Seniors

Online tool helps predict mortality

January 12, 2012

Mortality researchers have developed an online assessment tool that helps clinicians predict mortality for older adults.
 

Childhood emotional abuse linked to sleep problems in seniors, study shows

June 13, 2011

Individuals who endured emotional abuse by their parents as children are more likely to have sleep difficulties in old age, a new study finds.
 

State caregiver matching programs complement CLASS Act, study finds

May 09, 2011

Caregiver matching programs, which help elderly and disabled individuals manage their own home healthcare, are a good fit with various provisions of the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act, according to a new study.
 

More than half of patients hospitalized for medication-related injuries are seniors

April 20, 2011

The number of patients treated in a hospital after a bad reaction to medication grew 52% between 2004 and 2008. More than half of the errors involved seniors over the age of 65, according to data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
 

House Budget leader Ryan touts Medicare reform in 2012 proposal

April 05, 2011

House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan says his proposed 2012 budget would give Medicaid "back to the states" in the form of block grants, and give seniors a list of privately run insurance programs to sign up for instead of the federally funded Medicare program.
 

Researchers: obese seniors need exercise, diet

April 04, 2011

A new study shows those over 65 should continue with diet and exercise, dispelling a traditional belief that weight loss can cause the elderly to lose muscle and bone mass.
 

Seniors may drop antidepressants because of side effects from other drugs, study finds

December 21, 2010

Many American seniors begin taking antidepressants while on medications with contraindications, according to a new study. Because of side effects, many then stop taking the antidepressants.
 

Top 40 Wii seniors bowling teams in the nation named

November 08, 2010

Florida and Pennsylvania seniors make up the top two Wii seniors care bowling teams in the United States, according to officials of the nation's only Wii golfing and bowling national championships for seniors. They identified 40 top teams, which come from 16 states, late last week.
 

Seniors' anger over health reform could affect outcome of midterm elections

October 27, 2010

Frustration over healthcare reform's Medicare cuts is driving seniors to vote and even campaign for politicians opposed to the Obama administration's Medicare cuts, according to news reports.
 

Hospitals with dedicated ERs for seniors look to improve care and prevent readmissions

October 27, 2010

Hospitals in Southeast Michigan have been rolling out new emergency rooms catering exclusively to older adults. Built partly in anticipation of a ballooning senior citizen population in coming years, these hospitals have found that senior ERs lower costs by preventing readmissions.
 

CMS confirms 50% discount for drugs in Medicare Part D coverage gap in 2011

October 01, 2010

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently disclosed that 234 drug manufacturers that sell drugs covered by Medicare Part D have signed a pledge to provide a 50% discount to seniors who fall into the coverage gap, or doughnut hole.
 

Government releases funding to help older adults navigate long-term care

September 28, 2010

Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on Monday said $68 million in grant money is available to help seniors, the disabled and their caregivers better understand options for long-term care.
 

Democrats look to Medicare Part D checks to sway seniors by November

August 17, 2010

Many seniors are still wary of healthcare reform, but Democrats hope some of the new law's provisions will help win over reluctant elders, according to recent reports.
 

Improved Medicare Part D drug coverage leads to rise in antibiotic use, study finds

August 16, 2010

Antibiotic use by seniors has increased as a result of better drug coverage under the Medicare Part D drug program, according to a study by the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health.
 

Seniors confused about new healthcare reform law, survey shows

July 28, 2010

Most seniors are misinformed or simply unaware about new healthcare reforms under the recently passed Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, according to a new survey from the National Council on Aging.
 

Health agencies warn seniors about Medicare Part D rebate scams

July 27, 2010

As another round of $250 Medicare prescription drug rebate checks goes out in the mail, healthcare officials are reminding seniors to be aware of potential scams.
 

For seniors, some exercise is better than none, experts say

July 22, 2010

Keeping seniors moving is vital, and some exercise is better than none at all, according to a recent article.
 

Summer tips for seniors: Stay in air conditioning, drink plenty of water

July 07, 2010

Summer can be dangerous for elderly and frail individuals, who are especially prone to heat-related injuries. But taking certain precautions can reduce these risks.
 

Vermont to seniors: Give me your $250 Medicare Part D checks

June 14, 2010

Many seniors across the country are gearing up to receive $250 reimbursement checks for costs associated with the Medicare Part D coverage gap. But Vermont is telling some seniors to hand that money over to the state.
 

Study uncovers link between elderly falls, and high blood pressure, altered blood flow in brain

May 19, 2010

There may be a connection between high blood pressure and hardened arteries, and an increased risk of falls among seniors, according to a new study.
 

They can dance if they want to: Dance therapy helps reduces falls risk among seniors, study finds

April 19, 2010

Seniors who undergo "dance therapy" typically have improved levels of balance and gait, as well as overall functionality, which helps to reduce their risk of falls, according to new research.
 

Seniors who work longer could be helping to save Medicare, Social Security

April 08, 2010

The growing number of Americans who decide to delay retirement could take some of the financial burden off the two programs, an analysis by a research organization finds.
 

Many seniors will lose the ability to make their own health decisions, research shows

April 05, 2010

Nearly 30% of seniors will eventually need someone else to make healthcare decisions for them, according to a recent report.
 

HHS releases stimulus funds to help seniors fight chronic conditions

April 01, 2010

The Department of Health and Human Services this week released $27 million in stimulus package grants for state programs to help seniors manage chronic conditions.
 

Senior advocacy groups call for rights, protections for LGBT seniors

March 18, 2010

State and federal lawmakers should find a way to legally recognize same-sex elderly couples to extend social supports, financial security and healthcare benefits to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender seniors, a new report contends.
 

National long-term care resource center for GLBT elders to be established

February 18, 2010

Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has disclosed an award of $900,000 for the first-ever national resource center to assist gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender seniors in planning for their long-term care needs.
 

England knows how to swing: Playground for seniors to open this spring

February 16, 2010

Who says kids get to have all the fun? Seniors in London will soon get to enjoy a playground designed specifically for them.
 

Handgrip strength linked to all-cause mortality in study

February 10, 2010

Evaluating the handgrip strength of very old seniors could be an effective way to evaluate risk for death, according to a recently published study.
 

Hispanic seniors experience quality disparity in nursing home care, report finds

January 06, 2010

Hispanic seniors are much more likely to live in nursing homes of "inferior quality" than white older adults, according to a recently released report from Brown University.
 

Senate inching closer to passing bill with CLASS Act in it

December 23, 2009

It appears increasingly likely that proponents of the CLASS Act will have "happy holidays" after all.