EurekAlert! News by Subject: Social & Behavior - News by Subject: Social & Behavior

Social & Behavior

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 20-Dec-2025 00:11 ET (20-Dec-2025 05:11 GMT/UTC)

Occupational factors strongly influence long-COVID risk

Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Work-related factors play a significant and independent role in the risk of developing Long-COVID, shows a new study based on the COVICAT cohort and led by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), a centre supported by “la Caixa” Foundation, in collaboration with the University of Turin and the Germans Trias i Pujol Institute (IGTP). The findings, published in BMJ Occupational & Environmental Medicine, highlight that a substantial share of Long-COVID could be prevented through targeted workplace measures and policies.

Journal: BMJ
Funder: HORIZON EUROPE Health

Reducing social isolation protects the brain in later life  

University of St. Andrews
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The study, published today (16 December 2025) analysed 137, 653 cognitive function tests taken between 2004 and 2018 by over 30 000 individuals. It found a consistent pattern of higher social isolation causing faster cognitive decline whether or not people identify as lonely.

Journal: The Journals of Gerontology Series B

Can intimate relationships affect your heart? New study says ‘yes’

Elsevier
Peer-Reviewed Publication

With heart disease as the leading cause of death worldwide, there is growing recognition that recovery is not only physical but also emotional and social. A new study shows that strong and supportive relationships can indeed improve heart health for individuals with cardiovascular disease. The work is described in an article in the Canadian Journal of Cardiology, published by Elsevier, which calls for intimate partners to be included in cardiac rehabilitation programs to support long-term heart health and quality of life for both members of the couple.

Journal: Canadian Journal of Cardiology

Research shows informed traders never let a good climate crisis go to waste

University of Technology Sydney
Peer-Reviewed Publication

An Australian research team has found that fossil fuel firms experience significant spikes in informed trading during UN climate change conferences, with estimated gains of up to $25 billion across the fossil fuel firms and COP meetings analysed.

Journal: Energy Economics
Funder: Australian Research Council

Specific depressive symptoms in midlife linked to increased dementia risk

University College London
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Six particular depressive symptoms when experienced in midlife predict dementia risk more than two decades later, finds a new study led by University College London (UCL) researchers.

Journal: The Lancet Psychiatry
Funder: Wellcome Trust, Medical Research Council, Academy of Finland, NIH/National Institute on Aging

Digital tools can improve dementia care – for people with dementia aging in place and their caregivers

George Mason University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A new study reveals that digital health resources, while still inaccessible for many people, offer many benefits, including improved mental health and social connection.

Journal: Current Geriatrics Reports

“It happens more than you think”: New research examines sexual violence in later life

George Mason University

George Mason University social work professor Michelle Hand explores the experiences of survivors over 50, calling attention to an overlooked public health problem.

Journal: Sage Open Aging

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