ISR’s Kira Birditt explains why ‘concordant drinking’ may strengthen marital bonds in Insights talk

Contact: Jon Meerdink ([email protected]) ANN ARBOR — Alcohol abuse is a significant public health issue. Heavy use of alcohol one of the leading causes of mortality and disability worldwide, and the increasing use of alcohol is an ongoing concern for older generations. Heavy drinking is a particular concern for older adults. The definition of heavy… Continue reading ISR’s Kira Birditt explains why ‘concordant drinking’ may strengthen marital bonds in Insights talk

Survey of Munger Graduate Residences students reveals opportunities for improvement

Contact: Jon Meerdink ([email protected]) ANN ARBOR — The University of Michigan’s Munger Graduate Residences opened in 2015, promising opportunities for transdisciplinary collaboration in apartment-style living. The six-to-seven-occupant suites feature private bedrooms and bathrooms with numerous amenities designed to enhance community experiences among graduate- and professional-level students. Now entering its tenth year of service, is the… Continue reading Survey of Munger Graduate Residences students reveals opportunities for improvement

Consumer sentiment unchanged, unaffected by election developments

ANN ARBOR—Consumer sentiment has remained virtually the same in the last three months, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. July’s reading was a statistically insignificant 1.8 index points below June, well under the margin of error, said U-M economist Joanne Hsu, director of the surveys.  Expectations for business conditions improved for the short… Continue reading Consumer sentiment unchanged, unaffected by election developments

Paper explores impact of family engagement with educational technology

Contact: Jon Meerdink ([email protected]) ANN ARBOR — Family support for young learners — both during school and outside of school hours — can be crucial for developing key academic skills like reading. Gauging family support can be difficult, though, especially when multiple languages are involved, but a new paper explores the phenomenon of family support… Continue reading Paper explores impact of family engagement with educational technology

COVID accelerated declines in dementia trends for US older adults

A stock photo of a Hospice Nurse visiting an Elderly male patient who is receiving hospice/palliative care.

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

Could prolonged exposure to pollution lead to loss of independence in later life?

At an intersection in Denver, Colorado, exhaust pours out of a tailpipes from accelerating vehicles onto Santa Fe Drive.

Traffic pollution emerges as a lead exacerbator for ailments that come with aging Long-term exposure to air pollution can lead to a loss of independence for older adults, according to a University of Michigan study. In research published in JAMA Network Open, air pollution from traffic emerges as a key risk factor for older adults… Continue reading Could prolonged exposure to pollution lead to loss of independence in later life?

Sentiment holds steady as consumers expect inflation to slow

ANN ARBOR—Sentiment was essentially unchanged this month, inching down a scant 1% from May, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. While consumers exhibited confidence that inflation will continue to soften, many expressed concerns about the effect of high prices and weakening incomes on their personal finance, said U-M economist Joanne Hsu, director… Continue reading Sentiment holds steady as consumers expect inflation to slow

Overcoming barriers to heat pump adoption in cold climates and avoiding the ‘energy poverty trap’

Professional Middle Aged HVAC Technician in Red Uniform Repairing Modern Heat Pump Unit. House Heating and Cooling System Theme.

ANN ARBOR—Converting home heating systems from natural gas furnaces to electric heat pumps is seen as a way to address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. But a new University of Michigan study of 51 Southeast Michigan households shows that switching to efficient, cold-climate heat pumps would increase annual utility bills by an average… Continue reading Overcoming barriers to heat pump adoption in cold climates and avoiding the ‘energy poverty trap’

How will America care for its aging population, especially those with dementia?

Contact: Jon Meerdink ([email protected]) ANN ARBOR — There is a numbers game at play in one key area of American healthcare. The U.S. population is aging, and if trends continue as expected, the number of older adults with dementia will increase accordingly, leading to an unprecedented number of people facing that specific health challenge in… Continue reading How will America care for its aging population, especially those with dementia?

New paper explores declining income mobility around the world

Contact: Jon Meerdink ([email protected]) ANN ARBOR — Upward mobility is a key measure of both objective and subjective economic success. Researchers use indicators of upward mobility to compare the economic success of one generation to the next, and in countries around the world, parents often express the desire to see their children achieve greater success… Continue reading New paper explores declining income mobility around the world