractures caused by falls. Hip protectors were worn in over 70 per cent of falls, and halved the risk for hip fracture. Injury Prevention and Mobility Laboratory IPML, … READ MORE

Physical activity of older people requires tailored monitoring

The ability to move about may deteriorate when ageing, a phenomenon which needs to be considered when assessing physical activity in older people. A study on active ageing at the University of Jyväskylä examined movement that … READ MORE

Keep moving to prevent major mobility disability

Nordic walking on a trail. Yale University News HIA Guest Blog, Health in Aging June 9, 2020 Having trouble getting around on your own—such as difficulty walking, climbing steps, or being able to get in and out of a chair—can … READ MORE

UBC Okanagan research shows strength training is effective

Physical exercise may not be top of mind for older adults during the COVID-19 outbreak. But according to one UBC Okanagan researcher, strength training can be an effective way to stay healthy while at home. Jennifer Jakobi, professor … READ MORE

Keep your bones strong at every age

Falling may be painful, especially if the landing is less than graceful. Even a few steps out the front door can carry with them the risk of falling. After fifty years. Amsterdam, Netherlands 28 September 2016 Wikimedia Commons CC0 … READ MORE

New studies refute claims of fall prevention with AFO bracing

In 2011, a new custom ankle foot orthotic (AFO) brace, herein referred to as the Moore Balance Brace, was introduced to the podiatric community. From the outset, the Moore Balance Brace was marketed and promoted to prevent falls in … READ MORE

Walking slower and pausing for rest may enable older adults to maintain outdoor mobility

When functional ability declines, changing the way of walking by, for instance, walking slower, pausing for rest or using walking aids, can facilitate older adults’ outdoor mobility. These were the findings of a study conducted at … READ MORE

Slower walking speed may predict future mobility problems

Being able to walk outside for several blocks at a leisurely pace plays an important role in living a vibrant, healthy life. Walking short distances allows you to get the physical activity you need, live independently, go shopping, … READ MORE

I wrote the book on user-friendly design. What I see today horrifies me

The world is designed against the elderly, writes Don Norman, 83-year-old author of the industry bible Design of Everyday Things and a former Apple VP. Design of Everyday Things, Don Norman. Kristian Guevara By Don Norman, Fast … READ MORE

Alberta Seniors programs and services 2019

This Guide is designed to help seniors and their families stay informed about the assistance available to seniors in our province, through programs such as the Alberta Seniors Benefit. This important program provides a monthly cash … READ MORE

How does helping people affect your brain?

Study shows neurobiological effects of providing support to others. Both younger and older participants in the Intergenerational Care Project have expressed excitement and joy at being able to interact with each other. Griffith … READ MORE

Walking frame could keep older adults active

A robotic walking frame that could help older people recover more quickly after a fall or injury, reducing the length of time they need to stay in hospital, is being developed in partnership with researchers at Northumbria University, … READ MORE

Robots as tools and partners in rehabilitation

Why trust should play a crucial part in the development of intelligent machines for medical therapies. A robot congratulates a patient for correctly sorting the colored beakers. Shelly Levy-Tzedek University of Freiburg 17 August 2018 … READ MORE

We’re on our own: Home health care workers report inadequate support from employers

Home health care work is not only physically demanding, but also emotionally taxing. Last station nursing home. Ulrich Joho photo, November 7, 2009. Flickr City University of New York September 4, 2018 Home care workers do an … READ MORE

Eligibility and application for AADL benefits

Learn about eligibility requirements for Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) and how to apply for and access benefits. Cost sharing of benefits The Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) program helps Albertans with a long-term … READ MORE

In chronic disease care, family helpers are key, but feel left out

Physicians and policymakers should consider those family and friends who aren’t quite caregivers — but are definitely health supporters — in chronic disease care, a new study finds. Kara Gavin, Michigan Health Lab January 12, … READ MORE

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