When we think of bats, we often think of spooky caves and Halloween decorations. But behind their eerie reputation lies something far more fascinating: bats are masters of longevity and resilience. These flying mammals not only live far longer than other animals their size, but they also carry many deadly viruses—like Ebola and coronaviruses—without getting […]
Could our canine companions help us learn how to treat Alzheimer’s disease?
Thanks to advances in science, medicine, and technology, more people than ever are living past age 65. This is great, but it also poses some problems—and some scientists thing our canine companions could help. The main problem is that aging brings increased frailty and a higher risk of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular issues, neurodegeneration, […]
Psychological resilience to minor hassles: A pathway to aging well?
Since 2008, the American Psychological Association has conducted an annual Stress in America™ survey to provide a temperature check on America’s mental health. The results indicate that Americans’ average perceived stress ratings typically hover around 5 on a 10-point scale, indicating steady, moderate levels of perceived stress. There are vast individual differences in stress levels, […]
Does stress determine how quickly we age?
Why do some people seem to age slower than others? One way researchers approach this question is to look beyond a person’s age in years at their “biological age”, which reflects the health of cells and organs. But what’s the best way to measure biological age? Well, in a new study published in Science Advances, […]
Fueling the aging brain: How nutrition boosts cognitive health and memory
Have you ever found yourself searching for a word that is just on the tip of your tongue, or walked into a room only to forget why you were there in the first place? These everyday lapses in memory can happen to anyone, regardless of age or cognitive ability. Fortunately, there are proactive steps you […]
Improving dementia care: New training requirements under Colorado’s Senate Bill 22-079
As the number of older adults in the U.S. increases, so does the need for a workforce skilled in caring for those with age-related conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. In response, Colorado’s Senate Bill 22-079 introduces enhanced training requirements for care providers in assisted living and nursing facilities. Since January 2024, staff […]
Why do females tend to outlive males?
Across both the human world and the animal kingdom, research consistently shows that, on average, females tend to outlive males. This widely observed phenomenon could offer valuable insights into the mechanisms of aging, though scientists still don’t fully understand why these differences exist. Experts think factors, such as vulnerability to environmental hazards (like air pollution, […]
Understanding death anxiety in health care
Talking about death is difficult. Whether contemplating our own mortality, mourning the loss of a loved one, or reflecting on the passing of a public figure we have never met before, feelings of sadness, fear, awkwardness, and anxiety may arise. These emotions persist as health care professionals, patients and their family members decide between life-prolonging […]
The argument for prioritizing mental health as you age
Research has long indicated that mental health is a pivotal factor shaping our collective well-being and lifestyles. Neglecting mental health concerns could lead to consequences, from preventable disabilities to unemployment or financial problems, exacerbating substance abuse, increased risk of developing or worsening disease, suffering relationships, and even heightened risks of suicide. In this blog, we’ll […]
Enhancing healthcare communication for LGBT+ inclusivity
On Nov. 6, 2023, Colorado State University’s Diverse-OT Club welcomed Assistant Professor Michelle LeRoy from the Department of Occupational Therapy for a guest presentation about the significance of inclusive language for future occupational therapists. “Using inclusive language is important because it is a simple and effective way to indicate that you are a safe person, […]
