Bright red flowers on yellow in ink, with title 'Museums for Life: Beyond the Museum' and Studio Flourish CIC logo.

Museums for Life: Beyond the Museum - How can creative, community-led approaches support more enriching experiences of ageing?

Wednesday 13th May 1:30 - 3:30pm at Cambridge Junction

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/museums-fo...

#CreativeAgeing
#OlderAdults
#Ageing

Food insecurity impacts many abandoned older adults. Through Feeding Hands, we provide food assistance that supports nutrition in old age and strengthens well-being with sustainable, community-based solutions.
https://agapehands.org/feeding-hands/

#OlderAdults #FeedingHands #FoodSecurity #Nonprofit

Video game-playing 91-year-old sparks concern, then relief for Westlake police A voluntary automated welfare check system for residents alerted police that an enrolled resident did not answer her check-in phone call.

#OlderAdults #VideoGames #lmao #💚

'Officers reported that the resident, who appreciated their concern, was playing a “bubble pop” game and trying to beat her record level.'

www.cleveland.com/community/20...

Study finds loneliness is linked to poorer memory in older adults, but not faster decline A large European study suggests that loneliness is associated with weaker memory in older adults, but it does not appear to accelerate memory decline over time. Researchers analyzed data from more than 10,000 adults ages 65 to 94 across 12 European countries as part of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). At the beginning of the study, participants who reported high loneliness scored lower on both immediate and delayed memory tests than those who felt less lonely. However, when researchers followed the group for seven years, memory declined at roughly the same rate in all loneliness groups. The study, published in Aging & Mental Health, challenges the idea that loneliness directly speeds up cognitive decline or dementia. Instead, it suggests loneliness may affect a person’s baseline cognitive performance, meaning lonely older adults may start out with poorer memory but not necessarily worsen faster. The researchers accounted for other factors that can influence memory, including depression, physical activity, diabetes, and social engagement. They also found that loneliness was more common among participants in poorer health and among those with higher rates of depression, high blood pressure, and diabetes. The authors say routine screening for loneliness could be useful in cognitive health assessments for older adults. They also note an important limitation: loneliness was treated as a fixed trait, even though people’s feelings of loneliness can change over time.

Study finds loneliness is linked to poorer memory in older adults, but not faster decline

🤖 IA: It's not clickbait ✅
👥 Usuarios: It's not clickbait ✅

#loneliness #memory #olderadults

View full AI summary:

Opioid risks among older adults are often overlooked. This GSA Momentum Discussion explores current realities and introduces a resource to support safer opioid use. #Opioids #OlderAdults #Healthcare
https://youtu.be/5r1vYr5OvgM?si=o6evTziG0Cy7HiZS

Development of the Windmill Model for Mapping Older Adults’ Intrinsic Capacity Using Digital Twin Technology: Descriptive Qualitative Study Background: Intrinsic capacity (IC) refers to the sum of the physical and mental capacities of an individual. Conventional IC assessment requires substantial temporal and human resources. Digital twin (DT) technology emerges as a promising solution for efficiently mapping ICs. Objective: This study aims to explore older adults’ perspectives on the DT technology and their perceptions of how it could effectively represent their ICs. Methods: A qualitative study was used. Face-to-face semistructured interviews with 23 older adults were conducted. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed via content analysis approach. Results: The analysis identified five themes and 16 subthemes: (1) “opt for or not my digital twin,” revealing the older adults’ decisions regarding whether to use DT technology for mapping ICs; (2) “my ideal digital avatar,” describing the older adults’ preferences for personalized digital avatar appearances; (3) “my digital twin maps my intrinsic capacity,” highlighting how multimodal reminders and synchronized avatar changes enhanced their comprehension of ICs; (4) “the benefits my digital twin can deliver,” emphasizing the potential of the DT system to provide feedback services to older adults; (5) “some expectations for my digital twin,” outlining their expectations for DT technology. Based on the above insights, a conceptual model, “windmill” model, was further developed to better understand how to build DTs of older adults and map their ICs. Conclusions: DT technology was a promising tool for mapping ICs of older adults. Furthermore, the “windmill” model provided a framework to build tailored DTs. The findings of this study could provide references to develop DT model to support IC management.

New in JMIR Aging: Development of the Windmill Model for Mapping Older Adults’ Intrinsic Capacity Using Digital Twin Technology: Descriptive Qualitative Study #DigitalTwin #IntrinsicCapacity #AgingResearch #OlderAdults #HealthTech

Facilitators and Barriers to Digital Self-Management in Older Adults With Depression: COM-B and Theoretical Domain Framework Qualitative Study Background: Depression in older adults presents unique challenges in self-management. Digital tools, such as mobile health (mHealth) apps, have the potential to support this population. This study explored the facilitators and barriers to digital self-management in older adults with depression to inform the design of effective mHealth apps. Objective: This study aims to explore the facilitators and barriers to digital self-management in older patients with depression with the aim of informing the design and development of mHealth apps for older adults. Methods: A purposive sampling method was used to recruit 25 older patients with depression from July to September 2024. Semistructured interviews were conducted to capture real-life experiences. Directed content analysis ensured objective and accurate data interpretation, and the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behavior (COM-B) model and the Theoretical Domains Framework were applied to identify facilitators and barriers related to behavior. Results: Six themes were identified based on the COM-B model and the Theoretical Domains Framework: perception of illness and accumulation of personal experience; dual challenges of cognitive abilities and physical limitations; integration of digital technologies and acceptance differences; social influences and access to and utilization of support resources; environmental constraints and accommodations; and intertwined influences of beliefs, emotions, and motivation. A total of 13 barriers and 11 facilitators were identified. Conclusions: Digital self-management in older adults with depression is complex and influenced by multiple interrelated factors. Effective mHealth apps must integrate the cognitive, emotional, and social contexts of patients to provide user-friendly, personalized solutions.

New in JMIR Aging: Facilitators and Barriers to Digital Self-Management in Older Adults With Depression: COM-B and Theoretical Domain Framework Qualitative Study #MentalHealth #OlderAdults #Depression #SelfManagement #DigitalHealth

In rural communities, many older adults face food insecurity due to isolation and limited resources. Feeding Hands provides consistent, community-based food support with dignity and sustainability.

https://agapehands.org/feeding-hands/

#OlderAdults #FeedingHands #FoodSecurity #NGO #agapehand

Older adults often face micronutrient gaps. In this GSA Momentum Discussion, experts share insights on improving nutrition research and clinician confidence in vitamin and mineral guidance. #Nutrition #OlderAdults #Healthcare
https://youtu.be/MTS0lrYRbgU?si=e5QQtAkQtXclQkk5

Personalized Predictive Model to Predict Subtask Success of Medication Adherence Technologies for Older Adults With Diverse Capabilities: Development and Internal Validation Study Background: Older adults frequently experience cognitive, physical, sensory, motivational, and environmental barriers that affect medication management. Medication adherence technologies (MATs) can support adherence, but their usability varies widely depending on individual abilities and device features. Prior research has largely focused on overall adherence or user experience, providing limited insight into feature-level usability challenges. Objective: The aim of the study is to develop and internally validate a personalized predictive model to predict the success of MAT subtasks for older adults with diverse cognitive, physical, sensory, motivational, and environmental capabilities. Methods: A mixed methods approach was used, incorporating the assessment of impairments using various standardized questionnaires, measurement of usability metrics through cognitive walkthroughs, and one-on-one semistructured interviews. For this study, we used “subtasks” as the representative of features of the devices. A subtask is a discrete, individual action that forms part of a larger task, specifically designed to achieve a step in the overall process. Participants tested between 1 and 7 devices from a selection of 13 devices. The proportion of subtask success was taken as the outcome measure. Predictors included demographic, clinical, cognitive, physical, sensory, motivational, and environmental characteristics. Personalized predictive modeling using cosine similarity and generalized linear models were compared with nonpersonalized and naive models. Model performance was evaluated using mean square error (MSE) through cross-validation and held-out validation. Results: A total of 117 participants (mean age 74.6, SD 7.9 years) were recruited, including 96 participants for usability testing and 21 for the validation, all varying in cognitive, physical, sensory, motivational, and environmental abilities. Both personalized (=0.25) and nonpersonalized models (=1.0) outperformed naive predictions (=1.21), demonstrating that subtask-level success can be predicted using routinely measurable demographic and functional characteristics. During cross-validation, personalized models achieved optimal performance at a matching proportion of =0.25, with MSEs lower than those observed at higher matching levels, although differences compared with nonpersonalized models were not statistically significant (Self-Medication Assessment Tool [SMAT]: =.50; Daily Living Tasks Dependent on Vision [DLTV]: =.43). In the held-out validation cohort, personalized models achieved MSEs of 0.89 (SMAT-based) and 1.16 (DLTV-based) at m=0.20, whereas nonpersonalized models demonstrated better performance with MSEs of 0.726 (SMAT-based) and 0.815 (DLTV-based). Models incorporating performance-based vision measures (SMAT-based) consistently outperformed those using self-reported vision scores (DLTV-based) across both personalized and nonpersonalized settings. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the feasibility of predicting subtask success of MATs in older adults. While personalization showed limited added benefit in this dataset, the subtask-focused model provides clinically meaningful insights to support evidence-informed selection of medication technologies, reduce usability-related medication errors, and improve adherence outcomes.

New in JMIR Aging: Personalized Predictive Model to Predict Subtask Success of Medication Adherence Technologies for Older Adults With Diverse Capabilities: Development and Internal Validation Study #MedicationAdherence #OlderAdults #HealthTech #PatientEngagement #Usability

O! Seems the sadist in chief 🇺🇸 hasn’t ended the world (yet) so I guess I can continue to flag 🚩predatory scams (redundant) on @craignewmark.bsky.social’s list looking for a place to live.

P. S. Thanks for your recent op-ed, Craig! (Not snark 💞 .)

#wealth #homelessness #OlderAdults #home #housing

Online Communication Attitudes and Video Game Co-Play in Older Adults: Cross-Sectional Mediation Study Background: Social isolation among older adults is a growing public health concern. While information and communication technologies offer opportunities for social engagement, few studies have examined how video game co-play, a form of interactive digital media, supports intergenerational connection and perceived social support among older adults. Objective: Guided by uses and gratifications theory, this study investigates whether older adults’ online communication attitudes predict video game co-play with younger family members and whether such co-play enhances perceived social support. Methods: A total of 433 older adults (aged ≥60 years) were recruited using a snowball sampling approach facilitated by undergraduate students. Participants completed an online survey assessing online social connection; online self-disclosure (OSD); video game co-play with younger family members; and perceived informational, instrumental, and emotional support. Regression analyses predicting co-play behavior (H1) were conducted using the full sample (N=433), with participants reporting no co-play coded as 0 to indicate the absence of engagement. Hierarchical regression analyses examining associations between co-play and social support (H2) were restricted to participants reporting video game co-play (n=71). Mediation analyses testing indirect effects (H3-H4) were also conducted among co-players (n=71), controlling for age, gender, and race. Mediation models were estimated using PROCESS Model 4, with 5000 bootstrap samples to generate 95% CIs. Results: OSD was positively associated with video game co-play behavior (=0.12, SE=0.03;

New in JMIR Aging: Online Communication Attitudes and Video Game Co-Play in Older Adults: Cross-Sectional Mediation Study #DigitalInclusion #SocialEngagement #VideoGames #OlderAdults #MentalHealth

Photo of kittens held in older adult's hands by Luidmyla Shalimova.

New Research: "Ethical, Altruistic, and Self-Transcendent Meanings of Pets to Older People"

#HumanAnimalInteraction #CompanionAnimals #OlderAdults

doi.org/10.1080/0892...

Scientists discover why flu and COVID hit older adults so hard Aging lungs may spark runaway inflammation that makes infections far more dangerous.

Scientists discover why #flu and #COVID hit #olderadults so hard. #Aging #lungs may spark runaway #inflammation that makes #infections far more dangerous - #fibroblasts #immunecells #inflammaging - rhinformatics.beehiiv.com/p/scientists...

Thanks to Michelle from SoulFire Movement for hosting another invigorating exercise class at Franklin Field Apartments! We appreciate your passionate energy and commitment to helping residents of all mobility—sitting or standing—stay fit and active.

#OlderAdults #SeniorExercise #AdultFitness

Balancing benefits and barriers: Experiences of digital health consultations among older adults and healthcare staff - Karin Myrberg, Annica Björkman, Lars-Christer Hydén, Christina Samuelsson, 2026 Objective Despite having high healthcare needs and being suitable candidates for digital health consultations, older adults (OAs) use these practices less commo...

Digital consults benefit #olderadults and staff, but persistent technical & relational barriers create the need for better #usability & #adaptability, along with support for individual preferences, #accessibility & equitable #access. journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...

#MedSky #PatientExperience

Digital Resources and Social Connectedness Among Ethnic Minority Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Background: Being socially connected is essential for health and well-being. Nonetheless, many older adults face social isolation, especially in ethnically diverse societies. Digital technologies offer a pragmatic approach to addressing problems with social connectedness; however, a consolidated understanding of their association with social connectedness among ethnic minority older adults remains unaddressed. Objective: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the prevalence and utility of digital resources in promoting social connectedness among ethnic minority older adults. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was guided by the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Studies were retrieved from 4 electronic databases. A random-effects meta-analysis was used to estimate the pooled prevalence along with its 95% CI. Results: Twelve studies were included. The research approaches used by the included studies were as follows: quantitative (n=5), qualitative (n=5), and mixed methods (n=2). Overall, the estimated prevalence of internet use, which was defined as engaging in online activities through digital devices, was 81.8%. Commonly used digital devices were computers (66.7%), smartphones (63.2%), and tablets (29.3%). Sociodemographic, economic, and health-related factors influenced the adoption and use of digital resources among ethnic minority older adults. These older adults relied on digital resources to build meaningful social connections through social participation, maintaining cultural and religious ties, promoting transnational social networks, and fostering their potential for social connectedness. However, digital resources were not always useful for social connectedness and adversely affected in-person contact. Conclusions: Digital resources can promote social connectedness among ethnic minority older adults by enabling them to maintain their cultural and social values. Cities and regions aiming to promote the social connectedness and well-being of ethnic minority older adults should consider intersectional factors that affect access to digital resources and the sustainable adoption of digital resources.

New in JMIR Aging: Digital Resources and Social Connectedness Among Ethnic Minority Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis #DigitalInclusion #SocialConnectedness #OlderAdults #HealthAndWellbeing #EthnicMinorities

We mapped hundreds of California senior centers. Find one near you. Use our map to find senior centers and community spaces for older adults.

#California #OlderAdults #CommunityServices

'California has hundreds of public senior centers and community spaces serving older adults across the state — but there isn’t an easy way to find one near you. We put together this map to help fill that gap.'

calmatters.org/health/menta...

Many older adults in rural areas face food insecurity due to isolation and limited resources. Feeding Hands provides consistent, community-based support to improve access to nutrition with dignity.

Support here: https://agapehands.org/feeding-hands/

#OlderAdults #FeedingHands #FoodSecurity #NGO

Many Older Adults With Cancer Prioritize Quality of Life Over Survival Most older adults with advanced cancer would rather prioritize preserving quality of life vs prolonging survival, but these preferences may not be taken into account, a study published in JAMA Oncolog...

Most #olderadults w/advanced #cancer would rather prioritize preserving #QualityOfLife vs prolonging survival. However, study findings point to a lack of responsiveness to #patient priorities. jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2847169

#MedSky #OncSky #CanSky #PatientExperience #PublicHealth

Migration is leaving many older adults behind in rural communities, increasing food insecurity. Feeding Hands provides direct, sustainable support to ensure access to nutrition and dignity.

Support here: https://agapehands.org/feeding-hands/

#OlderAdults #FeedingHands #Migration #FoodSecurity #NGO

Free tax help is available for qualifying #OlderAdults and people with low to moderate income. Visit the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Service to find a certified in-person volunteer near you, or file online for free with the help of a coach.

#TaxSeason #SeniorFinance #SeniorMoney

Free tax help is available for qualifying #OlderAdults and people with low to moderate income. Visit the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Service to find a certified in-person volunteer near you, or file online for free with the help of a coach.

#TaxSeason #SeniorFinance #SeniorMoney

Animal-assisted support programs for residents in Canadian long-term care homes: a feasibility and acceptability study - PubMed AASPs have many potential benefits for residents and staff in LTC homes, including perceived improvements in mood and social engagement. Interview participants provided insights and recommendations for future AASPs, including understanding the challenges to implementing AASPs, such as the fear of an …

New TREC Research:

Animal-assisted support programs (AASPs, #pettherapy, animal-assisted therapy, animal-assisted activities), are promising programs that may improve the #mentalhealth and overall well-being of #olderadults living with and without #dementia in #longtermcare (LTC) homes.

#LTC

Last week, my Constituent Services Director, Jim Henry, attended Boston Age Strong's St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon at the Bunker Hill Knights of Columbus in Charlestown. My team and I will always support and lift up older residents throughout my district.

#CharlestownMA #OlderAdults

Over half of #olderadults experiencing homelessness in our HOPE HOME Study face food insecurity—5x the rate of older adults overall.

This presents a direct threat to their health and safety due to poor health and chronic conditions.

Learn more: https://ow.ly/fEmN50YmAvo

#NutritionMonth

New relationships take a surprising physical toll on older adults Older adults are usually better at handling relationship friction, but a new study reveals that new dating disrupts this emotional advantage. When navigating a fresh romance, older individuals experience worse physical and emotional reactions to conflict than younger daters.

New relationships take a surprising physical toll on older adults #Science #HealthandMedicine #MentalHealth #OlderAdults #Relationships

www.psypost.org/new-relationships-take-a...

Why many older adults skip hard candy – how aging can change chewing and swallowing As you get older, the muscles your body uses to chew can weaken, which may make enjoying holiday treats like Easter candy more difficult.

Why many #olderadults skip #hardcandy – how #aging can change #chewing and #swallowing

theconversation.com/why-many-old...

‘Grandparents’ Happy Hour’ receives support as panel OKs omnibus liquor bill - Session Daily - Minnesota House of Representatives

#OlderAdults #alcohol #NursingHomes #Minnesota

'Dubbed the “Grandparents’ Happy Hour” bill, HF4145, as amended, would allow nursing homes, boarding care homes and assisted living facilities to serve alcohol to residents and their guests...'

www.house.mn.gov/sessiondaily...

I get it, #academicmedicine feels like a scam sometimes. my dudes, I may be writing a bill next week to prevent CMS enrolling #olderadults in #MedicareAdvantage without their consent and be forced into #priorauth
This affects clinical practice far more than Journal of 5 people read in last 20 years