University of Florida News

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Just as physical exercise is good for the body, mental training can keep older minds functioning better, with results lasting for years.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida’s elderly population fluctuates by nearly 20 percent over the course of a year with the winter arrival of “snowbirds” embracing warmer weather and the summer departure of “sunbirds” escaping to cooler climes, a new University of Florida study finds.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Seniors who like to “spoil the grandchild” without interference from the parents have discovered that the safest bets are long trips to theme parks, historical sites and even on safaris, a new University of Florida study finds.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Implantable heart devices are the treatment of choice for patients with potentially life-threatening irregular heartbeats. But the thought of receiving a high-energy shock to restore normal cardiac rhythm can strike fear in their hearts nonetheless.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Elderly patients who develop anemia risk serious health problems that increase the odds they will be hospitalized and nearly double the chance they will die, according to findings from a long-term study by a multi-institute research team.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — University of Florida scientists conducting experiments with mice have found evidence that the body naturally replenishes small amounts of cells in the eye essential for healthy vision.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Older women who regularly mix prescription, over-the-counter and herbal medications are risking their health, University of Florida nursing researchers warn. Many also don’t think to tell their health-care providers about the nonprescription medicines they are taking — and too often practitioners fail to ask.

GAINESVILLE, Fla., — A lifelong habit of trimming just a few calories from the daily diet can do more than slim the waistline — a new study shows it may help lessen the effects of aging.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — As people age into their 70s, their ability to walk a quarter mile becomes an important predictor of overall health and even how long they might live, according to study findings published in this week’s Journal of the American Medical Association.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — As they approach death, the churchgoing elderly are likely to find little solace in religion if they had little personal commitment to God during the rest of their lives, a new University of Florida study finds.