Age Gradient Research Articles

Getting the right tail right: Modeling tails of health expenditure distributions

Health expenditure data almost always include extreme values, implying that the underlying distribution has heavy tails. This may result in infinite variances as well as higher-order moments and bias the commonly used least squares methods. To accommodate extreme values, we propose an estimation method that recovers the right tail of health expenditure distributions. It extends the popular two-part model to develop a novel three-part model. We apply the proposed method to claims data from one of the biggest German private health insurers. Our findings show that the estimated age gradient in health care spending differs substantially from the standard least squares method.

Mechanisms behind high N2O emissions from livestock enclosures in Kenya revealed by dual-isotope and functional gene analyses

Livestock manure contributes to global warming due to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, especially nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4). In the arid and semi-arid lands of Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), extensive pastoral grazing systems are common, with cattle grazing in the savanna during the day and kept in enclosures (called bomas in Kenya) during the night. Manure is usually not removed from bomas but left to accumulate, leading to excessive local nitrogen loads, making these bomas an overlooked N2O emission hotspot in SSA that is currently not accounted for in national and regional GHG budgets. Here, we present the first in-situ isotope measurements of N2O fluxes from 37 cattle bomas along an age gradient ranging from 0 to 5 years after boma abandonment in Kenya along with functional gene analysis of soil and manure samples. The isotopic composition of the emitted N2O from bomas suggests that on average 91 ± 8% N2O was produced via bacterial denitrification and/or nitrifier denitrification, with little variation across boma age class. We also found high levels of N2O reduction to N2 across all sample sites (81 ± 9%), indicating high levels of N2O consumption. The abundances of denitrification-related genes (nirK and narG) were significantly higher than those of nitrification-related genes (amoA: AOA and AOB) in the cattle manure samples taken from the bomas, corroborating N2O emissions largely being attributed to denitrification. Significant abundance of the reduction-related gene (nosZ) also corroborated the high potential for microbial N2O reduction in bomas. Thus, by combining dual-isotope and functional gene analysis, we were able to identify source processes that govern N2O emissions from these systems. More generally, making use of the manure by spreading it in the vicinity of the bomas or on dedicated forage plots could provide a win-win by enhancing savanna productivity while simultaneously mitigating GHG emissions.

Revegetating Mine Soils with Different Tree Species Influences Molecular Characteristics of Soil Organic Matter

ABSTRACT Although molecular characterization of soil organic carbon is crucial for understanding its dynamics, studies on reclaimed coal mine soil are comparatively limited. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to ascertain the influence of tree species on the soil organic carbon content and molecular characteristics of soil organic carbon in a chronosequence of reclaimed coal mine soil. To investigate the effects of reclamation time on soil organic carbon characteristics, a chronosequence of three coal mine soil was used, each exhibiting different ages of reclamation: 8, 14, and 25 years. Along a re-vegetation age gradient of 8 to 25 years, the total soil organic carbon content increased. Within the 25 years of restored soil, the FTIR absorption intensities were lowest within the range of 2,920 and 2,850 cm−1, while they were highest within the range of 1,685, 1,425, and 1,285 cm−1which indicates presence of aromatic C=C. This shows that aromatic compounds contributed more significantly to the composition of soil organic carbon compared to aliphatic structures. Based on molecular characteristics, it is suggested that the soil organic carbon in 25-year old revegetated coal mine soil consists of aromatic and recalcitrant carbon. Among three tree species Dalbergia sissoo can be used for reclamation as quality and quantity of carbon found was higher under this tree species. In conclusion, the results indicated that the molecular properties of soil organic carbon were extremely important for understanding the dynamics of soil organic carbon in a restored coal mine soil chronosequence.

Impact of the pandemic on leisure physical activity and alcohol consumption

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic precipitated heightened morbidity and elevated mortality attributed to the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The pandemic also influenced health behaviors such as physical activity (PA) and alcohol consumption. The aim of this study was to examine changes in leisure PA and alcohol consumption in Sweden during the pandemic, and elucidate potential discrepancies in changes across demographic strata and socioeconomic status (SES).MethodsData were retrieved from two waves of the longitudinal cohort study Life conditions, Stress and Health (LSH) (n = 2,523). Two measures of change were used; longitudinal change relative to baseline (2012–2015) and reported change compared to before the pandemic. For these two change measures, differences between sex, age group and SES were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression.ResultsRegardless of the change measure, the proportion of individuals with diminished PA was notably higher among females compared to males. Furthermore, relative to baseline, females were less likely to have increased their PA, however according to the reported change they were more likely to have increased PA. Longitudinal change in PA compared to baseline followed a reversed age gradient, while, according to reported change, a decrease in PA during the pandemic was most prevalent in respondents 45 years of age at baseline (OR = 1.8, CI: 1.2–2.5) and respondents 50 years of age at baseline (OR = 1.7, CI: 1.2–2.4). High SES was associated with a greater variability in PA. Alcohol consumption was generally reduced during the pandemic. However, individuals aged 40 or 45 years at baseline were more likely than others to have initiated risky alcohol consumption.ConclusionsFemales exhibited a greater propensity to alter their PA levels during the pandemic, with the most profound decreases observed among individuals of working ages. Despite a general downturn in alcohol consumption, individuals aged 40 and 45 had a heightened likelihood of having initiated risky alcohol consumption compared to individuals in other age cohorts. In conclusion, societal restrictions during a pandemic render a dual impact on PA levels. While posing a risk for decreased PA among individuals in working ages, the restrictions also present a potential window of opportunity to increase PA, particularly among females.

Computed tomographic age estimation from the iliac crest and ischial tuberosity in an Indian population using supervised machine learning approaches.

Within the pelvis the iliac crest and ischial tuberosity display delayed ossification and fusion, thus, presenting as reliable maturity indicators. Amongst the different iliac crest and ischial tuberosity age estimation methods, the modified Kreitner-Kellinghaus stages constitute one of the more promising methods. The present study was directed towards establishing the applicability of the modified Kreitner-Kellinghaus method using five supervised machine learning approaches. Clinical CT scans of consenting individuals were collected and scored using the modified Kreitner-Kellinghaus method for the iliac crest and ischial tuberosity, independently. Age was subsequently estimated using different machine learning models. Cumulative scores computed from both markers were additionally employed for age estimation using machine learning. For iliac crest age estimation, Random Forest and Gradient Boosting Regression furnished lowest mean absolute error (2.42 years) and root mean square error (3.06 years). For ischial tuberosity age estimation, Gradient Boosting Regression garnered the lowest computations of mean absolute error (2.60 years) and root mean square error (3.09 years). For cumulative score based age estimation, Support Vector Regression and Gradient Boosting Regression yielded lowest mean absolute error (2.48 years) and root mean square error (3.07 years). Obtained error computations indicate that the iliac crest is a more accurate age marker in comparison to the ischial tuberosity. Additionally, cumulative score-based approaches garnered similar/ marginally more precise results in comparison to the iliac crest with all five models. This marginal improvement is not sufficient to justify employing the relatively more complicated cumulative score-based approach for age estimation. Hence, whenever available, the iliac crest should be preferred over the ischial tuberosity/ cumulative score-based approaches for age estimation.

Sensitivity of ocean circulation to warming during the Early Eocene greenhouse

Multiple abrupt warming events ("hyperthermals") punctuated the Early Eocene and were associated with deep-sea temperature increases of 2 to 4 °C, seafloor carbonate dissolution, and negative carbon isotope (δ13C) excursions. Whether hyperthermals were associated with changes in the global ocean overturning circulation is important for understanding their driving mechanisms and feedbacks and for gaining insight into the circulation's sensitivity to climatic warming. Here, we present high-resolution benthic foraminiferal stable isotope records (δ13C and δ18O) throughout the Early Eocene Climate Optimum (~53.26 to 49.14 Ma) from the deep equatorial and North Atlantic. Combined with existing records from the South Atlantic and Pacific, these indicate consistently amplified δ13C excursion sizes during hyperthermals in the deep equatorial Atlantic. We compare these observations with results from an intermediate complexity Earth system model to demonstrate that this spatial pattern of δ13C excursion size is a predictable consequence of global warming-induced changes in ocean overturning circulation. In our model, transient warming drives the weakening of Southern Ocean-sourced overturning circulation, strengthens Atlantic meridional water mass aging gradients, and amplifies the magnitude of negative δ13C excursions in the equatorial to North Atlantic. Based on model-data consistency, we conclude that Eocene hyperthermals coincided with repeated weakening of the global overturning circulation. Not accounting for ocean circulation impacts on δ13C excursions will lead to incorrect estimates of the magnitude of carbon release driving hyperthermals. Our finding of weakening overturning in response to past transient climatic warming is consistent with predictions of declining Atlantic Ocean overturning strength in our warm future.

Is Everyone “Looking for Love?” Trends in Romantic Relationship Interest Among Singles During COVID-19

Using data from the Dynamics of Social Life During COVID-19 Survey (DSL-COVID), we examine dating and romantic relationship interest among singles amid a global pandemic and loneliness epidemic. This study provides a gendered life course perspective to understanding the heterogeneity of singles’ low romantic interest. We find larger gender differences among the previously married than never married singles. In addition, we document a stronger age gradient for single women than men in low romantic interest. We demonstrate that previously married single men’s romantic interest may be more responsive to loneliness than that of single women. These results suggest that lonely single men express the strongest desires to seek romance, net of controls, while single women express lower romantic interest. Overall, we argue for the possibility that a non-trivial segment of singles may exhibit low romantic interest, and their inclusion is important for social science research on union and family formation.

Impacts of Deep-Rooted Apple Tree on Soil Water Balance in the Semi-Arid Loess Plateau, China

Partitioning soil water balance (SWB) is an effective approach for deciphering the impacts of vegetation change on soil hydrological processes. Growing apple trees on the Loess Plateau, China, leads to a substantial deep soil water deficit, posing a serious threat to the sustainable development of apple production. However, the impact of deep-rooted apple trees on SWB remains poorly understood. In this study, we conducted a “Paired Plot” experiment to achieve this objective by decoupling SWB components using water stable isotopes, tritium, and soil water contents from deep soil cores (up to 25 m) under apple orchards with a stand age gradient of 8–23 years. The results showed that deep soil water storage under apple orchards was notably reduced compared to nearby farmland, showing a stand age-related pattern of deep soil water deficit (R2 = 0.91). By analyzing the changing patterns of SWB components, we found that the main factor driving this deficit is the water uptake process controlled by the deep root system. This process is triggered by the increased transpiration demand of apple trees and short-term water scarcity. These findings have implications for understanding soil water dynamics, sustainable agroforestry management, and soil water resources’ protection in this region and other similar water-limited areas.

Genotype-specific development of MEN 2 constituent components in 683 RET carriers.

The age-specific development of the 3 constituent components of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2) is incompletely characterized for many of the >30 causative rearranged during transfection (RET) mutations, which this genetic association study aimed to specify. Included in the study were 683 carriers of heterogeneous RET germline mutations: 53 carriers with 1 highest-risk mutation (codon 918); 240 carriers with 8 different high-risk mutations (codon 634); 176 carriers with 16 different intermediate-risk mutations (codon 609, 611, 618, 620 or 630); and 214 carriers with 6 different low-risk mutations (codon 768, 790, 804 or 891). There was a strong genotype-specific development of MEN 2 constituent components, with distinct age gradients from C cell disease to node-negative MTC, from node-negative to node-positive MTC, from node-positive MTC to pheochromocytoma, and from pheochromocytoma to primary hyperparathyroidism. Primary hyperparathyroidism was not observed among the 53 MEN 2B patients who carried highest-risk mutations (age range 0.5-50 yrs.), of whom no more than 12 (23%) and 3 (6%) carriers were older than age 30 yrs. and 35 yrs., respectively. The age-specific development of MTC differed significantly between the 4 RET risk categories, whereas the age-specific development of pheochromocytoma differed significantly only between the 2 strongest RET risk categories. No significant differences were noted in the development of primary hyperparathyroidism. These findings delineate age-specific disease manifestation corridors for the 3 constituent components of MEN 2 by RET genotype. These corridors are useful for initial risk assessment and organ-specific surveillance of newly identified RET carriers going forward.

Aquatic Bird Species Richness and Distribution along an Age Gradient of Reservoirs in Tigray National Regional State, Northern Ethiopia

Aquatic Bird Species Richness and Distribution along an Age Gradient of Reservoirs in Tigray National Regional State, Northern Ethiopia

Porous asphalt mixture performance in cold regions: Case study of Chicago

Porous Asphalt Mixtures (PAMs) improve resilience of flexible pavements in the context of climate change. PAM application in coastal cities like Chicago is of interest; however severe winters compromise the durability of PAMs given their susceptibility to freeze-thaw. This work aimed to evaluate the to-date experience with PAMs in Chicago, exploring benefits and limitations to be considered for future projects in the Southern Lake Michigan region. Full-depth PAM cores were obtained from seven sections, constructed in different years. Tests were conducted to assess the evolution of surface texture, internal structure, and multi-scale material properties. Regarding surface texture, consistent change over time was observed, such as loss of the “channel” structure, and increase in mean profile parameters because of raveling. Also, binder content varies with time within different layer depths. An aging gradient in terms of stiffness from top to bottom within the layer does not necessarily occur. However, binder ductility shows drastic and consistent reduction throughout the layer as aging increases. Analysis of internal structure using a CT scan revealed that there is also a lack of homogeneity in the air void and particle size distributions. Finally, this study suggests that full-depth PAM viscoelastic behavior is sensitive to saturation level, and this is a relevant subject to be considered, since partial saturation may be a condition often observed in the field.

Non-linear response of Norway spruce to climate variation along elevational and age gradients in the Carpathians

Climate change, namely increased warming coupled with a rise in extreme events (e.g., droughts, storms, heatwaves), is negatively affecting forest ecosystems worldwide. In these ecosystems, growth dynamics and biomass accumulation are driven mainly by environmental constraints, inter-tree competition, and disturbance regimes. Usually, climate–growth relationships are assessed by linear correlation due to the simplicity and straightforwardness of modeling. However, applying this method may bias results, since the ecological and physiological responses of trees to environmental factors are non-linear, and usually bell-shaped.In the Eastern Carpathian, Norway spruce is at the southeasternmost edge of its natural occurrence; this region is thus potentially vulnerable to climate change. A non-linear assessment of climate–growth relationships using machine-learning techniques for Norway spruce in this area had not been conducted prior to this study. To address this knowledge gap, we analyzed a large tree-ring network from 158 stands, with over 3000 trees of varying age distributed along an elevational gradient. Our results showed that non-linearity in the growth-climate response of spruce was season-specific: temperatures from the previous autumn and current growing season, along with water availability during winter, induced a bell-shaped response. Moreover, we found that at low elevations, spruce growth was mainly limited by water availability in the growing season, while winter temperatures are likely to have had a slight influence along the entire elevational gradient. Furthermore, at elevations lower than 1400 m, spruce trees were also found to be sensitive to previous autumn water availability. Overall, our results shed new light on the response of Norway spruce to climate in the Carpathians, which may aid in management decisions.

Young Metal-Rich Stars in the Halo of M82: a tidal dwarf galaxy?

Abstract We present Hubble Space Telescope Advanced Camera for Surveys photometry of an arc structure of stars in the southern halo of M82. The structure is located at a projected height of ≈5 kpc from the disk of M82 but its stellar content exhibits a younger mean age than that of typical halo stars. We measured the distance, mean age, and peak metallicity of the stars in the arc and used them to determine the structure’s origin. The arc color-magnitude diagram yields a tip of red giant branch (RGB) distance of 3.63 ± 0.08 Mpc, similar to that of M82, confirming its association with the galaxy. The color-magnitude diagram also reveals a population of predominantly young stars with a mean age of ≈100 - 160 Myr, which is similar to that of the young stars formed in the tidal debris between M81, M82, and NGC 3077. We derived the mean metallicity of the halo stars surrounding the arc to be [Fe/H] ≈ -1.0, similar to that of the RGB population of the halo of M81. The RGB stars in the arc, while they are slightly more metal-rich than the halo RGB, show no spatial correlation with the young stars, suggesting that the arc is consist of mainly young stellar population. Furthermore, the observed age gradient along the structure of the arc indicates that the arc began forming from the closer side to M82, then moving outward. Taken together, the results suggest that the formation of the young stars which gives rise to the arc structure could have been triggered by the interactions between M82’s southern outflow and the HI gas clouds surrounding it, representing a snapshot of a tidal dwarf galaxy in the process of forming.

A catalogue of asteroseismically calibrated ages for APOGEE DR17

Context. The formation history and evolution of the Milky Way through cosmological time is a complex field of research requiring the sampling of highly accurate stellar ages for all Galaxy components. Such highly reliable ages are starting to become available thanks to the synergy of asteroseismology, spectroscopy, stellar modelling, and machine learning analysis in the era of all-sky astronomical surveys.Aims. Our goal is to provide an accurate list of ages for the Main Red Star Sample of the APOGEE DR17 catalogue. In order to reach this goal, ages obtained under asteroseismic constraints are used to train a machine learning model.Methods. As our main objective is to obtain reliable age predictions without the need for asteroseismic parameters, the optimal choice of stellar non-asteroseismic parameters was investigated to obtain the best performances on the test set. The stellar parametersTeffand L, the abundances of [CI/N],[Mg/Ce], and [α/Fe], the U(LSR) velocity, and the vertical height from the Galactic plane ‘Z’ were used to predict ages with a categorical gradient boost decision trees model. The model was trained on two merged samples of the TESS Southern Continuous Viewing Zone and the Second APOKASC catalogue to avoid a data shift and to improve the reliability of the predictions. Finally, the model was tested on an independent data set of the K2 Galactic Archaeology Program.Results. A model with a median fractional age error of 20.8% is obtained. Its prediction variance between the validation and the training set is 4.77%. For stars older than 3 Gyr, the median fractional error in age ranges from 7% to 23%. For stars with ages ranging from 1 to 3 Gyr, the median fractional error in age ranges from 26% to 28%. For stars younger than 1 Gyr, the median fractional error is 43%. The optimised model applies to 125 445 stars from the Main Red Star Sample of the APOGEE DR17 catalogue. Our analysis of the ages confirms previous findings regarding the flaring of the young Galactic disc towards its outer regions. Additionally, we find an age gradient among the youngest stars within the Galactic plane. Finally, we identify two groups of a few metal-poor ([Fe/H] < −1 dex) young stars (Age < 2 Gyr) with similar peculiar chemical abundances and halo kinematics. These are likely the outcomes of the predicted third and latest episode of gas infall in the solar vicinity (~2.7 Gyr ago).Conclusions. We make a catalogue of asteroseismically calibrated ages for 125 445 red giants from the APOGEE DR17 catalogue available to the community. The analysis of the associated stellar parameters corroborates the predictions of different literature models.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt: A promising therapy for recompensation in cirrhotic patients.

This is a retrospective study focused on recompensation after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure. The authors confirmed TIPS could be a treatment for recompensation of patients with cirrhosis according to Baveno VII. The paper identified age and post-TIPS portal pressure gradient as independent predictors of recompensation in patients with decompensated cirrhosis after TIPS. These results need to be validated in a larger prospective cohort.

Regeneration patterns of native and introduced oak species in Sweden: Investigating the roles of latitude, age, and environmental gradients

Oak species worldwide face substantial challenges in natural recruitment, significantly affecting biodiversity and ecosystem services. Oaks are a keystone species in northern temperate zones, influencing ecosystem dynamics. This study analysed oak regeneration patterns from 29 oak stands (Quercus spp.) across southern Sweden up to the species’ northern range limit. The study focused on two native species, Q. robur and Q. petraea, and one introduced species, Q. rubra, used in Swedish forestry. We aimed to evaluate whether and how oak regeneration was i) associated with latitude, ii) influenced by ground moisture and nitrogen levels, and iii) correlated with stand age, as well as to iv) compare regeneration rates among the species. Contrary to the hypothesis that oak regeneration should decline towards the range margin, our results did not indicate any latitudinal association. This finding raises the possibility of a future northward range expansion for oaks. We also observed that oak regeneration was positively correlated with stand age, while increasing nitrogen and ground moisture levels were inversely related to regeneration. The positive age-dependent effect on recruitment also indicates that species recruitment dynamics within forests may be modified via age-dependent effects within the tree community, with implications for forestry and conservation management. Notably, the natural regeneration of the introduced Q. rubra indicates its successful adaptation to Swedish climate and forests. This study represents Sweden’s first large-scale analysis of oak regeneration across multiple oak species. Future research should prioritise longitudinal monitoring, particularly at the northern range limits, and further investigate the expansion of the potentially invasive Q. rubra.

A study on the metallicity gradients in the galactic disk using open clusters

We study the metallicity distribution and evolution in the galactic disk based on the largest sample of open star clusters in the galaxy. From the catalog of 1,879 open clusters in the range of galactocentric distance (RGC) from 4 to 20 kpc, we investigate the variation in metallicity in the galactic disk as functions of RGC, vertical distance (Z), and ages of the clusters. In the direction perpendicular to the galactic plane, the variation in metallicity is found to follow a stepped linear relation. We estimate a vertical metallicity gradient d[Fe/H]d|Z| of −0.545 ± 0.046 dex kpc−1 for |Z| < 0.487 kpc and −0.075 ± 0.093 dex kpc−1 for 0.487 < |Z| < 1.8 kpc. On average, metallicity variations above and below the galactic plane are found to change at similar rates. The change in metallicity in the radial direction is also found to follow a two-function linear relation. We obtain a radial metallicity gradient d[Fe/H]dRGC of −0.070 ± 0.002 dex kpc−1 for 4.0 ≲ RGC ≲ 12.8 kpc and −0.005 ± 0.018 dex kpc−1 for 12.8 ≲ RGC ≲ 20.5 kpc, which clearly shows a strong variation in the metallicity gradient when moving from the inner to the outer galactic disk. The age–metallicity relation (AMR) is found to follow a steeper negative slope of −0.031 ± 0.006 dex Gyr−1 for clusters older than 240 Myr; however, there is some hint of positive metallicity age gradient for younger clusters.

Chemical weathering along a one-million-year soil age gradient on the Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos archipelago, a chain of islands formed by hotspot-induced volcanism on the Nazca tectonic plate, exhibits pronounced gradients of rock age and climate. Here, we investigate chemical weathering along a soil chronosequence (1.5 to 1070 ka) and under humid vs. dry conditions. Our results show considerable loss of base cations already in the early to intermediate phases of weathering under humid conditions (e.g. 95 % of Na and 78 % of Mg lost from the topsoil after 26 ka) and almost complete loss from the entire profile in soils older than 800 ka. Depletion of Si was less pronounced, with topsoil losses of 24 % and 63–68 % after 26 ka and >800 ka, respectively. Under dry conditions, weathering rates were much lower, e.g. 33 % of Na and 1.4 % of Mg lost from the topsoil after 26 ka. Indices of chemical weathering, e.g. the Chemical Index of Alteration and the Ruxton Ratio, correlated well with indicators of pedogenic development, such as solum thickness, soil pH, or the ratio of oxalate- to dithionite-extractable Fe. Total weathering flux and associated CO2 consumption rates estimated from profile-scale element losses in this study exceeded catchment-scale estimates reported for other volcanic islands or global averages during the early weathering phase, but were much lower in the intermediate and late phases. Nevertheless, total C drawdown was dominated by soil organic C sequestration (70–90 % share) rather than inorganic, weathering-induced CO2 consumption during early pedogenesis (≤4.3 ka), and the relative importance switched in the intermediate and late phases (90–95 % share of weathering-induced C drawdown at ≥166 ka). Dust deposition derived from a nearby ocean sediment core was <20 % of total basalt mass loss at the young and intermediate-aged sites, but reached 40–60 % at the older sites (>800 ka). Our results suggest that (1) young volcanic surfaces are very efficient (inorganic and organic) C sinks, (2) the development of thick soil covers at advanced pedogenic stages effectively shields the underlying rocks and decelerates weathering, and (3) dust inputs become an increasingly important biogeochemical factor in such highly weathered environments.

Age Differences in Experiences of Pandemic-Related Health and Economic Challenges Among Adults Aged 55 and Older.

The oldest adults faced the highest risk of death and hospitalization from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but less is known about whether they also were the most likely to experience pandemic-related economic, healthcare, and mental health challenges. Guided by prior research on vulnerability versus resilience among older adults, the current study investigated age differences in economic hardship, delays in medical care, and mental health outcomes among adults aged 55 and older. Data were from the COVID-19 module and Leave Behind Questionnaire in the 2020 Health and Retirement Study (HRS). We estimated linear probability models to examine differences in experiences of pandemic-related economic and health challenges by age group (55-64, 65-74, 75+) with and without controls for preexisting sociodemographic, social program, health, and economic characteristics from the 2018 HRS. Models accounting for differential mortality also were estimated. Adults aged 65-74 and 75+ experienced fewer economic and mental health challenges and those aged 75+ were less likely to delay medical care than adults aged 55-64. Age gradients were consistent across a broad range of measures and were robust to including controls. For all age groups, economic challenges were less common than delays in medical care or experiences of loneliness, stress, or being emotionally overwhelmed. Even though the oldest adults were at the greatest risk of death and hospitalization from COVID-19, they experienced fewer secondary pandemic-related challenges. Future research should continue to explore the sources of this resilience for older adults.

Major improvement in thyroid cancer survival of elderly patients in the Nordic countries.

We describe age-specific survival in thyroid cancer (TC) from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden over a 50-year period. Population-based survival study. Relative 5-year survival data were obtained from the NORDCAN database for the years 1972-2021. In the first period 1972-1976, 5-year survival in TC in Finland, Norway, and Sweden was 90% or higher, but a strong negative step-wise age gradient was observed, which was worse for men than women. Over time, survival increased, and in the final period, 2017-2021, survival for all women and Danish men up to age 69 years was about 90% or higher and, for men from the other countries, only marginally lower. Even for older women survival reached 80%, for older men somewhat less. Age disadvantage in TC survival was for the most part corrected over the 50-year period, and the remaining task is to boost survival for the oldest patients.