Emerging Technologies and Therapeutics Reports

The Patient-CenteredOutcomes Research Institute (PCORI) funds research on patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness. These research projects aim to help members of the public make informed healthcare decisions that reflect their desired health outcomes.

Part of PCORI’s work is to summarize evidence about new drugs, devices, and healthcare technologies in the US. These summaries reside in the Emerging Technologies and Therapeutics Reports database.

The name of the institution to which the research grant was awarded is given, as is the project budget and key dates. Project summaries written by grant awardees explain key questions to be answered by the research. Both ongoing and completed projects are included in the database.

If you are interested in current research about clinical effectiveness of new and emerging medications, treatments, and healthcare technologies and how they will improve patient-centered care, you will want to keep your eye on this database.

May is Older Americans Month

 

Who’s considered elderly or a senior citizen? In the US, the age of 65 is the usual federal and medical benchmark. This is when a person becomes eligible for Medicare.

Older and younger Americans may be interested to know that May is Older Americans Month. The purpose of this dedicated month is to recognize older adults’ ongoing contributions to our society, to educate about the needs of the elderly, and to reaffirm society’s commitment to addressing those needs.

The aging process affects cognition, mobility, hearing, and seeing. These changes impact how the elderly population accesses healthcare and other public services, uses transportation, and moves in public spaces.

The theme of the 2026 Older Americans Month is “ChampionYour Health.” Activities this month emphasize managing health, accessing preventive care, and wellness.

The ADA is important in protecting the rights of older adults. The goal of this civil rights legislation is to allow elderly people to continue to participate in community life.

If you are interested in how the ADA protects older Americans, you can take a short online course from the Rocky Mountain ADA Center here to earn a certificate: https://rockymountainada.talentlms.com/plus/catalog/courses/239

Healthinfo Island Displays and Exhibits for May 2026

You can teleport to any of the eight displays and exhibits in Second Life using the SLURLs in this posting. While in Second Life on Healthinfo Island, click on the poster with the same name as the title of the poster set, and you will get a notecard that contains all the text of the posters plus descriptions of the images.  If you click each poster, you will get a private message with additional information and live links.

Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Healthinfo%20Island/195/158/22

Medical Insurance in the U.S.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Healthinfo%20Island/188/181/24

Nurses' Day and Week
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Healthinfo%20Island/172/155/22

May is National Arthritis Awareness Month
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Healthinfo%20Island/114/79/24

What Spectacle is the Shoulder
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Healthinfo%20Island/98/40/26

Boost Your Resilience
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Healthinfo%20Island/50/28/28

Huntington Disease Awareness Month
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Healthinfo%20Island/24/23/30

May is Stroke Awareness Month
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Healthinfo%20Island/21/63/32


Central Pavilion of Healthinfo Island
Check out the calming breathing exercise on the back wall!
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Healthinfo%20Island/128/126/24

Thank you to Mook for help with the posters this month.

Improve Your Balance

Good balance is important for everyone, but especially for people over age 65. Falls are the leading cause of serious injury, hospital stays, and loss of independence among the elderly. Age tends to bring about loss of coordination, joint flexibility, and muscle strength, making movement more difficult and less safe.

In addition to the changes due to aging, medical conditions such as arthritis or inner ear problems can increase the risk of falling. Some medications have dizziness as a side effect. Age-related cognitive decline may also contribute to increased falling risk. Fall injuries, including hip fractures and head trauma, will further impact mobility or may result in fear that limits activity.

Daily walking is a natural method to improve balance. Gentle movements such as tai chi or yoga, which can be performed either standing or seated, can also be helpful. Strength training and resistance exercises targeting the core muscles, legs and lower back are also beneficial. Physical therapy can also prove effective in solving balance issues.

Specific exercises can improve coordination, proprioception, and strength. Here are some places to find suggestions for specific balance exercises:

• https://www.silversneakers.com/blog/qa-improve-your-balance/
• https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/balance-exercises/
• https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-exercises-can-help-you-prevent-a-fall/
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/balance-exercises/art-20546836

Videos:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PopG90qze2g
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3faZkO4gbc

An often overlooked way to improve balance and prevent falls is to make your home safe from tripping hazards. Remove clutter and loose rugs from walkways. Ensure that lighting is adequate, including overnight. Install bathroom and stairway handrails. Reduce the risk of environmental fall hazards.

Stay active and reduce your risk of life-changing falls.