Report: Alcohol Abuse Rising Among Older Adults
In 1992, less than 7% of alcohol-related ER admissions involved older adults. By 2009, that percentage nearly doubled-and among older adults admitted for alcohol-related problems, the percentage with a co-occurring disorder tripled. Read the SAMHSA report.
Another study says that, while older adults are less likely to drink heavily, those that do binge drink do so more often. Read more in the Sun Sentinel.
Racial Disparities Persist in Treatment of Depression
African American older adults are more likely to be diagnosed with depression, but white elders are more likely to be treated, according to a new government study. Learn more from the National Institute of Mental Health.
Managed Home Care Replacing Nursing Homes
Faced with soaring health care costs and shrinking Medicare and Medicaid payments, many nursing home operators are saving money in a surprising way-by shifting to a home-based, collaborative model of care that studies suggest also leads to better outcomes. Read more in the New York Times.
State Funding Formula Means Funding Declines as Senior Population Rises
Most New York counties will receive less funding for aging services from the state even as they struggle to provide services to a growing population of older adults. Policies require the New York State Office for Aging to shift funding among counties based on the population of older adults, but all counties-except for Montgomery County-have seen that population expand. New York City's Department for the Aging will lose $386,509 despite a 12.4% increase in its aging population between 2000 and 2010. Learn more from the North Country Gazette.
Mental Activity Makes Older Adults More Open-Minded
Researchers have long believed that mental activity can boost seniors' cognitive abilities and delay the onset of dementia. But new research suggests that a mental workout can also help elders remain open to new experiences. Learn more at HealthJockey.com.
New Research Sheds Light on How Alzheimer's Spreads
Alzheimer's seems to spread when dying brain cells release a distorted protein called tau, which then spreads to areas of the brain responsible for memory and reasoning, a new study says. One implication of the finding: developing an antibody that blocks tau from spreading could be the key to stopping Alzheimer's. Learn more from the New York Times.
Homelessness Up Among NYC Seniors
The number of aging homeless people in New York City shelters has shot up by 55% over the past 10 years, mirroring a national trend. Learn more from the Daily News.
Budget Cuts Mean More Expensive Medicine for Seniors
New York State cuts to the EPIC prescription program have increased the cost of drugs for thousands of senior citizens. Now advocates for the aging are calling on Gov. Andrew Cuomo and lawmakers to restore copayment assistance. Learn more from North Country Now.
