Browse Publications
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Feature ArticleConscious Aging: Through Their Art, a Couple Finds Beauty and Peace in Aging
Who hasn’t looked in the mirror only to find someone staring back with too many wrinkles and gray hairs? Someone who we don’t recognize because that person is way too old? When Alice and Richard Matzkin found themselves and their loved ones confronting bodies being etched by time and pulled down by gravity, they became overwhelmed by fear. -
Report2009 Task Force on Aging Research Funding
May 2009
Related topics: Aging Research Alzheimer's Disease Arthritis Brain Health Cancer Cardiovascular Disease Caregiving Diabetes Federal Funding Geriatric Training Health Incontinence Medical Innovation Men's Health Mental Health Osteoporosis Other Diseases of Aging Parkinson's Disease Persistent Pain Policy Research Stroke Vision Loss Women's HealthThe 2009 Task Force on Aging Research Funding--more than 65 non-partisan disease groups, patient advocates, and foundations--urges Congress and the President to restore a national commitment to medical research on behalf of America's aging population. This year's report of the Task Force calls for a at least a 7% increase in funding for the National Institutes of Health in FY 2010. It also presents data on the burden of diseases and conditions that predominately affect older Americans, highlights the emerging research the NIH is doing to decrease these burdens, and serves as a resource for policymakers working to establish the funding levels necessary to advance healthy aging. -
Feature ArticleRaising Awareness: The First Step in Preventing Senior Suicide
Every age group is at risk for suicide, but the most vulnerable group may surprise you. Older adults—particularly white men—experience the highest rate of suicide in the U.S. In 2005, the elderly comprised 12 percent of the population yet accounted for 17 percent of all suicides—more than 7,000 older Americans committed suicide that year. -
Feature ArticleStudy Shows Benefits of Flowers for Older Adults
“Flowers make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food, and medicine to the soul.” American botanist Luther Burbank may have been onto something when he proclaimed this in the early 20th century. Many decades later, studies have found that flowers may actually have health benefits—especially for older adults. A 2001 Rutgers University study found that flowers eased depression, improved social interaction, and enhanced memory in adults age 55 and older. The study was partially funded by the Society of American Florists. -
Science in the SpotlightNeurogenesis Plays Key Role in Learning and Memory--Salk Scientists Find
Not long ago, the suggestion that old brains could grow new nerve cells – or neurons – was unthinkable among neurologists. Today, however, we know that neural stem cells are indeed capable of growing new neurons throughout life. This process is called neurogenesis, which literally means “the birth of new neurons.” Precisely how nerve stem cells function and how they are regulated, however, have remained something of a mystery until recently. -
Get Mad ColumnTaking Delirium Seriously
For more than one in five patients over 65, hospital stays are complicated by frightening bouts of confusion known as delirium.
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Report2007 Task Force Report on Aging Research Funding
April 2007 | Alliance for Aging Research
Related topics: Aging Research Alzheimer's Disease Arthritis Cancer Cardiovascular Disease Caregiving Diabetes Federal Funding Geriatric Training Health Incontinence Medical Innovation Men's Health Mental Health Osteoporosis Other Diseases of Aging Parkinson's Disease Persistent Pain Prevention Stroke Vision Loss Women's HealthThe 2007 Task Force on Aging Research Funding--more than 85 non-partisan disease groups, patient advocates, and foundations--urges Congress and the President to chart a better course for medical research on behalf of America's aging population. This year's report of the Task Force calls for a 6.7% increase in funding for the National Institutes of Health in FY 2008. It also presents data on the burden of 27 diseases and conditions that predominately affect older Americans, highlights some of the exciting work the NIH is doing to decrease these burdens, and serves as a resource for policymakers working to establish the funding levels necessary to advance healthy aging. -
BrochureTen Facts About Depression
This fact sheet provides important information about elderly depression. -
BrochureHow to Talk to Your Elderly Parent About Depression:
A Guide for Caregivers
Depression in older adults is often dismissed as inevitable or a "normal" part of aging, when in fact depression is a treatable medical illness. This brochure outlines the signs of depression in older adults, offers advice on how to approach an older person if you notice these signs, and provides places to get more information. -
BrochureRaising the Index of Suspicion:
Quick Questions to Ask Every Patient Over 65
The purpose of this assessment card for physicians is to help raise awareness of depression in older patients. -
DocumentDealing with a Parent's Depression
This article shares the story of an older woman and her struggle with depression. -
DocumentDealing with Depression in Later Life
This article shares the story of one women dealing with her older mother's depression. -
DocumentDiagnosis Depression
This article explains depression including symptoms, potential causes, and treatments. It also gives advice on getting help. -
Science in the SpotlightMental Illness: Closer to Home Than You Think
A Beautiful Mind," last year's Academy Award winner for Best Picture, took us on an extraordinary journey into the mind of a brilliant man suffering from mental illness.