Center for Aging and Policy Studies

The Center for Aging and Policy Studies (CAPS) is a consortium for research and training on the demography and economics of aging.

[Center for Aging and Policy Studies @CAPS_research]

Long COVID impacts more than physical health. Adults with more symptoms reported lower happiness, life satisfaction, and hope. Brain fog and anxiety hit hardest. Learn more from CAPS affiliate Doug Wolf and coauthors. 🔗 https://t.co/iEBsWYKQwH

[Center for Aging and Policy Studies @CAPS_research]

From 1993-2019, the health gap between more- and less-educated Americans widened in 49 states. Income differences were the biggest driver of growing health inequality. Learn more from CAPS affiliate Jennifer Karas Montez and colleagues. 🔗 https://t.co/C3dxZT4PkO

[Center for Aging and Policy Studies @CAPS_research]

A 5-year study found smoking may help explain higher chronic pain rates among Native Americans. Discrimination, stress, and reduced pain regulation played key roles. Learn more from CAPS affiliate Joseph Ditre and coauthors. 🔗 https://t.co/CchWDZTdq1

[Center for Aging and Policy Studies @CAPS_research]

A 4-year study of Brazilian older adults found more daily sitting and less physical activity as they aged, while sleep stayed stable. Staying active may be key to healthy aging. Learn more from CAPS affiliate Tiago Barreira and coauthors. 🔗 https://t.co/McflM1iMFB

[Center for Aging and Policy Studies @CAPS_research]

Among U.S. veterans, suicide risk rose from no tranquilizer use to prescribed use and was highest with misuse. Screening for misuse may strengthen prevention efforts. Learn more from CAPS affiliate Joseph Ditre and coauthors. 🔗 https://t.co/Szqjqlus9F

[Center for Aging and Policy Studies @CAPS_research]

CAPS affiliate Anthony Ong and coauthors found that feeling lonely may be more harmful than being alone. A study of 175,000+ older adults found loneliness predicted cognitive decline, lower recovery, and earlier death. 🔗 https://t.co/tGLH6KLO8R

[Center for Aging and Policy Studies @CAPS_research]

Strong friendships mattered during COVID-19. Adults with close or active friendship networks reported better mental health, especially those without romantic partners. Learn more from CAPS affiliate Merril Silverstein and coauthors. 🔗 https://t.co/P4oQ4Y5IBj

[Center for Aging and Policy Studies @CAPS_research]

Living with Chiari malformation can be physically and emotionally challenging. New research suggests that greater chronic pain acceptance may help reduce depression despite pain and daily limitations. Learn more from CAPS affiliate Joseph Ditre. 🔗 https://t.co/kQXrWnQ8vZ

[Center for Aging and Policy Studies @CAPS_research]

Researchers found that standard mortality reports can mask important causes of death among adults with Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. More detailed reporting could improve research, policy, and care. Learn more from CAPS affiliate Scott Landes. 🔗 https://t.co/DJmKLnXuMI

[Center for Aging and Policy Studies @CAPS_research]

New study of 429 veterans finds that chronic pain acceptance may weaken the link between pain severity and problematic alcohol use. Acceptance-based therapies could help reduce risky drinking. Learn more from CAPS affiliate Joseph Ditre and coauthors. 🔗 https://t.co/dEVFafC0TJ

[Center for Aging and Policy Studies @CAPS_research]

A 20-year study in rural China found that older adults increasingly adapt to living apart from their children. Yet for those with chronic illnesses, living together still supports life satisfaction. Learn more from CAPS affiliate Merril Silverstein. 🔗 https://t.co/EDuuIYmNSh

[Center for Aging and Policy Studies @CAPS_research]

New research finds that losing SNAP benefits before pregnancy is linked to more very preterm and very low birth weight births among first-time mothers, highlighting the importance of food support. Learn more from CAPS affiliate Sarah Hamersma. 🔗 https://t.co/lR7PaWWDHu

[Center for Aging and Policy Studies @CAPS_research]

Researchers may be mismeasuring homicide rates across generations. CAPS affiliate Jason Robey & coauthor Matt Vogel propose a better method that improves accuracy and can change conclusions about homicide trends. 🔗 https://t.co/XlfvvochQp

[Center for Aging and Policy Studies @CAPS_research]

CAPS affiliates Shannon Monnat, Andrew London, and Scott Landes found that Adults with ADHD reported worse COVID-19 experiences, including greater mental health, physical health, and relationship challenges. More support is needed during crises. 🔗 https://t.co/9RVOItYrUx

[Center for Aging and Policy Studies @CAPS_research]

CAPS affiliate Joseph Ditre and coauthors found that chronic arm and hand pain often overlaps with risky substance use. Patients support Web-TIRELESS, an online program that helps manage both together through practical, accessible coping skills. 🔗 https://t.co/eUCdi4JTPO

[Center for Aging and Policy Studies @CAPS_research]

People can usually spot their partner's attachment insecurities. When they see a partner as anxious, they offer more reassurance and support, helping strengthen relationship security. Learn more from CAPS affiliate Brett Jakubiak and coauthors. 🔗 https://t.co/t9i7OMHFi8

[Center for Aging and Policy Studies @CAPS_research]

Older adults living in age-segregated communities face higher risks of deaths of despair. Urban areas saw higher suicide rates, while rural areas had higher drug-related deaths. Learn more from CAPS affiliate Tse-Chuan Yang and coauthors. 🔗 https://t.co/Vuk9QvyOE6

[Center for Aging and Policy Studies @CAPS_research]

One size does not fit all. Research shows impairment patterns vary widely among midlife Latinos in the U.S., suggesting that subgroup differences should be central to public health efforts. Learn more from CAPS affiliates Catherine Garcia & Marc Garcia. 🔗 https://t.co/jOEM7NYixF

[Center for Aging and Policy Studies @CAPS_research]

Cancer survivors who achieved 150+ min/week of physical activity had fewer depressive symptoms. Staying active, sleeping well, and sitting less may support mental health. Learn more from CAPS affiliate Tiago Barreira and coauthors. 🔗 https://t.co/4sc2Eyu32y

[Center for Aging and Policy Studies @CAPS_research]

CAPS affiliates Kate Strully & Pinka Chatterji found Medicaid expansion was the main reason more American Indian and Alaska Native people gained health insurance, reducing uninsured rates by about 9 percentage points. 🔗 https://t.co/5nTYDawxwP