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E-Newsletter • September 2026 |
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Editor's E-Note
It’s hard to peruse the grocery store these days without being bombarded by the influx of new “protein” varieties of snacks, drinks, cereals, etc. For young adults, this may be a convenient way to get a protein boost between work and home, but for older adults, the supposed positive effects might just be the opposite. It has long been thought that a higher protein diet for people of any age came with benefits, but new research reveals that for older adults specifically, the opposite may be true. This month’s exclusive dives into those studies to explore why less protein may be more than enough for older adults.
In addition to reading our e-newsletter, be sure to visit Today’s Geriatric Medicine’s website at TodaysGeriatricMedicine.com, where you’ll find news and information that’s relevant and reliable. We welcome your feedback at TGMeditor@gvpub.com. Follow Today’s Geriatric Medicine on Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter, too.
— Josh Hildebrand |
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Eating Less Protein Could Slow Aging
Protein-enriched products now fill grocery store shelves, appearing in everything from cereal and coffee to water. Yet a new review of more than 350 studies on protein restriction and aging suggests that many people may gain more from eating less protein, and that lower intake could sometimes contribute to a longer life.
Published July 31 in the Cell Press journal Cell Press Blue, the review examines how reducing protein may influence aging. The researchers conclude that protein restriction can improve metabolism, alter the way cells react to nutrients, limit cellular damage, and help cells maintain normal function.
"It's absolutely crystal clear that there are benefits of protein to muscle growth and exercise response of active individuals," says Dudley Lamming, the paper's corresponding author, of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. "But because most people are relatively sedentary, many people are likely consuming more protein than they actually need, which probably has negative health consequences."
An Alternative to Calorie Restriction
Scientists have long known that reducing calorie intake can lengthen lifespan in many organisms and lower the risk of age-related illnesses such as cancer. In practice, however, following a calorie-restricted diet over the long term is extremely difficult for most people.
Protein restriction may offer another route. Earlier studies found that flies and rodents lived longer when they consumed less protein, even when their overall calorie intake did not decline.
Recent human clinical trials have also produced promising results. People who lowered their protein intake lost weight and body fat and showed improvements in fasting blood sugar, despite often consuming more total calories.
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Key Flaw in Wearable Technology Discovered
Older adults’ skin is very different from that of younger people’s; it can be wrinkled, thinner, and drier. For those reasons, wearable technology that adheres to the skin might not work as intended. Researchers are developing new wearable technology to better interface with the skin of older adults.
Brain Changes Prior to Amyloid Plaque Being Detected
Scientists in the Department of Psychology at the University of Oslo have found that standard Alzheimer’s imaging (amyloid-PET) may not be able to detect the earliest brain changes in Alzheimer’s patients. Their research reveals that brain changes occur years before amyloid plaque is detectable in the brain.
Memory Loss May Not Start as Late as Scientists Once Thought
Despite popular belief, memory decline starts earlier than previously believed, according to research published in Cerebral Cortex. The researchers note a stark decline in memory accuracy from the 20s to 30s age range.
Light Therapy Improves Sleep, Activity
The diminished light exposure for older adults in urban areas can have a profound impact on their health. Researchers from the University of Surrey in England found that participants with more light exposure showed better daytime energy levels and restfulness at night compared with those with less light exposure. Their research is published in the Journal of Pineal Research. |
Guardian Flex Wearable for Older Adults
Medical Guardian recently introduced Guardian Flex, a wearable health and safety device designed for older adults seeking emergency protection that integrates into daily life.
Guardian Flex can be worn on the wrist, around the neck, or clipped to a belt. It features interchangeable accessories with a quick-release system that does not require tools or re-pairing. It offers 24/7 emergency monitoring based in the US, 4G LTE cellular connectivity, integrated GPS location, and two-way voice communication.
The device also features advanced fall detection technology, but some falls may go unnoticed. Users are advised to press the help button if they need assistance. Additional specifications include up to five days of battery life and IP67 water resistance.
Guardians Flex's features also extend to connectivity, with real-time notifications for designated loved ones, a function to help locate misplaced devices, and a mobile app providing battery status, signal strength, and activity updates. |
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