bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PROMOTING AFHS FRAMEWORK WITHIN NURSING STAFF TRAINING CURRICULUM: NURSING HOME QUALITY IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE
Authors: Shnayder Oksana , Tewary Sweta , Pandya Naushira
Published: December 2023

The recent report by the Committee on the Quality of Care in Nursing Homes highlighted the limitations within nursing home facilities including neglect and abuse of their residents, high living costs and poor quality of life, lack of oversight, as well as nursing staff shortages and burnouts. With multiple challenges in sustaining the nursing home workforce, it is imperative to provide support and continued education to nursing home staff and nursing students on recent developments in evidence-based approaches to geriatric care including Age-Friendly Health Systems (AFHS) and dementia-friendly care. NSU SFGWEP conceptualized, designed, and delivered a modified geriatric curriculum to the nursing workforce at three distinct partner sites. The curriculum integrated eight training modules within the framework of AFHS and covers topics on each of the 4Ms: Matters Most, Mobility, Mentation, and Medication. The trainings are currently being delivered to the nursing home staff, nursing students, and to CNA students. The data on increase in education on AFHS and the 4Ms is being collected via a specifically designed survey which is administered electronically through mobile devices or via paper questionnaires. The survey responses are managed through REDCapTM, a secure web application for administering online surveys. An estimated 160 trainees have completed at least one training session and 38 trainees have submitted the feedback survey. Preliminary data on pre/post-training evaluations suggests an improvement in participants’ knowledge of the geriatric topic within AFHS and the 4Ms, proposing a sustainable training program for the nursing workforce to promote age-friendly care for older adults
BLOOD PRESSURE MEASURES ARE NOT CORRELATED WITH NIH TOOLBOX COGNITIVE BATTERY PERFORMANCE IN BLACK OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Moll Allison , Halter Colt , Adams Hannah , DiCerbo Loraine , Kavcic Voyko , Daugherty Ana , Woodard John , Giordani Bruno
Published: December 2023

Elevated blood pressure has been inconsistently associated with cognitive performance in older adults. Black adults experience higher rates of elevated blood pressure and cognitive impairment than White adults. This study investigated whether blood pressure measurements were associated with cognitive performance on the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB) in older Black adults. 77 older Black adults 65+ years of age (M=72.6, SD=4.9) with subjective cognitive decline were administered the NIHTB-CB, a battery of computer-based cognitive tests. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured before and after cognitive testing and a cognitive task-based EEG/ERP. Average SBP, DBP, and pulse pressure (PP) were calculated. Difference scores from pre- to post-EEG/ERP served as a reactivity index following cognitive task engagement. A ratio of the difference scores to the baseline measures controlled for resting blood pressure. Bayesian correlations examined the relations between blood pressure measurements and NIHTB-CB performance. Data analysis used fully corrected T scores from the NIHTB-CB subtests. Average SBP, SBP difference scores, and baseline SBP were not associated with NIHTB-CB performance on any measurement (all BF10 < 3.0). Similarly, DBP and PP were unrelated to NIHTB-CB performance. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were not associated with any NIHTB-CB measure. Additionally, blood pressure reactivity was not related to cognitive performance. Future research may investigate the relationship between SBP reactivity and cognitive performance across multiple measurement periods. Antihypertensive medication and duration of hypertension among hypertensive individuals may also be an important consideration in future studies.
COGNITIVE FUNCTION AND LIFE SATISFACTION IN LATER LIFE: IS EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING A PATHWAY?
Authors: McFeeley Brittany , Peng Changmin , Burr Jeffrey
Published: December 2023

Cognitive impairment and dementia represent major public health concerns globally. Life satisfaction measures capture an important element of subjective well-being in later life. This study examines the association between cognitive function and life satisfaction along with the mediating effects of loneliness and depression among older adults. While the study of life satisfaction and cognitive function have received considerable attention among gerontologists, we know relatively little about whether emotional well-being represents a pathway between cognitive function and life satisfaction. To address our research questions, we employed nationally representative data from the 2018 Health and Retirement Study, including information from the Leave Behind Questionnaire, focusing on community dwelling respondents aged 65 and older (N=3,173). Cognitive function is measured with the Telephone Interview for Cognition Status instrument and life satisfaction is based on the Diener Life Satisfaction Scale. Depression is measured by the number of depressive symptoms (CESD-8) and loneliness is based on the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Results from our linear regression models show that cognitive function is positively associated with life satisfaction (B=0.012, p=.028), while depressive symptoms (B=-0.261, p<.001) and loneliness are negatively associated with life satisfaction (B=-1.290, p<.001). Each measure of emotional well-being mediates the cognitive function-life satisfaction relationship, supporting our hypothesis. Future research based on longitudinal designs should evaluate whether other mediators help explain this relationship, including the structural and functional domains of social networks. Social network characteristics may combine with emotional well-being to provide an improved understanding of cognitive function and subject well-being.
FACTOR STRUCTURES OF THE KOREAN VERSION OF NEED FOR COGNITION SCALE SHORT FORM (K-NFC-S) AMONG KOREAN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Lee Juhyeong , Han Gaeun , Shin Yeonsoo , Kim Giyeon
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to examine the underlying factor structures of the Korean Version of Need for Cognition Scale Short Form (K-NfC-S) among older adults in South Korea. A nationally representative sample of Korean older adults aged 65 or older (N=2,281) was drawn from the 2020 Korean Media Panel Survey. After dividing the sample into two groups at random, both exploratory (N=1,117) and confirmatory (N=1,164) factor analyses were conducted respectively using SPSS 26.0 and AMOS 26. A model fit was assessed with the Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI), the comparative fit index (CFI), and the root-mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA). Results from the exploratory factor analysis revealed that K-NfC-S were divided into two domains. Factor I consisted of eleven positively worded items and Factor II consisted of four negatively worded items. However, in the confirmatory factor analysis, a single-factor model with correlated errors among the negatively worded items showed the best fit among the postulated models of K-NfC-S (TLI=.917, CFI=.934, RMSEA=.074). Consistent with previous findings, the results from the present study support a single dominant factor structure underlying responses to the K-NfC-S items among older adults in South Korea. The findings suggest that the two-factor structure identified from exploratory factor analysis may be an artifact of method effects associated with the negatively worded items included in the K-NfC-S.
MECHANISMS OF ATTENTIONAL CONTROL AND SUPPRESSION IN AGING
Authors: Senior Josh , Kim Andy , Mather Mara
Published: December 2023

Attentional control plays a crucial role in our daily lives by allowing our brains to selectively process relevant information while filtering out task-irrelevant distractions. Due to aging, older adults have demonstrated a heightened propensity to be more distractible. This decreased ability to regulate attention has been attributed to an inability to inhibit task-irrelevant salient stimuli. However, the specific mechanisms that underlie this age-related alteration remain unclear. In this study, we utilized a visual search paradigm that directly measures mechanisms of attentional suppression to test our hypothesis that older adults demonstrate reduced capabilities to suppress task-irrelevant information. Young adults (aged 18-35) and older adults (aged 50-80) were tasked to utilize goal-directed attentional control by fixating at a specific target shape. Critically, in some trials, individuals were exposed to a salient color shape that acted as a singleton distractor. While young adults show the ability to suppress attentional allocation to this salient distractor in this paradigm, we hypothesized that older adults would demonstrate attentional capture by this salient distractor. Our findings revealed that older adults made significantly fewer first-fixations towards the target, demonstrating a marked impairment with goal-directed attentional control. Surprisingly, older adults still made fewer fixations toward the distractor in comparison to non-targets, demonstrating that older adults sustained the ability to suppress irrelevant distractors. These findings raise important questions on the mechanisms that underlie increased distractibility in aging and oculomotor attentional control.
PROSPECTIVE EXPLORATION OF COMBINED INTERNALIZING SYMPTOMS ON SELF-REPORTED MEMORY DURING COVID-19
Authors: Carr Dawn , Sachs-Ericsson Natalie , Schmidt Brad , Schubert Frederick
Published: December 2023

A growing literature suggests depression and anxiety increase risk of cognitive decline. However, few studies have examined their combined effects on cognition, among older adults, especially during periods of high stress. Based on a sample of community dwelling older adults (N=576), we evaluated the effects of pre-pandemic anxiety and depressive symptoms, obtained in September 2018, to changes in self-reported memory (SRM) assessed 3 months into the COVID-19 pandemic. In separate models we found participants with depression scores at least 1-SD above the mean and participants with anxiety scores at least 2-SD above the mean to report a significant decline in SRM. Moderation analyses revealed those with high depressive symptoms (at or above the mean) showed a decrease in SRM regardless of anxiety. The extent to which high pre-pandemic anxiety symptoms influenced SRM is dependent on whether pre-pandemic depression was at or above the mean. Pre-pandemic depression predicted a decline in SRM regardless of anxiety. Moderation analyses revealed that the extent to which anxiety symptoms influenced SRM was dependent on depression being at or above the mean. Those with high anxiety and depression are at highest risk of experiencing cognitive consequences related to stressful exposures like COVID-19.
SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGISTS’ PRACTICE PATTERNS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN PARKINSON’S DISEASE
Authors: Neal Vanessa , Musson Nan
Published: December 2023

Cognitive impairment is common in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and can have significant impact on quality of life. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are qualified to treat cognitive impairment in PD, yet previous studies have shown SLPs tend to place greater focus on other impairment areas (e.g., dysarthria) and may lack confidence treating cognition. This study sought to better understand practice patterns in PD cognitive treatment among Veteran Affairs SLPs (N=14) participating in a national quality improvement project. Using a mixed-methods design, we examined SLPs’ use of formal assessments (e.g., standardized screening) and patient-reported outcome measures for cognition. We also examined SLPs’ clinical recommendations and perspectives toward providing cognitive services. Data was obtained using REDCap and semi-structured interviews. Results showed formal cognitive assessments were completed on 45% of patients (N=191) and patient-reported outcome measures were completed with 36% of patients. Of the patients formally assessed (n=86), 55 scored as having some degree of cognitive impairment and 17 were ultimately enrolled in cognitive treatment. The most common reasons SLPs provided for not treating cognition included: patient declining treatment, supportive home environment, needing further testing, or other medical needs (e.g., sleep management). Overall, results suggest cognitive management was a low priority among clinicians and patients. SLPs reported barriers to providing cognitive treatment included patient desire to participate and therapeutic time constraints when also providing speech and/or swallowing services. Further research is needed to increase integration of cognitive services into SLP treatment of PD and identify strategies to increase patient buy-in of cognitive treatment.
MEASURING MULTIGENERATIONAL NEIGHBORHOODS
Authors: Hyde Martin , Evans Elizabeth
Published: December 2023

There are growing concerns that societies are becoming more generationally divided and that this is having negative social consequences, such as increasing loneliness and social isolation. Residential age segregation as a key driver of this generational divide and there is worrying evidence that levels of residential age segregation have increased in the USA, UK and Europe. However, measures of age segregation have a number of methodological limitations: i) they only compare younger and older age groups and therefore overlook the wider generational mix in the neighbourhood; ii) different measures of young/older age groups are used in different studies, iii) different geographical scales, e.g. wards, districts, etc., are used in different studies and iv) measures are often at a high level of geographical aggregation, e.g. local authorities. To address these issues we have developed a new measure of multigenerational neighbourhoods, based on an ecological measure used to calculate biodiversity, for all neighbourhoods in England and Wales from 2011-2020. Our analyses shows that i) there is a low correlation between measures of age segregation and neighbourhood multigenerationality and ii) contrary to some findings on age segregation, the vast majority of people in England and Wales live in multigenerational neighbourhoods. However, some areas have seen a drop in multigenerationality, especially those in inner city and costal areas.
SAFEGUARDING IN THE INTERNET OF THINGS AGE: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF SECURITY AND PRIVACY RISKS FOR OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Saka Suleiman , Das Sanchari
Published: December 2023

The advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) has brought about a technological revolution that has transformed the way we live and interact with the world. IoT technology has the potential to enhance the quality of life for individuals, particularly older adults, by enabling them to access and control devices remotely. However, IoT technology also raises significant security and privacy concerns, especially for older adults, who are often less technologically savvy and more susceptible to cyber threats. This paper provides a systematic review of the literature related to IoT technology for older adults and identifies key gaps in the security and privacy of these technologies. Our review analyzed a total of 116 papers related to IoT for older adults and focused on 25 that met our criteria. We found that most of the research in this area focuses on the health and medical sector, where IoT technology can be used to monitor the health and well-being of older adults. However, our analysis revealed that there are significant gaps in the security and privacy of IoT technology for older adults. To address these gaps, we provide actionable recommendations for enhancing the security and privacy of IoT technology designed for older adults. Our recommendations include the development of user-friendly interfaces, the use of secure and reliable communication protocols, the incorporation of data encryption and anonymization, and the establishment of regulatory frameworks to ensure the protection of personal data.
EFFECTS OF CHILDCARE, WORK, AND CAREGIVING INTENSITY ON MALE AND FEMALE FAMILY CAREGIVERS
Authors: Kim Hansol , Beach Scott , Friedman Esther , Donovan Heidi , Schulz Richard
Published: December 2023

Objectives

The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System sampled 54,076 caregivers between 2015 and 2017 providing an opportunity to evaluate risk factors for poor mental and physical health among a representative sample of U.S. adult caregivers. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of childcare, work status, and intensity of caregiving among men and women caring for older adults (n = 17,271).

Methods

Controlling for sociodemographic factors, separate logistic regression analysis for women and men were carried out to assess the main and interaction effects of childcare, work status, and intensity of caregiving on number of poor mental and physical health days in the last month.

Results

Intensive caregiving demands had adverse effects on both women and men, but being in the workforce was beneficial to both men and women. Women with children at home reported adverse mental health effects but better physical health, while men with children at home reported adverse physical health effects. For women, the combination of not working, children in the household, and high-intensity caregiving were most detrimental to their mental health. Among men, those not working with children in the household, regardless of caregiving intensity, were at highest risk of adverse mental health effects.

Discussion

Our findings identify caregivers at high risk of adverse outcomes but also point to the need for more fine-grained analyses of how families negotiate the allocation of childcare, work, and caregiving responsibilities over time.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CUSTODIAL GRANDCHILDREN RECEIVING MENTAL HEALTH CARE ASSISTANCE
Authors: Montoro-Rodriguez Julian , Hayslip Bert
Published: December 2023

The number of grandparents caring for grandchildren has increased substantially over the past two decades. Grandparent caregivers experience strain and family vulnerabilities as they face challenging child-care responsibilities, less social support, and more adverse emotional and lifestyle changes. These challenges may influence the type of support they provide to their grandchildren, affecting their grandchildren’s health and access to supportive services. In this light, research suggests that rates of service use among grandchildren are low (37% and 51% for community and school-based services) with the grandchild’s externalizing symptoms and medical/psychiatric diagnoses being the strongest predictors of such use. This paper investigates the influence of grandparent and grandchild-related factors associated with a grandchild’s receiving mental health care assistance. We examine how grandchildren’s use of counseling services affects grandparent well-being and relationship quality with the grandchild. Guided by the Pearlin stress-outcome paradigm (1990), we used data from 239 grandparent caregivers (Mage = 58.06, SD = 8.17), wherein 80 grandchildren were receiving counseling mental care and 159 were not. Predictors of well-being and quality of grandchild/grandparent relationship outcomes were regressed on the use of the counseling services, stressors (health of grandparent and problem behaviors of grandchildren), and coping resources (resiliency, self-efficacy, social support) using a SEM model with AMOS. Results indicate good model fit (CFI = 0.968; TLI= 0.959; RMSE = 0.04). Findings suggested that grandchildren’s use of mental health services influences both the quality of the relationship and the well-being of the grandparent albeit through different coping resources (grandparent’s resilience and social support).
EXPLORING “LIVING WELL” FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS
Authors: Fazio Sam , Stratton Lauren
Published: December 2023

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disease; however, at the same time individuals living with dementia experience symptoms, they also want to live well with the disease. Although living well with dementia holds different meaning to different people, it generally includes some commonalities, such as maintaining autonomy and independence. To explore the concept of living well with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD), the Alzheimer’s Association gathered data from nearly 100 individuals living with dementia through focus groups and online surveys. Themes from the focus groups were revealed on living well, including being viewed as an individual (person-centered care), staying involved, and receiving multiple types of support to assist their well-being. Open-ended questions from the surveys illustrated additional themes related to living well, as well as on personal meaningfulness of disease modifying therapies including more time with loved ones and opportunities to be part of significant family events. Within these findings, an underlying theme emphasizing the importance of person-centered care and well-being arose. Further discussion will explore these interconnected concepts of living well, person-centered care, and well-being, specifically including the perspectives of individuals living with ADRD. In addition, these concepts can be utilized to tailor resources and support to better support individuals living with ADRD to live well. Lastly, the concept of living well in relation to the emergence of disease modifying therapies and how personal meaningfulness is just as important as clinical meaningfulness will also be explored.
LATENT CLASSES OF MULTIMORBIDITY AND ASSOCIATED CARE-RECEIVING CHARACTERISTICS FOR US OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Liu Mona , Nagel Corey , Chen Siting , Kaye Jeffrey , Allore Heather , Quiñones Ana
Published: December 2023

Older adults with different multimorbidity combinations require different intensities and types of care. This study aimed to identify subgroups of older adults based on their empirically-determined multimorbidity patterns, and used these to compare their care-receiving characteristics. Data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) in 2011 were utilized and ten chronic conditions were included to estimate latent classes among 7,532 individuals. A four-class solution was selected based on fit indices resulting in a relatively healthy (30%), cardiometabolic (25%), musculoskeletal (24%), and multisystem (21%) classes. The median number of caregivers was 2 for the multisystem class and 1 for the remaining three classes. Average total hours of care per month were 109.07 (SD=209.09), ranging from 94.43 (SD=168.71) for the relatively healthy class to 171.87 (SD=225.72) for the multisystem class. In assessing ADL and IADL domains of care received, the musculoskeletal class had the smallest proportion of people requiring care in all domains except for getting outside, dressing, and money management, even compared with the relatively healthy class. Substantially more people in the multisystem class required care in all domains except for money management. Sensitivity analysis using data from the refreshment cohort (NHATS 2015) corroborated the results. Results highlighted different care needs among persons with distinct combinations of multimorbidity, especially the vulnerability among people with multisystem multimorbidity and their caregivers. In addition, the findings called for further investigation into older adults characterized by musculoskeletal conditions to discern whether they had fewer care needs or more unmet needs.
NEIGHBORHOOD COHESION MODERATES THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN DEMENTIA STATUS AND SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING
Authors: Yoon Dokyung , Crimmins Eileen , Ailshire Jennifer
Published: December 2023

Neighborhood social cohesion may act as a protective factor against the negative effects of certain stressors associated with dementia status on subjective well-being. The current study aimed to investigate the moderating effect of neighborhood social cohesion on the relationship between dementia status and subjective well-being among older adults. The status of dementia was classified as either probable or possible, or as not having dementia. Data were drawn from the 1st round (2011) of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), a panel study of nationally representative Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older. The sample consisted of 5,407 community-dwelling older adults. A linear regression model indicated that dementia status was associated with a lower level of subjective well-being (b = -2.34, p < .001), while neighborhood social cohesion was associated with a higher level of subjective well-being (b = 1.04, p < .001). Furthermore, neighborhood social cohesion moderated the association between dementia status and subjective well-being (b = .67, p = .003). In older adults with probable or possible dementia, the relationship between neighborhood social cohesion and subjective well-being was observed to be stronger, as evidenced by a steeper slope. The findings of this study contribute to the growing body of evidence that emphasizes the crucial role of ties within one’s neighborhood in influencing subjective well-being. Building strong communities of individuals who rely on and trust one another may help alleviate the negative impact of probable or possible dementia on subjective well-being.
SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS AND LATER LIFE OUTCOMES IN UNEXPECTED DEMENTIA TRAJECTORIES
Authors: Yang Yulin , Luth Elizabeth
Published: December 2023

Dementia’s uncertain trajectory may complicate its relationship with social determinants of health—race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status—and put individuals who experience unexpected dementia trajectories (e.g., probable dementia at one point, no dementia at a future point) at increased risk of poorer outcomes. This study identifies dementia trajectories in longitudinal survey data, their association with socio-economic factors, and their relationship with later life outcomes. We analyzed weighted data for 9740 adults aged 65+ participating in ≥3 waves of the 2004-2016 Health and Retirement Study. After identifying 5 dementia trajectory patterns, we analyzed the association between sociodemographic factors and dementia trajectories using multinomial logistic regression. We analyzed the relationship between dementia trajectories, socio-economic factors, and three later life outcomes (hospitalization, nursing home admission, and advance care planning) using logistic and multinomial logistic regression. A small percentage (2.2%) of respondents reported an unexpected dementia trajectory. African American and Hispanic respondents and those with lower socioeconomic status had increased risk of unexpected dementia trajectories (vs. no dementia) (e.g., African American RRR: 3.67, 95%CI: 2.30-5.86, p= 0.000; Hispanic RRR: 1.89, 95%CI 1.08-3.30, p=0.26). Older adults with unexpected dementia trajectories had increased risk of nursing home admission (RRR: 4.13, 95%CI: 1.53-11.16, p=0.005), but not hospitalization or advance care planning. Policy and measurement development should proactively address systemic inequities linked to race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status that emerge in and result from dementia trajectory assessments and lived experiences. Interventions should attend to the needs of individuals with unexpected dementia trajectories with respect to institutionalization.
THE IMPACT OF ADS CLOSURES DURING COVID-19 ON PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA AND THEIR CAREGIVER
Authors: Girling Laura , Tucker Gretchen
Published: December 2023

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Adult Day Services (ADS), community-based programs that provide supervision, social support, and/or assistance with daily activities for clients, either temporarily or permanently terminated in-person services. Such closures left vulnerable older adults with dementia without vital services. To date, there is limited information exploring the nuances and impact of ADS closures on individuals with dementia and their care providers. To address this knowledge gap, data were drawn from an interview-based NIH-funded protocol that evaluated the experiences of informal and formal dementia care providers during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were filtered by the subsample (n=25) who provided care to an individual with dementia who participated in an ADS program. Analysis focused on all data coded “ADS,” which encompassed discussion pertaining to adult day programming. Content analyses indicated a range of themes including 1.accelerated cognitive and psychological decline, 2.engaging is precarious conduct, 3.increased caregiver burden (financial, physical, emotional), and 4.premature transitions to institutional care settings. Despite well intentioned efforts to shield the older adult population from harmful exposures during the height of the pandemic, ADS closures (both permanent and temporary) negatively impacted the health and welfare of an already vulnerable population and their caregivers. Findings add to the ongoing literature suggesting ADS and analogous supports should be classified as essential services and not face closure mandates during similar public health emergencies.
AGE DIFFERENCES IN PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AFTER MULTIPLE DISASTER EXPOSURES: EFFECT OF NEGATIVE COVID-19 IMPACTS
Authors: Chen Zhirui , Cong Zhen
Published: December 2023

This study examined how older adults differed from their younger counterparts in psychological distress following exposures to tornadoes and the COVID-19 pandemic; and how the multidimensional negative COVID-19 impacts contextualized the above age differences. Data used were from a two-wave panel study of tornado victims during the COVID-19 pandemic (N = 554). Latent class analysis was first conducted to explore the underlying patterns of negative COVID-19 impacts at T1 (October 2020-August 2021). Negative binomial regressions were performed to examine the age differences in psychological distress at T2 (May-August 2022), as well as the moderating effect of the identified latent classes, with baseline psychological distress and covariates controlled. Three latent classes were identified: class 1 “low overall impacts” (39.24%), class 2 “moderate overall impacts with high emotional distress” (47.71%), and class 3 “severe overall impacts” (13.05%). Individuals aged 65+ reported lower psychological distress at T1 relative to those aged 18-34, 35-49, and 50-64, and their advantages in mental health over people under 50 can be maintained over time. However, compared to people aged 18-34, 35-49, and 50-64, those aged 65+ reported the greatest increases in T2 psychological distress if they had experienced moderate or severe overall COVID-19 impacts at T1. These findings highlighted the resilience and vulnerability of older adults in post-disaster recovery. As the frequency and intensity of cumulative disasters increase across the globe, there is a pressing need for mental health interventions that are tailored to multi-disaster scenarios and age-related differences in long-term disaster recovery.
GRIEF FOLLOWING A COVID-19 DEATH
Authors: Thomas Karuna , Pachana Nancy , Silverstein Hannah , Kanofsky Chayna , Cho Hyun Jin , Carpenter Brian
Published: December 2023

The large number of deaths due to COVID-19 has resulted in a similarly high number of people experiencing grief. Attending to the needs of grieving individuals will be a critical public health issue for years to come. Moreover, the circumstances surrounding many COVID-19 deaths may contribute to more severe and protracted grief. The aim of this qualitative study was to learn about the social and psychological experiences of pandemic-related grief. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals who had lost someone close to them to COVID-19 (N = 25). Interview questions addressed circumstances surrounding the death, rituals and memorializations undertaken, and subsequent emotional consequences. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes and patterns. Participants described their grief as being highly personal and unique and only understood by others who had experienced a similar loss from COVID-19. They expressed significant distress at the circumstances surrounding the death, with many not having an opportunity to say goodbye. Their distress was amplified by a lack of closure due to limited rituals allowed during the pandemic. Participants also reported feeling invisible in their experience of loss and grief as they reflected on the overwhelmed healthcare systems during the height of the pandemic, comparison to the type of experience they would have had were it not for the pandemic, as well as feeling the world had moved on once pandemic restrictions were lifted. Taken together, these findings suggest unique grief experiences with COVID-19 and the need for targeted interventions from mental health practitioners.
RACIAL/ETHNIC DIFFERENCES IN IMPACTS OF COVID-19 ON PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Kim BoRin , Shin Esther , Baek Jihye
Published: December 2023

Covid-19 caused challenges to psychological well-being among older adults, but the impact may differ across various populations. The purpose of this study is to investigate racial/ethnic differences in psychological well-being among older adults during the first year of the pandemic, particularly focusing on mediating effects of different types of social support. Data came from the 2021 Health and Retirement Study (HRS), which includes a nationally representative sample of older Americans. Our sample was restricted to the respondents aged 65+ who participated in the 2021 HRS Perspectives on the Pandemic that focuses on the first-year pandemic experiences (N=4,656). We compared four racial/ethnic groups including white, black, Hispanic, and others. Psychological well-being was measured by the 12 questions on participants’ feeling during the first year of the pandemic (e.g., distressed, afraid, worried). Three distinct groups of help-receiving patterns were identified by latent class analysis: 1) no help, 2) intense help from kids, and 3) moderate help from diverse social relationships. Frequencies of in-person and not-in-person contacts with children or family were also included in our analysis. We found that Hispanic’s psychological well-being was the most negatively impacted by the pandemic (Coef.=0.687, p<.05) even after controlling for socio-demographic characteristics, physical and mental health. Our mediation analysis demonstrated that intense help from kids and less in-person contacts negatively mediated the association between Hispanics and their psychological well-being. This study shows that older Hispanics who had been known for strong family ties and support are at risk due to restricted social contacts during the pandemic.
RUMINATION IN DYADS DURING TIME OF UNCERTAINTY—DAILY LIFE ASSESSMENTS AFTER THE ONSET OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Garza Elizabeth Zambrano , Murphy Rachel , Ashe Maureen , Madden Kenneth , DeLongis Anita , Gerstorf Denis , Hoppmann Christiane
Published: December 2023

Rumination involves repetitive, self-oriented, negative thinking and is known to be detrimental to psychological well-being and health. However, little is known about the extent to which rumination is associated with well-being and health in close relationship partners in older age. Additionally, the pandemic was a time that was characterized by high stress, making it an important context to study rumination. Using daily diary data from 140 Canadian older adults plus a close other of their choice (59% spouses, M = 66.72 years, SD = 13.01 range: 18-87 years, 88% White, 62% women), this project builds on past evidence examining daily life rumination dynamics and extends it to a dyadic perspective beyond couples. For ten days, both dyad members provided evening ratings of daily rumination and affect quality. Multilevel models replicate individual level evidence that higher daily rumination was associated with more daily negative affect and less daily positive affect. Importantly, we also found partner effects such that more close others’ rumination was associated with elevated actors’ negative affect (b = 0.03, p = .038) and reduced actors’ positive affect (b = -0.04, p = .023), suggesting that it is not only one’s own rumination that relates to daily well-being, but also that of a close tie. Findings demonstrate the utility of taking a dyadic perspective on what is typically conceived as an individual-level phenomenon.
THE IMPACTS OF AGE AND PREPARATION INFORMATION ON PREPAREDNESS FOR PANDEMIC: A LATENT CLASS ANALYSIS
Authors: Chen Zhirui , Cong Zhen
Published: December 2023

This study examined the age differences in perceived and actual preparedness for a pandemic, as well as the moderating effect of preparation information. Data used was from 2021 FEMA National Household Survey (N = 6,305). Latent class analysis was first conducted to explore the typologies of the information respondents received about how to prepare for a pandemic based on eight indicators (e.g., basic survival, planning/preparation, testing, vaccines). With the adjustment of sample weights, four latent classes were identified: class 1 “insufficient information”, class 2 “information emphasizing disaster preparedness”, class 3 “information emphasizing disease preparedness”, and class 4 “comprehensive information”. Subsequently, the results of logistic regression and Poisson regression using sample weights showed that compared to those aged 60 and older, people aged 18-39 and aged 40-59 tended to perceive a lower level of preparedness but were more likely to engage in actual preparedness activities for a pandemic. Relative to those in “insufficient information” class, people in “information emphasizing disease preparedness” class and “comprehensive information” class were more likely to perceive a higher level of preparedness and take actual preparations for a pandemic. In terms of the interactions between age and preparation information, the gap narrowed between people aged over 60 and their younger counterparts in taking actual preparations if they were in “comprehensive information” class. These findings highlighted the age patterns in pandemic preparedness and the impacts of different preparation information strategies, which provided imperative implications for disaster preparedness education and communication campaigns.
UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE USE OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES BY OREGON ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENTS
Authors: Kim Minju , Tunalilar Ozcan , Carder Paula
Published: December 2023

COVID-19 has affected many aspects of daily life, including transportation. This study aims to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of transportation services by residents of assisted living communities in Oregon. Primary data about transportation service availability and use were collected from 721 AL communities using mailed questionnaires, before (winter of 2020) and during the pandemic (winter of 2022). To identify the impact of the pandemic on transportation use, we estimated a series of logistic regression models for trip purposes: medical appointments and social activities. Results show that the pandemic profoundly impacted transportation services, especially provided transportation services for access to social activities decreased from 77% to 68%, whereas access to medical appointments had not changed. The use of virtual visits allowed residents to remain connected with their loved ones while minimizing the risk of exposure to the virus. The findings of this study can help policymakers and transportation providers understand the impact of the pandemic on the mobility of individuals in community-based care settings. The results can also inform the development of strategies to improve transportation services and ensure the mobility of residents after the pandemic. Ultimately, the study can contribute to enhancing the overall quality of life for individuals in community-based care settings in Oregon.
APPLYING THE THERAPEUTIC LANDSCAPE MODEL TO IRISH MEN’S SHEDS
Authors: Heinz Melinda , Houghton Frank
Published: December 2023

Gesler’s (1993) introduction of the therapeutic landscape model considers whether environments positively contribute to the wellbeing of users of the space. The model includes both inner/meaning components that consist of 1) natural setting, 2) built environment, 3) sense of place, 4) symbolic landscape and 5) everyday activities and outer/society components of 1) beliefs and philosophies, 2) social relations/inequality and 3) territoriality. The purpose of this study was to explore how environments that older adults are engaged in (e.g., Irish Men’s Sheds) exemplify characteristics found in Gesler’s therapeutic landscape model. Interviews with Men’s Sheds participants aged 65+ (N = 37) were conducted in County Limerick, Ireland. After transcription, Braun and Clarke’s (2020) intuitive 6-step process for thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. Interviewee transcripts revealed that the social relations/inequality component of the therapeutic landscape model was most evident in the narratives. The men explained that it was important to create an inclusive space for all men to feel welcome and valued. For example, a participant said, “Some [members] are living on their own, maybe they’re lonely and they feel kind of unwanted…so, the shed has made a difference to them.” Another participant commented, “Every time someone walks into the gate, you’re enthusiastic that they’re here and you try to welcome them, but then you see what they have to offer. Everybody has something.” Future research should investigate how other environments that older adults engage in, embody components of Gesler’s therapeutic landscape model.
BACKWARD WALKING SPEED: A NOVEL MOBILITY MEASURE FOR YOUNGER AND OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Popelsky Braden , Ylitalo Kelly , Hockett Samuel
Published: December 2023

Mobility is fundamental to healthy aging. Forward walking speed (FWS) is a well-established measure of mobility, physical functioning, and fall risk but fewer studies have assessed backward walking speed (BWS). This study explored the relationship between FWS, BWS, and fall-related factors. Independently ambulatory, community-dwelling young adults (n=20; age: 22.9 years ±1.6) and older adults (n=19; age: 70.2 years ±6.2) completed forward and backward walking assessments on a 3.9 meter long instrumented pressure mat. Paper surveys assessed sociodemographic characteristics, fall history, and fear of falling using the Falls Efficacy Scale – International (FES). FWS, BWS, and directional difference percent change ((FWS-BWS/FWS)*100) were compared using independent sample t-tests, and simple linear regression was used to model the relationship between mobility measures and fear of falling. In the total sample (n=39), 23% of adults reported a fall in the previous 12 months. Compared to older adults, young adults exhibited significantly faster FWS (138.3 cm/sec ± 16.5 vs. 119.3 cm/sec ±23.4; p=0.006) and BWS (82.6 cm/sec ±18.2 vs. 63.8 cm/sec ±20.7; p=0.005). Males displayed a significantly lower mean directional difference percent change (39.4 ±11.4 vs. 47.4 ±11.1; p=0.034), than females. Among older adults, BWS was strongly and negatively correlated with FES scores (r=-0.58; p=0.009). BWS explained a greater proportion of variance in fear of falling compared to FWS (33.93% vs. 24.84%). BWS and directional difference in walking speed may be novel measures of physical functioning. Prospective studies should consider assessing BWS with future fall risk among older adults.
AGE DIFFERENCES IN PRIOR EXPERIENCES USED TO COPE WITH COVID-19 STRESSORS
Authors: Kurth Maria , Igarashi Heidi , Aldwin Carolyn
Published: December 2023

Despite increased physiological vulnerability to COVID-19 (CDC, 2022), older adults reported fewer mental health consequences than younger adults (APA, 2022). The ability to draw upon prior experiences may be a source for enhanced well-being in late life (Aldwin & Igarashi, 2016; Charles, 2010). Older adults reported various prior experiences and resources for coping with the COVID-19 pandemic (Galcia et al., 2021; Herron et al., 2021), but age differences were not examined. We collected online surveys from adults 50+ (N = 235; Mage = 71.35, SD = 7.39; 74% female; 92% White) between 04/28–05/04/2020. A directed content analysis guided application of pre-existing (Aldwin et al., 1996b) and novel codes to the 60% who responded to an open-ended question of which prior experiences informed coping with COVID-19 pandemic problems. The final coding scheme had 13 codes (Kurth et al., 2022; Krippdendrof ∝ = .82) grouped into three categories: similar experiences, adversity across the lifespan, and personal resources. No age differences emerged in likelihood of providing any of these responses between the midlife (51 – 64; n = 35), young-old (65 – 74; n = 141), and old-old groups (75+; n = 57). Further, there were no age differences in providing a response that fell into the similar experience, adversity across the lifespan, or personal resource categories, supporting the age and well-being hypothesis. Findings suggest that even when exposed to a chronic and uncontrollable stressor, older adults leveraged their advantage of past experiences and accumulated resources to inform coping strategies.
AN EVALUATION OF REIMAGINE AGING: A NEW THEORY-BASED PROGRAM TO REDUCE INTERNALIZED AGEISM
Authors: Murphy Dallas , Porter Michelle , Mackenzie Corey
Published: December 2023

Over the lifespan individuals may internalize ageist beliefs and as they enter older age, direct them towards themselves. This internalized ageism has many deleterious effects. Despite this, few theory-based interventions have attempted to decrease internalized ageism. As such, a six-week online program was developed including education, acceptance and commitment therapy, and attributional retraining to target mechanisms of change (psychological flexibility, mindfulness, perceived control, and empowerment). The six 90-minute sessions consisted of recorded videos, and discussion groups, with during and between-session activities also being part of the program. To evaluate the feasibility of this intervention, a sub-sample of 81 program participants (58 – 85 years old, 92% female) were sent an online questionnaire following each session. Each session received between 77 and 80 responses. Results were overwhelmingly positive. On a scale of 1 (not very useful) to 5 (very useful), roughly two-thirds (65%) rated the program as a whole very useful. Items participants felt the most important to learn included ageism information, acceptance and commitment therapy tools, and reimagining what it means to age well. Participant’s opinion on what they liked most about the program varied. Among others, common aspects identified were the informational videos, the activities, and the discussion groups. Roughly 81% of participants indicated that they completed the between-session activities, and 79% completed bonus activities. The vast majority indicated the program changed their views on ageism and/or internalized ageism. Going forward, we will evaluate this program’s ability to decrease internalized ageism, and the processes by which it achieves this.