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        <title>Frontiers in Aging | Healthy Longevity section | New and Recent Articles</title>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging/sections/healthy-longevity</link>
        <description>RSS Feed for Healthy Longevity section in the Frontiers in Aging journal | New and Recent Articles</description>
        <language>en-us</language>
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        <pubDate>2026-05-09T15:12:07.667+00:00</pubDate>
        <ttl>60</ttl>
        <item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1802176</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1802176</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Modifiable lifestyle factors and 4.9-Year changes in phenotypic age in the Taiwan biobank]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-07T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Wan-Yu Lin</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionPhenotypic age (PhenoAge) is a composite biomarker that reflects biological aging by integrating indicators of immune, metabolic, liver, and kidney function.MethodsUsing 4.9 years of follow-up data from 69,462 participants in the Taiwan Biobank, this study investigated lifestyle and environmental factors associated with changes in PhenoAge (ΔPhenoAge: follow-up minus baseline).ResultsPartial correlation analysis was first applied to evaluate 43 lifestyle factors. Fifteen factors were positively correlated with ΔPhenoAge, with obesity-related indices showing the strongest correlations. Nine factors were inversely correlated, including employment status and dietary habits. These variables were further evaluated using best-subset regression to identify the most relevant factors. In multivariable analyses, ΔPhenoAge in men was associated with living alone, higher body fat percentage, and larger waist circumference. In women, ΔPhenoAge was associated with daily supplement use, eating supper within 1 h of bedtime, and higher body mass index. Exposure to incense burning was associated with higher ΔPhenoAge in both sexes. Conversely, reduced consumption of fried foods, greater variety of vegetables, lower meat intake, and staying at the same job throughout the career were associated with lower ΔPhenoAge.DiscussionThese results suggest that several modifiable factors are associated with changes in biological aging, highlighting the importance of lifestyle for healthy aging.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1805946</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1805946</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Utilizing age-friendly cities and communities to support access to vaccination, vision, hearing and oral healthcare]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-29T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Perspective</category>
        <author>Cera Cruise</author><author>Katrina Bouzanis</author><author>Anna Sangster</author><author>Sarah Hyeon-A. Kim</author><author>Jane Barratt</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Population aging is a global phenomenon, resulting in increasing numbers of older people. As populations age, the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases and sensory loss also increases. These challenges create an imperative to maintain health across the life course, to reap the benefits of longer lives and reduce the burden on health and social systems. Functional ability is shaped by the individual and the environment in which people live. The World Health Organization’s Age-friendly Cities Framework defines an age-friendly city as one that adapts its structures and services to be accessible to and inclusive of older people with diverse needs and capacities and is guided by eight domains, including community support and health services. Despite the linkage between age-friendly environments and health, the Age-Friendly Cities Framework can be better harnessed to support promoting access to health services which contribute to function but are not always central to health planning: immunization, and vision, hearing and oral care. Examination of 59 strategy and action plans submitted by members of the Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC) indicates that only 18 out of 59 cities and communities included health actions to support vaccination, hearing, vision and oral health in their age-friendly plans. This article explores the importance of these interventions to healthy aging, the extent to which age-friendly cities and communities support access to these health services within their plans and how age-friendly planning may be utilized as a tool to enhance comprehensive access to immunization, vision, hearing and oral care.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1828980</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1828980</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Editorial: Alleviating age-related disease burden]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-28T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Editorial</category>
        <author>Matthew Halma</author><author>Sidra Hassaan</author><author>Jack A. Tuszynski</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1782176</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1782176</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Living alone and risk of dementia, cognitive decline, and institutionalization in the MEMENTO cohort]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-28T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Brief Research Report</category>
        <author>Dominique Huvent-Grelle</author><author>Jean Baptiste Beuscart</author><author>Audrey Hubert</author><author>Vincent Bouteloup</author><author>Philippe Amouyel</author><author>François Puisieux</author><author>Aghiles Hamroun</author><author>Estelle Aymes</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionAlzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) represent a public health challenge, with prevention strategies focusing on modifiable risk factors such as isolation. Living alone is used as a proxy for social isolation, although its relationship with ADRD outcomes remains unclear, partly due to the distinction between objective isolation and subjective loneliness. This study examined the association between living alone and the risk of dementia, cognitive decline, and institutionalization in the MEMENTO cohort, a French clinic-based study of individuals with cognitive complaints or mild cognitive impairment.MethodsLiving alone at baseline was the main exposure. Perceived isolation was assessed using self-reported measures. Outcomes included incident dementia, institutionalization; and trajectories of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores over a 5-year median follow-up. Cause-specific Cox models accounting for competing risks were used for dementia and institutionalization, and linear mixed models for MMSE trajectories.ResultsAmong 2,269 participants (median age 71.5 years, 62% women, median MMSE 28), 30.7% lived alone and 6.5% reported perceived isolation. At 60 months, estimated cumulative incidences were 15% for dementia, 1.0% for institutionalization and 3.6% for death. Living alone was not associated with incident dementia (HR = 0.88 [95%CI: 0.67–1.16], p = 0.38), or cognitive decline. In contrast, it was associated with a higher risk of institutionalization (HR = 3.21 [95%CI: 1.09–9.48], p = 0.03).DiscussionLiving alone was not linked to dementia risk or cognitive decline, but was associated with a higher risk of institutionalization. This finding may indicate that living alone captures vulnerability related to reduced day-to-day support rather than cognitive decline itself.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1787365</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1787365</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Interviews of community-dwelling older persons in Greece on healthy aging and wellbeing during multiple crises (the HAiG study)]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-23T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>A. A. Mallidou</author><author>E. Zioga</author><author>A. Magripi</author><author>E. Roditi</author><author>F. D. Provida</author><author>Th. P. Apostolidi</author><author>I. V. Papathanasiou</author><author>P. Sourtzi</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundHealthy aging is a key priority in society, research, policy, and practice. Older people can continue contributing to society if they are healthy, empowered, financially secured, engaged in social activities, and have a sense of purpose.PurposeThe aim in this study was to explore and understand older people’s perceptions and experiences about healthy aging and wellbeing during multiple crises to support community cohesion and encourage relevant policies.MethodsIn 2023, a convenience sample of 58 older people living in urban and rural regions in Greece were interviewed. A content analysis was performed using the collected data.ResultsThree themes and five subthemes emerged from the data: a. financial stability, where employment was a subtheme for financial stability and security; b. sociopolitical environment; and c. personal choices, which included the four subthemes of healthy lifestyle, family, social engagement, and personal development.DiscussionGreek older people’s perceptions on healthy aging and wellbeing focused on financial security, the sociopolitical environment, and personal choices for healthy lifestyle and family relationships. The findings indicate the value of implementation of policy initiatives for building a society for all ages and improving older people’s lives and their contribution to society.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1642652</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1642652</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Medication adherence in older adults with chronic diseases: a scoping review of barriers, facilitators, and effective interventions]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-20T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Doris Cardona-Arango</author><author>Valeria Santacruz-Restrepo</author><author>Alejandra Rendón-Montoya</author><author>Juliana Madrigal-Cadavid</author><author>Alejandra Segura-Cardona</author><author>Jorge Iván Estrada-Acevedo</author>
        <description><![CDATA[ObjectiveMedication adherence in older adults with chronic diseases is a public health challenge, given the growing and irreversible aging of the population, with direct repercussions on clinical outcomes and collective wellbeing. This scope review seeks to identify the main barriers and facilitators of pharmacological adherence and effective evidence-based interventions to optimize it.MethodsA scope review was conducted for the period 2015–2025. Forty-one observational and interventional scientific studies (clinical trials) were selected from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. Initially, a search was performed in six databases covering public health, medicine, life sciences, and biomedicine (PubMed and ScienceDirect), evidence-based healthcare (Cochrane Library), social sciences, arts, and humanities (Scopus and Web of Science), and research output, with an emphasis on Latin America, Spain, and Portugal. The four databases with the largest number of publications on the older adult population were selected, including topics such as medication adherence (compliance with pharmacological treatment and prescribing recommendations), medication persistence (uninterrupted continuity in medication recovery and administration), and patient prioritization interventions using automated mechanisms. The final selection of articles was carried out by three experts, who performed a critical appraisal of the evidence. The discrepancies were resolved by two other researchers, following the identification, screening, selection and inclusion phases of the PRISMA-2020 guidelines. The analysis of the information was carried out through synthesis and narrative integration.ResultsIndividual barriers were identified, including demographic (age, sex, educational level, and income), psychological (anxiety, depression, and self-efficacy), cultural (beliefs, fatalism, and stigmas), physical and mental health status (multimorbidity and cognitive impairment), and pharmacological (number of medications and adverse effects) factors. Facilitators identified are related to the health system (continuity of care, fragmentation of care, assertive communication, access, and provision of medicines). The interventions include personalized health education.ConclusionMedication adherence in older adults should be addressed with comprehensive and sustainable interventions. These interventions combine pharmacist education, technological support, continuous monitoring, and patient participation in therapeutic decision-making. Strategies should be designed with a collaborative approach involving patients, families, and healthcare professionals, ensuring measurable clinical outcomes and improving their quality of life.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1790247</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1790247</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Therapeutic peptides in gerontology: mechanisms and applications for healthy aging]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-07T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Mini Review</category>
        <author>Volodymyr Mavrych</author><author>Inna Shypilova</author><author>Olena Bolgova</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundPeptide therapeutics represent an emerging frontier in gerontological medicine, targeting fundamental hallmarks of aging including metabolic dysfunction, telomere attrition, tissue repair impairment, and hormonal decline.ObjectiveTo comprehensively review the mechanisms, clinical applications, evidence base, and safety profiles of therapeutic peptides with demonstrated or potential applications in healthy aging and age-related conditions.MethodsA comprehensive narrative review was conducted through systematic searches of PubMed, Scopus, and regulatory databases (FDA, WADA) from inception through January 2026. Search terms included “peptide therapeutics,” “aging,” “gerontology,” “healthspan,” combined with specific peptide names (tirzepatide, epitalon, GHK-Cu, BPC-157, TB-500, Semax, CJC-1295, ipamorelin, bremelanotide). Peer-reviewed articles, clinical trials, regulatory documents, and preclinical studies were evaluated. A total of 20 primary sources were selected based on relevance, methodological quality, and contribution to understanding peptide mechanisms and clinical outcomes in aging populations.ResultsNine peptides were identified spanning diverse aging interventions: metabolic restoration (tirzepatide), telomere biology (epitalon), dermal regeneration (GHK-Cu), tissue repair (BPC-157, TB-500), neuroprotection (Semax), growth hormone modulation (CJC-1295, ipamorelin), and sexual function (bremelanotide). FDA-approved agents demonstrated robust safety profiles from large-scale trials. Non-approved peptides showed promising preclinical and limited clinical evidence but lack long-term safety data and systematic validation. Significant knowledge gaps include optimal dosing regimens, combination therapy effects, and biomarkers for monitoring efficacy.ConclusionTherapeutic peptides offer mechanistically diverse approaches to multiple aging hallmarks. While FDA-approved agents demonstrate clinical potential, investigational peptides require rigorous validation through well-designed clinical trials to establish safety and efficacy for healthspan extension.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1805053</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1805053</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Electronic health records reveals resilience patterns of cardiovascular disease in Basque centenarians]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-31T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Sara Cruces-Salguero</author><author>Igor Larrañaga</author><author>Javier Mar</author><author>Ander Matheu</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Although their prevalence increases with age, their impact on centenarians remains poorly understood.MethodsWe analyzed Electronic Health Records (EHRs) to assess the incidence and effect of CVDs in centenarians (n = 649) and non-centenarians (n = 62,753) in the Basque Country. Descriptive statistics were applied to discern differences between the two population groups in terms of prevalence, number of diagnoses, and treatments. Survival analysis was performed through Kaplan-Meier estimator. Trajectories of laboratory parameters were explored through non-linear mixed models (NLMMs).ResultsCentenarians had lower incidence of severe conditions such as ischemic heart disease, despite overall CVD incidence being similar between groups. Survival analyses revealed extended longevity in centenarians after both first and last CVD diagnosis. Biomarker trajectories suggested favorable biological profiles with greater resilience and faster recovery in centenarians.ConclusionDespite experiencing CVDs, centenarians demonstrate delayed onset, reduced severity, and more favorable biological recovery compared to non-centenarians. These findings indicate potential resilience mechanisms that may contribute to healthy ageing.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1771908</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1771908</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Effectiveness of a walking-focused physical exercise program for fall risk indicators in institutionalized older adults with and without intellectual disability: a pre-post quasi-experimental study]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-27T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Liliana Andrea López Moreno</author><author>Carlos Moreno Pascual</author><author>María Consuelo Sancho Sánchez</author><author>Alejandro Moreno-Mateos</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionExercise programs implemented among older adults have been extensively demonstrated to yield significant benefits; however, there is a limited body of research addressing the application of such interventions in older adults with severe or profound intellectual disabilities. This study aims to explore the effects of a structured physical exercise program on fall-risk indicators and balance-related outcomes in institutionalized older adults, both with and without intellectual disabilities.MethodsThis pre–post quasi-experimental study included 56 institutionalized older adults, of whom 32 had an intellectual disability. Participants completed a 12-week structured physical exercise program targeting balance, lower-limb strength, gait pattern, and coordination. The primary hypothesis was that the program would be associated with improvements in validated fall-risk indicators within both groups.ResultsAmong participants with intellectual disabilities, significant improvements were observed in lower-limb strength (p < 0.001) and aerobic capacity, with a 12% increase in performance on the 6-Minute Walk Test (p < 0.001). In participants without intellectual disabilities, significant improvements were observed in balance and handgrip strength. Between-group differences were limited after adjustment for baseline values and age.ConclusionThe intervention was associated with improvements in validated fall-risk functional indicators in institutionalized older adults with and without intellectual disabilities. However, due to baseline heterogeneity and the quasi-experimental design, the findings should be interpreted as preliminary and hypothesis-generating rather than confirmatory of equivalent effectiveness.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1800669</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1800669</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Effects of exercise training on frail older adults with heart failure: a systematic-review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-26T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>C. Sáez-Nieto</author><author>P. Pérez-Rodríguez</author><author>P. Matovelle</author><author>L. Rodríguez-Mañas</author><author>H. J. Coelho-Júnior</author><author>I. Rodríguez-Sánchez</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Introduction and objectivesHeart failure (HF) is highly prevalent in older adults and is frequently associated with frailty, leading to increased morbidity, hospitalization, disability, and mortality. Exercise training (ET) has demonstrated benefits in HF and frailty separately, but its effects in frail older adults with HF have not been extensively evaluated. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the evidence on the effects of ET on health outcomes in frail older patients with HF.MethodsA systematic review of interventional studies was conducted following PRISMA and Cochrane Handbook guidelines. MEDLINE (PubMed), SCOPUS, and Scielo were searched up to March 2026. Inclusion criteria were: (a) intervention studies involving frail adults aged ≥60 years with HF, (b) evaluation of chronic effects of ET on health outcomes, and (c) publication in English. Study selection and data extraction were performed independently by four reviewers, with a fifth reviewer resolving disagreements. Methodological quality of randomized controlled trials was assessed using the PEDro scale.ResultsSix investigations were included. Overall quality assessment results ranged from 4 to 7. Studies were conducted in Japan and the United States. All were randomized controlled trials with sample sizes ranging from 30 to 337 participants (mean age 72.5 years). Frailty was assessed using the Frailty Phenotype, Frailty Index, and Short Physical Performance Battery. ET interventions varied in duration and modality, and were mostly characterized by multicomponent (e.g., resistance, endurance, flexibility) exercise training protocols. Adverse events were infrequent; one study reported musculoskeletal pain in 25% of participants. ET significantly improved HF symptoms, frailty status, physical function (mobility, muscle strength, aerobic capacity), physical activity levels, quality of life, and depressive symptoms. Improvements in hemoglobin and cholesterol were also observed. Meta-analysis was not performed due to heterogeneity in interventions and outcome measures.ConclusionCardiac rehabilitation programs based on ET protocols appear to improve clinical and functional outcomes in frail older adults with HF. However, evidence is limited by the small number of studies, variability in intervention protocols, and heterogeneity in outcome assessment. Further high-quality randomized trials are needed to confirm these findings and establish optimal ET strategies for this vulnerable population.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1723742</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1723742</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Nutritional status associated with physical activity in active older adults in southern Ecuador]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-18T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Lorena Encalada-Torres</author><author>Ivanna Buri-Encalada</author><author>Victoria Abril-Ulloa</author><author>Christian Rodas-Guamán</author><author>María Quito-Parra</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionThe increase in the number of older adults at a global level is increasing the incidence of morbidity and mortality associated with lack of physical activity and malnutrition in this vulnerable group. The objective was to determine the nutritional status and its association with the level of physical activity in active older adults in southern Ecuador.MethodsAnalytical cross-sectional study in 400 older adults, performing anthropometry, and applying physical activity questionnaires (IPAQ-c) and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) prior to signing the informed consent. The data were analyzed in the SPSS v.15.0 program, using descriptive statistics, OR with 95% CI and chi square with its p value <0.05.ResultsMalnutrition according to BMI was 59.6%, with overweight predominating (30.8%); 33.2% had low physical activity; there was a significant association between malnutrition and low physical activity with men (p = 0.013); obesity associated with low physical activity and age (p = 0.028), men (p = 0.029), low education (p = 0.029); according to MNA malnutrition was 39.5%, of these 42.4% presented low physical activity; there was an association between malnutrition and low physical activity in ≥85 years, men, with a partner, low education and rural residents (p = 0.000).ConclusionThe prevalence of malnutrition in older adults is increasing and is associated with low physical activity, being a public health problem that requires a comprehensive intervention by health authorities for a better quality of life of older adults.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1733638</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1733638</link>
        <title><![CDATA[First metagenomic analysis of age-associated changes in the gut microbiome among healthy Saudi adults: SAMS pilot study]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-03-11T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Roua Almatrafi</author><author>Abdulrahman Alasiri</author><author>Ghaida Almuneef</author><author>Amal A. Al-Hazzani</author><author>Majed F. Alghoribi</author><author>Maymounah Hakami</author><author>Assad M. Arafah</author><author>Raniah S. Alotibi</author><author>Shatha Alrabiah</author><author>Nasser Alqurainy</author><author>Reham Ajina</author><author>Marwh G. Aldriwesh</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionThe gut microbiome undergoes dynamic changes with aging across diverse healthy populations. However, data from Saudi Arabia remain limited. This pilot study investigated age-related variations in the gut microbiome among healthy Saudi adults to characterize region-specific microbial signatures and identify taxa potentially associated with aging in a healthy population.MethodsWe established the Saudi Aging and Microbiome Study (SAMS) to investigate age-related changes in fecal microbiome of Saudi adults. In this pilot phase, 145 healthy participants aged 19–69 years were enrolled. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was performed to profile fecal microbiome at the species level. Microbial diversity and taxonomic composition were compared across five age groups. Spearman and confounder-adjusted partial Spearman correlation were applied to identify taxa significantly associated with chronological age.ResultsWe analyzed fecal microbiome of 145 healthy adults distributed among five age groups: G1 (19–29 years, n = 33; 22.7%), G2 (30–39 years, n = 30; 20.7%), G3 (40–49 years, n = 27; 18.6%), G4 (50–59 years, n = 31; 21.4%), and G5 (60–69 years, n = 24; 16.6%). Of these, 75 (51.7%) were male, and 70 (48.3%) were female. Alpha diversity increased from young to older adulthood for observed richness and Shannon indexes (all q < 0.05). Beta diversity also varied significantly with age (PERMANOVA R2 = 0.13, q = 0.023), indicating distinct microbial community structures in healthy older adults. At the phylum level, Firmicutes significantly increased with age (FC = 1.35; q = 0.026), whereas Bacteroidota decreased (FC = 0.59; q = 0.01). Consistent with these trends, Blautia obeum showed positive correlations, while Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and Phocaeicola vulgatus showed negative correlations with chronological age.ConclusionIn healthy Saudi adults, increasing age was associated with higher microbial diversity and compositional shifts at phylum and species levels. These age-associated microbial taxa might represent biomarkers of healthy aging and suggest an enhanced community capacity for short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production, a hypothesis warranting validation through future functional analyses.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1764198</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1764198</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Effects of physical disability and widowhood on the survival of centenarians: a 7-year follow-up of CHCCS centenarians]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-24T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Songmei Han</author><author>Dongxu Zhao</author><author>Jianbo Wu</author><author>Mingzhi Shen</author><author>Fei Hua</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundCentenarians, being at the end of their life span, are particularly vulnerable to various health risks. Multiple factors can influence their survival and targeted intervention on these factors may promote healthy aging.PurposeThis study aims to explore the effect of physical disability and widowhood on the survival of centenarians.MethodsBased on the China Hainan Centenarian Cohort Study (CHCCS), this study followed 787 centenarians for 7 years. Data were collected using formal designed questionnaire, physical examination and experimental tests. Questionnaire contains information including geographical data, cognitive and physical function. All the participants were followed-up annually. The endpoint of the follow-up was death or the end of the study. Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify survival-related factors, followed by stratified analysis according to their marital status.ResultsOut of the 787 centenarians, only 382 survived after 7 years, resulting in a mortality rate of 51.46%. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that activities of daily living (ADL) (for ADL<60 vs. ADL≥90: HR = 1.933, 95% CI: 1.411–2.648, p < 0.001; for 60≤ADL<90 vs. ADL≥90: HR = 1.438, 95% CI: 1.084–1.907, p = 0.012) was significant factors affecting survival. Stratified analysis based on marital status showed that physical disability was an influence factor of survival in widowed (for ADL<60 vs. ADL≥90, HR = 2.020, 95% CI: 1.450–2.814, p < 0.001; for 60≤ADL<90 vs. ADL≥90, HR = 1.493, 95% CI: 1.108–2.011, p = 0.008) centenarians.ConclusionPhysical disability and widowhood were important predictors of survival among centenarians. Adequate external assistance should be provided to the disabled and widowed centenarians to enhance their quality of life and survival prospects.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1642659</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1642659</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Age-related hearing loss in healthy older adults is associated with arterial stiffening and higher aortic systolic blood pressure: potential role of inflammation]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-11T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Brief Research Report</category>
        <author>Nicholas A. Carlini</author><author>Lynn M. Bielski</author><author>Courtney N. Mudd</author><author>Taylor C. Harman-Hornbeck</author><author>Matthew P. Harber</author><author>Bradley S. Fleenor</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Age-related aortic stiffening increases aortic (central) blood pressure and flow pulsatility, resulting in microvascular dysfunction and target organ damage. The relationship between aortic stiffness, aortic blood pressure, and age-related hearing loss has not been fully determined. We hypothesize that aortic stiffness and aortic blood pressure will be associated with hearing loss and attenuated by inflammatory biomarkers [matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), resistin, and vaspin]. Twenty-two younger (n = 11, 4M/7F, age 25.5 ± 2.1 years) and older (n = 11, 4M/7F, age 65.8 ± 0.9 years) adults completed resting measures of aortic stiffness (carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity, cfPWV), pulse wave analysis, and hearing sensitivity. Compared to young adults, older adults had higher cfPWV, aortic systolic blood pressure (aSBP), speech recognition thresholds (SRT), and pure tone averages (PTA) in the low (LFPTA) and high frequency (HFPTA) domains (all, p < 0.05). cfPWV was correlated with right ear (RE) LFPTA (r = 0.45, p = 0.04) and HFPTA (r = 0.53, p = 0.01) and left ear (LE) HFPTA (r = 0.52, p = 0.02). aSBP was correlated with RE SRT (r = 0.47, p = 0.03), LE SRT (r = 0.44, p = 0.04), RE LFPTA (r = 0.41, p = 0.05), and RE (r = 0.53, p = 0.01) and LE HFPTA (r = 0.46, p = 0.03). The relationship between cfPWV and aSBP and select PTA did not remain after adjusting for MMP-2 and resistin (p > 0.05). These data provide novel insights demonstrating that aortic stiffness and aSBP are related to reduced hearing sensitivity, which may, in part, be mediated by inflammation.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1701910</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1701910</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Determining optimal Barthel Index cutoff scores for predicting Longshi Scale grades across age groups in stroke patients]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-09T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Jing Zhang</author><author>Mingchao Zhou</author><author>Ankang Liu</author><author>Ruixue Ye</author><author>Yulong Wang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundThe Barthel Index (BI) is a standard, widely used measure of dependence in activities of daily living (ADL), particularly in stroke care. The Longshi Scale (LS) offers a simpler, more user-friendly alternative; however, it lacks a validated, age-stratified mapping to BI scores. This gap limits consistent outcome interpretation and application.ObjectiveThis study aims to establish and validate a standardized, age-stratified concordance between BI scores and LS grades, thereby providing a practical conversion tool for clinical and research settings.MethodIn a multi-center study of 16,412 stroke inpatients (3 months post-stroke), BI scores and LS grades were analyzed across age groups: <60 years (n = 12,662), 60–79 years (n = 2,596), and ≥80 years (n = 1,154). Sensitivity (correct identification) and specificity (correct exclusion), along with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine optimal BI cutoff points for each LS grade. Spearman correlation and the Kruskal–Wallis test were applied across age groups.ResultsKey BI cutoffs were identified for LS grades: ≥75 for LS ≥ 2, ≥45 for LS ≥ 4, and <5 for LS = 6. These cutoff values were consistent across age groups. The BI scores were negatively correlated with LS disability level (e.g., r = −0.879 in patients aged ≥80 years, p < 0.001). Correlations remained strongest at severe disability levels (LS grades 5–6) across age groups (r = −0.60 to −0.65). AUC analysis demonstrated excellent discriminative ability, particularly for the mildest (LS 1) and most severe (LS 6) disability levels (AUC >0.95).ConclusionThe study provides age-stratified BI cutoff values to guide resource allocation, emphasizing the need to prioritize care for individuals aged ≥80 years with BI scores below 5.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1761492</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1761492</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Effects of age, sex, and sensory information on balance performance in young and older adults]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-09T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Ahmad Ali Akbari Kamrani</author><author>Amir Shams</author><author>Parvaneh Shamsipour Dehkordi</author><author>Robab Sahaf</author><author>Mahdi Bayati</author><author>Hamed Abbasi</author><author>Urs Granacher</author><author>Lara Carneiro</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundThis study aimed to comprehensively investigate the independent and interactive effects of age, sex, and sensory information on balance control in young and older adults.MethodsA total of 250 participants, stratified into five age groups (25–40, 60–65, 66–70, 71–75, and 76–80 years) with equal sex distribution, underwent the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) using computerized dynamic posturography. Balance was assessed using center of pressure (COP) velocity and displacement across six sensory conditions that selectively challenged and altered the availability and reliability of visual, proprioceptive, and vestibular information, thereby eliciting adaptive multisensory reweighting rather than isolating individual sensory systems. A 5 (age group) × 2 (sex) × 6 (sensory condition) repeated-measures ANOVA was used for analysis.ResultsThe analysis revealed significant main effects of age group and sensory condition on both COP velocity and displacement (age group: p < 0.001 for all; sensory condition: p < 0.001 for all), with balance performance systematically declining with each successive age group and as sensory conditions became more challenging. No significant main sex effects were found. Critically, significant interactions revealed that the detrimental effects of age and sensory conditions were not uniform across all groups. Notably, the effect of challenging sensory conditions was more pronounced in older adults (age × condition, p < 0.001, d = 0.50). Furthermore, a significant age × sex interaction (p = 0.001, d = 0.59) indicated that sex differences emerged primarily in the oldest cohort (76–80 years), where females exhibited greater instability than males.ConclusionBalance control is profoundly influenced by age and the availability of accurate sensory information, with older adults, especially the oldest old, demonstrating significantly greater impairment under sensory-challenging conditions. While sex alone was not a dominant factor, its interaction with age suggests that the oldest females may represent a particularly vulnerable subgroup.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1652582</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1652582</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Intravenous infusion of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) versus nicotinamide riboside (NR): a retrospective tolerability pilot study in a real-world setting]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-02-02T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Kirsten Reyna</author><author>Greer Heinzen</author><author>Nikita Patel</author><author>Marie Ritter</author><author>Alexandra Siojo</author><author>Henry Legere</author><author>Rachele Pojednic</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundNicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a cofactor for NAD+-dependent enzymes that regulate DNA repair, cellular metabolism, and immune function. Supplementation with NAD+ and its precursors is commonly used to prevent age-related disease and extend healthspan. Commercial clinical and wellness settings increasingly provide intravenous (IV) NAD+ and nicotinamide riboside (NR) despite limited evaluation of safety and effectiveness. These considerations are important, as NAD+ and its precursors differ in reported side effects, cellular uptake, and metabolism. This study sought to compare commercially administered NAD+ IV and NR IV in humans by evaluating infusion time, tolerability, safety markers, and metabolic outcomes.MethodsA retrospective review of electronic medical records was conducted in clients from a commercial setting. Participants received four consecutive days of 500 mg NAD+ IV or NR IV, with 30 days follow-up. Primary outcomes included reported symptoms, total infusion time, blood pressure, resting heart rate, and biomarker assessments (ALT, AST, hsCRP, BUN/creatinine, and TSH). Exploratory analyses included metabolic biomarkers (HbA1c, fasting glucose, HDL-C, LDL-C, and triglycerides).ResultsTolerability differed between groups. Participants that received NAD+ IV reported moderate to severe gastrointestinal symptoms, increased heart rate, and chest pressure during infusions. Participants receiving NR IV experienced minor tongue, jaw, and arm tingling and mild cramping during infusion. All symptoms resolved upon infusion completion. Moderate to severe symptoms with NAD+ IV resulted in longer infusion times compared to NR IV, averaging 97 min versus 37 min, respectively. No significant changes were observed in ALT, AST, hsCRP, BUN/creatinine, or TSH. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) decreased significantly in the NAD+ IV group only, with values remaining within normal reference ranges. The NR IV group demonstrated a significant reduction in HbA1c, whereas the NAD+ IV group showed a significant reduction in HDL-C. Neither group exhibited changes in fasting glucose or LDL-C over the 30-day period.ConclusionThis study directly compared commercially administered NAD+ IV and NR IV, providing preliminary real-world evidence of infusion tolerability and short-term safety. Exploratory metabolic outcomes were variable and warrant further investigation. Additional studies are needed to evaluate dosage and effectiveness beyond 30 days.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1715245</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1715245</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Periorbital skin index as a biomarker for biological aging and health status]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-01-29T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Ki-Nam Gu</author><author>Sangseob Leem</author><author>Hanji Kim</author><author>Joong-Gon Shin</author><author>Jung Yeon Seo</author><author>Sunghwan Hwang</author><author>Eui Taek Jeong</author><author>Yunkwan Kim</author><author>Nae Gyu Kang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundThe periorbital skin area is particularly susceptible to aging compared to other facial regions due to its unique anatomical features and frequent muscle movements. This leads to early development of wrinkles and discoloration, which affect one’s appearance. Because of these characteristics, the eye-region skin serves as a representative indicator reflecting both skin aging and overall health status.ObjectivesThis study aims to develop and validate a straightforward, non-invasive method to evaluate changes in the eye-region skin as reliable markers of aging and overall physiological condition.MethodsWe analyzed facial images from 2,515 Korean women aged 20–69 and evaluated various periorbital features, including wrinkles, morphological characteristics, and pigmented spots, using skin measurement devices and computational image analysis techniques. To assess skin aging and health status, we developed age prediction models based on different combinations of these periorbital features for each individual. Subsequently, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed to summarize disease history variables for each participant, and the correlation between the first principal component (PC1) and periorbital skin age was evaluated using Pearson correlation analysis.ResultsPeriorbital skin features showed significant associations with chronological age. We developed nine distinct age prediction models by combining different subsets of these features, each producing a unique aging score. Among them, seven models demonstrated strong correlations with actual age (r > 0.7), confirming their predictive reliability. These individual model outputs were collectively considered as unified aging markers representing periorbital skin age. To evaluate clinical relevance, we analyzed the association between periorbital skin age derived from the model incorporating all skin features and disease history. Periorbital skin age showed significant associations with five out of seven diseases individually, as well as with the PC1 summarizing all disease histories collectively.ConclusionThis study establishes ‘periorbital skin age’ as a non-invasive biomarker that effectively reflects both the progression of skin aging and underlying medical conditions. Our findings highlight the potential utility of eye-region skin assessment in clinical and health monitoring settings, offering a practical tool for evaluating physiological aging and disease risk.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1639286</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2026.1639286</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Time to stand up faster: underutilization of real-world sit-to-stand transition velocity in aging research]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-01-22T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Opinion</category>
        <author>Myles W. O’Brien</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2025.1650312</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fragi.2025.1650312</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Within- and between-individual associations between sleep and cognition in older community-dwelling individuals]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-01-22T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Ciro della Monica</author><author>Kiran K. G. Ravindran</author><author>Giuseppe Atzori</author><author>William Trender</author><author>Adam Hampshire</author><author>Simon S. Skene</author><author>Hana Hassanin</author><author>Victoria Revell</author><author>Derk-Jan Dijk</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionCross-sectional and interventional studies have demonstrated that sleep has a significant impact on waking brain function, including alertness and cognitive performance. Few studies have assessed whether spontaneous night-to-night variation in sleep is associated with variation in brain function within an individual. How this compares to inter-individual variation in sleep and cognition and their associations also remains largely unknown. These questions are of particular interest in the context of aging because both sleep and cognitive abilities are altered.MethodsFurthermore, older people have been reported to be less sensitive to sleep loss. Here, we investigated the relationship between sleep and cognition by quantifying associations between intra-individual variation in sleep and cognition, along with associations between inter-individual variation in sleep and cognition, in 35 cognitively intact older adults (70.8 ± 4.9 years; mean ± SD; 14 female individuals) living in the community. Subjective and actigraphic sleep measures and daily digital assessments of cognition (9 cognitive tests; 19 variables) were obtained over a 2-week period. The cognitive test battery probed a wide range of cognitive functions, including reaction time, working memory, attention, and problem-solving. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified four principal sleep components, namely, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, subjective sleep quality, and nap effect. Mixed model analyses were conducted with mean and deviation-from-the-mean cognitive variables to quantify how inter- and intra-individual variations in sleep were associated with inter- and intra-individual variations in cognition.ResultsLonger sleep duration was associated with faster reaction times in both the inter- and intra-individual analyses and with reduced errors in the inter-individual analyses. Higher sleep efficiency was associated with faster reaction times in both the intra- and inter-individual analyses. In contrast, aspects of cognition relating to learning, visual memory, verbal reasoning, and verbal fluency were not associated with sleep.DiscussionThese data show that, in older people, some aspects of waking function are sensitive to night-to-night variation in sleep duration and efficiency, implying that interventions targeting these aspects of sleep may be beneficial for waking function in aging.]]></description>
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