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In 1976, researchers first identified a frightening virus that had emerged in the African nation then known as Zaire. The source of this fast-moving, destructive disease remains unknown, but Ebola is believed to have spread to humans from apes, monkeys and bats. There have been several Ebola outbreaks since 1976, primarily in African countries, though the disease has been found in animals originating from Asia as well.
In 1950, the average global life expectancy was 45 years. Today, many people at that age are in the prime of their lives, with decades remaining to make lasting memories with family and friends. In fact, the current global life expectancy is 73, a vastly higher number that only seems to be increasing. Some research suggests that humans have the potential to live up to 150 years. Dr. David Sinclair goes so far as to argue, “The first person to live to 150 has already been born.” This ever-increasing life expectancy has brought more attention to the idea of the longevity revolution. But what is this age-defying revolution, and how can we prepare for it? What Is the Longevity Revolution? Have you heard? 70 is the new 50
There’s nothing worse than feeling a tinge of discomfort in your throat alerting you that something’s not quite right. When it’s accompanied by a sudden bout of sneezes or a slight fever, you know that it’s time to accept the inevitable: A pathogen has staked its claim in your body, and you’re officially getting sick.
Older adults face complex challenges, from chronic illness and caregiver shortages to financial hardship and age discrimination. Globally, advocates are working to improve policies, reshape public attitudes and strengthen support systems for these aging populations. Below are 14 influential leaders and organizations advocating for older adults through research, public policy, community programs and education. If you’re interested in becoming a senior advocate or pursuing a career in aging, these examples highlight the real-world impact of dedicated advocacy work. Influential Leaders Advocating for Older Adults These individuals — even those no longer among us — are continuing to improve the standard of living among older adults. Rosalynn Carter Before her teenage years, late former First Lady Rosalynn Carter took care of her father, grandfather and younger siblings. In 1987, she harnessed the desire to help others developed in her youth by founding the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers. The organization supports family caregivers by forging cross-sector partnerships, spearheads research projects and strategic initiatives, creates and implements evidence-based programs and advocates for beneficial public policy. Maria Shriver Journalist and author Maria Shriver has published the Radically Reframing Aging & Longevity Guide as part of the Sunday Paper portion of her website. This free guide highlights the accomplishments of today’s older adults and shares many valuable resources for them
Empowering older adults to maintain their independence, dignity and quality of life as they age can be challenging. Gerontological design is a subfield of gerontology focused on creating environments, products and services that cater to the needs and preferences of older adults. Sometimes referred to as “design for aging” or “geriatric design,” gerontological design involves applying principles of design, architecture and urban planning to improve the quality of life for aging populations. Gerontological design considers the physical, cognitive, sensory and emotional changes that occur as we age, with the aim of creating spaces and products that are accessible, safe, comfortable and supportive for older individuals. Gerontological Design Put Into Practice Let’s look at some of the ways gerontological design can be used to help people continue to live healthy, fulfilling lives as they age. Accessibility Design environments and products that are easily accessible and navigable for older adults with mobility challenges, such as wheelchair ramps, wide doorways and grab bars. Age-Friendly Urban Planning Plan neighborhoods and cities with features that accommodate the needs of older adults, such as pedestrian-friendly streets, public transportation options and access to healthcare services. Cognitive Support Incorporate design elements that support cognitive function, such as clear signage, simple layouts and contrasting colors for improved visibility. Comfort Create spaces that promote comfort and well-being, including seating with proper support, adjustable lighting and temperature control. Safety Implement features to minimize hazards and risks, such as slip-resistant flooring, well-lit areas and ergonomic furniture with rounded edges. Social Connection Design spaces that foster social interaction and community engagement, such as communal areas for gatherings and activities, and incorporate technology to facilitate communication with family and friends. The Growing Need for Gerontological Design Data from the World Health Organization shows the global population of individuals aged 60 and above is expected to rise from 1 billion to an astonishing 1.4 billion by 2030 — an increase of 40% in just the next few years. This significant surge in the number of older adults worldwide underscores the dual need for broader gerontological design implementation and healthcare professionals dedicated to supporting older adults through life’s transitions. Shape Your Credentials for Optimal Gerontology Career Potential UF’s renowned College of Medicine offers two online programs in the growing field of aging. If you wish to enhance your career while more effectively meeting the healthcare requirements of older adults, these programs are tailored to your needs: Master of Science in Medical Sciences with a concentration in Innovative Aging Studies (now only 30 credits!) Finish your degree in as little as one year. Explore the innovations and trends that inform gerontological design in courses such as Gerontechnology (GMS 6808) and Healthy Aging in the New Millennium (GMS 6717). Graduate Certificate in Aging and Geriatric Practice (15 credits) Finish your certificate in as little as one year. Apply all 15 credits toward our MS in gerontology in the future, if eligible. Want to know more about our online UF gerontology programs? Consider these benefits: Apply with no GRE or clinical experience required. Enjoy competitive tuition rates. Complete your program at your own pace from any location in the world. Use either credential toward a variety of rewarding careers or health-profession school. Get a more complete picture of our online graduate programs in aging now. Sources: https://medcraveonline.com/NCOAJ/the-gerontological-design-a-practice-to-improve-life-quality-of-the-elderly.htmlhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtSHhWLa4tM&ab_channel=TheCollabLabhttps://www.assaabloy.com/hk/en/stories/blogs/geriatric-healthcare-designs-that-let-the-elderly-age-gracefully
One moment, you’re scouring your phone’s camera roll for the infamous cake-in-the-hair photo of your kiddo on their first birthday. The next thing you know, you’ve spent an hour absorbed in eight years’ worth of photos, and you’re left wondering where those eight years went. As you watch time fly via photo slideshow, you may also notice a few extra fine lines or gray hairs where there were none a few years ago, which begs the question: Why do we age? Today, we’re exploring five factors that contribute to the aging process.
Picture this: You’re reaching into the oven to take out a tray of freshly baked cookies. As you’re pulling it out, the kitchen towel you’re using shifts, causing you to burn one of your fingers. Your initial reaction is to acknowledge the pain of the burn, but soon after, your body kicks into gear to repair the damaged skin.
Sometimes, offering assistance to others proves easier said than done. This challenge can become particularly pronounced when it comes to aiding older adults. Whether it’s due to an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ mentality or the postponement of a promised phone call to check on a grandparent, these intentions often linger unfulfilled. However, have you considered the broader benefits that come from supporting older adults? Not only does lending a helping hand benefit them, but it also positively impacts others, including yourself. Today, we’re exploring several ways you can assist the older adults in your life and the advantages of those actions for everyone involved. What You Can Do to Help Older Adults You can still certainly make that phone call you’ve had on your to-do list, but there are several other actions you can take to show older adults you love and appreciate them, including: Offering to run errands for them or take them with you to complete their shopping tasks. Spending quality time together doing activities they enjoy. Taking them to medical appointments. Preparing meals together. Assisting with any necessary home maintenance needs. Offering emotional support when they need a shoulder to lean on. Encouraging them to participate in community events. Advocating for their needs, especially in healthcare settings. Helping them stay current with technology. 6 Ways Assisting Older Adults Helps Everyone Helping older adults provides obvious benefits to them, but it’s also advantageous to you—and society as a whole—for several reasons, including: #1 Promoting Intergenerational Connections Consider the advantages of having an older relative live with you or visit your house regularly. Not only do you become a reliable source of companionship for them, you’ll also facilitate the bonding of multiple generations under one roof. Your children can learn valuable lessons from the wisdom of their grandparents or older relatives, while the older adults can gain fresh perspectives from younger generations, fostering stronger intergenerational connections. #2 Reducing the Burden on Caregivers If multiple members of your family come together to support the older adults in your life, consider the collective impact you could have
Antidepressant medications can be extremely effective in helping people cope with potentially debilitating conditions. Often, these medications don’t make a person feel “good” so much as level out their emotions to make them feel normal or stable. Without such medications, many people experience something akin to a frightening roller coaster ride that fluctuates uncontrollably between differing levels of depression.
During infancy and throughout adolescence, most of us enjoy relatively good health, from our blemish-free skin to our well-functioning internal organs. In this period of our lives, cell regeneration occurs effortlessly. When cells become aged or damaged, our bodies naturally initiate the process of cell division and replication to ensure ongoing vitality and well-being. As we age, our cells begin to reach the maximum number of times they can divide. When this happens and they can no longer create new cells, they reach a state of senescence. But what is senescence, exactly? Today, we’re exploring the biology of aging and its connection to senescence to gain a better understanding of how and why our bodies age. Senescence and Aging Senescence and aging hold very similar meanings. The term ‘aging’ encompasses the overall process of becoming older, including the physical and mental decline in our health
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