Research Highlights

With 110 faculty affiliates across more than 40 departments, UW–Madison’s Institute on Aging is developing a composite picture of aging in America. A searchable Internet digest of the institute’s research can be found at the institute’s web site. Here’s a sampling of some ongoing projects:

The best exercise for older age
For older people looking to stay fit, UW–Madison kinesiologist Bill Morgan’s research could save you some cash. Treadmills, stationary bikes and fitness club memberships may not be the best route to physical fitness, he says. A better recipe is “purposeful physical activity,” or physical tasks done for a reason, like walking the dog, gardening and lawn work, or walking to the mall. This type of activity has better health benefits because people stay with them longer, he says. Finding exercise that lasts is the most important variable for adults, Morgan says, since about 75 percent of sedentary people who start exercising will become inactive again in less than a year. Morgan can be reached at (608) 262-7737.

Taming the free radicals
The human body is under constant barrage by aggressive little molecules known as “free radicals,” which are caused by slight alterations in the oxygen consumed by the body. Scientists are beginning to indict these molecular critters for causing a lot of the disease and deterioration associated with aging. The body normally fights free-radical damage with antioxidants, but the older people get, the more free radicals they produce and the more vulnerable they become to cellular damage. Kinesiology professor Li Li Ji is investigating this new theory of aging. Ji studies whether exercise in conjunction with antioxidant supplements can better protect the body. Ji can be reached at (608) 262-7250.

The financial risks of retirement
Although elderly incomes have risen steadily in recent decades. the dynamics of early retirement and longer life spans have made some people vulnerable to financial trouble. Karen Holden, a professor of consumer science and public affairs, studies the groups who are most at risk, with the hope of producing better safety nets in public policy. Holden has found that many couples underestimate the savings required to live comfortably into retirement, and don’t consider risks such as losing a spouse, or the need for long-term care. The death of a husband, in particular, takes a heavy toll on the financial well-being of older women, and sharp income losses frequently occur. Holden can be reached at (608) 263-9283.

Raising your children’s children
A growing number of grandparents are taking primary responsibility for raising grandchildren. In 1980, 2.3 million U.S. children under 18 were living in a grandparents’ home; by 1996, 4 million were living in that situation, according to a recent study. Mary Brintnall-Peterson, a program specialist with UW Extension, is helping people navigate this change as a member of the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren partnership in Wisconsin. The group’s educational campaign includes fact sheets on managing stress, legal rights and options, and Welfare reform. Brintnall-Peterson can be reached at (608) 262-8083.

Diet and eye disease
A research team is hunting down the links between nutrition and the onset of serious eye diseases, such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and cataracts. The study includes three population groups, including a large group of middle-aged and older adults living in Beaver Dam, Wis. and a representative sample of the U.S. population. Researchers are honing in on some dietary components which influence oxidative stress, and may make the eyes less susceptible to damage that occurs with age. The study could yield new insights on the effects of diet on the aging process in general. For more information, contact Julie Mares-Perlman, assistant professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences, at (608) 262-8044.

New culprit behind osteoporosis?
Nutritional insufficiencies (calcium and vitamin D) are established causes of osteoporosis, a common bone-weakening disease affecting approximately 40 percent of post-menopausal women and 15 older men. It is possible that unappreciated nutritional deficiencies also contribute to this common disease. Neil Binkley, assistant professor of medicine, is studying whether vitamin K deficiency is one such factor. Vitamin K plays a major role in blood coagulation. Additionally, three known vitamin K dependent proteins exist in bone. Binkley is currently researching the prevalence of subclinical vitamin K deficiency and its effect on bone. Binkley can be reached at (608) 262-1818.

Spreading the word on nutrition
Science is often the missing ingredient in popular beliefs about good nutrition, and older adults can be vulnerable to dietary lapses. Susan Nitzke, a professor of nutritional science at UW–Madison, works to identify nutritional problems of seniors who live independently. She has conducted research and developed educational materials to promote the vital link between diet and health. She can be reached at (608) 262-1692.

Taking care of one’s own
As the baby boom generation ages, the sheer number of people caring for an ill or disabled family member will balloon, bringing a wide range of consequences to the individual and society. Marsha Seltzer, professor of social work, finds in her research that mixed with the “wear and tear” stresses this role can have on work and social lives, caring for loved ones has a number of psychological benefits as well. Seltzer said this largely invisible trend has a big impact: Were it not for the efforts of family caregivers, society would be swamped with demand for social and health care services. Seltzer can be reached at (608) 263-5760.