bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Keep Your Hopes Up: An Examination of Racial Differences in the Association Between Hope and Pain
Authors: Hill Kyrsten , Behrens Emily , Smith Dylan , DeCaro Jason , Cox Brian , Parmelee Patricia
Published: December 2021

Hope has been associated with increased pain tolerance (Snyder et al., 2005) and has been incorporated in interventions targeting chronic pain (Howell et al., 2015; Katsimigos et al., 2020). Research suggests that African Americans with osteoarthritis (OA) pain experience greater pain severity and disability compared to non-Hispanic White individuals (Vaughn et al., 2019). Although the literature is limited, there is some evidence to suggest racial/ethnic differences in hope (Chang & Banks, 2007). The current study examined race as a moderator of the association between hope and pain in a sample of older adults. Experience sampling (ESM) data was used from a multi-site study examining non-Hispanic White and African American individuals with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Participants completed the Adult Hope Scale (Snyder et al., 1991) during baseline interviews and self-reported momentary pain during 28 ESM calls. Multilevel models revealed a significant interaction between hope and race (p = .04). Specifically, greater hope was associated with decreased momentary pain, and this association was stronger for African American compared to non-Hispanic White individuals. Results suggest that high levels of hope may be particularly protective for African American chronic pain patients. These findings can help inform existing and future interventions focused on enhancing hope in chronic pain populations. (Supported by AG041655, P. Parmelee and D. Smith, Co-PIs)
Does a 6-Month Multicomponent Training Improve Functional Capacity of Individuals With a Neurocognitive Disorder?
Authors: Ribeiro Oscar , Borges-Machado Flávia , Barros Duarte , Teixeira Laetitia , Carvalho Joana
Published: December 2021

Regular physical activity and exercise have been proposed as non-pharmacological therapeutic approaches to prevent and manage neurocognitive disorders (NCD). Multicomponent training (MT) combining aerobics, strength, postural and balance exercises seem to be effective at improving individuals with NCD in their ability to independently perform activities of daily living (ADL). This quasi-experimental controlled trial aims to analyze the effects of a 6-month MT intervention on functional capacity of individuals diagnosed with NCD. Forty-three subjects (N Major NCD: 36) participated in the Body&Brain Project and were subdivided in exercise group (EG; N: 23; 75.09 ± 5.65 years; age range: 61-83) or a control group (CG; N:20; 81.90 ± 5.95 years; age range: 70-89). The EG was submitted to bi-weekly exercise sessions, and the CG received monthly recreation sessions. At baseline and at post-intervention Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG), 6-meters Walk Speed and Handgrip tests were applied to evaluate lower body mobility, walking speed and handgrip strength, respectively. Results from linear mixed models revealed a statistically significant interaction between group (intervention vs. control) and time for TUG and walk speed test, but not for handgrip strength. The 6-month MT intervention improved lower body mobility and walking speed of older adults diagnosed with NCD, which might potentially impact ADL independence and quality of life. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov - NCT04095962. Supported by FCT: “Body and Brain” (POCI-01-0145-FEDER-031808), CIAFEL (FCT/UIDB/00617/2020), and Ph.D. Grants (SFRH/BD/136635/2018) to FM and [2020.05911.BD] to DB.
Considering the Technological and Sensory Needs of Patients With Cognitive Impairment in the Era of Telehealth
Authors: Oh Esther , Yi Julie , Pittman Corrine , Price Carrie , Nieman Carrie
Published: December 2021

During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth has become an important means of delivering memory care. Telehealth that is responsive to the technological abilities and preferences as well as the sensory needs of persons living with dementia is critical to advancing access to care. We conducted a systematic review to investigate the use of telehealth among older adults with cognitive impairment. The search yielded 3,551 titles and abstracts that led to 17 full-text articles. Studies showed that telehealth can be used for routine care, cognitive assessment and telerehabilitation with good efficacy and satisfaction. Three studies investigated telemedicine delivery in the home and 16/17 studies relied on support staff and care partners to navigate technology. No studies reported adaptations to account for sensory impairments and 5/17 studies excluded individuals with sensory impairments. This talk will review barriers and facilitators totelehealth for older adults with cognitive impairment and adaptations to address sensory needs.
Leadership among Director of Social Work at Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs)
Authors: Abenojar John Paul
Published: December 2021

Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) provide ongoing care to the seniors and chronically ill. To maximize the quality of this care, SNF staff must be trained to respond to patient care crises and communicate across departments. Although researchers have studied the leadership styles, strategies, and interactions of facility administrators and nursing directors, little was known about the leadership styles and strategies imployed by the director of social worker (DSW). The aim of this phenomenological study was to explore how DSW influenced leadership policies, prepared subordinated for crisis intervention and management, perceived that social workers influenced patient care decisions, and believed that communication amongst SNF staff about patient care could be improved. The conceptual framework was based on the multilevel leadership model construct, the situational leadership model construct, and the complex adaptive leadership model construct. Participants included a purposive sample of 10 DSW working in a large, corporate SNFs in Virginia. Data were collected via in person, semi structured interviews consisting of open-ended questions. Data were analyzed via Hycner's phenomenological approach. Findings from this investigation helped clarify roles and responsibilities of DSW, thereby improving the leadership they provide to subordinate social workers. Findings may be used to improved communication across professionals within SNFs and in their role in patient decisions.
Age differences in experiencing meaning in life: A multidimensional approach
Authors: Fung Nicole Long Ki , Fung Helene
Published: December 2021

Coherence, purpose and significance were defined as the three facets of the presence of meaning in life (Martela & Steger, 2016). This study investigated the age differences in the three facets of meaning in life between younger and older adults. We recruited 241 younger adults (Mage=18.72, SD=1.50, 36.5% male) and 114 older adults (Mage=64.93, SD= 5.94, 52.6% male) from Hong Kong to fill out a one-hour online survey. We adapted the Multidimensional Existential Meaning Scale, which measured sense of coherence, purpose, significance. In specific, the adapted version measured significance in two sub facets: the naturalistic significance (important to other people) and cosmic significance (impact lasts beyond lifetime and space). The results showed that older adults had higher sense of coherence (t=3.47, p<.001), higher sense of cosmic significance (t=6.29, p<.001) but lower sense of purpose than younger adults (t=-2.02, p<.05). There were no significant differences in naturalistic significance between the two age groups (t=1.24, p=.22). Within both age groups, participants had the highest score in purpose, followed by coherence and naturalistic significance. They had the lowest score in cosmic significance. This study illustrated that younger and older adults have different absolute levels of meaning facets but are similar in the relative levels of meaning facets. Further studies can investigate how changes in absolute levels of meaning facet and preservation of the relative levels may affect well-being across age.
Correlates of Psychological Well-being Among Korean Vietnam War Veterans
Authors: Lee Hyunyup , Kang Sungrok , Choun Soyoung , Aldwin Carolyn
Published: December 2021

Prior research on Veterans’ mental health has largely focused on identifying risk and protective factors for negative psychological symptoms such as PTSD. However, mental health indicates not merely absence of psychopathology, but also the existence of positive psychological well-being (Keyes, 2005). Thus, the current study aimed to examine the correlates of psychological well-being, which is less studied, in an Asian sample, Korean veterans. Data for this 2017 study were from Korean Vietnam War Veterans Study. Participants were 348 male veterans, and their mean age was about 72 years old (SD = 2.7, range = 65-84). Using Keyes’ (2002) classification criteria, psychological well-being was divided into three types: flourishing (9.5%), moderately health (59.95%), and languishing (25.3%). Own-way analyses of variance showed that the groups did not differ in demographic variables (age, marital status, education, and income). Further, there were no differences in combat exposure, negative appraisals of military service, smoking, and alcohol consumption. However, significant group differences were found for resources; Scheffé's post-hoc analyses indicated that optimism, positive appraisals of military service, four types of social support (family, significant others, friend, and military peer), and self-rated health were significantly different among the groups, and highest in the flourishing group. The moderately health group showed higher levels of positive appraisals of military service and four types of social support than the languishing group. Thus, the majority (about 60%) of Korean Vietnam veterans were moderately psychologically healthy in this sample, but those with positive psychosocial resources were more likely to be healthiest.
Will I Feel This in my Dreams? Examining Temporal Associations between Daytime and Dream Affect
Authors: Richardson Cassandra , Vigoureux Taylor , Lee Soomi
Published: December 2021

Despite the theory that dreams function to process emotions, few studies have examined how emotional experiences during daytime (“daytime affect”) are associated with the emotional tone of dreams (“dream affect”) that night, and vice versa. This study examined bidirectional associations between dream affect and daytime positive and negative affect. Participants were 84 nurses who completed two weeks of ecological momentary assessments. If participants remembered the previous night’s dreams (nparticipants=68; ndays=391), they reported the dream’s emotional tone upon waking (‘0’=very negative to ‘100’=very positive). Participants also responded to the Positive and Negative Affect Scale three times/day. Multilevel modeling simultaneously tested two temporal directions (daytime affect→dream affect, dream affect→daytime affect) at the within- and between-person levels. After adjusting for socio-demographic and work characteristics, at the within-person level, dream affect was more positive than usual on nights following more positive daytime affect (B=0.25, p=.003). In the other temporal direction, dream affect was not associated with the following day’s positive affect. At the between-person level, nurses who reported more positive dream affect also reported more positive daytime affect (B=0.24, p=.025). No associations emerged with negative affect. Findings suggest that daytime affect is associated with the emotional tone of that night’s dreams, but only in the context of positive affect. Importantly, negative affect was relatively low in this sample, so different patterns may emerge for people more prone to negative affect. Overall, these novel findings support the theory that dreams serve to process emotions, providing insight into the mystery of the function of dreams.
Intergenerational Education and Late-life Cognitive Decline among Latinos and Non-Hispanic Whites
Authors: Meza Erika , Chen Yea-Hung , Allen Isabel , Gonzalez Hector , Glymour M Maria , Torres Jacqueline
Published: December 2021

Latinos face a growing burden of Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementia (ADRD). Although education has been established as a strong predictor of ADRD, evidence to date is primarily for non-Latino cohorts. Few studies have assessed the relationship between intergenerational education and one’s cognitive decline. Using the US Health and Retirement Study (N=20,860) we evaluated the joint effect of parental and own educational attainment on immediate and delayed verbal memory scores (range 0-10) from 1998 to 2016. The exposure was a 4-category variable based on parents’ (highest of mother’s or father’s) and participant’s own high school attainment: first-generation (parents’ education <12; own ≥12); multi-generation (both ≥12: REF); neither graduated high school (both <12) and parent(s) graduated high school but not respondent (parents ≥12; own <12). Linear mixed effects models with subject-specific random intercepts and random slopes were stratified by race/ethnicity and tested for a 3-way interaction term (exposure x Latino x time). Models controlled for age, sex, place of birth and retest effects. Baseline verbal memory scores did not differ for first-generation compared to multi-generation high school graduates. Verbal memory decline was faster for first- compared to multi-generation high school graduates among non-Hispanic whites (e.g., β=-0.04; 95% CI: -0.05, -0.03, delayed verbal recall); among Latinos, first and multi-generation high school graduates had similar rates of decline (e.g. β=0.00; 95% CI: -0.03, 0.04, delayed verbal recall; p<0.001 for three-way interaction). Our findings suggest social and economic policies that facilitate educational achievement, particularly for important population subgroups, may reduce ADRD risk.
Exploring Social Support Systems and Experiences of Older Women in Tede Community, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Authors: Mahmoud Kafayat
Published: December 2021

Rural communities in Nigeria are rapidly aging due to the massive movement of young adults to the cities, especially after marriage and/or in search of employment. This has adversely affected the social supports for older persons. The current study explored the experiences of older adults living in rural communities in Southwestern Nigeria. The study adopted an exploratory qualitative research design, in-depth interview techniques were adopted, and results were analyzed using thematic analysis. For this pilot study, conducted in Tede community in Oyo state in Nigeria, 10 older women, aged 70+ years were purposively selected for the study. The fact that all participants were women was due to the fact that older persons found in the community were mostly women. Consonant with previous research, this pilot study found that there was limited formal and informal support systems for older women in the community. The study additionally revealed that older women expressed feelings of abandonment by adult children, having insufficient funds, as well as inability to access health care. Consequently, these women resorted to alternative means to fend for themselves. For instance, despite having functional limitations, older women in the community would engage in physically demanding tasks such as going into the bushes to cut and gather firewood to sell, as well as engaging in other forms of petty trading, while others resorted to begging for alms for sustenance. This pilot study highlights the experience of poverty among older women and the need for more structural interventions for older persons in Nigeria.
Social Support and Weight Outcomes Over A Six-Month Weight Loss Intervention for Rural Older Adults
Authors: Kahkoska Anna , Petersen Curtis , Lynch David , Spangler Hillary , Fortuna Karen , Batsis John
Published: December 2021

Rural older adults aged ≥65 years with obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2) showed an overall favorable response to a six-month, technology-based weight-management intervention. Our objective was to characterize how friends or family support for eating and exercise behaviors at baseline was associated with baseline weight and intervention response. We analyzed data from six subscales of the Social Support and Exercise Survey from 44 participants. Six-month weight change (≥5% of baseline) was considered clinically-significant. For each subscale, continuous and categorial outcomes were modeled with linear and logistic regression models, respectively, adjusted for sex and age. Crude associations of social support clusters, generated in an exploratory hierarchical cluster analysis, and weight outcomes were evaluated. The sample was 73.2 ± 3.9 years, 73% female, with mean baseline weight 97.8±16.3 kg and BMI 36.5±5.2 m/kg2. Family encouragement for healthy eating was negatively associated with baseline weight (β=-0.53, p=0.046). Social support scores were not associated with either six-month weight loss outcome (p>0.10). Two exploratory clusters were found: Cluster 1 (C1) (n=34) and Cluster 2 (C2) (n=9). C2 had higher mean social encouragement and discouragement, with lower mean baseline weight (90.0±11.7 vs 99.8±16.8kg C1; p=0.10). Weight loss was comparable (C1 4.6±3.7 versus C2 4.8±2.6kg; p=0.89), with no differences in clinically-significant weight loss (C1 45% versus C2 67%; p=0.46). These pilot data suggest that family member social support may act as collaterals to support clinical outcomes in the community. Evaluating different types within family support may elucidate associations with physiological outcomes in larger samples.
Who Needs a Friend? How Age and Having Someone one can Count on Explain Subjective Well-Being in India
Authors: Sanborne Erika
Published: December 2021

Subjective well-being is now considered a reliable predictor of many desirable outcomes not only at the individual level, in terms of one’s personal health, but also at the national level, in terms of a nation’s per capita gross domestic product, progress towards reaching sustainable development goals, and other metrics. Subjective well-being has several known causes that reliably predict well-being across time and place, such as income, education, prosociality, and perceived corruption (i.e. REF). Given the benefits of well-being to both individuals and nations, and that subjective well-being is often predicted by variables that are not easily altered, this study aims to better understand the relationships between subjective well-being and some of its known predictors, in the context of India. Three hypotheses were tested and found significant with nationally representative samples of a total of 57,077 survey respondents in India, using data from Gallup World Poll for 2006-2019. Hypothesis #1 tests for having someone one can count on as a mediator. Hypothesis #2 tests for age as a moderator. Hypothesis #3 is a moderated mediation that best explains how the known predictors of subjective well-being make their influence, and with whom. This study’s findings give insights into the ways in which subjective well-being in India can be better understood and thus improved. Such understanding may also help local Indian nonprofit organizations, as well as other researchers and mental health providers, with shared interests in the growing prevalence of suicide in India.
Evaluating the Validity of the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale for Lonely Older Adults
Authors: Mai Jacqueline , Bower Emily , Van Orden Kimberly
Published: December 2021

The risk of suicide death represents a significant problem facing older adults. They are less likely to disclose suicidal ideation (SI) and more likely to die from a suicide attempt compared to younger populations. Accurate screening tools for suicide risk are necessary to identify high-risk individuals who could benefit from intervention. The Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), considered the gold standard for clinician-administered suicide risk assessments, was not developed for use with older adults. The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate the C-SSRS’s sensitivity in capturing previous suicidal behavior (behavior subscale) and current intent (severity subscale), both of which are highly predictive of suicide in older adults. 105 adults 60 years and older (M=72.10, SD=9.16; 68.6% female) who endorsed loneliness or feeling like a burden in the past two weeks were enrolled in a larger controlled trial and completed baseline C-SSRS, Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms (QIDS), and Geriatric Suicide Ideation Scale (GSIS). Exclusion criteria included significant cognitive impairment. Concurrent validity will be evaluated using random-effects mixed linear regression to test associations between C-SSRS scores and GSIS and QIDS scores, respectively. Baseline responses indicate that 14.9% of participants reported at least one lifetime suicide attempt. Within the last month, 66.7% wished to be dead, 20% had active SI without a plan, 6.7% had active SI with some intent to act, and 6.7% had active SI with a specific plan and intent. Findings from this project will help guide safety assessment recommendations and inform interventions targeting older adult suicide risk.
Stress-Buffering Factors of Social Integration on Depressive Symptoms Over Time in Late-Life
Authors: Kinkade Emily , Fuller Heather
Published: December 2021

The negative impacts of stress on older adults’ well-being are well documented, and social integration is posited as protective against such detrimental effects. Previous research illustrates the stress-buffering effect of social relationships on both physical and mental health, such as depressive symptoms, in older adults. The purpose of this study was to expand on prior findings by investigating the longitudinal stress-buffering effect of various dimensions of social integration on depressive symptoms among an older sample. Four waves of data were drawn from the Social Integration and Aging Study, including 416 older adults (ages 60-100). Subscales of the Social Integration in Later Life Scale measuring frequency and satisfaction with social ties and community interaction were used to assess distinct dimensions of social integration. Multilevel modeling demonstrated that two facets of social integration—satisfaction with social ties and frequency of community interaction—moderated the relationship between perceived stress and trajectories of depressive symptoms over time. Participants who reported high levels of stress reported fewer depressive symptoms if they had high satisfaction with social ties and high frequency of community involvement. Interestingly, frequency of contact with social ties and satisfaction with community interaction did not similarly buffer negative effects for depressive symptoms. These findings indicate the value of remaining actively engaged in the community and maintaining meaningful relationships as older adults age. Future research should investigate programs to foster relationships and engagement between older adults and their communities, with particular consideration of populations at a greater risk for isolation.
The Effect of Interpersonal Relationship and Social Activity on the Physical and Mental Health of Older Korean Adults
Authors: Kim Meeryoung , Park Linda
Published: December 2021

Maintaining interpersonal relationships and social activities are important as you get older. Activity theory indicates that social activities and human relations are important factors for older adults’ physical and mental health. However, the effects between the quantity and quality of interpersonal relationships and social activities will be different. This study compared which of the effects has a greater impact between interpersonal and social activities on physical and mental health. This study used the 6th additional wave (2016) and 7th wave (2017) of the Korean Retirement and Income Study. The subjects of this study were older adults who are aged 65 and older and the sample size was 2,152. Multiple regression was used for data analysis. Demographic variables were controlled. Independent variables were interpersonal relationships, social activities, satisfaction with interpersonal relationships, and satisfaction with social activities. Dependent variables were physical health and mental health, with depressive symptoms used as a proxy for mental health. βs was used to determine the relative influence on dependent variables. Interpersonal relationships, satisfaction with interpersonal relationships, and satisfaction with social activities significantly influenced physical health. Among them, interpersonal satisfaction was found to be the most influential factor on physical health. In addition, interpersonal satisfaction was found to be the most influential factor on mental health than interpersonal relationships. Satisfaction with social activities only affected physical health. The implications of this study were that the quality of interpersonal relationships and social activities of older adults affected physical and mental health more than quantity.
Investigation of Communication Type and Individual Characteristics : A Longitudinal HRS Analysis
Authors: Odd Kaleena , Hubner Sarah , Kim, Hyeon Jung , Boron Julie Blaskewicz
Published: December 2021

Older adults are at increased risk for loneliness/isolation, particularly with new COVID-19 recommendations; however, communication may help mitigate these negative perceptions. Reductions in loneliness/isolation may also significantly improve quality of life and well-being for vulnerable populations. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between communication, individual characteristics, and time, to provide a clearer understanding of communication patterns in a longitudinal cohort. Participants (N=2351) with no missing data on any variables of interest (across time-points) were pulled from the Health and Retirement Study’s Consumption and Activity’s Mail Survey (waves collected: 2013, 2015, 2017). When last reported (2016/17), respondents were an average age of 70.14(SD=9.9), were generally female (63.0%) and white (75.7%). Analyses included longitudinal investigation, normality tests, and regression. Assumptions were violated in ANOVA; results of a Kruskal-Wallis test revealed that there were no significant changes in the distribution of in-person or distanced communication across the three waves. Individual responses were then averaged and standardized across waves (per participant for each outcome variable). In-person communication regression results reveal that being female positively predicted in-person conversation volume (B=0.23,p<.001) as did increasing number of years in school (B=0.03,p<.001), while being non-white negatively predicted in-person conversation (B=-0.301,p<.001). Distanced communication regression results reveal being female positively predicted volume of distanced communication (B=0.381,p<.001); however, being non-white and younger positively predicted increased volume of distanced communication (B=0.241,p<.001; B=0.005,p<.001, respectively). Given the varied communication patterns, future research should consider explanatory mechanisms in addition to investigating changes as a result of the ongoing pandemic.
The Effectiveness of an Intergenerational Technology Program for Older Adults: A Pilot Study
Authors: Adeniji Dolapo , Adamek Margaret , Catlin Sally
Published: December 2021

While an increasing number of services and opportunities are available through technology devices such as smartphones and iPad, older adults often lack the technology skills and know-how to access such services. The use of social media, email, and texting can also lessen social isolation of older adults. In this project, nine undergraduate Computer Information Technology students enrolled in a service-learning course served as mentors for older adults. A total of 33 older adults (MAge= 77.9 SDAge= 8.62) participated in a 14 weeks intergenerational technology education at two community senior centers in an urban Midwest city. Fourteen participants completed both pre- and post-surveys. Significant improvement was found between pre- and post- surveys outcomes in technology anxiety and social engagement of the older adults. Findings from our qualitative data revealed that intergenerational program enables older adult to benefit from individual and group learning, make new friends among peers, experience intergenerational interactions, and have confidence in technology use. However, the intergenerational technology program helped to decrease technology anxiety and improve the participants’ social engagement. Engaging technology students in mentoring older adults in small group at a community center proved to be mutually beneficial to both the students and the older adults. The program boosted older adults’ comfort with technology use as well as encouraging social engagement with peers, mentors, and the virtual world.
Understanding Racial and Rural Disparities in the Relationship between Social Isolation and Social Technology Use
Authors: Byrne Kaileigh , Anaraky Reza Ghaiumy , Barfield Hannah , Nickel Summerlin
Published: December 2021

Social isolation is characterized by lack of social contacts and high degrees of loneliness. Feelings of loneliness and social isolation are linked to declines in cognitive functioning and increased risk of dementia. Previous research suggests that loneliness is more prevalent among Black and rural older adults compared to White and urban-dwelling older adults. Given these disparities, it is important to identify methods that reduce social isolation and loneliness among this population. Social technology, such as Facebook and Skype, is one possible way to connect with others. This study uses the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) dataset to examine racial and rural disparities in the relationship between social technology use and social isolation, loneliness, and social support among individuals age 50 and older. The overarching hypotheses are that (1) rural-dwelling older adults and older Blacks will report less social technology use compared to urban-dwelling and older White adults, and (2) there will be a negative relationship between loneliness and social technology use, and (3) a positive relationship between perceived positive social support and social technology use. Racial or rural disparities in these latter potential relationships are exploratory. Multiple linear regression analysis will be performed to assess these relationships. Preliminary correlational results indicate that, consistent with prior work, greater use of social technology was associated with higher social support (N=6,029; r=.29, p<.001). However, contrary to our hypothesis, greater self-reported loneliness was associated with greater social technology (r=.09, p<.001). Examination of potential racial and rural disparities in these relationships are currently underway.
Comparison of Physical Activity Level From Osteoporosis, Parkinson and Healthy Subjects
Authors: Moon Seong Hyun , Lockhart Thurmon , Doshi Krupa
Published: December 2021

Lifestyle at the habitation immensely affects the progression of various illnesses, such as Osteoporosis and Parkinson’s disease (PD). These disorders lead patients to a sedentary lifestyle and result in significantly less movement compared to the average healthy individual. The combination of these backgrounds escalates the percentage of fall incidents. Quantifying physical activity levels from longitudinal Activities of Daily Living (ADL) data of these disease patients could stipulate intuition of their fall mechanisms. The objective of this study is to compare the osteoporosis, Parkinson's disease, and healthy group’s physical activity level from their ADL. For this study total of eighteen subjects participated (healthy=6, osteoporosis=6, PD=6). The result indicated that the dynamic physical activity level for the healthy subject was 13.2%, the osteoporosis subject was 7.9%, and the PD subject was 7.0%. This indicates that there was a significant decline in physical activity level for the PD compared to healthy subjects (P=0.0024*). Also, a comparison between healthy and osteoporosis subjects showed a significant difference (P=0.0066*). Lastly, the physical activity level of PD and osteoporosis subjects did not have a significant difference among them (P=0.6276). The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical activity level of the osteoporosis, PD, and healthy subjects. The systematic approach of collecting physical activity levels with the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) device allowed researchers to collect the quantitative data of ADL. In this experiment, healthy subjects were significantly more physically active compared to osteoporosis and PD patients.
Development of an ADL-practice guideline: The next step towards guidance in essential nursing care activities
Authors: Cremer Svenja , Bleijlevens Michel , Metzelthin Silke , devan Ginkel Janneke de Man-van , Zwakhalen Sandra
Published: December 2021

Supporting and respecting care receivers in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) lies at the essence of nursing care, irrespective of diagnosis or healthcare setting. ADL-care is an intimate form of caring, and therefore close and personal to the care receiver, aiming to enhance their independence and comfort. Even though ADL-care is indispensable and highly valued by care receivers, the scientific foundation of ADL-care is weak. This leaves nursing professionals with insufficient guidance as to what constitutes quality ADL-care and what activities are necessary and effective. Therefore, we developed an ADL practice guideline according to the framework of the Dutch Institute for Health (AQUA-guideline) and AGREE II. The guideline was developed over three stages: (1) Determination of the target population and scope, (2) Analysis of problems leading to guiding questions and answering these based on literature search and consensus, (3) Testing and validation. A multidisciplinary working group determined the purpose, target group, and five clinical questions. We used literature search and consensus procedures to answer these questions in close collaboration with care receivers and professional care providers. This guideline provides guidance for nursing professionals to choose appropriate ADL-care options in five modules covering recommendations: (1) Involving care receivers in ADL-related care choices, (2) Identifying ADL-care needs, (3) Choosing effective interventions to enhance ADL-independence and comfort, (4) Supporting informal caregivers in ADL-care, and (5) Using ADL-care for early detection of health problems. These modules are considered leading for future developments in essential nursing care and will be evaluated in a pilot implementation.
Experiences and perceptions of using a low-cost pet robot for older adults and people with dementia
Authors: Koh Wei Qi , Whelan Sally , Heins Pascale , Casey Dympna , Toomey Elaine , Dröes Rose-Marie
Published: December 2021

Pet robots are a practicable substitute for animal-assisted therapy. They have been shown to have positive impacts on older adults, including people with dementia, such as providing companionship and facilitating social interaction. However, the issue of affordability can hinder equal access to such technology. The purpose of our study was to understand the perceptions and experiences of using a low-cost, commercially available pet robot with older adults and people with dementia. We used a novel methodology of analysing a large volume of user reviews that were collected from 15 consumer websites. A total of 1,327 user reviews that met our pre-specified inclusion criteria were included. Descriptive statistics was applied to characterise demographic data, and inductive qualitative content analysis was used to identify themes in the textual data. Most reviews were obtained from consumer sites in the United States, and most reviewers were family members of the users (i.e., older adults and people with dementia). We found that circumstantial reasons, such the inability to own live animals, prompted reviewers to purchase the pet robot. Most reviewers had positive perceptions of the pet robot, and described various activities that users engaged in with it. Impacts of using the pet robot, such as positive emotions, were also described. Finally, experiences about practical aspects of its use, such as durability and hygiene, were discussed. Overall, this study provides useful knowledge that can help researchers, robot developers and clinicians understand the viability of using low-cost pet robots to benefit older adults, including people with dementia.
How Do Family Caregivers’ Values Influence Pain Management for Older Adults with Dementia?
Authors: Zhao Hui , Kulbok Pamela , Williams Ishan , Manning Carol , Romo Rafael
Published: December 2021

Professional caregivers rely on formal training when managing pain among patients with dementia, but family caregivers (FCGs) lack this foundation. Instead, FCGs use informal sources that may reflect a values-driven decision-making process. Few studies have examined how FGCs’ personal values impact pain management for dementia patients. We sought to examine the influence of personal values on pain management among FCGs for community-dwelling older adults with dementia using qualitative descriptive methods. Twenty-five adult FCGs, aged from 29 to 95, were recruited in central Virginia. Participants were predominantly white, married, female, and high school graduates. We conducted semi-structured interviews that were audio recorded and analyzed using constant comparative analysis. Four themes emerged: 1) Priority for pain management: when quality of life is valued over other factors (i.e., length of life), priorities focused on no pain, leading to better pain management; 2) Moral perspectives: negative views toward drugs, especially opioids, led to less use and greater report of pain; 3) Beliefs about alternative therapy: negative views led to less likely use of non-traditional approaches and reports of more pain, and 4) Personal experience of pain: past personal experiences of pain (negative or positive) influenced the priority placed on pain management and the FCG’s ability to provide effective pain management. The diverse views held by FCGs demonstrate a value-based process and suggest a modifiable factor in pain management. Helping FCGs reflect biases while reinforcing values that improve pain management would lead to improve pain and quality of life for older adults with dementia.
Impacts of the Pandemic on Older Adults’ Social Isolation
Authors: MacLeod Stephanie
Published: December 2021

The risk of COVID-19 exposure and likelihood of severe illness have been critical concerns among older adults during the pandemic. Meanwhile, social distancing has worsened social isolation, with severe impacts on connectedness among seniors. Effects of the pandemic may lead to an extended crisis, with impacts on health outcomes. Our primary purpose was to summarize emerging research describing impacts of the pandemic on social isolation and related health outcomes among older adults. A streamlined search was conducted to fit the scope of this review, with key terms determined to identify relevant publications. Common research databases and mainstream resources were utilized. We focused on research published or released since the start of 2020, primarily rapidly reviewed studies, to align with the timing of the pandemic. Early research suggests that the pandemic has worsened social isolation among older adults. Social isolation is now more urgent, as many seniors lost their usual connections due to social distancing. While these measures help to prevent virus exposure, this approach must be balanced with maintaining social connectedness. Thus, a “COVID-19 paradox” has emerged: safety protocols protect older adults but concurrently place them at risk of social isolation. Adapted approaches are urgently needed to safely address the consequences of a potential long-term social recession.
In Vivo Quasi-Elastic Light Scattering Eye Scanner Detects Molecular Aging in Humans and Mice
Authors: Parsons Douglas , Minaeva Olga , Sarangi Srikant , Ledoux Danielle , Moncaster Juliet , Clark John , Hunter David , Goldstein Lee
Published: December 2021

The absence of clinical tools to evaluate individual variation in the pace of aging represents a major impediment to understanding aging and maximizing health throughout life. The lens is an ideal tissue for quantitative assessment of molecular aging in vivo. Long-lived proteins in lens fiber cells are expressed during fetal life, do not undergo turnover, accumulate molecular alterations throughout life, and are optically accessible in vivo. We used quasi-elastic light scattering (QLS) to measure age-dependent signals in lenses of both healthy human subjects and wild-type C57BL/6 mice. Age-dependent QLS signal changes detected in vivo in humans and mice recapitulated time-dependent changes in hydrodynamic radius, protein polydispersity, and supramolecular order of human lens proteins during long-term incubation (~1 year) and in response to sustained oxidation (~2.5 months) in vitro. Our findings demonstrate that QLS analysis of lens proteins provides a practical technique for noninvasive assessment of molecular aging in vivo.
Long-Lasting Effects of the Pandemic on Older Adults’ Food Insecurity: The Urgent Need for Enhanced SNAP Benefits
Authors: Popham Lauren , Tavares Jane , Cohen Marc
Published: December 2021

Despite the start of COVID-19 pandemic recovery in the U.S., food insecurity remains at elevated levels with 10% of American adults reporting food insecurity nearly three times higher than pre-pandemic (Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey, June 2021). To gain insight into the long-term impacts of the pandemic on older adults, we examined food insecurity patterns during the last economic recession and the role that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) played in mitigating food insecurity and skipped meals. We analyzed data on adults age 60+ from the Health and Retirement Study, looking at the Great Recession (2008) as a predictor of what to expect in the next decade of pandemic recovery. A key finding was that food insecurity more than doubled among older adults during the Great Recession and remained elevated even 10 years later. Regression analyses showed that SNAP use among older adults weakened the relationship between poverty and food insecurity, but didn’t eliminate it—17% of older adults still reported food insecurity two years after enrolling in SNAP. The data indicates that a growing share of older SNAP users’ benefits have not kept up with rising food costs. In fact, 85% of beneficiaries had monthly benefit amounts below the USDA ‘Thrifty Plan” budget. Congress recently passed the American Rescue Plan which increases SNAP benefits temporarily, yet these enhancements are about to run out. This study underscores the need for permanent SNAP enhancements to help prevent long-lasting hunger facing millions of older Americans.
Research concerning the Care Planning by Care Managers in Home-Based Community Care Support Centers of Japan
Authors: Ayabe Takako , OKADA Shinichi
Published: December 2021

The research was conducted between February 9 and 28, 2017. The care management centers were randomly selected from the national list of the centers. The data were collected by self-administered questionnaires mailed to the care managers at 500 care management centers in six prefectures in the Kinki area of Japan. The independent variables were gender, age, experience years of care managers and/or social workers, Clients’ Physical and Mental conditions (CPM), Client’s Lifestyle (CL), Physical and Mental conditions of the Caregivers (PMC), and Human and Financial resources for Clients and their Caregivers (HFCC). The dependent of variables were the categorized contents in the care planning. They included the Approach for exploring Client’s needs (AC), Coordination among Care services within the program in accordance with the needs of client (CC), Coordination among Formal services and informal supports without the program in accordance with the needs of clients (CF). We examined the relationships between the dependent and independent variables by using the Structural Equation Modeling. The results indicated that the goodness of the fit indices was acceptable, and we retained the models. In correlational analyses, AC was significantly correlated with PMC (p<.01), CPM (p<.05), and CL (p<.001). CC was significantly correlated with PMC (p<.001), CPM (p<.001), and CL (p<.01). CF was significantly correlated with PMC (p<.05), HFCC (p<.05), and CL (p<.05). In conclusion, our findings suggest that care managers should recognize that　information concerning the clients’ and their caregivers’ conditions is significant in making appropriate care planning for the clients and their caregivers.
Roles of Social Isolation and Rurality on Functional Limitations in Older Adults Living in the US
Authors: Ligus Kaleigh , Bellizzi Keith , Rhee Greg
Published: December 2021

Social isolation is a growing problem among adults aged ≥65. Using 2019 data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) (n=4,603), we examined the associations of social isolation and rurality with functional limitations in US older adults. We hypothesized that rural older adults would report social isolation more than non-rural adults, and social isolation and rurality would have an interaction effect on difficulty in performing activities of daily living (ADLs). Stress buffering theory guided this research suggesting individuals who have greater social connections also have greater coping skills to buffer against health-related stress. We assessed rural and non-rural older adults’ social isolation (measured by a composite score of engagement in community activities and social connections) and difficulty in completing ADLs (e.g., difficulty in dressing, bathing, and eating in the past month). Our results supported one of the hypotheses that there were differing levels of social isolation among both rural and non-rural older adults. In both rural and non-rural groups, oldest-old (85+), non-White adults, those with poor health or had multiple comorbidities were significantly isolated or experienced severe isolation. These results support (1) the premise that specific demographic characteristics are associated with social isolation as well as (2) a growing body of research showing rural adults have unique characteristics that are protective against social isolation. Our findings are related to demographic predictors which could help target interventions toward specific at-risk groups. Policymakers and healthcare practitioners should be aware of risks for social isolation and prepare to discuss these issues.