Aging
The Impacts of an Aging Population on Society Those born between 1946 and 1964 grew up in a completely different era than the one we’re familiar with today. World War II had just ended, “It’s a Wonderful Life” had mesmerized audiences and the first season of “I Love Lucy” premiered to over 10 million viewers. People were living the American Dream, and with that dream came an abundance of babies, hence the generational name “baby boomers.” In 2022, baby boomers became the second largest generational group in the United States with 69.6 million people ranging from ages 58 to 76. Even now, as they continue to age, more and more baby boomers are retiring every day. As it stands, approximately 10,000 people reach the retirement age of 65 daily. But how will a rapidly aging population impact society as we know it? Its effects will be felt on a national level as well as a personal level, as we outline in detail below. The Economic Implications of an Aging Population Could Be Significant The sizeable number of older people retiring every week translates to a smaller pool of working-age people
Physiology
How Gut Bacteria Affect Digestion and Immunity Your gut is home to trillions of microorganisms, including bacteria that play an important role in how your body functions. While we often associate bacteria with infection or illness, many of the bacteria living in your digestive tract are harmless or beneficial. Together, the microorganisms in your digestive tract make up the gut microbiota and are part of what we commonly call the gut microbiome. They interact with the food you eat, help support digestion and communicate with other systems throughout the body, including the immune system. So, what do gut bacteria actually do? Let’s look at how they affect digestion and immunity and why maintaining a healthy gut microbiome matters. What Is the Gut Microbiome? The gut microbiome is the community of microorganisms that lives throughout your digestive tract. Bacteria make up a large part of this community, but the gut also contains other microorganisms. You might also know the gut microbiome as “gut flora” or “gut microbiota.” While some bacterial species can cause illness, many of the bacteria that normally live in the gut contribute to processes that help the body function
Aging
Geropsychology: Helping Older Adults Thrive The field of psychology has grown immensely in recent decades. What began as the study of the adult mind and behavior in 1879 has since expanded to an array of specialties, from military psychology to child psychology and everything in between. It should come as no surprise, then, that there’s a new branch of psychology on the block and it goes by the name of geropsychology. This up-and-coming specialty applies a combination of traditional and modern psychological methods to help people aged 65 and older. Whether you’re interested in becoming a psychologist with a focus on the elderly population or you’d simply like to utilize some of its practices in your line of work, today we’re answering the question, “What is geropsychology?” and discussing some of the common topics this specialty addresses. Geropsychology: A Brief History By the 1950s, psychology had comfortably nestled itself next to many other established specialties in the behavioral sciences. It was during this time that scientists began to study the cognitive and emotional abilities of humans as they entered the latter phase of their lives. In the 1970s, more formal training in clinical geropsychology began to improve the lives of older adults as they faced impending hurdles like mental and physical decline or the deaths of loved ones
Physiology
What Is a Supertaster? Definition, Traits and How to Test Yourself It’s a tale as old as time. Growing up, your family tried to instill a love of broccoli and other leafy greens in you, but it never quite took. Now, you might be an adult who still doesn’t appreciate certain veggies, coffee or spicy foods. Perhaps you’d even call yourself a picky eater. If so, have you ever considered whether you might be a supertaster? While being a supertaster might sound like a covetable superpower, the one in four people who find themselves with this ability might not always see it as a blessing
Aging
How Aging Affects the Nervous System As the source of all our senses, thoughts, memories, movements, and other essential daily functions of our body, our nervous system has a tremendous impact on the way we age. The nervous system is composed of two main parts: the central nervous system, consisting of the brain and the spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, comprised of the nerves located throughout the body. We have increasing risks with age, such as stroke, traumatic injury, and age-related neurological diseases. All these conditions can cause significant neuronal damage. According to scientific research, the nervous system can potentially restore its function after damage
Aging
Lifestyle Factors and Aging It’s been said that age is “only a number.” The fact that many senior citizens are living active, healthy lives and living longer than ever before certainly supports that notion. In 1920, the average American lived 54.1 years. By 2020 that number had climbed to 77 years — a 42% longer lifespan. Ideally, modern seniors can spend these additional years maintaining a high quality of life. To achieve this, however, it’s important we do not prematurely age ourselves
Aging
How Nutrition and Exercise Can Help Preserve Independence in Aging Adults Many factors impact our ability to stay independent as we age. Injuries, heredity and complications from diseases, in addition to the natural aging process itself, can rob us of our self-sufficiency. But how can older adults, healthy or otherwise, prolong their independence? In short, good nutritional habits and regular exercise. These lifestyle choices have been shown to help both healthy older adults and those with health challenges remain independent longer. Below, we’ll address some widely applicable ways to preserve independence as well as some novel ways based on research
Aging
Why Is Hearing Loss More Common in Men Than Women? Studies consistently show that men are more likely than women to suffer hearing loss as they age. Why is this? There are multiple contributing factors, including lifestyle, occupation, health and heredity. We’ll consider these factors and get an expert perspective from Dr. Shin Someya, Associate Professor and Director of the Graduate Program in Aging for the University of Florida’s Department of Physiology and Aging. Sex-Based Differences in Hearing Loss Loss of hearing can be triggered or exacerbated by numerous causes, both innate and behavioral
General
5 Reasons Why Medical Students Should Pursue a Master of Science Learn Why a Master of Science May Be a Great Choice for You The proverb “it’s about the journey, not the destination” applies to everyone. Yes, even medical students! Putting themselves through years of grueling study, these aspiring professionals hope to be placed in respectable residency programs come Match Day. However, some of the greatest lessons a student can learn are taught outside of medical school and inside a Master of Science (MS) program. An MS instills relevant medical knowledge that can prove invaluable to your studies and future career, regardless of where you are on your academic journey. Let’s take a look at five reasons why you should pursue a master’s degree, especially a master’s degree in medical physiology and pharmacology from the University of Florida
General
Advance Your Career with UF’s Online Graduate Credentials in Medical Sciences If you’ve ever dreamed of a career in the medical sciences — whether as a doctor, medical scientist or biostatistician — you’ve probably wondered what steps you need to take to make that dream a reality. One key factor that can help set your resume or medical school application apart is earning a graduate credential from a respected university. But choosing the right graduate program isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. You need a school known for its contributions to the field: one that offers academic excellence while respecting your time and commitments. At the University of Florida, we understand that many of our students balance full-time jobs while furthering their education. That’s why we offer fully online graduate certificates and master’s degrees designed to fit your schedule, so you can take the next step in your career without putting the rest of your life on hold. Below, we explore why UF should be at the top of your list when choosing the school that’s right for you. 5 Benefits of UF’s Online Medical Physiology Program We get it: Completing a graduate credential requires a significant investment of your time and finances
