Published: September 12, 2007
Information technology needs to go beyond the latest youth-oriented web-based device and be used to assist elderly people in an ageing population, according to German IT expert Professor Dieter Rombach.
In his Sydney Ideas lecture, to be held at the University of Sydney on Tuesday 11 September, Professor Rombach, executive and founding director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software Engineering, will explore cutting-edge technologies that can be used to improve the lives of the aged and prolong their independence. “People are living longer,” says Professor Rombach. “The age pyramid is changing.” [continue reading…]
Published: September 11, 2007
 Mind-body therapies, which focus on the interactions between the mind, body and behavior, and the ways in which emotional, mental, social and behavioral factors can affect health, may be of particular benefit to elderly chronic pain sufferers. A new study published in Pain Medicine provides a structured review of eight mind-body interventions for older people, including progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, hypnosis, tai chi and yoga. [continue reading…]
Published: September 10, 2007
— may one day offer an alternative to antipsychotic
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Toronto, ONT – Researchers have found surprising evidence that an antidepressant (citalopram) may perform as well as a commonly-prescribed antipsychotic (risperidone) in the alleviation of severe agitation and psychotic symptoms of dementia. Researchers also found that the antidepressant was associated with “significantly lower” adverse side effects.
The study, published in the online American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry (in advance of the November 2007 issue), is believed to be the first head-to-head comparison of an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) with one of the more commonly prescribed second generation antipsychotics in older, non-depressed patients. [continue reading…]
Published: August 14, 2007
Grandparents play important roles in life, including that of guardian, comforter, and mentor. As they get older, however, several aspects of their lives change, including their sleep patterns. While older adults need about seven to eight hours of sleep each night, many often get less sleep, which may make them more susceptible to health problems. [continue reading…]
