https://websites4-live-prod.ysmdevs.com/ysph/news-rss/?keywordId=506&orgId=109082&title=Recent+News A selection of the latest research, academic, and other newsworthy developments at Yale School of Public Health en-us Copyright 2026 Yale School of Medicine Fri, 15 May 2026 10:53:46 Z https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/may/03/getting-older-ageing-happiest-time-of-life https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/may/03/getting-older-ageing-happiest-time-of-life Aging does not mean inevitable decline, new YSPH research suggests – and having a optimistic outlook can even bring improvements. Sat, 02 May 2026 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/specialized-emergency-departments-for-older-adults-linked-to-better-outcomes/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/specialized-emergency-departments-for-older-adults-linked-to-better-outcomes/ Specialized emergency departments for geriatric patients are a promising and potentially life-saving model of care, according to a new YSPH study. But as their use expands across the country, policymakers must tackle deeper inequities that are preventing all older adults from benefiting equally from the targeted care. Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/study-finds-persistent-lack-of-diversity-in-us-alzheimers-clinical-trials/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/study-finds-persistent-lack-of-diversity-in-us-alzheimers-clinical-trials/ A new study led by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health finds that Alzheimer’s disease clinical trials in the U.S. have consistently failed to reflect the nation’s racial and ethnic diversity, raising important concerns about whether new treatments are equally safe and effective for all patients. Wed, 08 Apr 2026 04:00:00 Z https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/26/health/positivity-aging-wellness https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/26/health/positivity-aging-wellness Despite stereotypes that the body and brain automatically decline as people get older, new YSPH research shows that many people are more like fine wine: improving with age. Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yale-study-challenges-notion-that-aging-means-decline-finds-many-older-adults-improve-over-time/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yale-study-challenges-notion-that-aging-means-decline-finds-many-older-adults-improve-over-time/ Aging in later life is often portrayed as a steady slide toward physical and cognitive decline. But a new study by scientists at Yale University suggests an alternate narrative — that older individuals can and do improve over time, and their mindset toward aging plays a major part in their success. Thu, 05 Mar 2026 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/ysph-symposium-focuses-on-music-memory-and-aging/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/ysph-symposium-focuses-on-music-memory-and-aging/ Members of the Yale schools of public health, medicine, and nursing came together for Yale's first Music, Memory, and Aging Symposium on January 29. Thu, 19 Feb 2026 05:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2026/02/11/living-arrangements-older-adults-vary-sharply-race-ethnicity-and-sex-study-finds https://news.yale.edu/2026/02/11/living-arrangements-older-adults-vary-sharply-race-ethnicity-and-sex-study-finds A new study shows that, across racial groups and the sexes, older Americans have sharply different patterns of marriage and living circumstances later in life. Wed, 11 Feb 2026 05:00:00 Z https://gsas.yale.edu/about/news-announcements/qa-jose-aravena-25-phd https://gsas.yale.edu/about/news-announcements/qa-jose-aravena-25-phd A chance encounter introduced José Aravena, ’25 PhD, to YSPH Professor Becca Levy's research on positive aging. The moment changed the direction of his career. In this Q&A, Aravena discusses his interest in aging and brain health and shares some surprising findings from his fieldwork in southern Chile. Mon, 09 Feb 2026 05:00:00 Z https://www.wypr.org/2026-01-08/changing-your-perception-on-aging-can-lead-to-greater-well-being-psychologist-says https://www.wypr.org/2026-01-08/changing-your-perception-on-aging-can-lead-to-greater-well-being-psychologist-says YSPH's Dr. Becca Levy is one of the nation's leading researchers on the physical and mental health effects of ageism. Her work is discussed in this episode of Here and Now on National Public Radio. Thu, 08 Jan 2026 05:00:00 Z https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance/secondary-caregivers/ https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance/secondary-caregivers/ Secondary caregivers are the quiet forces orbiting the primary caregiver, who step in to steady the system when the daily strain becomes too much, says Joan Monin, professor of public health at Yale University. Thu, 11 Dec 2025 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-research-examines-the-impacts-of-financial-strain-on-adult-caregivers/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-research-examines-the-impacts-of-financial-strain-on-adult-caregivers/ A new pair of studies from Yale School of Public Health suggests that when a parent is living with dementia or depression, the consequent financial stress becomes a hidden source of emotional turmoil for millions of U.S. families. Wed, 10 Dec 2025 05:00:00 Z https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/27/opinion/aging-seniors-medicare.html https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/27/opinion/aging-seniors-medicare.html More than 4.1 million Americans will be turning 65 each year through 2027, a record surge. Yale School of Public Health psychologist Dr. Becca Levy offers insight and guidance. Her research has found that older adults who take in more negative attitudes on aging tend to be less mobile, have poorer memory, are more susceptible to cognitive decline, and tend to die an average of 7.5 years sooner than similarly situated peers with more positive attitudes on aging. Sun, 30 Nov 2025 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/lone-star-ticks-nitrogen-dioxide-pollution-and-dementia-care-study-highlight-october-2025-research-roundup/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/lone-star-ticks-nitrogen-dioxide-pollution-and-dementia-care-study-highlight-october-2025-research-roundup/ A YSPH investigation discovers significant racial disparities in the health impact of nitrogen dioxide pollution. A new study highlights successful dementia-friendly communities in China; and a rare lone star tick bite gets documented in Connecticut. Learn more in this month's research roundup report. Tue, 21 Oct 2025 04:00:00 Z https://states.aarp.org/north-carolina/dispell-myths-about-aging https://states.aarp.org/north-carolina/dispell-myths-about-aging Yale School of Public Health Professor Becca R. Levy has found in her research that people who have taken in negative beliefs from society about aging are more likely to have health problems such as heart attacks, chronic stress, and walking and balance problems. Thu, 01 May 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/lower-blood-pressure-may-offer-benefits-even-for-the-very-elderly/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/lower-blood-pressure-may-offer-benefits-even-for-the-very-elderly/ Intensive blood pressure management may offer important benefits for adults aged 80 and above, according to new evidence from Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Yuan Lu, ScD, lead author of the study, is an assistant professor of medicine (cardiology), biomedical informatics, and data science at YSM as well as an assistant professor of chronic disease epidemiology at the Yale School of Public Health. Thu, 17 Apr 2025 18:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/factors-associated-with-diminished-active-life-expectancy-among-older-adults/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/factors-associated-with-diminished-active-life-expectancy-among-older-adults/ In a new Yale study, published in JAMA Network Open, researchers examined the differences in active and disabled life expectancy among older people who experience illness and injury. Thu, 03 Apr 2025 17:42:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/one-in-five-people-with-dementia-receive-no-care-global-study-finds/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/one-in-five-people-with-dementia-receive-no-care-global-study-finds/ As the world’s population rapidly ages, a new study led by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health finds that people living with dementia are struggling at an alarming rate. Thu, 27 Mar 2025 04:00:00 Z https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/26/well/mind/retirement-brain-mental-health-tips.html https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/26/well/mind/retirement-brain-mental-health-tips.html It’s challenging to stay mentally sharp and healthy when transitioning into retirement. Onset of depression is a concern. YSPH Associate Professor Xi Chen provides insights. Wed, 26 Mar 2025 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/dementia-as-a-public-health-issue/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/dementia-as-a-public-health-issue/ New research has found that the risk of developing dementia is significantly higher than previously believed and the number of people diagnosed with dementia annually is expected to double to about 1 million a year by 2060. Dr. Joan K. Monin, an associate professor in the Yale School of Public Health's Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, discusses the significance of the dementia prevalence study and steps individuals can take to reduce their risk of dementia as they age. Mon, 24 Feb 2025 05:00:00 Z https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/a-plastic-surgeon-says-this-is-the-no-1-most-overlooked-way-to-look-and-feel-younger-harvard-research-agrees/91139482 https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/a-plastic-surgeon-says-this-is-the-no-1-most-overlooked-way-to-look-and-feel-younger-harvard-research-agrees/91139482 Anti-aging is all the rage these days in Silicon Valley and beyond. One of most simple and effective interventions is among the least well known. YSPH Professor Becca Levy discusses the health benefits of having a positive mindset as we age. Fri, 31 Jan 2025 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/study-finds-no-differences-between-dementia-care-approaches-on-patient-behavioral-symptoms-or-caregiver-strain/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/study-finds-no-differences-between-dementia-care-approaches-on-patient-behavioral-symptoms-or-caregiver-strain/ New research conducted by scientists with the Yale Data Coordinating Center, Yale Center for Statistical Analysis, and Yale Program on Aging, in collaboration with colleagues from UCLA, compared different approaches to dementia care for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. The results were mixed. Thu, 30 Jan 2025 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/study-looks-at-association-between-school-segregation-and-dementia/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/study-looks-at-association-between-school-segregation-and-dementia/ A Yale-led study looks at how school segregation may influence the development of dementia later in life. Fri, 03 Jan 2025 05:00:00 Z https://www.pressreader.com/usa/the-day/20241226/281582361246099 https://www.pressreader.com/usa/the-day/20241226/281582361246099 Research shows husbands benefit from their wives' support in terms of mortality and health outcomes, much more than the other way around, YSPH Professor Joan Monin says in this article about how marriage equity impacts health. Thu, 26 Dec 2024 05:00:00 Z https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNDus8qs0zw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNDus8qs0zw CGTN's Elaine Reyes speaks to Xi Chen, associate professor of health policy at the Yale School of Public Health, about China's efforts to care for its almost 3 million elderly citizens. Wed, 18 Dec 2024 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/how-does-aging-affect-innate-immunity/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/how-does-aging-affect-innate-immunity/ Worldwide, the population is getting older, so it’s imperative to understand the cell changes that come with age, stresses Ruth Montgomery, PhD, professor of medicine (rheumatology) and of epidemiology (microbial diseases) at Yale School of Medicine. “Older people are more susceptible to infectious diseases and less responsive to vaccines,” she said. Wed, 20 Nov 2024 15:24:00 Z https://www.biznews.com/health/2024/11/18/marriage-health-sarah-green-carmichael https://www.biznews.com/health/2024/11/18/marriage-health-sarah-green-carmichael Marriage isn't just about love—it's a health decision. A more egalitarian marriage can significantly improve health outcomes. Bloomberg News' Sarah Green Carmichael speaks to Yale School of Public Health Associate Professor Joan Monin about caregiving in marital relationships. Mon, 18 Nov 2024 05:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/pepper-center-aging-dementia-studies/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/pepper-center-aging-dementia-studies/ Aging is a natural process that unfolds as our bodies move through different stages of life. Research focused on aging is an interdisciplinary field, transcending geriatrics and spanning throughout internal medicine, public health, and many other disciplines. In recent years, the Yale Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center has focused on building partnerships and increasing resources on campus for faculty and trainees interested in pursuing aging research. Mon, 30 Sep 2024 04:00:00 Z https://www.newswise.com/articles/older-gay-lesbian-adults-at-greater-risk-of-polysubstance-use-study https://www.newswise.com/articles/older-gay-lesbian-adults-at-greater-risk-of-polysubstance-use-study Gay and lesbian adults over age 65 are nearly 28 times more likely than heterosexual peers to engage in polysubstance use, a Yale team finds in a new study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports. Fri, 27 Sep 2024 04:00:00 Z https://www.npr.org/2024/09/12/1198913422/anne-lamott-has-some-ideas-on-getting-older-in-the-united-states https://www.npr.org/2024/09/12/1198913422/anne-lamott-has-some-ideas-on-getting-older-in-the-united-states Plenty of jokes have been made about aging. But it can also have some negative implications, says Becca Levy, a professor and researcher at Yale School of Public Health, who studies the psychology of aging. Thu, 12 Sep 2024 04:00:00 Z https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/yale-psychologist-simple-mindset-change-helps-people-live-7.5-years-longer-average.html https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/yale-psychologist-simple-mindset-change-helps-people-live-7.5-years-longer-average.html Just shifting how you think about aging can have as much impact on how long you live as diet and exercise, says YSPH Professor Becca Levy. Mon, 26 Aug 2024 04:00:00 Z https://publichealthwatch.org/2024/08/06/california-seniors-heat-climate-change/ https://publichealthwatch.org/2024/08/06/california-seniors-heat-climate-change/ By the end of this decade, 10.8 million Californians — or one-quarter of the state’s population — will be over 60 years old. That could change the way the state prepares for rising temperatures. YSPH Associate Professor Kai Chen discusses his latest research. Tue, 06 Aug 2024 04:00:00 Z https://www.dailynews.com/2024/06/16/having-a-positive-attitude-toward-aging-can-add-years-to-your-life/ https://www.dailynews.com/2024/06/16/having-a-positive-attitude-toward-aging-can-add-years-to-your-life/ Becca Levy, professor of epidemiology at the Yale School of Public Health, has done seminal work on the role of attitude towards aging and its impact on longevity. Dr. Levy's work is referenced in this LA Daily News article. Sun, 16 Jun 2024 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/early-life-experiences-linked-to-racial-disparities-in-cognition/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/early-life-experiences-linked-to-racial-disparities-in-cognition/ Negative early life experiences, such as attending segregated schools, contribute significantly to cognitive decline and cognition disparities between older Black and white Americans, according to a new study led by researchers at the Yale School of Public Health. Tue, 04 Jun 2024 04:00:00 Z https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/04/06/better-aging-falling-hearing-aids/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/04/06/better-aging-falling-hearing-aids/ A study by Becca Levy, PhD, professor of public health (social and behavioral sciences) and psychology, was referenced in a Washington Post story about better aging. Wed, 10 Apr 2024 04:00:00 Z https://www.newsweek.com/kids-putting-grandparents-risk-pneumonia-1886364 https://www.newsweek.com/kids-putting-grandparents-risk-pneumonia-1886364 A Yale-led study finds that older adults who had contact with young children daily or every few days were six times more likely to carry the bacteria that causes pneumonia than older adults who had no contact with children. Wed, 03 Apr 2024 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/aging-population-to-be-major-driver-of-future-climate-related-deaths/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/aging-population-to-be-major-driver-of-future-climate-related-deaths/ Population aging constitutes a crucial driver for future heat- and cold-related deaths. Wed, 06 Mar 2024 05:00:00 Z https://news.yale.edu/2024/02/28/risk-hospital-readmission-after-surgery-high-older-americans https://news.yale.edu/2024/02/28/risk-hospital-readmission-after-surgery-high-older-americans A new Yale study is the first to describe the short- and longer-term risk of hospital readmission for older persons who have had major surgery. Wed, 28 Feb 2024 18:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/joan-monins-lab-partners-with-connecticut-community-to-help-people-living-with-dementia-find-their-voices/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/joan-monins-lab-partners-with-connecticut-community-to-help-people-living-with-dementia-find-their-voices/ For the past five years, Yale School of Public Health Associate Professor Joan K. Monin has worked with LiveWell’s Empowering Partnerships Network (EPN) to bring YSPH students and postdocs together with people living with dementia to better understand their needs and advance research. Tue, 20 Feb 2024 05:00:00 Z https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/18/health/intergenerational-programs-older-younger.html https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/18/health/intergenerational-programs-older-younger.html Miami University began Opening Minds Through Art, a program designed to foster intergenerational understanding, in 2007 and introduced an online version in 2022. Featuring YSM's Dr. Becca Levy. Mon, 19 Feb 2024 05:00:00 Z https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/17/opinion/health-aging-cycling-community.html?smid=em-share https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/17/opinion/health-aging-cycling-community.html?smid=em-share The way we look at our own aging predicts what our future holds, as Becca Levy, a professor of public health at Yale, writes in her recent book, “Breaking the Age Code.” Sat, 17 Feb 2024 05:00:00 Z https://www.wsj.com/health/ageism-birthday-cards-aging-humor-seniors-e9849957?st=3cf7yfr45wnw63e&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink https://www.wsj.com/health/ageism-birthday-cards-aging-humor-seniors-e9849957?st=3cf7yfr45wnw63e&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink Some greeting card makers want to banish ‘ageist’ messages—but humor defenders say teasing adds to the charm. A study by YSPH Professor Becca Levy found that “older individuals with more positive self-perceptions of aging, measured up to 23 years earlier, lived 7.5 years longer than those with less positive self-perceptions of aging.” Fri, 16 Feb 2024 05:00:00 Z https://www.nextavenue.org/are-you-ageist/ https://www.nextavenue.org/are-you-ageist/ How internalizing outside ageism messages can be bad for your health and longevity. YSPH Professor Becca Levy is featured. Thu, 15 Feb 2024 05:00:00 Z https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2lwWumWC0I https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2lwWumWC0I Yale School of Public Health Associate Professor Joan K. Monin discusses her research on caregiving relationships and health with WPKN's Chuck Wolfe. Fri, 26 Jan 2024 05:00:00 Z https://www.forbes.com/sites/sheilacallaham/2023/12/03/living-as-long-as-rosalyn-carter-or-charlie-mungera-lot-is-up-to-you/?sh=40e3dd075b84 https://www.forbes.com/sites/sheilacallaham/2023/12/03/living-as-long-as-rosalyn-carter-or-charlie-mungera-lot-is-up-to-you/?sh=40e3dd075b84 The recent deaths of several high-profile people in their 90's, including Rosalynn Carter and Charlie Munger, raises new discussions about what it may take to live longer. One suggestion is based on YSPH Professor Becca Levy's research into the impact positive aging beliefs have on health and longevity. Sun, 03 Dec 2023 17:03:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-yale-initiative-looks-beyond-life-span-to-increase-years-of-health/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/new-yale-initiative-looks-beyond-life-span-to-increase-years-of-health/ Aging is a major risk factor for most chronic conditions, evidence shows, yet much of current research focuses on addressing specific diseases. The new Translational Geroscience Initiative at Yale School of Medicine (YSM) seeks to change that approach by studying the effects of aging on various ailments. Mon, 02 Oct 2023 12:52:00 Z https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/20/well/mind/aging-health-benefits.html https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/20/well/mind/aging-health-benefits.html People who think positively about getting older often live longer, healthier lives. Here is how to reconsider your perspective. Wed, 20 Sep 2023 04:00:00 Z https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307422 https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/abs/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307422 Residential proximity to oil and gas wells has been increasingly recognized to threaten the health and environmental quality of nearby communities. Thu, 07 Sep 2023 04:00:00 Z https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/chemical-compounds-in-extra-virgin-olive-oil-could-aid-in-the-treatment-and-prevention-of-alzheimers-disease/ https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/chemical-compounds-in-extra-virgin-olive-oil-could-aid-in-the-treatment-and-prevention-of-alzheimers-disease/ A new study led by researchers with the Yale School of Public Health’s Department of Environmental Health Sciences and Imperial College London used network machine learning algorithms to identify chemical compounds in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) that could aid in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Mon, 28 Aug 2023 19:00:00 Z https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/08/17/internalized-ageism-health-effects-solutions/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/08/17/internalized-ageism-health-effects-solutions/ Age bias doesn’t show up only as discrimination or snarky birthday cards. One potent source of ageism comes from older people themselves. Thu, 17 Aug 2023 10:00:00 Z https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/998133 https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/998133 Older adults with more severe behavioral symptoms, including agitation, aggression, and disinhibition, are more likely to become divorced than those with less severe symptoms. However, increasing stages of dementia are associated with a low likelihood of divorce, according to a new study published in PLOS ONE by Joan Monin of the Yale School of Public Health and colleagues. Wed, 16 Aug 2023 04:00:00 Z