The Role of Companion Dogs in the VA Maryland Health Care System Whole Health(y) GeroFit Program

Article Geriatrics & Gerontology

The association of gait speed and self-reported difficulty walking with social isolation: A nationally-representative study

Kathy Kuang et al.

Summary: This study found a strong association between self-reported difficulty walking and social isolation and individual activities. The association between self-reported difficulty walking and social isolation was stronger at older ages.

JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY (2023)

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Article Geriatrics & Gerontology

Social isolation among older veterans: findings from the national health and aging trends study

Zainab Suntai et al.

Summary: Older veterans are at higher risk of social isolation if they are 85 years and older, male, White, unmarried or unpartnered, have lower educational attainment, and lower income. The study highlights that veterans with limited social and economic resources are more likely to experience social isolation in older adulthood.

AGING & MENTAL HEALTH (2022)

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Article Geriatrics & Gerontology

Behavioral Epidemic of Loneliness in Older US Military Veterans: Results From the 2019-2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study

Elizabeth Straus et al.

Summary: Loneliness is highly prevalent in U.S. military veterans, with more than half endorsing feeling lonely sometimes or often, and 1-of-5 reporting feeling lonely often. Loneliness severity was independently associated with a broad range of mental and physical health and functional measures, as well as suicidal ideation. Results underscore the importance of loneliness as a transdiagnostic prevention and intervention target in the U.S. veteran population.

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY (2022)

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Article Geriatrics & Gerontology

PTSD Improvement Associated with Social Connectedness in Gerofit Veterans Exercise Program

Stacy Schantz Wilkins et al.

Summary: This study aimed to assess the effects of older Veterans participating in the Gerofit program on social connectedness, physical function, and changes in PTSD symptoms. The findings showed that Veterans with PTSD who participated in Gerofit group exercise reported symptom improvement, with a significant association between social connectedness and symptom improvement.

JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN GERIATRICS SOCIETY (2021)

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Article Veterinary Sciences

Is There a Correlation Between Dog Obesity and Human Obesity? Preliminary Findings of Overweight Status Among Dog Owners and Their Dogs

Deborah E. Linder et al.

Summary: This study investigates the correlation between the weight status of adult dog owners and their dogs, finding a relationship between overweight status in dog owners and their dogs. These findings could be pivotal in promoting healthier lifestyles for both dog owners and their pets in the future.

FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE (2021)

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Editorial Material Health Care Sciences & Services