bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CROSS-NATIONAL VARIABILITY IN SEX/GENDER DIFFERENCES AND LATER-LIFE MEMORY: INDIA AND THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Westrick Ashly , Avila-Rieger Justina , Gross Alden , Kobayashi Lindsay
Published: December 2022

Little is known about the extent of sex/gender differences in later-life cognitive health in low-income countries such as India. We compared sex/gender differences in later-life memory, overall and by educational attainment, across men and women aged ≥65 years in India and the United States. Data were from Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocols (HCAP) in the population-representative Longitudinal Study of Aging in India (LASI; N=4,096;) and U.S. Health and Retirement Study (HRS; N=3,345). Multiple-group models estimated interactions between sex/gender and educational attainment on harmonized episodic memory scores across countries. In the U.S., women had a memory performance advantage compared to men across all education levels. In India, men had a memory performance advantage compared to women overall, interactions revealed that this advantage was only present among those with no formal education. Among those with at least lower secondary education, women demonstrated an advantage that increased with increasing education.
INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS WITH PERSISTENT PAIN: A FEASIBILITY AND ACCEPTABILITY STUDY
Authors: Fruhauf Christine , Schmid Arlene , Fox Aimee , Portz Jennifer Dickman , Sharp Julia , Leach Heather , Van Puymbroeck Marieke
Published: December 2022

Persistent pain interventions targeting the caregiving dyad (i.e., caregivers and care receivers) are scarce. Thus, the purpose of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the Merging Yoga and self-management to develop Skills (MY-Skills) intervention for caregiving dyads experiencing persistent pain. MY-Skills is a group intervention and was delivered in-person or online (due to COVID-19) twice a week for eight weeks, with each two-hour session including self-management education followed by yoga. Benchmarks for feasibility were set a prioi and included: recruitment, attrition, attendance, safety, acceptability/satisfaction, and study completion. Thirteen participants (caregivers n=7, care-receivers n=6) completed the in-person intervention and 18 individuals (9 dyads) completed the online version. Feasibility benchmarks were met, except for recruitment, where >1000 individuals were screened for eligibility. Interventions may lead to improved wellbeing, yet further research is needed to establish efficacy of health-related outcomes for the caregiving dyad experiencing persistent pain.
DYADIC CHANGES IN WELL-BEING ACROSS THE TRANSITION TO SENIOR HOUSING FACILITIES: A PROSPECTIVE LONGITUDINAL STUDY
Authors: Luong Gloria , Russell Andrea , Miller James
Published: December 2022

Previous research examining the transition into senior housing has focused primarily on individuals and has used cross-sectional, retrospective designs after older adults have already moved into the facilities. These designs cannot disentangle changes over time and how partners influence this process. The Relocation and Transitional Experiences (RELATE) study leverages a prospective longitudinal design that tracked 157 participants (97 who participated in the study as part of a dyad with a romantic partner or other close partner (family member)) prior to moving into senior housing and across 3.5 months after the move. Participants ranged between 40-95 years of age. Results showed that those who were unmarried reported fewer depressive symptoms, but also less social support and lower life satisfaction than married participants. Changes over the 3.5 month period in depressive symptoms, social support, and rumination also varied by age. This study suggests partners may influence one another’s developmental health trajectories.
FEAR OF FALLING, FALL RISK, AND ETHNICITY AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN SINGAPORE: AN ELECTRONIC SURVEY
Authors: Chong Wayne , Lokanathan Tharshini , Yow W Quin
Published: December 2022

This study investigated the association between fear of falling and falls risk among Chinese and non-Chinese community-dwelling older adults in Singapore. Preliminary data were collected from individuals who will turn 60 years old and above in 2022 via an electronic survey between January and February 2022. The majority (61%) of the 128 Chinese participants had no falls risk and low fear of falling as compared to other combinations of falls risk (absence, presence) and fear of falling (low, moderate, high), Pearson Chi Square (2) = 8.03, p = .02. Among the 16 non-Chinese participants, no dominant falls risk-fear of falling combination was found, Pearson Chi Square (2) = 3.47, p = .18. Multinomial logistic regression analyses found, however, that in the presence of falls risk, ethnicity did not predict moderate fear of falling, B = .24, p = .70, nor high fear of falling, B = -.37, p = .74.
FOSTERING MULTIDISCIPLINARY SOLUTIONS IN AGING: THE RESEARCH CENTERS COLLABORATIVE NETWORK
Authors: Kritchevsky Stephen , van der Willik Odette
Published: December 2022

The NIA supports the Research Centers Collaborative Network (RCCN) to build collaborations between scientists from the 6 NIA-sponsored center programs: Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers, Centers on the Demography and Economics of Aging, Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Centers, Nathan Shock Centers of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging, Resource Centers for Minority Aging Research, and Roybal Centers for Translational Research on Aging. RCCN's premise is that researchers from different disciplines are most likely to collaborate when they are addressing common problems. To provide a forum for collaborative exchange, the RCCN has convened 6 workshops on topics that cross-cut the concerns of the various NIA center programs ranging from sustaining behavior change in older adults to measuring biologic age. After each Workshop the RCCN awards pilot funds related to the theme. This symposium will present key learnings from the workshops and present work of four RCCN pilot teams from the third and fourth workshops which focused on resilience and reserve, and life course perspectives on aging. Dr. Ramos will discuss how measurement of psychological resilience may predict physical resilience in older patients with lung cancer, while Dr. Reid will discuss positive affect as a source of resilience for older adults with chronic pain. Dr. White will discuss association between perceived discrimination trajectories and multimorbidity burden among middle-aged and older black adults, while Dr. Brooks will discuss development of a resilience index in chronic musculoskeletal pain. Dr. Kritchevsky will also summarize lessons learned across the first 6 workshops.
GSA MANAGING EDITORS' PERSPECTIVE ON SUBMISSION DOS AND DON'TS
Authors: Jung Karen , Jackson Kathleen
Published: December 2022

In this presentation, the managing editors of GSA’s peer-reviewed journals will discuss how the editorial offices operate and their roles in the publishing process. The topics will include how to navigate the ScholarOne submission system, why it is important to read the Instructions to Authors, and how authors can work with the editorial offices to increase the visibility and impact of their published articles.
UNDERSTANDING PROCESSES NEEDED TO SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENT PAL CARDS IN NURSING HOMES
Authors: Kelley Megan , Kunkel Miranda , Moore Reese , Kasler Kamryn , Talmage Lexi , Heppner Alexandra , Van Haitsma Kimberly , Abbott Katherine
Published: December 2022

Background

The CFIR Process domain can be used to evaluate practices that are associated with successful or unsuccessful implementation. The purpose of this study was to understand the processes that led to successful implementation of the PAL Card QIP during the height of the pandemic from the provider champion’s perspective.

Methods

Qualitative interviews with n=11 champions who completed the PAL Card QIP were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded using the CFIR Process Domain.

Results

Major themes regarding the process of implementation included engaging (e.g., staff and family), executing (adapting to different situations), planning (e.g., having a clear plan of implementation), and reflecting and evaluating (e.g., taking time to evaluate the project). Discussion: Providers articulated strategies that contributed to successful implementation during a global pandemic, which can help inform future quality improvement projects. Implications for practice and policy will be discussed.
THE AGE-FRIENDLY UNIVERSITY (AFU) INITIATIVE AND THE CALL FOR MORE AGE-FRIENDLY INTERGENERATIONAL CLASSROOMS
Authors: Montepare Joann
Published: December 2022

Changing age demographics are reshaping societies and challenging our living, learning, and work communities to consider how they can respond to more age-diverse, older populations. The pioneering Age-Friendly University (AFU) initiative, endorsed by GSA’s Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE), calls for institutions of higher education to respond to these shifting demographics through more age-friendly programs, practices, and partnerships. Moreover, the 10 AFU Principles recommend a set of specific educational options including the promotion of intergenerational learning to facilitate the reciprocal sharing of expertise between learners of all ages. This presentation provides an overview of the AFU initiative with a focus on strategies for intergenerational teaching and learning. It sets the stage for the other presentations by describing core questions and considerations educators should take into account when mounting intergenerational practices in and beyond the classroom.
NEIGHBORHOOD DISADVANTAGE AND COGNITION AMONG AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE BALTIMORE STUDY OF BLACK AGING
Authors: Morgan Adrienne Aiken
Published: December 2022

Previous research has suggested an important and understudied association between neighborhood disadvantage and cognitive functioning among older African Americans. Data from the Baltimore Study of Black Aging (N=602) was utilized to examine the associations between Area Deprivation Index (ADI) and cognition. Multiple stepwise regression models, controlling for age, sex, education, and income, showed participants who scored better on measures of immediate memory, vocabulary, reasoning, and everyday cognition had lower ADI (less disadvantaged neighborhoods; p < .05). Interestingly, individuals living with higher ADI had better attention/working memory scores and better self-reported memory (p < .05). ADI was significantly associated with improvements or declines in performance, depending on the cognitive ability (e.g., learning and memory, working memory, global mental status, and visuospatial skill, p < .05). These findings suggest the importance of accounting for neighborhood context in African Americans’ cognitive aging research.
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN NEIGHBORHOOD DISADVANTAGE AND MOBILITY LIMITATIONS AMONG AFRICAN AMERICANS
Authors: McCain Dextiny , Morgan Adrienne Aiken , Allan Alexa , Gamaldo Alyssa , Wright Regina , Thorpe, Jr. Roland J , Allaire Jason , Whitfield Keith
Published: December 2022

Research has shown that socioeconomic factors influence physical mobility; however, less is known about the influence of neighborhood disadvantage on mobility among African American older adults. Data from the Baltimore Study of Black Aging (N=602) were used to examine associations between neighborhood disadvantage, as measured by the Area Deprivation Index (ADI), and self-reported mobility limitations. Two-step logistic regression showed that participants residing in more disadvantaged neighborhoods, based on national ADI, had higher odds of mobility limitations, but those in less disadvantaged neighborhoods, based on state ADI, had higher odds of mobility limitations (national: OR = 1.02 (95% CI: 1.00–1.03); state: OR = 0.78 (95% CI: 0.65–0.92)). Stratified models showed the association was significant only within women (national: OR = 1.02 (95% CI: 1.00–1.04); state: OR = 0.77 (0.63-0.95)). These findings suggest that neighborhood disadvantage is an essential consideration when examining mobility limitations among African Americans.
PANDEMIC-SPECIFIC SUPPORTS AND CHALLENGES: ASSOCIATIONS WITH DEMENTIA CAREGIVER WELL-BEING
Authors: Leggett Amanda , Koo Hyun Jung , Connell Cathleen , Gitlin Laura , Kales Helen
Published: December 2022

This study examines the prevalence of pandemic-specific care supports and challenges (e.g., increased support from family and friends, difficulty accessing respite care, confusion on public health guidelines) and associations with stress and well-being among 100 family caregivers for persons living with dementia interviewed in 2021. Pandemic care challenges were common- 52% reported a decrease in support from family and friends, 43% had difficulty accessing medical care, and 31% had difficulty getting needed in-home and out-of-home services. Accounting for demographics and the care context, difficulties accessing various types of respite care (e.g., paid respite care, respite from family/friends) were associated with caregiver stress, burden, and less positive affect. Pandemic supports, including increased support from family and friends and receiving information on COVID-care were associated with greater positive affect, but not caregiver stress. While care-supports enhanced well-being, efforts to help caregivers take breaks from caregiving may have significant impact on reducing stress.
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN COVID-19 PERCEPTIONS AND PREVENTIVE BEHAVIORS IN DEMENTIA CAREGIVING DYADS
Authors: Liang Jiaming , Aranda Maria , Jang Yuri
Published: December 2022

This study adopted a dyadic perspective to examine how the perceptions of COVID-19 (i.e., anxiousness & hopefulness) of dementia caregiving dyads are associated with their engagement in personal (e.g., washing hands, wearing mask) and social (e.g., avoiding physical contact and going restaurants/bars) preventive behaviors. Multiple cross-sectional Actor-Partner Interdependence Models (APIMs) were estimated using data from the 2020 NHATS/NSOC COVID-19 Supplements (N=1565). In the anxiousness models, participants’ own feeling of anxiousness was associated with their own engagement in personal preventive behaviors (actor effects), and the perceived anxiousness of PLWD was associated with personal preventive behaviors of caregivers (partner effect). In the model on social preventive behaviors, both actor and partner effects were found on dementia caregiving dyads. No effect was found in the models on hopefulness. Our findings extend understandings of mutual influence within the caregiving dyads and demonstrate the possibility of developing interventions for caregivers to promote PLWD’s health behaviors.
THINK OF THE SITUATION IN A POSITIVE LIGHT: COGNITIVE REAPPRAISAL, AFFECTIVE REACTIVITY, AND HEALTH
Authors: Maras Jessica , Leger Kate
Published: December 2022

Cognitive reappraisal is an emotion regulation strategy that benefits health and well-being, but it is currently unclear why this relationship exists. The current study examined how adults react affectively to daily stressful events as a mediating pathway between cognitive reappraisal and health and well-being outcomes across a 20-year period. Participants (N = 1,814) completed waves 1-3 of the Midlife in the United States survey series and the National Study of Daily Experiences, an 8-day daily diary. Results found that negative affective reactivity to daily stressors mediated the relationship between cognitive reappraisal and future health outcomes including the development of chronic conditions, functional limitations, and affective disorders. Exploratory analyses revealed that specific negative emotions, including being nervous and irritable explained this relationship. Findings from this study suggest that strengthening cognitive reappraisal skills may be a good way to reduce affective reactions to daily stressors and enhance long-term health and well-being outcomes.
THE MORE THINGS CHANGE, THE MORE THEY STAY THE SAME: CHANGE AND CONTINUITY IN ENDURING SOCIAL TIES
Authors: Koumoutzis Athena , Cichy Kelly
Published: December 2022

Enduring social ties with family and friends hold important implications for health and well-being across adulthood. Social relationships are simultaneously sources of support and strain, and both positive and negative aspects of relationships change daily and over time. This symposium explores continuity and change in relationship strains (i.e., conflicts, support needs) experienced in the context of enduring social relationships, particularly in response to anticipated and emerging needs for support in later life. First, Meinertz, Gilligan, and Suitor use qualitative data from spousal dyads to compare mothers’ and fathers’ explanations of which adult child they prefer as their future caregiver. Next, using longitudinal data across two waves, Bui, Kim, and Fingerman investigate how different types of past support exchanges between parents and adult children are associated with older parents’ care receipt and expectations. Third, Koumoutzis, Cichy, and Kinney explore the association between change in parental disability and adult children’s intergenerational ambivalence (i.e., both positive and negative sentiments), including the extent to which adult children’s stress and reward appraisals mediate the link between parental disability and ambivalence. Kyungmin and colleagues explore how older adults (age 62-76) felt burden in their relationship with their very old parents (age 81-101) and what factors are associated with feelings of burden across two cultural contexts, the U.S. and Korea. Lastly, using ecological momentary assessment, Birditt and colleagues examine longitudinal trajectories of negative ties (i.e., irritating, demanding) and the links between daily positive and negative social interactions and emotional well-being.
USING INTENSIVE LIFESPAN DATA TO GAIN DEEPER INSIGHT INTO COPING AND EMOTION REGULATION PROCESSES
Authors: Growney Claire , Bellingtier Jennifer , Aldwin Carolyn
Published: December 2022

Effective coping and emotion regulation are important for well-being across the lifespan. Successful maintenance or improvement in these processes are often invoked as explanations for age-related stability or enhancement of well-being. In this symposium, we leverage intensive data to gain a deeper understanding of how individuals manage daily emotions and stressors, critically examining evidence for age-related differences and similarities. Growney and English used experience sampling to examine interpersonal emotion regulation in adults aged 25-85, finding a negative association between age and interpersonal emotion regulation strategy use, but evidence suggesting more effective interpersonal emotion regulation in older age. Bellingtier and colleagues present evidence for age similarity in flexible emotion regulation strategy use across hassle domains in an experience sampling study of adolescents and adults aged 14-88, noting that hassle domain differentiation was associated with emotion regulation strategy use. O’Brien and Neupert used daily diaries to examine associations between daily stressor appraisals and affect in adults aged 60-90, identifying daily negative self-views of aging as a moderator which may be particularly consequential in older adulthood. Cerino and colleagues used data from the National Study of Daily Experiences to examine relationships between perceived stressor control and daily affect, highlighting differing findings across domains of interpersonal stressors. Finally, a discussion will center on the value of considering both age-related similarities and differences, age-relevant factors for successful emotion regulation and coping (e.g., negative and positive aspects of social relationships, views of aging), diverse contexts in which these processes occur, and statistical considerations with micro-longitudinal approaches.
MOMENTARY INTERPERSONAL EMOTION REGULATION IN AN ADULT LIFESPAN SAMPLE
Authors: Growney Claire , English Tammy
Published: December 2022

Older adults are theorized to maintain emotional well-being by drawing on their available resources, such as social partners who support their emotional goals. In the present study, adults (N = 290) age 25-85 completed an experience sampling procedure (6x/day for 10 days) in which they reported their current emotions and use of interpersonal emotion regulation (IER) strategies. Unexpectedly, older age was associated with lower overall use of IER strategies. Results from multilevel models indicate that within-person associations between IER strategy use and positive affect were strongest among older adults, with older adults experiencing highest positive affect on occasions where they report engaging in IER. Between-person associations between IER strategy use and negative affect were only present among younger and middle-aged adults, indicating that younger individuals who use IER more on average tend to have higher negative affect. Findings highlight the role of social partners in older adults’ emotional wellbeing.
MOMENTARY EMOTION REGULATION ACROSS HASSLE DOMAINS
Authors: Bellingtier Jennifer , Luong Gloria , Wrzus Cornelia , Wagner Gert , Riediger Michaela
Published: December 2022

Adapting emotion-regulation strategy use to flexibly match contextual features of a hassle is thought to aid in effective coping. We investigated if hassle domains are a pertinent feature for understanding emotion-regulation strategy selection in the everyday lives of adolescents through older adults. Participants, ranging from 14 to 88 years old (N = 325), completed an experience sampling study of approximately 9 days over a 3-week period. At each momentary assessment, participants reported on their affect, hassles, and emotion-regulation strategies. Our findings indicated that strategy use varied by domain. For example, distraction was most common in the health domain, whereas emotion expression was least likely to be used at work or school. More strategies were used when hassles were associated with multiple domains. However, greater domain differentiation was not associated with reduced hassle reactivity. Findings were similar across ages suggesting domains may similarly relate to strategy selection across the lifespan.
A PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH TO ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE RISK REDUCTION: WHERE WE ARE AND WHERE WE’RE HEADED
Authors: Omura John , Jackson Eva , O'Brien Kelly
Published: December 2022

A growing body of evidence has identified potential modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). In 2021, the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease (National Plan) included a new goal to promote healthy aging and address risk factors to help delay onset or slow progression of ADRD. Applying a robust public health approach to ADRD risk reduction can help achieve meaningful progress at the population level. The activities outlined in the Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure for Alzheimer’s Act (P.L. 115-406) are designed to create a uniform national public health infrastructure with a focus on various issues including risk reduction. The purpose of this session is to illustrate a public health approach to ADRD risk reduction, including its current status along with future directions and priorities. An overview of the National Plan’s new goal regarding ADRD risk reduction (McGuire) and data highlighting the current burden of key modifiable risk factors in the United States along with important disparities (Omura) will be presented. Holt will describe how ADRD risk reduction is integrated into the work of BOLD funding recipients, and Head will present experiences implementing public health activities that support ADRD risk reduction in the field along with successes and lessons learned. Finally, priorities and future directions for a public health approach to ADRD risk reduction will be presented from the perspective of the CDC’s Building Our Largest Dementia Infrastructure Public Health Center of Excellence on Dementia Risk Reduction (Baumgart).
THE EVOLUTION OF A PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH TO ADRD AND THE ROLE OF RISK REDUCTION
Authors: McGuire Lisa , Jackson Eva
Published: December 2022

CDC, through the Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) and Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) Infrastructure Act, is working to advance cognitive and brain health as integral components of public health practice, to keep older Americans healthy and independent as long as possible. HBI promotes brain health as part of public health practice and BOLD strives to build a uniform public health infrastructure. Both HBI and BOLD focus not only on people with cognitive decline or dementia but also their health care providers and caregivers. Recently, the 2021 Alzheimer’s Disease National Plan added Goal 6, Accelerate Action to Promote Healthy Aging and Reduce Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias. This presentation will describe the evolution of public health’s role with respect to brain health and caregiving and how the national priority on risk reduction and healthy aging can be beneficial to the health and well-being of older adults.
IMPLEMENTATION OF MULTIMODAL INTERVENTIONS FOR CAREGIVERS OF OLDER ADULTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS
Authors: Hazzan Afeez , Haibach-Beach Pamela , Lieberman Lauren
Published: December 2022

There is a paucity of research on the impact of caregiving on the quality of life of unpaid caregivers for older adults aged 60 years or older with visual impairments (VI). The purpose of this study is to test multimodal interventions to improve quality of life and well-being in unpaid caregivers of older adults with VI. The objectives were: (1) to implement multimodal interventions targeted towards improving the quality of life of family caregivers of older adults with a VI; (2) to evaluate the efficacy/effectiveness of the interventions in improving the quality of life of older adults with a VI. The outcomes of interest include: quality of life, health, stress, burden, problem-solving, and barriers. For this study, a 10-week virtual intervention was implemented with 12 caregivers and eight older adults with visual impairments, for a total of 20 participants. The intervention was held for one hour for 10 consecutive weeks and included activities such as tai chi, yoga, meditation, music, nutrition, and other de-stressing techniques. Participants completed a series of questionnaires before and after the intervention period. These questionnaires include: Satisfaction with Life Scale, Living Arrangement and Indicators of Social Interaction survey, Caregiver quality of life (EQ-5D), the Perceived Change Index, and the Geriatric Depression Scale. Findings from the data analysis show excellent caregiver engagement throughout, including participation in the pre and post surveys. Results show the benefits of multimodal interventions for caregivers as well as older adults with VI. Future studies should focus on interventions that are most promising.
VERBAL COMMUNICATION BETWEEN NURSING HOME STAFF AND RESIDENTS WITH DEMENTIA AND APATHY: LANGUAGE ANALYSIS
Authors: Jao Ying-Ling , Liao Yo-Jen , Berish Diane , Boltz Marie , Liu Wen , Mogle Jacqueline , Kales Helen
Published: December 2022

Communication is fundamental in daily caregiving activities in nursing homes and impacts the quality of care. This study examined the verbal communication of nursing home staff and residents with dementia and apathy during daily caregiving activities. This study used a repeated measures design. Participants included 13 residents with dementia and apathy and 13 staff from two nursing homes. A total of 39 videos were recorded to capture staff-resident interactions during caregiving activities (3 videos for each resident). All video-recorded communication was transcribed and segmented into phrases. Bivariate correlations were used for preliminary analysis. The average length of each interaction was 7.5 minutes (range=1.5-12.5). On average, staff verbalized 46.6 words (range=9.3-121.9) with 11.3 phrases (range=3.7-23.4) per minute. Residents verbalized an average of 18.9 words (range=0-83.8) with 4.8 phrases (range=0-17.1) per minute. Unadjusted correlations demonstrated that residents’ phrases per minute were significantly negatively associated with apathy (r=-0.36, p =0.0239), while being significantly positively associated with age (r=0.42, p=0.0071), cognitive function (r=0.42, p=0.0114), caregivers’ words per minute (r=0.44, p=0.0055), and phrases per minute (r=0.42, p=0.0077). After adjusting for clustering by residents, caregivers’ words and phrases remained significantly positively associated with residents’ phrases. Findings suggest that higher resident apathy and cognitive impairment are associated with fewer verbalizations. When caregivers verbalize more phrases and words, residents are also likely to use more phrases. Findings identify the high-risk population for lack of verbal expression and emphasize the importance of staff verbal communication to promote verbal communication in nursing home residents with dementia and apathy.
FUNCTIONAL HEARING AND VISION IMPAIRMENT AND SOCIAL ISOLATION OVER 8 YEARS IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Huang Alison , Rebok George , Reed Nicholas , Suen Jonathan , Swenor Bonnielin , Cudjoe Thomas , Deal Jennifer
Published: December 2022

One in four older adults experience social isolation. Sensory impairment is a potentially modifiable risk factor for social isolation. Little is known about the long-term impact of sensory impairment on social well-being. This study quantifies the longitudinal associations between hearing, vision, and concurrent hearing and vision impairment (dual sensory impairment) and social isolation over 8 years among older adults. Data were from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), a nationally representative longitudinal study (2011- 2019) of U.S. Medicare beneficiaries. Social isolation was measured by a composite that incorporated four domains: living arrangement, core discussion network size, religious services attendance, and social participation. Baseline hearing and vision were measured by self-report. Associations between sensory impairments and odds of overall social isolation over 8 years were assessed using multivariate generalized logistic mixed models adjusted for demographic and health characteristics. Among 5,552 participants, 18.9% reported hearing impairment, 4.8% reported vision impairment, and 2.3% reported dual sensory impairment. Over 8 years, hearing impairment was associated with 28% greater odds of social isolation. Specifically, participants with hearing impairment were more likely to live alone and limit engagement in social activities. A similar pattern of association was observed for dual sensory impairment; however, estimates did not reach statistical significance. No association was observed between vision impairment and social isolation. Older adults with hearing impairment may be a clinically important subgroup to monitor for social isolation. Interventions for increasing social support and social participation may be especially valuable for older adults with hearing impairment.
CREATIVE QUALITATIVE RESEARCH METHODS WITH LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, AND QUEER (LGBTQ+) OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Oswald Austin , Bybee Sara , Oswald Austin
Published: December 2022

The voices of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) older adults are very often overlooked in research contexts. Creative qualitative methods have been utilized to study populations who have been neglected, empowering marginalized communities, and fostering equitable research processes and outcomes (Archibald & Blines, 2021; Jen & Paceley, 2021; McGarry & Bowden, 2017). This innovative symposium explores creative qualitative methods of data collection and analysis, such as creative writing and poetry, which have been employed in research about LGBTQ+ aging and also describes how each method may provide a unique contribution to the research process and literature. The first presentation describes the process of facilitating a weekly creative writing group with LGBTQ+ older adults and how creative writing can facilitate the retelling of life events and reimaging of new futures. The second presentation describes the process of analyzing pieces of creative writing in order to elucidate the potential and possibility of queer futurities and their implications for research on aging trajectories and imaginings. The third presentation details how found poetry created from dyadic semi-structured interviews sheds new light on the relationships of LGBTQ+ couples facing cancer. Through these three presentations, we will illustrate how creative methods contribute strengths of generating evocative and poignant narratives, illuminating not-yet-possible futures, and inspiring equally creative interventions. The overall objective of this symposium is to explore creative qualitative research methods for their utility in research with LGBTQ+ older adults, ultimately fostering more inclusive and nuanced research processes and products.
MARITAL SEQUENCING ACROSS THE LIFE COURSE: RACE AND COHORT INTERSECTIONS
Authors: Iveniuk James , Gupta Riddhi
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we undertake an analysis of marital/cohabitation sequences over a person’s entire life course, examining intersections between race and cohort. We draw upon data from a nationally representative survey of older Americans (collected in 2005/2006; N=3005). Using optimal matching and cluster analysis, we find three clusters: those who have been without a partner for many years (10%), those who recently lost a spouse (27%), and those who are still married (62%). All three clusters tended to marry young; only 2% never married or cohabited. Non-Hispanic Black respondents were far less likely than Non-Hispanic White respondents to be in the still-married cluster. The oldest Hispanic respondents were also more likely to be in the recently-unpartnered cluster, compared to younger Hispanic respondents. Cluster membership was also associated with being married ten years later (2015/2016; 1535 retained), with the longstanding-unpartnered cluster less likely to be married, compared to the recently-unpartnered cluster.
TOWARD STRUCTURAL CHANGE: ADVANCING PRAXIS ON AGE-FRIENDLY CITIES AND COMMUNITIES
Authors: Greenfield Emily
Published: December 2022

The global age-friendly cities and communities (AFCC) movement has inspired leaders across the public, private, and academic sectors to re-imagine how environments can better support long and healthy lives. There is growing recognition, however, of structural and other constraints that impede the translation of AFCC aspirations into systematic, comprehensive, impactful, and sustainable action. This paper will describe the importance of researchers’ engagement in AFCC praxis to better support the movement toward structural change for aging equity and healthy aging. The paper will present a case example of academic researchers’ long-standing involvement in collaborative efforts toward the development and sustainability of age-friendly community initiatives in New Jersey. The case will emphasize the importance of creating synergies across research, teaching, and service activities; cultivating coordinated AFCC efforts across the mico, meso, and macro levels; and developing sustainable structures for deliberate inter-organizational and multi-sectoral partnerships toward short- and long-term goals.
FROM STRESSED CAREGIVERS TO HEALTHY CAREGIVING: THE IMPLICATIONS OF BALANCED PERSPECTIVES AND UPDATED FINDINGS
Authors: Roth David
Published: December 2022

Research on family caregiving continues to evolve and stress process models are now frequently balanced by perspectives of benefits emanating from prosocial behaviors including caregiving and volunteering. Initial findings that caregivers have elevated inflammation levels and shorter life expectancies than non-caregivers have been contradicted by numerous more recent findings from larger, population-based, epidemiological studies. In many ways, the caregiving literature shows a bias pattern that is sometimes found in other areas, where initial studies with relatively small samples and alarming results are widely cited, whereas subsequent studies with larger samples and contradicting results are given much less attention. A minority of caregivers are highly stressed, but most caregivers are resilient and face other challenges besides stress-related health problems. Caregivers are the backbone of long-term care, and interventions and policy initiatives to support caregivers are vital, but should be based on replicable findings of verifiable challenges to vulnerable caregiving subgroups.
RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS FOR CANCER-RELATED COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN OLDER CANCER SURVIVORS: LESSONS LEARNED
Authors: Von Ah Diane
Published: December 2022

Breast cancer survivors (BCS) face a myriad of late and long-term symptoms including cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). In fact, up to 75% of the 3.8 million BCS report concerns with memory, processing information speed, and decision-making. It is hypothesized that a subset of vulnerable BCS incur ‘accelerated aging’ resulting in CRCI with older BCS at greatest risk. CRCI has many downstream negative effects on everyday functioning and health-related quality of life. Despite considerable need, there are currently no effective treatments which have been sufficiently validated for CRCI. Cognitive training, which is based on the principles of neuroplasticity (brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections to accomplish tasks), may be a therapeutic option. Clinical trials from our lab and others offer insights into the needs of BCS with CRCI and considerations (facilitators, barriers, acceptability and satisfaction) for older BCS will be highlighted to address this potentially debilitating symptom.
TOUCH SENSATION IS AN UNDERSTUDIED PREDICTOR OF DEMENTIA RISK IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Brenowitz Willa , Robbins Nathaniel , Strotmeyer Elsa , Yaffe Kristine
Published: December 2022

Few studies have focused on touch sensation as risk factor or marker of dementia, although other sensory impairments are associated with cognitive decline. We studied touch sensation as measured by peripheral sensory nerve function; impairment was defined as insensitivity to 10-g monofilament or vibration detection threshold >130μm of the toe, in 2,174 Black and White participants (52% women; 35% black, aged 70-79 years) from Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study who were ambulatory and without dementia at enrollment. Incident dementia over the following 11 years was determined based on medical records, cognitive scores, and medications. Impaired touch sensation was associated with a 1.63-fold higher risk of dementia (95% CI 1.21, 2.19) after adjustment for demographics, health behaviors, and health conditions. Associations persisted even after additional adjustment for hearing, vision, and smell (HR: 1.45; 95%CI 1.09, 2.03). These findings highlight the underappreciated association between poor touch sensation and risk of dementia.
OLFACTORY IMPAIRMENT AND MICROSTRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE BRAIN IN THE ARIC STUDY
Authors: Shrestha Srishti , Zhu Xiaoqian , Sullivan Kevin , Windham Beverly Gwen , Deal Jennifer , Chen Honglei , Griswold Michael , Mosley Thomas
Published: December 2022

We examined cross-sectional associations between microstructural integrity of the brain and olfaction in 1417 participants from the ARIC Study who completed MRI scans in 2011-2013 (mean age=76±2 years, 41% male). Microstructural integrity was measured by two diffusion tensor imaging measures, fractional anisotropy (FA, higher=better) and mean diffusivity (MD, higher=worse), and olfaction by a 12-item odor-identification test. In multivariable linear regression models, higher FA in several regions was associated with better olfaction, with the strongest association in the stria terminalis [β:0.333 (95%CI:0.188, 0.478) per standard deviation (SD) higher FA]. Higher MD was associated with lower olfaction in almost all regions, but associations were strongest for some temporal sub-regions [for example, hippocampus, β:-0.796 (95%CI: -0.942, -0.651) per SD higher MD]. Our findings suggest that neuronal microstructural integrity is an important predictor of olfaction; this may also have important implications in understanding early dementia neuropathology as olfaction is affected very early in dementia.
ASSOCIATIONS OF AUDIOMETRIC HEARING, BRAIN MRI, AND COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE WITH SPEECH-IN-NOISE PERFORMANCE
Authors: Jiang Kening , Coresh Josef , Hayden Kathleen , Jack, Jr. Clifford , Mosley Thomas , Pankow James , Lin Frank , Deal Jennifer
Published: December 2022

Speech-in-noise performance is fundamental to daily communications and comprehensive characterization is needed. We studied 590 dementia-free participants aged 70-84 years, including 428 hearing-impaired participants from the Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders (ACHIEVE) study baseline (2018-19), which is a randomized controlled trial partially nested within the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, and 162 normal-hearing ARIC Visit 6/7 (2016-17/2018-19) participants. The Quick Speech-in-Noise (QuickSIN) test was used to measure speech-in-noise performance. Predictors included (1) Four-frequency better-ear pure-tone average (PTA); (2) Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures (total and lobar volumes, diffusion tensor imaging, white matter hyperintensities); (3) Global and domain-specific (language, memory, executive function) cognitive performance. All predictors were standardized to Z-scores. We used multivariable-adjusted linear regression, adjusting for demographic and disease covariates. PTA and cognitive performance, but not MRI measures, were independently associated with speech-in-noise performance, with PTA explaining the largest variance, indicating the promising role of hearing aids.
MULTILINGUAL THEMATIC ANALYSIS USING VARIED TRANSLATIONS AND LINGUISTIC VALIDATION OF CODES: ADVANCING INCLUSION
Authors: Tonkikh Orly , Siegel Elena O , Zisberg Anna , Gur-Yaish Nurit , Shulyaev Ksenya , Rogozinski Amos , Young Heather
Published: December 2022

Despite the widely acknowledged cultural diversity among older adults and family caregivers, the representation of people from different linguistic backgrounds in a single study is rare. Single language is a common inclusion criterion, limiting the diversity of samples. Performing cross-cultural qualitative research using several languages within a study requires a systematic data harmonization approach to assure the trustworthiness of the analysis. This paper describes strategies used to establish trustworthiness in the multi-lingual thematic analysis of a dyadic qualitative descriptive study of older adults hospitalized in general hospitals and family members who accompanied them during the hospitalization. Participant interviews (n=22) were conducted in English, Hebrew, and Russian according to individual preferences. Four of the dyads (8 participants) were interviewed in different languages. Based on the template analysis approach, we performed multiple multi-lingual translations and linguistic validation of an inductively identified high-level coding scheme. Each linguistic validation process included a reconciliation of two forward translations and harmonization using back translation, performed for each pair of languages. We describe the rationale for decisions regarding the translation process (the timing of translation after establishing a high-level coding scheme, using a hermeneutic translation approach to achieve conceptual equivalence, variability in the socio-demographic context of the translators, recruitment of both translators and linguists). This study provides principles of a feasible systematic approach to overcome linguistic barriers in caregiving research, providing an avenue for inclusive research among multi-cultural and multi-lingual study samples.
OLDER ADULTS' PERSPECTIVES OF INDEPENDENCE THROUGH TIME: RESULTS OF A LONGITUDINAL INTERVIEW STUDY
Authors: Taylor Emily , Frost Julia , Goodwin Victoria , Ball Susan , Clegg Andrew
Published: December 2022

Understanding how older people experience, and adapt to maintain, independence through time has implications for person-centred care. Quantifiable measures can provide a gauge of change in practice. However, little is known about how older people themselves perceive independence through time, or whether measures used are commensurate with what matters to older people. This study aimed to identify whether and how older adults assimilate their perceptions of independence in response to change through time. Two semi-structured interviews were conducted longitudinally, one year apart, to explore the views of 12 community-dwelling older adults, aged 76-85 years. A constructionist approach using dramaturgical and descriptive codes, facilitated the data interpretation. Sixteen analytical questions guided exploration of participants’ perceptions of independence through time. Interview participants felt that common interpretations of independence underestimated, and omitted, important aspects of their experience through time. Some participants questioned the value of instruments that were insensitive to individual values and context. Changes in life trajectories required participants to adapt the form, or means of obtaining independence. The impact of change on participants’ sense of independence was value-dependent, informed by the function a participant ascribed to maintaining independence. This study builds on the understanding of independence as a complex and multifaceted construct. The findings challenge the congruence of common interpretations of independence with older people’s views, showing areas of commonality and discrepancy. Exploration of independence in terms of form and function provides important understanding about how continuity of function takes precedence to form in determining the maintenance of independence through time.
THE ROLE OF WORKPLACE POLICY ON EMPLOYED FEMALE CAREGIVERS DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC
Authors: McLaughlin Jessica
Published: December 2022

The coronavirus pandemic has indelibly impacted society over the past two years. This qualitative study explores how working female caregivers, in particular, experienced the pandemic and how the workplace supported them during this time. Findings from interviews with 29 working female caregivers revealed that many caregivers were unable to set boundaries around caregiving during the pandemic. Caregivers frequently found themselves on their own in providing care. This meant that caregivers had little time to themselves to rest and recharge. Whereas prior to the pandemic, caregivers may have had help with caregiving through services like respite and adult daycare, these services were no longer options. This reduced level of external support and care influenced caregivers’ socioemotional wellbeing. Workplace policies, such as the ability to work remotely and working flexible hours, helped to ease caregiver burden. These findings have implications for both caregivers and workplaces during future crises and disasters.