Author Archives: support

Evening Exercise Linked to Improved Sleep – Findings from Otago Study

While vigorous exercise close to bedtime is traditionally advised against, recent research from the University of Otago suggests that light, brief activities can enhance sleep quality. This groundbreaking study, showcased in the BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine and backed by the Health Research Council, involved participants in two evening sessions. Each session lasted four hours, during which participants either sat continuously or had their sitting punctuated by three-minute activity breaks every half hour. The findings indicated a significant improvement in sleep duration—participants who engaged in these intermittent activity breaks slept an additional 30 minutes.

Jennifer Gale, a PhD candidate at the Department of Human Nutrition and the study’s lead author, highlights the well-documented risks of prolonged sitting. These include heightened chances of developing diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and even premature death. Gale points out that many people’s typical evening routine involves extended periods of sitting, often exacerbated at home. Previous research by the team demonstrated that short bouts of exercise, lasting just two to three minutes every half hour, can notably decrease blood sugar and fat levels post-meal.

However, conventional sleep guidelines have consistently advised against engaging in prolonged or intense exercise before bedtime due to potential disruptions in sleep quality. The curiosity of the research team led by Gale and primary investigator Dr Meredith Peddie, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Human Nutrition, was piqued by what effects minimal yet repeated light exercises throughout the evening might have. The exercise regimen they tested included chair squats, calf raises, and standing knee raises with straight leg hip extensions—simple exercises that require no special equipment and can be performed in a small space without disrupting one’s evening leisure activities, like watching television.

Dr Peddie explains that these exercises were selected for their practicality and ease of integration into evening routines. The study suggests that even less structured physical activities, such as walking around the house, marching in place, or dancing, could yield similar benefits. The critical factor is regularly breaking up long periods of sitting with movement.

The significance of these findings extends beyond merely improving sleep duration. Insufficient sleep has been linked to adverse dietary habits and increased risks of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. While it is well-known that higher levels of daytime physical activity are associated with better sleep, current guidelines discourage strenuous exercise before bedtime as it can raise body temperature and heart rate, which may lead to poor sleep quality.

Dr Peddie advocates for reevaluating these guidelines based on their study’s results, suggesting that interrupting prolonged sitting with frequent, light-intensity exercise could be a viable public health strategy. This study challenges existing perceptions about evening physical activity and sleep and opens new avenues for enhancing health through manageable lifestyle adjustments.

More information: Jennifer T Gale et al, Evening regular activity breaks extend subsequent free-living sleep time in healthy adults: a randomised crossover trial, BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2023-001774

Journal information: BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine Provided by University of Otago

Diminished Senses May Affect Mental Well-being and Isolation in Older Adults

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Most individuals, including up to 94% of adults in the U.S., will experience some degree of sensory decline as they age, which often manifests as the need to strain one’s eyes at screens, a desire for more intensely flavoured foods, and frequent mishearing in conversations. Researchers at the University of Chicago Medicine are delving into how these sensory deteriorations extend beyond mere annoyances, potentially exacerbating mental health issues among the elderly.

Dr Jayant Pinto, an expert in olfactory dysfunction at UChicago Medicine, explains the impact of sensory decline on experiencing the world. The inability to clearly hear friends during dinner or fully engage with one’s surroundings can compound cognitive burdens, which, over time, may lead to significant mental health challenges. In collaboration with Alexander Wang, a medical student, Dr. Pinto has led research focusing on the prevalence and effects of sensory impairments in older adults. Their findings indicate that sensory disabilities are linked to poorer mental health, with varying types of sensory impairments affecting different mental health aspects.

Their study utilised data from the National Social Life, Health & Aging Project, which followed nearly 4,000 older adults over a decade. The analysis showed that individuals with impairments in multiple senses felt lonelier and reported worse mental health overall. Those with impairments in all three studied senses—vision, hearing, and smell—were more prone to frequent depressive episodes. Notably, vision impairment was most strongly correlated with both loneliness and poor self-rated mental health.

Despite ongoing research into how all five senses affect individuals, the UChicago team has already identified direct ways sensory decline fosters loneliness, sadness, and boredom. Vision impairments can restrict people’s ability to leave their homes or recognise faces while hearing loss can render conversations difficult and unsatisfying. Similarly, a diminished sense of smell can lessen the joy found in familiar aromas, such as a favourite meal or a loved one’s perfume, and affect the perception of pheromones that influence social interactions.

Interestingly, the study highlighted that hearing and vision impairments were associated with more significant impacts on mental health compared to olfactory impairments, a fact that Wang attributes to the more substantial stigma surrounding hearing and vision loss. This reflection on social stigma’s role in mental health has led the researchers to stress the importance of mental health services access and increasing awareness of sensory loss’s mental distress connection.

As society ages, supporting older adults becomes a shared responsibility. Dr. Pinto points out that alleviating the day-to-day challenges faced by seniors can significantly improve their lives, productivity, and quality of life. This support can come from personal levels, such as family members adapting their communication methods and societal levels through public policies and community programs that enhance accessibility.

Moreover, numerous technologies and medical treatments are available to help mitigate sensory impairments. For hearing loss, options include cochlear implants and hearing aids, which may also slow cognitive decline. For vision loss, treatments range from eyeglasses and contact lenses to cataract and LASIK surgery, complemented by aids like text-to-speech software. Even for olfactory issues, interventions like reducing sinus inflammation or smell training exercises can be effective.

By choosing to use the term “disability” in their research, the UChicago team aims to emphasise the significant impact of sensory impairments on individuals’ lives and align with efforts to destigmatise these conditions. Wang hopes that framing the data in this manner will encourage healthcare providers to shift from a Medical Model of Disability, which views disability as a deficiency needing correction, to a Social Model, which sees disability as part of an identity shaped by societal accessibility and accommodations.

This research underscores the need for comprehensive, compassionate care that addresses medical, social, and environmental barriers, enhancing support for older adults to maintain their independence and mental health.

More information: Alexander Z. Wang et al, Types of sensory disability are differentially associated with mental health in older US adults over time, Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. DOI: 10.1111/jgs.19056

Journal information: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society Provided by University of Chicago Medical Center

Less Conventional Paths Foster Greater Innovation

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Sociodiversity — encompassing the diversity of human opinions, ideas, and behaviours — is a key driver behind many positive developments. Dirk Helbing, an external faculty member at the Complexity Science Hub and a professor at ETH Zurich, explains that when diverse individuals come together with good intentions, they generate innovative ideas that can lead to economic growth. Thus, fostering sociodiversity is crucial for continued innovation and prosperity. A recent study published in the Journal of the Royal Society Open Science by Helbing and a colleague suggests that sociodiversity is reduced in highly centralized social networks, where few individuals hold the majority of connections, demonstrating a classic scenario where the rich get richer.

This centralization is a prevalent issue on platforms like Instagram and X, where celebrities and influential figures amass large followings while most users have few followers. The disparity is further amplified by the visibility that famous individuals receive, enhancing their following through the Matthew effect, thereby increasing network centralization. This centralization, as Dirk Helbing points out, is not just a matter of network structure, but a serious threat to sociodiversity. It undermines the diversity of opinions by marginalizing minority views, often drowned out by more dominant mainstream voices. Instead of allowing majority opinions to suppress new ideas, social networks should provide safe spaces where innovation can flourish without the immediate pressure of mainstream acceptance.

Andrea Musso from CSH and ETH highlights that the longevity of new ideas within a network depends significantly on the structure of the network itself rather than the widespread acceptance of these ideas. This insight into the role of network structures in promoting sociodiversity is enlightening and informs our understanding of innovation. Networks that effectively promote sociodiversity are characterized by features that protect minority opinions, allowing them to develop and potentially influence the broader discourse. Musso and Helbing suggest that simple actions like unfollowing VIPs on social platforms can decentralize networks and promote a richer diversity of ideas, which is essential for innovation, economic resilience, and societal growth.

In their study, the researchers developed and validated a new method to evaluate a network’s ability to maintain sociodiversity. They tested this method on synthetic networks, which can be manipulated to vary centralization, and on more than a hundred real social networks to assess how different structures support or hinder the proliferation of diverse opinions. This method effectively predicted how different network configurations affect sociodiversity, providing a valuable tool for understanding and designing better social platforms.

Helbing’s findings underscore the broader implications of network structures in various areas, from disease spread and traffic management to disaster response and the development of cooperative behaviours. These dynamics often produce counterintuitive results, highlighting the complexity and importance of network theory and the science of complex dynamical systems as fields of study. The ability to predict and manipulate network behaviours can lead to more robust systems that enhance our ability to manage and respond to diverse challenges effectively.

More information: Andrea Musso et al, How networks shape diversity for better or worse, Journal of the Royal Society Open Science. DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230505

Journal information: Journal of the Royal Society Open Science Provided by Complexity Science Hub

New Study Explores Economic and Nutritional Effects of Worldwide Recreational Inland Fishing

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It is a quintessential summer scene: Along the waterways of Virginia, from riverbanks to stream edges, recreational anglers cast their lines in hopes of a catch. In urban areas like Roanoke and Charlottesville, lines hang from bridges and along freshwater docks.

These activities fall under the category of “recreational fishing.” However, fishing in freshwater sources is far from a mere pastime for many anglers in the U.S. and globally. It is vital to securing essential nutrition and sustenance for individuals, families, and entire communities.

A groundbreaking new study, co-authored by Assistant Professor Elizabeth Nyboer of the College of Natural Resources and Environment and published in Nature Food, highlights the significant yet often overlooked role that inland recreational fisheries play in providing food and nutrition. The study also sheds light on the potential impacts of climate change on these fisheries.

Nyboer worked alongside various researchers and institutions, including Abigail Lynch from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Climate Adaptation Center, Holly Embke from the USGS Midwest Climate Adaptation Center, and Louisa Wood from the University of Portsmouth.

As Nyboer pointed out, the study’s most striking discovery is the quantification of how many freshwater fish caught recreationally are actually consumed. It also measures their nutritional and economic contributions on a global scale. The findings reveal that recreational fishing accounts for 11.3% of the worldwide freshwater fish catch, translating into a consumption value of $9.95 billion. This figure challenges the prevailing assumption that the impact of recreationally caught fish on nutrition and the economy is negligible.

Nyboer emphasized that “recreational” implies a leisure activity primarily for enjoyment. As such, recreational fisheries are not typically seen or managed as a crucial food source, with scant data supporting their broader role in nutrition, economics, or human science. This study aims to challenge this narrow view and illuminate the complex contributions of inland recreational fishing on a global scale.

The data collection process for this research was extensive and often involved retrieving information from overlooked or forgotten sources, such as old filing cabinets that had never been digitized. Nyboer and her team conducted numerous interviews with fisheries managers, boat captains, and recreational fishing guides worldwide to gather data and insights.

Building on previous research, this expansive new study further develops the earlier data set. It presents a comprehensive global view of inland fisheries’ nutritional and economic value across 56 countries. These findings support the United Nations’ Zero Hunger Sustainable Development Goal to enhance food security and improve nutrition globally.

Nyboer advocates for a shift in terminology from “recreational” to “provisional fishing” to reflect better the essential nature of these activities beyond mere recreation. This term acknowledges that many people engage in fishing for enjoyment and as a critical part of their dietary and cultural practices.

This shift in perspective is crucial for managing freshwater resources more effectively and inclusively, considering the diverse needs and practices of those who rely on these fisheries, especially from shore-based locations.

Moreover, the study highlights the social justice implications of inland fishing, emphasizing the need to include underrepresented and economically disadvantaged groups in decision-making and policy formulation processes. By quantifying the consumption and economic value of recreationally caught fish, Nyboer hopes to encourage governments and policymakers to recognize and address the significant contributions of these fisheries.

The challenges of climate change add another layer of urgency to this research. Rising global temperatures seriously threaten inland fisheries, especially in regions already facing food scarcity. By analyzing the traits and behaviours of various fish species, the study assesses the vulnerability of these populations to climate impacts, providing a foundation for developing management strategies that protect fish populations while ensuring food security.

Nyboer’s collaborative efforts aim to foster a better understanding of inland recreational fisheries and to influence global policies that acknowledge and support this critical food resource. The growing network of researchers and the ongoing dialogue about recreational fishing’s multifaceted roles signify a collective move towards redefining and recognizing the true value of these activities on a global scale.

More information: Abigail J. Lynch et al, Inland recreational fisheries contribute nutritional benefits and economic value but are vulnerable to climate change, Nature Food. DOI: 10.1038/s43016-024-00961-8

Journal information: Nature Food Provided by Virginia Tech

Protein Aggregates Unlikely to Cause Parkinson’s Disease

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A recent study published in the journal Advanced Science has brought significant insights into the mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, which are often associated with protein aggregation. Contrary to the long-held belief that liquid-liquid phase separation is a precursor to the formation of amyloid fibrils—a pathological hallmark of Parkinson’s—the study suggests that forming protein into liquid droplets might play a protective role in dissolving aggregated proteins. This finding could potentially open new avenues for the development of therapeutic interventions.

The phenomenon of liquid-liquid phase separation is not new and has been observed in everyday life, such as when oil droplets form after vinegar is added to oil and shaken. However, its implications in cellular biology have only recently become a hot research topic. The discovery that protein molecules can condense into droplets isolated from the cell’s cytoplasm was groundbreaking. In biological contexts like that of roundworm embryos, it was observed that proteins and RNA could form tiny droplets that assist in managing genetic material during early growth stages. This discovery shifted the paradigm of cellular biology, suggesting that such droplets, optimised by evolution, could serve highly functional roles in cells, allowing for the compartmentalisation of molecules and regulation of biochemical reactions.

The role of these droplets has been a subject of interest not only for their functionality but also for their potential implication in diseases. Neurodegenerative diseases, in particular, where protein aggregates are common, have previously been thought to have a connection with these droplets. It was hypothesised that droplets might concentrate proteins to a point where they begin aggregating. This theory was supported by numerous observations where conditions like salt concentration or pH seemed to promote both protein aggregation and condensation. However, the exact relationship between these two phenomena remained unclear until now.

In what is described as the most comprehensive exploration yet of the relationship between aggregation and liquid-liquid phase separation, researchers led by the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI conducted an extensive study on the protein alpha-synuclein (ɑSyn), known for its tendency to clump together to form amyloid fibrils in Parkinson’s disease. The researchers meticulously investigated the behaviour of ɑSyn under over five hundred different conditions varying in protein concentration, salt concentration, and the presence of crowding agents. They monitored the droplet formation and aggregation progression over up to four months using light microscopy.

The research team, including PSI postdoctoral researcher Rebecca Sternke-Hoffmann and PSI scientist Jinghui Luo, utilised the robotic crystallisation facility at the Swiss Light Source SLS, typically employed for preparing protein crystals for X-ray crystallography. Their investigations revealed distinct conditions favouring stable droplets and those promoting protein aggregation. Contrary to the conventional theory that aggregates originate from droplets, their findings indicated that droplets and aggregates form independently under various conditions. Remarkably, in some instances, what were considered irreversible fibrils transformed back into droplets over time, suggesting a functional role for liquid droplets in preventing the formation of solid aggregates.

The researchers complemented their macroscopic observations with small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements and simulations, providing insights into the molecular interactions underpinning the observed phenomena. They found that aggregation was primarily driven by interactions between the tails of individual protein molecules, whereas liquid-liquid phase separation resulted from interactions among different protein molecules.

This research deepens our understanding of the cellular processes and reshapes our approach to neurodegenerative diseases associated with protein aggregation, such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. By demonstrating that protein droplets do not necessarily lead to harmful aggregation but may help mitigate it, this study paves the way for potentially groundbreaking therapeutic strategies targeting these diseases.

More information: Rebecca Sternke-Hoffmann et al, Phase Separation and Aggregation of α-Synuclein Diverge at Different Salt Conditions, Advanced Science. DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308279

Journal information: Advanced Science Provided by Paul Scherrer Institute

Does Being Flexible Extend Lifespan?

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Flexibility training is commonly integrated into the workout regimes of both professional athletes and regular exercisers. A recent study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports has indicated that flexibility might play a role in determining longevity in middle-aged individuals.

The research involved analysing the data of 3,139 participants, predominantly men (66%) between the ages of 46 and 65. Researchers evaluated their body flexibility using a metric known as Flexindex, calculated by assessing the passive range of motion across 20 movements covering seven different joints. Each movement was scored between 0 and 4, giving a possible total range of 0 to 80.

The study revealed a striking difference in Flexindex scores between genders. Women, on average, had a Flexindex that was 35% higher than men. Over the 12.9-year follow-up period, 302 participants passed away—224 men and 78 women. The data showed a clear inverse relationship between Flexindex scores and mortality risk. Survivors had a Flexindex approximately 10% higher than those who did not survive, a trend observed in both genders.

Furthermore, when adjusting for factors such as age, body mass index, and overall health status, the study found that men and women with lower Flexindex scores faced significantly higher mortality risks—1.87 times and 4.78 times higher, respectively, than those with higher scores.

Dr. Claudio Gil S. Araújo, MD, PhD, from the Exercise Medicine Clinic – CLINIMEX in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the lead author of the study, underscored the significance of the findings. He pointed out that while aerobic fitness, strength, and balance are well-known factors linked to lower mortality rates, this study suggests that reduced body flexibility also correlates with decreased survival rates in middle-aged adults. Dr. Araújo stressed the need to prioritise flexibility exercises and proposed that assessments of body flexibility should be a standard part of all health-related physical fitness evaluations, particularly as flexibility tends to decline with age.

More information: Claudio Gil S. Araújo et al, Reduced body flexibility is associated with poor survival in middle-aged men and women: a prospective cohort study, Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports. DOI: 10.1111/sms.14708

Journal information: Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports Provided by Wiley

How Do Newly Developed Community Parks Improve Public Health in Underprivileged Areas?

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Community parks are integral to urban ecosystem services, enhancing urban sustainability and human well-being. The correlation between individuals’ perceptions of their physical health and the presence of green spaces has recently attracted academic interest. Nonetheless, issues about the accessibility of these green spaces notably impact marginalized communities. Residents of neighbourhoods with low socioeconomic status (SES) often raise concerns about the quality and safety of park facilities, which deter their usage. Consequently, this study focuses on examining the impact of a newly developed community park on the physical and mental health, safety, and overall quality of life of individuals in marginalized communities. This research was published in the “Journal of Landscape Architecture Frontiers” under “The Prospective Role of New Community Parks in Enhancing Human Health in Marginalized Communities: A Case of Kellogg Park in Ventura, California, USA.”

Situated in the western part of Ventura (officially San Buenaventura), on the Southern California coast, Kellogg Park serves as a vital green space in an area characterized by significant income disparities, as evidenced by statistics from the platform City-Data, which show that the mean household income for the lowest quintile in Ventura County is markedly below the county’s median. Given its recent construction and lack of extensive prior research, Kellogg Park was selected as the focal point for this study to demonstrate how a new urban park can enhance the health of community members in disadvantaged areas.

To gather data, researchers conducted an in-person survey addressing environmental and safety perceptions, overall satisfaction, and changes in physical activity and mental health based on respondents’ experiences before and after the park’s development. The analysis included bivariate methods such as t-tests and correlation analyses to explore the relationships between overall satisfaction and park visitation experiences.

The study’s findings revealed a significant correlation between improved health outcomes and the availability of urban green spaces. Notably, there was an increase in physical activities such as biking and walking following the park’s establishment, consistent with prior research documenting how park features can influence visitation frequency. Additionally, many participants reported enhanced mental well-being, supporting the Attention Restoration Theory, which posits that new green spaces are crucial for mental rejuvenation, particularly in underserved communities.

The findings of this study have significant implications for policymakers and urban planners. They underscore the urgent need to prioritize the development of new green spaces in marginalized areas. The research not only highlights the transformative potential of such parks but also provides a strategic pathway for fostering inclusive, equitable, and health-promoting urban development in the future. By emphasizing the potential policy implications, the study’s findings become more than just academic knowledge; they become a call to action for urban planners and policymakers.

While this study provides valuable insights, it also points to the need for further research. The study was limited to a single site in California, and incorporating multiple sites could yield more robust findings. Moreover, data collection was confined to the summer period, providing only a snapshot of the community’s park usage. Future studies could build on these findings by including a broader array of mental health assessments, offering a more comprehensive evaluation of the benefits associated with urban green spaces. By stressing the need for future research, the study’s findings remain relevant and open up new avenues for exploration.

More information: Musab Wedyan et al, The Prospective Role of New Community Parks in Enhancing Human Health in Marginalized Communities: A Case of Kellogg Park in Ventura, California, USA, Landscape Architecture Frontiers. DOI: 10.15302/J-LAF-0-020021

Journal information: Landscape Architecture Frontiers Provided by Higher Education Press

Research Involving 156,000 UK Residents Reveals Urban Dwellers Have the Lowest Levels of Social and Economic Satisfaction and Well-being

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A recent study by the Centre for Urban Mental Health at the University of Amsterdam has unearthed significant findings. It discovered that urban living is associated with reduced well-being, social satisfaction, and economic contentment among a substantial sample of 156,000 UK residents aged 40 and above. The research highlights a notable disparity in psychological well-being among urban inhabitants, who also demonstrate heightened psychological inequality. This phenomenon has been dubbed the ‘urban desirability paradox’, suggesting a misalignment between the attractiveness of metropolitan areas and the actual psychological state of their residents.

The study explores the concept of a ‘Goldilocks zone’, situated between urban and rural environments, where individuals exhibit the highest levels of satisfaction and equality. This intermediate zone represents an optimal living area that balances the benefits of city life with the tranquillity of rural settings. The researchers have developed a novel metric for urbanicity which considers the proximity of an individual’s residence to the nearest city centre, also taking into account the distinct urbanisation characteristics of different locations — for instance, living 15 kilometres from London as opposed to the same distance from Leeds offers vastly different environmental contexts.

As urban populations have soared from 10% in the 1910s to an anticipated 68% by 2050, the need for understanding the impact of urban living on psychological well-being becomes increasingly urgent. Cities, traditionally seen as hubs of social and economic opportunity, are found to influence our psychological landscapes significantly. However, this study, led by psychologist Adam Finnemann and his colleagues, questions whether the economic opportunities and social benefits typically associated with urban environments actually translate into greater economic and social satisfaction for their residents.

The research utilised extensive data from the UK Biobank, comparing various aspects of life satisfaction and psychological well-being in urban versus rural settings among large samples ranging from 40,000 to 156,000 participants aged 40 to 70. One of the key challenges highlighted by the study is the definition of urban, suburban, peri-urban, and rural areas, which Finnemann addresses with the proposed measure of urbanicity.

The findings reveal that urban residents do not enjoy corresponding psychological benefits despite higher incomes. All eight measures assessing well-being, social, and economic satisfaction were lower in highly urban areas than their rural counterparts. The study also notes an increased inequality in satisfaction levels near city centres, particularly concerning income and financial satisfaction. This inequality supports theories suggesting urban settings tend to favour those already advantaged economically.

Furthermore, the study identifies specific distances from city centres where psychological satisfaction peaks for various aspects of life, including meaningful relationships, family and friendship satisfaction, loneliness, and financial contentment. These optimal zones, often just beyond the outskirts of major cities, might attract individuals already experiencing higher well-being rather than the locations themselves, directly enhancing residents’ psychological state.

This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between our living environments and psychological well-being, challenging the conventional wisdom that cities are the most desirable places to live from a psychological standpoint. The implications of these findings are critical for urban planning and policy-making, as they highlight the need to rethink how we design and manage urban spaces. This rethinking could foster better mental health and societal well-being, offering hope for a more balanced urban future.

More information: Adam Finnemann et al, The urban desirability paradox: U.K. urban-rural differences in well-being, social satisfaction, and economic satisfaction, Science Advances. DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn1636

Journal information: Science Advances Provided by Universiteit van Amsterdam

Financial Woes Predominant: Older Adults Rank Health Costs as Principal Concern, Survey Reveals

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A recent poll by the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging has highlighted the significant financial burden of health-related costs on older Americans, covering a spectrum from medical and dental care to medications and long-term care facilities. The survey asked respondents to evaluate their concerns regarding 26 health-related topics for people over 50 within their communities, revealing that the top worries predominantly revolve around these costs. Among the most alarming issues highlighted, five out of six pertain directly to health-related expenses, with financial scams and fraud also ranking high, highlighting an overarching anxiety about financial security among older adults.

This concern over health-related costs is consistent across various demographics, regardless of respondents’ age, gender, race, ethnic background, geographical location, community size, political affiliation, or income level, demonstrating the universal impact of these issues among older adults. Notably, 56% expressed deep concern about the costs associated with medical and long-term care. Close behind were worries about the costs of prescription medications (54%), scams and fraud (53%), and the expenses related to health insurance or Medicare (52%), with dental care costs also a significant concern (45%).

The implications of these findings are profound and urgent, especially in an election year, as noted by Dr. John Z. Ayanian, director of the U-M Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation. The results underscore the importance of health care costs as a critical issue for older adults, further supported by similar findings from a Michigan-specific poll funded by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. Such widespread concern demands immediate policy action and intervention to alleviate these financial pressures on older adults.

The survey also shed light on other significant health issues among older adults, such as access to quality home care, overall healthcare quality, and the prevalence of inaccurate or misleading health information. Differences in concern levels were evident across demographic lines; for instance, women were more worried than men about quality home care and the challenges of social isolation, while Black older adults reported higher concerns about racial discrimination.

Economic disparities were also highlighted in the poll’s findings, particularly when analyzing responses based on income. Individuals with annual household incomes below $60,000 were more likely to express concern about the cost of dental care compared to those with higher incomes, indicating that economic status significantly influences health-related anxieties.

Dr. Jeffrey Kullgren, the poll director, emphasized the importance of understanding the diverse concerns of older adults to enhance their health and well-being as they age. The pervasive anxiety about cost-related issues across all demographic groups points to a significant opportunity for targeted actions to improve healthcare access and affordability, offering hope for a better future for older adults.

This survey aligns with AARP research, which identifies health care affordability as a central concern among older adults, their families, and caregivers. Indira Venkateswaran, AARP’s Senior Vice President of Research, highlighted the necessity of continuous efforts and collaborative action to improve health care access and affordability. Addressing the high costs of insurance premiums, copays, prescription drugs, and long-term care is crucial and requires a collective effort to alleviate the financial strain on millions of Americans, ensuring they can manage other basic necessities such as food and household bills.

More information: Jeffrey Kullgren et al, National Poll on Healthy Aging: On Their Minds: Older Adults’ Top Health-Related Concerns, University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging. DOI: 10.7302/22628

Journal information: University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging Provided by Michigan Medicine – University of Michigan

Enhanced Drug Management Required for Elderly Hospital Patients

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Specialised medication management for elderly patients could significantly reduce their hospital stays and lower their mortality risk, according to new research conducted by Flinders University in partnership with Flinders Medical Centre. The findings, published in The Journal of the American Medical Directors Association (JAMDA), reveal that one in ten elderly patients experience ‘adverse drug reactions’ (ADRs) while hospitalised. This highlights a critical area for healthcare systems to address, particularly as the ageing population is likely to present with multiple chronic conditions and an increased medication load.

Dr Joshua Inglis, a researcher at the College of Medicine and Public Health and a Consultant Physician at the Department of Clinical Pharmacology in Flinders Medical Centre, stressed the importance of preventing medication-related harm. He noted that ADRs in patients aged 65 and older are associated with prolonged hospital stays and increased risk of death, underscoring the need for enhanced protective measures within hospitals. This growing issue calls for a strategic focus on medication safety and harm prevention as the demographic landscape shifts towards an older population.

The research team advocates for implementing multidisciplinary teams to manage specific classes of high-risk medications across hospitals. Individual doctors review patient medications during hospital stays, but a coordinated, hospital-wide approach could yield better outcomes. Dr Inglis suggested that medication stewardship programs, which have proven effective in managing antibiotic use, could be adapted to oversee the use of other high-risk medications such as opioids, anticoagulants, and psychotropics.

The study examined over 700 patients aged 65 and older admitted to Flinders Medical Centre over three years. Approximately 10% of these patients suffered from unwanted reactions to medications, which were directly linked to extended durations of hospital stay and a higher likelihood of death during their admission. This connection underscores the potential benefits of a more structured approach to medication management, aiming to reduce these adverse outcomes.

Adverse drug reactions were most commonly associated with medications used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiac conditions, as well as solid painkillers like oxycodone and antibiotics such as penicillin. The side effects from these drugs ranged from kidney and liver injuries to low blood pressure, sedation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and bleeding. Each instance of an adverse reaction not only extended the length of hospital stay but also increased the risk of death, highlighting a severe concern for patient safety.

Dr Inglis emphasised the novelty and significance of their findings, marking the first time a study has demonstrated a correlation between experiencing an ADR in a hospital and facing severe consequences such as extended hospitalisation or death. He called for healthcare organisations to develop proactive stewardship programs to prevent such adverse reactions. The research team also suggested that further studies involving different patient cohorts, such as older people living with dementia, could provide additional insights into improving health outcomes for the aged population and reducing the incidence of ADRs.

More information: Joshua M. Inglis et al, The Clinical Impact of Hospital-Acquired Adverse Drug Reactions in Older Adults: An Australian Cohort Study, The Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2024.105083

Journal information: The Journal of the American Medical Directors Association Provided by Flinders University

Research Reveals the Significant Effects of Severe Poverty on Death Rates Amongst Ethnically Mixed, Low-Income Groups

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Over the last four decades, the wealth, health, and mortality disparity between affluent and impoverished Americans has grown consistently. Recently, a pioneering study by the Vanderbilt University Medical Center focused on a highly impoverished, predominantly Black demographic. The findings were stark: individuals earning below $15,000 annually died on average over a decade sooner than those with yearly incomes above $50,000.

This groundbreaking research highlights the urgent need to address the disparities in mortality linked to both race and income. As noted in Elsevier’s recent publication in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, addressing these issues requires a holistic approach. The study underscores the importance of striving for income equality to diminish low-income Americans’ health and mortality disparities.

Dr Wei Zheng, MD, PhD, MPH, the director of the Vanderbilt Epidemiology Center and the study’s corresponding author, pointed out a significant finding. Although tobacco smoking is traditionally seen as the leading cause of death in the US, the study revealed that the risk of death due to poverty in this low-income group surpasses that due to smoking.

The research included 79,385 participants aged between 40 and 79 from the ongoing Southern Community Cohort Study. Most of these participants were enlisted at community health centres across 12 southeastern states from 2002 to 2009. About two-thirds of the cohort members are Black, and over half reported a household income below $15,000 annually. This setup provided a unique lens to examine the severe impact of extreme poverty on mortality in a racially diverse, low-income population.

The study participants provided detailed information through questionnaires about their health and lifestyle behaviours that influence disease risk and mortality, including smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and diet quality.

During the roughly 18-year follow-up period, there were 19,749 deaths among the participants. Analysis showed that low-income individuals with the poorest lifestyle scores experienced a mortality rate more than six times higher than those in the highest income bracket with the best lifestyle scores. Interestingly, low-income participants with the best lifestyle scores still had a lower cumulative mortality rate than high-income individuals with the poorest lifestyle scores. This finding reinforces the significant impact of lifestyle and behavioural factors on health and lifespan.

However, the study also noted that low-income communities often lack access to healthy food options, adequate healthcare, and safe environments conducive to physical exercise. These limitations mean that promoting healthy behaviours alone is insufficient to counteract the detrimental effects of poverty on mortality.

Among high-income participants, White individuals had a lower cumulative mortality risk compared to Black individuals. However, this trend reversed in the low-income bracket, where White participants exhibited higher mortality rates than their Black counterparts. In the high-income group, the average age at death was 82.7 years for Whites and 81.2 years for Blacks, while in the low-income group, it was 67.8 years for Whites and 70.9 years for Blacks.

Even with some participants adhering to healthier lifestyles, the life expectancy disparity between the two income groups varied from around ten years for Blacks to nearly 15 years for Whites. The findings from this study are a clarion call for the evaluation of policies and public health strategies aimed at reducing mortality and health disparities among low-income Americans. Without targeted interventions to separate the link between low income and poor health, we may continue to see the socioeconomic gaps in health not only widen but also become more entrenched.

More information: Lili Liu et al, Impacts of Poverty and Lifestyles on Mortality: A Cohort Study in Predominantly Low-Income Americans, American Journal of Preventive Medicine. DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2024.02.015

Journal information: American Journal of Preventive Medicine Provided by Elsevier

Researchers Determine the Impact of Exercise on Cells

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Recent research has further illuminated the widely recognized health benefits of exercise, demonstrating that the body’s response to physical activity is far more complex and extensive than previously understood. Scientists from various institutions across the United States conducted a collaborative study examining the cellular and molecular changes induced by exercise across nineteen different organs in rats subjected to intense physical training. The results were published in Nature, which adds depth to our understanding of exercise’s impact.

Historically, research on the biological effects of exercise has often been narrow in focus, typically examining a single organ, one gender, or specific time points, and limited to a few types of data. This approach has constrained a comprehensive understanding of how exercise affects the body at a molecular level. To address this, the Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity Consortium (MoTrPAC) utilized various advanced laboratory techniques to analyze these effects holistically. Their findings revealed significant changes across vital organs such as the heart, brain, and lungs, essential in regulating the immune system, stress responses, and pathways linked to several diseases.

A key discovery from the study provided insights into the reduction of liver fat content through exercise, suggesting potential strategies for treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This example highlights how exercise benefits organs not directly involved in physical activity, promoting overall health improvements. The potential for these insights to lead to personalized exercise programs tailored to individual health needs or therapeutic strategies that mimic the benefits of physical activity for those unable to exercise traditionally is a beacon of hope in the field of healthcare.

This groundbreaking research is part of a broader initiative by MoTrPAC, which was established in 2016 and comprises experts from renowned institutions, including the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Stanford University, and the National Institutes of Health. The consortium, initiated by prominent scientists such as Steve Carr and Robert Gerszten, aims to uncover the biological processes underlying the health benefits of exercise. The collaborative nature of this research, with a diverse group of scientists contributing to the study under the guidance of senior researchers like Carr and Clary Clish, makes you an integral part of this scientific journey.

The study required immense coordination and planning. Nearly 10,000 assays were performed, resulting in about 15 million measurements across various tissues. This extensive data collection highlights the complexity of exercise as a biological process and its capacity to positively influence health across multiple systems. The researchers have made all the animal data available in an online public repository, enabling other scientists to access detailed information about the molecular changes induced by exercise.

The openness of sharing data underscores the collaborative spirit of the scientific community and the commitment to advancing our understanding of exercise physiology. This study sets a new precedent for exercise research, potentially guiding public health strategies and clinical practices aimed at harnessing the inherent benefits of physical activity to combat various health conditions.

This comprehensive study not only illuminates the broad and profound impacts of exercise on the body but also serves as a model for future research in the field. It opens up new avenues for exploring how targeted exercise interventions can be developed and applied to improve health outcomes for individuals around the world.

More information: MoTrPAC Study Group et al, Temporal dynamics of the multi-omic response to endurance exercise training, Nature. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06877-w

Journal information: Nature Provided by Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard