World:
Healthy Eating After 50 (February 2010)
After living 50 years, an individual’s dietary
food needs begin to change. The National
Institute of Aging has released eating
recommendations for those over the age of
50. Individuals whose physician,
dietician, or other specialist has recommended
foods that contradict this listing should speak
with their specialist before making dietary
changes.
Articles
For the Very Old, a
Surprise in Blood Pressure Readings (August
8, 2012)
Dr. James Goodwin, a geriatrician at the
University of Texas Medical Branch in
Galveston, recently wrote an editorial piece
explaining a little-known fact about blood
pressure in older people. He insists that high
blood pressure is an indicator of good health
and "robustness" in certain seniors 85 and
over. As such, there is much debate concerning
whether or not doctors should or should not
treat hypertension in the very elderly.
How
Successful is CPR in Older Patients (August
9, 2012)
CPR does not work often and it works slightly
less on those older than 70 years. Do you
agree to it for yourself or do your relatives?
It is a personal decision; even health care
professionals do not have a single
perspective. Read more to form your own
opinion!
A
Novel Way to Prevent Hip Fractures (August
1, 2012)
According to a new study, cataract surgery may
greatly reduce the risks of hip fracture among
the elderly. These surgeries help with depth
perception and balance which further decreases
the risks of falls or other incidents that may
lead to hip fractures.
World:
Scientists Weigh in On Fall Prevention (July
12, 2012)
A recent report in Annals of Internal Medicine
suggests that Vitamin D may help seniors to
prevent falls. Close to 40 percent of older
people fall once a year, many of whom lose
function of daily living. Ultimately, the best
approach to such injuries is prevention. In
fact, the United States Preventive Services
Task Force found that a specified daily dose
of Vitamin D reduces the risk of falling among
seniors by 17 percent. Other recommendations
for fall prevention include risk assessment
and exercise.
World: Genetic Mutation Prevents Alzheimer’s
Disease (July 11, 2012) (Article in
Spanish)
After studying the complete genomes of 1,795
islanders, a central team of deCODE Genetics
from Reikiavic, Iceland, discovered a genetic
mutation that reduces the formation of a
protein that causes cognitive decline in older
adults. Researchers think that cognitive
deterioration and Alzheimer’s disease share
the same or similar disease mechanisms.
World:
Anxiety Linked to Shortened Telomeres,
Accelerated Aging (July 11, 2012)
Scientists have located links between phobic
anxiety and shorter telomeres in older women.
Telomeres serve to protect the genetic
information at the ends of chromosomes. Women
who were ranked highly in the common form of
psychological stress were shown to have
telomeres shortened by six years. However,
researchers have not determined whether or not
telomere length is affected by stress or vice
versa.
World: Rare Genetic Mutation Protects
Against Alzheimer's (July 11, 2012)
Researchers have located a rare genetic
mutation in Iceland that seems to protect
carriers from Alzheimer's disease by slowing
down the production of a specific protein.
While it might not be economical for all
persons to get a genetic test to screen for
the uncommon mutation, the study reinforces
designing treatments around the beta amyloid
protein may still be the best course of
action. The newly discovered mutation helps to
reduce the protein's destructive discharge by
up to 40 percent.
World:
Parkinson's Patients Experience Declines
Years Before Diagnosis (July 6, 2012)
In a recent issue, the Journal of
Parkinson's Disease revealed that
those afflicted with the degenerative disease
experience declines in physical health many
years before. In fact, women started to
experience deterioration in quality of life up
to seven and a half years before diagnosis and
men up to three years prior to diagnosis.
According to researchers, the study suggests
that Parkinson's disease may start earlier
than expected. They hope to identify
pre-clinical markers of the disease in the
future.
World:
A Hormone Preserves the Production of
Insulin and the Function of Beta Cells
during Diabetes (July 3, 2012) (Article in
Spanish)
According to a Duke University study, a
hormone named TLQP-21 functions similarly to
insulin, controlling glucose levels in
mice. The hormone can also protect the
pancreatic islet cells in the presence of
toxins. After administering the hormone
to mice, their glucose levels improved and the
death of the beta cells (the cells that die
during diabetes) was less significant.
World:
Caffeine Increases Muscle Strength in Older
Adults, Study Found (June 29, 2012) (Article in
Russian)
A research study has demonstrated that
caffeine increases the strength of muscles.
This news prompted sports researchers to
investigate how caffeine may impact the aging
process. Their results indicate that caffeine
may be beneficial for older people’s muscular
health.
Aging
Eyes are Seeing Better (June 29, 2012)
According to a study in Ophthalmology journal,
older persons are seeing much better. Advances
in cataract surgery, smoking reduction and
better treatment for diabetes have contributed
to this trend. Regardless, regular eye exams
are essential for everyone as they age and
should be maintained.
World:
In Seniors Dehydration is the Cause of 1 in
5 Visits to the Hospital During the Summer
(June 18, 2012) (Article in
Spanish)
Why do some older adults become dehydrated in
their advanced years? Changes in anatomy,
kidney function, interactions of drugs with
nutrients, mineral absorption, the ability of
homeostatic systems to maintain equilibrium,
and the intake of diuretics or laxatives can
precipitate an occurrence of
dehydration. To prevent such a
situation, seniors should take in more
liquids. Water, juices, broths, liquid
preparations of fruits and vegetables, iced
drinks, ice cream, or event Jell-O® can
all help relieve this condition.
World:
Broken Heart = Broken Bones in Elderly (June
18, 2012)
The journal Age
and Ageing in Australia reports on
researchers searching for links between falls
and depression in participants ages 65 to 91
years. Individuals with depression often
fell: Some 40% of individuals who repeatedly
fell and 28% of those who fell only once had
experienced depression. Only 16% of
individuals who did not fall had
depression. Because the research
participants did not take antidepressants
during the study, these falls cannot be
attributed to antidepressants.
World:
Early Menopause Predicts A Milder Form of
Rheumatoid Arthritis (June 8, 2012)
Women experiencing early menopause are likely
to suffer from a milder form of rheumatoid
arthritis according to a study presented at
the Annual Congress of the European League
Against Rheumatism. Apparently hormones affect
the development of the disease. In Europe,
this chronic inflammatory disease affects over
two million women.
Spain:
The First Edition of the “Manual of the
Geriatric Medical Resident” Was Announced
(June 7, 2012) (Article in
Spanish)
The 54th Congress of the Spanish Society of
Geriatrics and Gerontology (54 Congreso de
la Sociedad Española de
Geriatría y Gerontología)
and the 24th Congress of the Galician Society
of Gerontology and Geriatrics (24 Congreso da
Sociedade Galega de Xerontología y
Xeriatría) announced the
manual. It begins with three principal
sections: a section that explores the value of
geriatrics as a field of study, a section
revising the levels of healthcare provided,
and a section about key syndromes.
World:
Social Risk in the Elderly is Triple in Women
and Multiplies by 6 if They Live Alone (June
5, 2012) (Article in
Spanish)
An Octabaix study indicated that risks of social
problems in older adults are not directly
related to known, chronic health problems.
The risk of the development of social problems
rises if an older adult lives alone and is yet
higher if he or she has poor functional
capacities, including a decreased ability to
shop or to use the telephone
independently. High rates of depression
and fragility may result in numerous
consequences in older adults’ interactions with
their family and friends.
Barbodas:
HIV Prevention Strategies Needed for Elderly
(June 4, 2012)
Minister of Social Care, Steve Blackette, calls
to attention the older persons who are
“potentially at risk of HIV infection.” After an
older person is out of the child bearing age,
they stop practicing safe sex and thus they have
a higher chance of getting STIs. It Is
important to prevent and educate the elderly
about the dangers of HIV/AIDS before we have to
face the consequences at a global scale.
World:
Listening In, Researchers Learn About
End-of-Life Communication (May 31, 2012)
Recently, the University of Rochester Medical
Center studied the best ways to communicate
with someone learning about a serious
prognosis and determining his future quality
of life. After recording 71 discussions on
palliative care, the medical team determined
that clear, honest, effective and
realistically optimistic delivery of the facts
was the best way to help patients and their
families. In recent years, the demand for
palliative care services has risen along with
expectations of service. Now, both relief and
treatment of the illness is offered.
World:
Optimism and a Smile May Result in
Longevity (May 30, 2012) (Article in
Spanish)
Centenarians are extroverted, enthusiastic,
and worry-free individuals according to a
recent study. Correlations may exist
between stress-free life styles and the
exercise of cognitive capacities, physical
activity, the development of social networks
and cardiovascular health. The
individuals who participated in the study were
95 years of age or older and of East-Central
European Jewish descent.
World:Taking
Calcium May Pose Heart Risks (May 24, 2012)
Calcium supplements may increase the risk of a
heart attack. According to an analysis from
the European Prospective Investigation into
Cancer and Nutrition, people who had 1,100
milligrams of calcium daily from diet and
supplements, did not see their risk of a heart
attack lowered significantly. However, people
who got their calcium exclusively from
supplements were twice as likely to have a
heart attack compared to those who took no
supplements. Researchers hypothesize that
taking these supplements can increase the
mineral levels to a dangerous degree
inside the body as opposed to getting it from
food such as dairy items that allows calcium
to be absorbed in smaller amounts.
With
Fat: What’s good or bad for the Heart may be
the same for the brain (May 18, 2012)
A new study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital
has found that certain types of fat were
associated with worse cognitive function. The
type of fat was most important. Women
consuming saturated fat from animal sources
such as red meat and butter, compared to those
who consumed lowest amounts, had worse
cognition and memory over the four year
testing period. Women, who consumed
monounsaturated fats such as those found in
olive oil, had better cognitive function. The
major implication of this The study strongly
suggests replacing bad fats with healthy fats
so as to prevent memory decline.
Often times,
symptoms of depression in seniors go unnoticed
and, as a result, untreated. This is in part
due to prejudices the general public has about
aging -- that depression, deterioration,
malnutrition, isolation and immobility are
synonymous with being a senior. However,
depression and dementia are the most common
afflictions in seniors, and also their fourth
highest cause of death. By 2020, it is
expected to become the second highest cause of
death.
Scientists
hypothesize that irregular protein deposits
inside brain cells cause frontotemporal
degeneration. The proteins differ, however
they do not include amyloid, the chemical
found in Alzheimer's patients. The reason why
these protein deposits form is not yet known.
Many cases are sporadic among people with no
genetic history of the disease. Many patients
do have a family history and have identifiable
genetic changes. Drugs are currently being
tested to help slow the degeneration.
World:
Dogs Can Diagnose Cancer and Reduce Arterial
Pressure (May 3, 2012) (Article in
Spanish)
In a recent study conducted in the United
States, it was found that five dogs, trained for
only three weeks, were able to detect and
identify breast and lung cancer in patients with
an accuracy rate between 88 and 97 percent. Dogs
have an olfactory sense two thousand times
stronger than that of humans. Petting dogs also
helps to reduce arterial pressure in humans as
the act is relaxing. Their presence also
relieves feelings of loneliness.
World:
Sexual Health Programs for Older People
‘Urgently Needed’ (April 27, 2012)
Professor Minichiello at the University of New
England recently participated in a World
HIV/AIDS Online Symposium. He presented data
showing high levels of sexual activity but low
levels of awareness of associated health risks
amongst older people in many countries. For
example, a Swedish survey reported that 68% of
men and 56% of women aged 70 were sexually
active. He commented that society needs to get
over a prevailing but unacknowledged “sexual
ageism” and install elder specific sexual
health education programs.
(Article in
Arabic)
According to medical news released this month,
all persons need to eat a healthy balanced
diet rich in necessary. Older persons should
heed this advice since they have special needs
for certain nutrients.
Glutathione:
The Anti-Aging Machine (April 16, 2012)
Free radicals are reactive molecules that gather
in our body and damage cell functioning which
leads to eventual death. They are created in
different ways ranging from the polluted air we
breathe to the food we eat. Glutathione (GSH) is
essential to slowing the biological process of
aging by sweeping the excess free radicals from
our system. In addition to neutralizing these
harmful molecules, GSH increases the amount of
available Vitamin E and C, also antioxidants, in
the body. Unfortunately, after the age of 20 the
production of GSH slows down. Consuming foods
high in GSH precursors (glutamate, cysteine and
glycine), such as raw fruits and vegetables,
whey proteins will allow for a greater potential
of glutathione production and absorption.
Another option is direct intravenous injection
of GSH.
Researchers at
the University of California at San Francisco
(UCSF) recently discovered that when
abnormalities were found on electrocardiograms
given to otherwise healthy seniors, there was
also a higher risk of heart attack. The
findings will help detect heart disease sooner
in patients who don’t have symptoms. Research
results will be published in the Journal of
the American Medical Association (JAMA).
World:
Prevention from Aging ...Not a Difficult
Mission! (April 12, 2012) (Article in
Arabic)
Many researchers pre-occupy themselves with
trying to find the secrets of "the elixir of
immortality.” Despite the scientific
research that has been done, no one has found a
solution. They are unable to break the code of
aging which is presumed to cause death.
According
to a recent study conducted by Harvard
University’s School of Public Health, small
changes in temperature, even by one degree
Celsius, may shorten the lives of elder
persons, especially those afflicted with
chronic illness. In fact, with each degree
of temperature increase, the elder mortality
rate rises between 2.8 and 4.0 percent.
Additionally, researchers found that elder
mortality was also more greatly influenced
by fluctuations in temperature than stable
temperature. This is the first study on the
effects of hot temperatures on the health of
older persons.
Aisha Sultan
said: “I learned from an Emirati Doctor who
studied medicine for a while in the Kingdom
of Sweden, that there is a specialization on
how to deal with old age. Many of us live in
houses that have elderly people as our
parents or grandparents. We need to know the
best way to deal with them. They can produce
a psychological dilemma for their children
and put pressure on those who don’t know
their psychological needs nor how to deal
with them.”
World:
World Health Day 2012: "Good Health for
Better Aging" (April 2, 2012) (Article in
French)
World Health Day is held each year on April 7,
and celebrates the anniversary of the creation
of the World Health Organization (WHO) in
1948. This year's celebration is centered on
the theme of aging and the slogan "Good Health
for Better Aging." The purpose of this event
is to reveal to the public the fact that by
staying healthy, older people can thrive, be
productive and contribute to the functioning
of society and play an active role within
their families and their community.
Scientists
studying memory loss in fruit flies have
successfully rescued memory lost due to aging.
As the animals aged, neurons began to lose
signs of encoded memory. The scientists then
stimulated these neurons and successfully
rescued intermediate-term memory. This study
shows that if neurons specific to encoding
memory are identified in humans, we could
potentially reverse memory loss due to aging.
A new study
conducted by researchers at the University of
"Tohoku" confirmed that Japanese elderly people
who regularly drink green tea are better than
their peers throughout life. Researchers found
that those who drink green tea are less likely
to need others to help them do the basic needs
such as changing clothes, bathing, and others.
World:
Foods High in Fats are Rated Top Killers of
Elder Women (March 22, 2012) (Article in
Russian)
A high fat diet is extremely dangerous for older
women. A new study shows that foods high in fats
significantly increase the risk of stroke in
women after menopause. Stroke is one of the top
killers of the elderly and the consumption of
the high fat foods is the top determinant in
stroke occurrence among women.
World:
Exercising
an Aging Brain (March 7, 2012)
More retired people are going back to school to
keep their minds stimulated, learn something new
or catch up with a subject they were always
curious about but never had time for. Reasons
for return to education include second careers
and widespread reports that exercising the brain
may preserve it from mental decline and
different forms of dementia. However, the
association between active mental engagement and
lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease is not a
proven causal relationship. Nonetheless,
exercising the brain is good for the brain
circuits.
World:
Caffeine
– a Miracle Cure from Heart Disease in the
Elderly? (March 5, 2012) (Article in
Russian)
A recent research study showed that natural and
instant coffee significantly reduces the risk of
death due to cardiovascular disease in the
elderly, provided they do not suffer from severe
hypertension. Elderly who drink no less than
four servings of beverages containing caffeine
reduce the risk of death by 53 percent, and for
those who consume from two to four servings per
day, the reduction is 32 percent.
World:
Elderly
Have a Less Flexible Sense of Humor (March 5,
2012) (Article in
Russian)
If you tell a joke to your grandfather and he
doesn’t laugh, it's not you or the joke. Older
people are less flexible in cognitive functions,
have more difficulty interpreting abstract
concepts and have a smaller capacity for
short-term memory.
World:
Coconut
Oil Offers Alzheimer’s Hope (March 5, 2012)
Oxford University researchers have discovered
that coconut oil may help people with
Alzheimer’s regain their memory. Coconut oil
contains unique fats known as ketones, believed
to nourish the brain. The effects are temporary
but have proven to be astounding for dementia
patients. Researchers say thirty grams of the
oil daily may be beneficial.
Researchers found a relationship between the
amount of calories consumed and the development
of mild cognitive impairment. Mild cognitive
impairment is a stage of memory loss preceding
the early stage of Alzheimer's disease. Research
shows that the greater the number of calories
consumed daily, the higher the risk of
developing mild cognitive impairment that
eventually leads to Alzheimer’s disease.
Reducing the use of high-calorie foods can be a
simple way to prevent age-related memory loss
and future development of Alzheimer’s disease.
A US study
confirmed that measuring blood pressure on a
daily basis can reveal health problems that may
affect the brain.
World:
Anticipation
of
Stressful
Situation
Accelerates
Cellular
Aging
(February
21,
2012)
Researchers
at UCSF found that those most vulnerable by
the anticipation of stressful tasks and events
looked older at the cellular level. Cellular
age is calculated by measuring telomeres,
which are the protective caps on the ends of
chromosomes. Short telomeres indicate older
cellular age and are also connected to
increased risks for chronic diseases of aging
including heart disease and cancer.
World:
Aging
of
Eyes
Blamed
for
Range
of
Health
Woes
(February
20, 2012)
Studies
suggest that as the eyes age, less and less
sunlight gets through the lens to reach
important cells in the retina that regulate the
body’s circadian rhythm via the brain. These
cells in the eyes are responsive to the blue
part of the light spectrum essential for some
physiological processes of the body during the
morning and afternoon. People should make an
effort to expose themselves to bright sunlight
or bright indoor lighting when they cannot go
outdoors. Artificial lighting is many times
dimmer than sunlight and in the wrong part of
the light spectrum. Older adults should pay
special attention because they spend more time
indoors.
World:
Osteoporosis Fracture Risk in Elderly
(February 15, 2012) (Article in
Arabic)
Dr. Abdel Moneim Ashour says,” to prevent
osteoporosis, we should avoid breakage which
significantly affects the bone strength. We must
use steady and comfortable pillows to absorb any
shock to the bone and take enough estrogen in
case of a possible deficiency. In addition to a
continuous intake of calcium and vitamin C and
D, one must reduce caffeine and meat because
they cause the body to lose calcium.
World:
Is
the
Anti-Aging
Industry
Bad
for
our
Health?
(February
9,
2012)
Advertisers
often play on our insecurities about aging,
sexuality and desirability. A new study finds
that the absence of older women in magazines
affects the self-esteem and physical health of
post-50 women. Shouldn’t the media change how
they engage with older populations?
World:
Adrenalin
“Stress Hormone” Major Reason for Grey Hair
(February 8, 2012) (Article in
Russian)
Stories of how people went grey overnight due to
a stressful situation are not unheard of, but is
it an urban myth or an actual fact? Researchers
were able to determine the cause of the early
appearance of grey hair as well as an "instant"
bloom when a person becomes grey in just hours
while under the influence of painful
experiences. The reason for this sudden change
of hair color is sudden or prolonged elevation
of so-called 'fear hormone' adrenaline.
World:
Researchers
Show Positive Correlation Between Music and
Elderly Health (February 8, 2012) (Article in
Russian)
Music education improves human brain activity,
preventing it from aging as fast as a brain not
exposed to music. Scientists say that music has
a positive effect on the memory of the elderly
and helps people to distinguish sounds in noisy
environments (the two major complaints of many
seniors).
World:
Vegetables Reduces the Effect of Memory Loss
in elderly (February 8, 2012) (Article in
Arabic)
US researchers found that older people who ate
at least 2.8 plates of vegetables a day slowed
down their loss of memory and increased their
mental ability by 40 percent over six years
compared to those who ate less than one dish per
day.
World:
Green
Tea
Drinkers Show Less Disability with Age
(February 5, 2012)
According to a Japanese study, older adults who
regularly drink green tea may stay more active
and independent than their peers as they age.
Green tea contains antioxidants that may fight
off cell damage that leads to aging and disease.
Researchers at the Tohoku University Graduate
School of Medicine found that those who drank
the most green tea were least likely to develop
functional disability with daily activities.
World:
Researchers
Develop
Method
of
Directing
Stem
Cells
to
Increase
Bone
Formation
and
Bone
Strength (February 5, 2012)
A research team led by UC Davis Health System
scientists has developed a new way to enhance
bone growth by using a molecule which, when
injected into the bloodstream, directs the
body’s stem cells to travel to the surface of
bones. Once there, the stem cells differentiate
into bone forming cells and create proteins to
enhance bone growth. The goal now is to move it
into clinical trials.
The modern
medical research has revealed that a rich diet
of vitamins and fish oil help older persons to
keep their brain clear. Vitamins and
fish oil enhance the efficiency of blood
vessels, fighting against brain shrinkage and
decreasing the chances of getting Alzheimer’s.
World:
HIV Infection Double Among the Elderly
(February 3, 2012)
Researchers are suggesting that it is vital to
promote safe sex for sexually active adults
aged 45+. Statistics show that about 80% of
50-90 year olds are sexually active, thus the
number of sexually transmitted diseases has
doubled in the past 10 years. While the reason
behind this seems undiscovered, the reason is
based on the fact that post-menopausal women
are more vulnerable to STIs.
A group of
researchers have identified a set of 281
genetic variants that together identify people
who live to be 110 or more from the rest of us
with about 85 percent accuracy. Additionally,
there could be different ways to live beyond
100. There is criticism about the findings;
there is a possibility that the results may be
skewed by ancestry.
World:
Menopause: A Safe Treatment? (January 25,
2012) (Article in
French)
Ten years ago studies showed that hormone
replacement therapy, prescribed to about two
million French women to limit the effects of
menopause, significantly increased risks of
developing breast cancer. After the findings,
the treatment usage dropped to around 700,000
women, and 75 percent of postmenopausal women
refused to take hormone therapy. However, the
British National Health Service now rejects
the results of the studies, claiming to have
identified serious methodological errors. It
claims that the treatment is safe and
effective.
World:
Treating
Alzheimer's:
A
Promising
Protein
(January
24,
2012) (Article in
French)
A French researcher, Professor Baulieu,
revealed a protein FKBP52 deficiency in
patients with Alzheimer's disease. By working
on brain sections of people with this
condition, he observed a low rate of the
substance whose role is to protect another
protein, the tau protein, which plays a
central role in the pathology of dementia.
Neurologists praised the results of the
research saying they see new hope in the fight
against the disease.
World: Going to Physician
Visits with Older Loved Ones Could
Improve Care (January 23, 2012) According to researchers at the Johns Hopkins
Bloomberg School of Public Health, family
companions who regularly go with older
adults to physician office visits improve
the quality of health care efforts. More
communication and education among the
provider, the patient and companion create
positive progress in the treatment process.
World:
Pfizer Stops Development of 'Dimebon' Drug
Against Alzheimer's (January 19, 2012) (Article in
French)
Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer ended tests for the
drug Dimebon which it hoped would be a cure for
Alzheimer's disease. Indeed, after investing $
725 million in its development, the results
which were initially promising proved to be
mediocre in the last phase of experimentation.
World: Depression Drugs
‘Causing Falls’ (January 18, 2012) The British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
reports that risks of injuries from falls
increased when dementia patients used
anti-depressants. These medications can cause
side effects such as unsteadiness and
dizziness. The Alzheimer’s Society called for
more research into alternative treatments for
the many dementia patients that also suffer
from depression.
World: Sex is
Recommended for Seniors (January 12, 2012) (Article in
Russian)
According to a study by US researchers, sex is
a great way to enhance the quality of life and
improve communication for people over 60. The
study showed that older people who regularly
make love have a stronger, more harmonious
relationship than their peers who do not
engage in the physical intimacy.
World:
For an Active Aging (January 11, 2012) (Article in
Russian)
Researchers from the University of Bremen
analyzed how different types of physical
activity affect the mental abilities of the
elderly. The experiment involved 90 men and
women aged 65 to 75. Three methods of exercise
were compared: ski pole walking, motor
coordination and balance exercises, relaxation
and stretching exercises. The results showed
that those who engaged in walking or
coordination exercises were able to improve
not only their fitness level but also mental
performance.
World:
Better
Research
Is
Needed
to
Understand
Why
Elders
Are
Happier
(January
5,
2012)
Some psychologists believe that cognitive
processes specifically focusing on remembering
positive events and leaving behind negative ones
help older people control their emotions,
allowing them to view life in a brighter light.
What is missing are consistently demonstrated
direct links between such phenomena and actual
happiness. Psychologist Derek M. Isaacowitz of
Northeastern University suggests that lab tests
do not produce results that are necessarily
straightforward but rather contradictory.
World:
Deer
Antlers
Inspire
a
New
Theory
on
Osteoporosis (January 3, 2012)
With a new theory appearing in the Frontiers of
Bioscience journal, researchers at the
University of Castilla-La Mancha in Spain
believe that the loss of manganese could mean
that calcium does not stick to bones and could
cause osteoporosis. This hypothesis still needs
to be confirmed by the scientific community. The
idea emerged from scientists noting an increased
rate of antler breakages in Spain in 2005. When
scientists analyzed these antlers in further
detail, they concluded that the deer suffered
from reduced manganese in their diet. In
the case of humans, decreased manganese levels
is linked to Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s
disease and dementia.
World:
Number
Of People Suffering from Alzheimer's Disease
Will Triple by 2050 (January 3, 2012) (Article in
French)
The insurer Allianz has conducted a study
showing that the number of people suffering from
Alzheimer's disease will reach 115 million by
2050 if no treatment is found by then.
Why? Life expectancy will likely continue
to increase. The figure will be multiplied by
three in less than 40 years, reaching then the
equivalent of the populations of Spain and
France combined. China will be the country with
the most Alzheimer’s cases; France will see its
number of patients doubled from 1 to 2 million.
China:
China mulls amending law to protect seniors
(June 26, 2012)
A draft revision to the law protecting senior
citizens’ rights and interests proposes changes
to the current law such as mandating visits to
parents left behind in rural communities. The
Central Government will also formulate a
national program on seniors’ welfare and local
authorities are to do the same. China is focused
on providing community- based nursing care as
more parents are left with ‘empty nests’. To
promote public awareness, the draft also
proposes September 9 of the lunar calendar as an
officially designated festival for seniors.
