Can Accelerometers Detect Real-World Falls?

May 31, 2012

Falls are a major source of disability, morbidity, and mortality. Recent advances in in-home technology, such as new sensor and accelerometer technology, are promising areas for falls reduction and alerts. If such in-home technologies could be used to detect falls in real time, and to report the fall to a remote caregiver or emergency personnel, [...]

Read the full article →

Practice What I Preach

May 31, 2012

Yesterday morning I had a long “to-do” list with several urgent items that had to be completed by the end of the day.  The problem was, my head was pounding, my throat was stinging and my lungs were wheezing.  I woke up feeling sick and tired; how could I accomplish what had to be done? 
I [...]

Read the full article →

Economic Influences on Remarriage & Cohabitation

May 31, 2012

As the US population ages, older adults are the fastest growing age group of people who cohabitate (or live in an unmarried intimate domestic relationship). Despite this, most of the research on cohabitation and remarriage is on younger adults. A recent article in Demography is the first longitudinal, nationally representative study of cohabitation and remarriage [...]

Read the full article →

Building Evidence for the “Village” Model of Aging in Place

May 31, 2012

The so-called “Village” model is a promising approach to aging in place.  Based on Boston’s Beacon Hill Village, which began in 2001, these co-operative, consumer-driven programs have appeared in dozens of areas around the US, primarily in cities. Generally, they are autonomous organizations of older adults who seek to support one another as they attempt [...]

Read the full article →

Stress & Caregiving Among Luo Grandparents in Kenya

May 24, 2012

In many parts of the world, grandparents are increasingly taking primary caregiving roles for their grandchildren. Research suggests that, in the US, grandparents who are primary caregivers for their children experience higher levels of stress and are at elevated risk for illness. Some researchers suggest that one explanation for this is that, in the US, [...]

Read the full article →

Aging & Demographic Change in Chile

May 24, 2012

There is much to say about the global aging of the human population, as life expectancies tend to rise, and fertility rates tend to decline, over most of the world. While this is an international trend, different countries experience this trend in different ways. Looking at how different nations manage demographic change is useful for [...]

Read the full article →

Women & the Meaning of “Age” in Bhubaneswar, India

May 22, 2012

The meaning of “old age” can vary tremendously across time and across cultures, profoundly influencing how we order our lives. It can even vary within communities and families. Anthropologist Usha Menon has conducted long-term ethnographic research on the role of aging in women’s lives in Bhubaneswar, a city famous for its Hindu temples, in the [...]

Read the full article →

Nintendo Wii™ for Balance & Mobility Testing: Strengths & Limitations

May 18, 2012

Research trials and case reports have suggested that the Nintendo Wii™ videogame system might be a useful falls reduction tool. The WiiFit™ has games that seem promising for the development of balance skills, and is increasingly popular for recreation at senior centers, Continuing Care Retirement Communities, and other community settings. Also promising is the Wii’s™ [...]

Read the full article →

Exercise May Reduce Falls Risk Through Cognitive Benefits

May 4, 2012

Research has shown that falls reduction programs that include exercise are most effective at reducing falls risk. It is often assumed that these programs are effective because they improve physical performance, such as greater muscle strength and balance. A team of researchers at the University of British Columbia propose a different explanation for the effectiveness [...]

Read the full article →

This Year’s Cognitive Activity Predicts Next Year’s Cognitive Health

April 26, 2012

Many studies have identified an association between cognitive activity and cognitive function. In other words, people who engage in mentally stimulating activities as they age also tend to maintain their cognitive ability longer. The nature of the relationship between activity and ability, however, remains unclear. Does mental stimulation actually make the brain stronger, or are [...]

Read the full article →

← Previous Entries