Aging does not lead to myocyte cell loss and myocyte cellular reactive hypertrophy in women, indicating that gender differences may play a significant role in the detrimental effects of the aging process on the heart.

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This study provides normal baselines of knee muscle strength for women up to 86 years of age. Knee muscle strength (torque) was measured during maximum isometric and dynamic (isokinetic) contractions in 72 normal healthy women in three age groups between 20 and 86 years. Strength of the oldest group ranged from 56 to 78% of that in the youngest group, depending on knee joint position. Strength values were greater for isometric contractions than for isokinetic contractions (performed at 36 degrees per second) and were approximately twice as great for the extensor as for the flexor muscles. For both muscle groups, the torque generated with the knee in 30 degrees of flexion was usually lower than that generated with the knee at the 45- or 60-degree position. Despite the significant deficit found in the strength of the oldest group, it is likely that this relative weakness would not be detected on routine clinical examination using manual muscle testing.

Objective Following traumatic brain injury (TBI), older adults are at increased risk of hemorrhagic and thromboembolic events, but it is unclear whether the increased risk continues after hospital discharge. We estimated incidence rates of hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke following hospital discharge for TBI among adults ≥65 and compared them with pre-TBI rates. Participants 16,936 Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65 with a diagnosis of TBI in any position on an inpatient claim between 6/1/2006 and 12/31/2009 who survived to hospital discharge. Design Retrospective analysis of a random 5% sample of Medicare claims data Main Measures Hemorrhagic stroke was defined as ICD-9 codes 430.xx-432.xx. Ischemic stroke was defined as ICD-9 codes 433.xx-435.xx, 437.0x, and 437.1x. Results There was a six-fold increase in the rate of hemorrhagic stroke following TBI compared to the pre-TBI period (adjusted Rate Ratio (RR) 6.5; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 5.3, 7.8), controlling for age and sex. A smaller increase in the rate of ischemic stroke was observed (adjusted RR 1.3; 95% CI 1.2, 1.4). Conclusion Future studies should investigate causes of increased stroke risk post-TBI as well as effective treatments to reduce stroke risk and improve outcomes post-TBI among older adults.

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Diabetes has a major impact on both affected individuals and society in general, with a total cost in excess of $132 billion annually not to mention the its associated increased morbidity and lost quality-of-life years. This article discusses some of the major studies that have attempted to quantitate the cost of diabetes and reviews the pathophysiology and disease sequellae commonly found in older people with diabetes.