ANN ARBOR—The oldest North Americans are among the happiest in the world despite increased depression and loneliness among their peers in other regions, according to a recent University of Michigan study. Published in the Journal of Aging and Health, the research highlights significant global variation in well-being among older adults, with European and North American populations generally… Continue reading Defying global trends: U-M study finds high happiness, low depression among oldest Americans
News Tag: Aging & Retirement
COVID accelerated declines in dementia trends for US older adults
ANN ARBOR—Because of a sharp increase in deaths among older adults with dementia during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rate of older adults with the disorder declined faster from 2011 to 2021 than it did through 2019, according to a University of Michigan study. With heightened social isolation brought about by the onset… Continue reading COVID accelerated declines in dementia trends for US older adults
More Americans support government assistance for care of older adults
ANN ARBOR—Prior to the pandemic, the majority of American adults thought that families should be responsible for the daily care of older adults—and that families should cover the cost of this care. But there is a small sea change in that way of thinking, says a University of Michigan researcher. U-M demographer and sociologist Sarah… Continue reading More Americans support government assistance for care of older adults
Multiple periods of loneliness may add up to higher mortality risk
Contact: Kim North Shine, [email protected] Multiple periods of loneliness may add up to higher mortality risk ANN ARBOR—Working from well-established research on the detrimental health effects of loneliness, University of Michigan researchers set out to study whether feeling lonely at multiple times through the years leads to more serious illness and higher mortality risk in… Continue reading Multiple periods of loneliness may add up to higher mortality risk
New York Times highlights key HRS data in reporting on aging and caregiving
Contact: Jon Meerdink ([email protected]) ANN ARBOR — The New York Times relied heavily on data from the Institute for Social Research (ISR) in a recent major piece on the United States’ aging population and cost of caregiving. “Dying Broke” drew on a great deal of data from ISR’s Health and Retirement Study (HRS). The data… Continue reading New York Times highlights key HRS data in reporting on aging and caregiving
New paper explores the impact of family ties on older adults
Contact: Jon Meerdink ([email protected]) ANN ARBOR — Family connections draw special attention around the holidays, but there may be more to holiday gatherings than spending time with relatives. New research indicates that family ties in older adults have a positive impact on their mental health and social participation. “Family Ties and Older Adult Well-Being: Incorporating… Continue reading New paper explores the impact of family ties on older adults
$3.5 million grant renewal marks 30 years of support for minority aging and health equity across Michigan
Contact: Jon Meerdink ([email protected]) ANN ARBOR — Funding for the Michigan Center for Urban African American Aging Research (MCUAAAR) has been renewed, ensuring another five years of high quality research, career mentorship, and community outreach. MCUAAAR, which has been continuously funded since 1997, is a collaborative, multi-university research center housed at the University of Michigan,… Continue reading $3.5 million grant renewal marks 30 years of support for minority aging and health equity across Michigan
New research highlights DNA methylation as noteworthy biomarker for epigenetic aging
Contact: Jon Meerdink ([email protected]) ANN ARBOR — A new paper utilizing data from the Health and Retirement Study at the University of Michigan’s Institute for Social Research (ISR) is offering a new look at the effects of aging and what they mean for population health. Jessica Faul, an associate professor of research at ISR’s Survey… Continue reading New research highlights DNA methylation as noteworthy biomarker for epigenetic aging
The Adoption of Telehealth among Older Adults During the COVID-19 Outbreak
By WEIDI QIN The number of Medicare beneficiaries who utilized telehealth increased from approximately 13,000 before the pandemic to 1.7 million during the last week of April 2020. During the outbreak, telehealth has served as an alternative way to deliver healthcare services and minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission from in-person healthcare appointments. Telehealth can… Continue reading The Adoption of Telehealth among Older Adults During the COVID-19 Outbreak
One in 10 older Americans has dementia
Contact: Morgan Sherburne, 734-647-1844, [email protected] Helen Garey, [email protected] ANN ARBOR—The first nationally representative study of cognitive impairment in more than 20 years has found that nearly one in 10 U.S. adults over age 65 have dementia. The study, led by researchers from Columbia University and includes University of Michigan scientists, also found that another 22%… Continue reading One in 10 older Americans has dementia