bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ageist Communication Experienced by Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Chasteen Alison , Tagliamonte Sali
Published: December 2020

Despite the prevalence of ageism, relatively little is known about specific aspects of ageism experiences. In the present study, middle-aged and older adults described their experiences of ageism as part of an interview. Their descriptions were coded for the domain in which the ageist act occurred, the perpetrator of the act, and what type of ageist act occurred. A majority of participants indicated that they had been the target of an ageist act, with those acts occurring most commonly in the public sphere. Consistent with this finding, perpetrators of ageist acts were most often strangers. Ageist comments most often involved age-based social or physical assumptions about the target. Together, these findings suggest that there is a lack of norms prohibiting ageist communication in public spheres.
Comparison of Coping Strategies and Resilience Among White, Non-White, and Asian Older Adults in San Francisco
Authors: Gupta Rashmi , Pillai Vijayan
Published: December 2020

There has been a substantial increase in research on coping strategies/resilience in later life in the last decade (Moos, et al., 2006). However studies exploring the differences in coping strategies/resilience in later life among various ethnic groups such as Whites, non-Whites and Asians are few. The purpose of this study is to explore the similarities and differences in coping strategies/resilience among a diverse group of 30 older adults age 65 and above. A purposive sample of older adults was recruited from a local senior center and fitness program in the West coast. A questionnaire was developed with open ended questions. We conducted face to face interviews with seniors. Results indicated that there were similarities in terms of coping/resilience strategies among various ethnic groups in that they relied primarily on friends for support. The sample respondents were living in their own homes and were physically active, despite health issues.
Asking What Matters Is What Matters to Hospitalized Older Adults
Authors: Rompala Vikki , Emery-Tiburcio Erin , Guerrier Carline
Published: December 2020

The 4Ms of an Age-Friendly Health System place What Matters at the center of optimal care for older adults. Nurses at Rush have asked every medical inpatient What Matters early in their hospital stay since May, 2018. Responses were recorded in tablet software and on patient room white boards. What Matters responses recorded electronically were stratified by age and ethnicity. Qualitative data analysis of responses (n=660) was conducted using In-Vivo software by three raters. Themes in responses include: going home; comfort, including pain control and breathing more easily; effective staff/patient communication; compassionate care; and mobility. Patient satisfaction data for the first year showed an average 2.6% increase in satisfaction in nurses listening to the patient, and average 3.6% increase in satisfaction in nurses explaining things in an understandable way. Both increases were statistically significant. Implications of this practice for health systems improving age-friendly care will be discussed.
The Relationship Between Female Labor Supply and Caregiving Over the Life Cycle
Authors: Aughinbaugh Alison
Published: December 2020

I examine the effects of caring for others on female labor supply over the life-cycle using a fixed effect model. The data come from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 (NLSY79), which collects information about the care of each child during his first three years and the care provided to household members during a woman’s 50s. The NLSY79 data show that women’s labor supply drops around the time a child is born and then rises, with over 50 percent working by time their children reach age 2. In addition, these data show that during their 50s, about 9 percent of women provide care to someone living in their household and that these female caregivers spend about 40 hours per week providing care. Time spent in caregiving may affect time in the labor force, and hence the ability to invest in a career and accumulate work experience and wage growth.
Disaster Stressors and Psychological Well-Being After a Flood
Authors: Cherry Katie E , De Vito Alyssa , Calamia Matthew , Elliott Emily
Published: December 2020

Hurricanes and floods have mental health consequences for younger and older adults alike. In August of 2016, historic flooding in Baton Rouge, Louisiana resulted in billions of dollars in damages. In this study, we compared 223 mostly middle-aged and older adults on mental health indicators. The majority of the sample (n = 137) were non-coastal residents and the remainder (n = 86) were former coastal residents who had permanently relocated inland after catastrophic losses in the 2005 Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Multiple regressions confirmed elevations in symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress for both adults with flood damage in 2016 and also those who doubly flooded in 2016 and 2005. Age had a protective effect for symptoms of depression and worry. Prior lifetime trauma was a risk factor for depression. Implications of these data for understanding age-related vulnerabilities after multiple disasters are discussed with suggestions to strengthen post-disaster resilience.
The Relationship Between Housing, Life-Course Transitions, and Old Age Social Exclusion: A Cross-Country Analysis
Authors: Wanka Anna , Anna Urbaniak , Walsh Kieran , Oswald Frank
Published: December 2020

The international literature presents growing evidence of the impact of life transitions in older age on experiences of social exclusion, and place in general and as well as housing in particular potentially play a mediating role in this interrelation. However, the specific mechanisms through which the older adult place relationship mediates exclusionary outcomes of life-course transitions remains poorly understood in the study of ageing. This contribution investigates how older adults’ relationship to their home is interlinked with life-course transitions and old-age social exclusion. To do so, we present case studies from three different countries (Germany, Ireland and Poland), focusing on the individual experiences of retirement and bereavement, and analyze them by drawing on the concepts of the person-environment exchange processes of agency and belonging. Finally, we draw conclusions about how spatial agency and belonging can protect and empower older people at critical junctures in their lives.
Transitioning Into Retirement and the Meaning of Home: A Qualitative Study Among the Younger Old in Sweden
Authors: Kylén Maya , Löfqvist Charlotte , Haak Maria , Iwarsson Susanne
Published: December 2020

Housing is the main spatial context for aging, important for well-being, a sense of identity and independence in daily life. Yet, as people grow older housing needs change and knowledge about how people reason about their future home when they enter retirement age is lacking. This qualitative study presents findings that explored meaning of home and health dynamics in the present and in a projected future among community-living people aged 67 – 70 years. Findings suggest that the home becomes progressively important after retirement. Not only the immediate home environment but also local neighborhoods influence perceptions about home. Home brings emotional and social benefits but also worries about how to cope with complex home ambivalence when reflecting upon future housing arrangements. The findings highlight the importance of considering perceived aspects of home and could be used to raise awareness among policymakers, housing authorities and professionals involved in housing-related counselling.
Prosocial Behavior and Contributors to Older Adults’ Well-Being in Daily Life
Authors: Nakamura Jeanne , Tse Dwight
Published: December 2020

This symposium reports findings from a national experience-sampling study of 165 older adults (mean age=71, range=60-88 years) who are heavily involved in prosocial activity, contributing to their communities as leaders or high-commitment volunteers in social-purpose organizations. Gerontological research has linked prosocial activity to a set of positive outcomes for the older adults who engage in it (e.g., better health and reduced mortality), including global measures of well-being such as life satisfaction. However, little is known about the contributors to these individuals’ momentary well-being. Four presentations address this gap in knowledge. In the first presentation, Dwight Tse revisits the concept of successful aging as a within-person variable with day-to-day variations. Experience sampling data revealed great variations in successful aging indicators, and successful aging was associated with better well-being as hypothesized. In the second presentation, Ajit Mann extends beyond general control beliefs and explores the diversity in distribution of control beliefs across various daily activities (e.g., active leisure, prosocial activity, socializing, etc.), in addition to investigating the relationship between later life control diversity and subjective well-being. In the third presentation, Kelsey Finley explores Aristotle’s concept of the golden mean (an ideal state between deficiency and excess) for the number of hours spent in prosocial work on momentary well-being outcomes. In the fourth presentation, Jeanne Nakamura examines the relationship between global meaning in life and meaningful engagement in the moment, illuminating variation in this relationship through a comparison of the prosocial leaders and high-commitment volunteers.
Momentary Successful Aging Indicators and Their Short-Term and Long-Term Covariates
Authors: Tse Dwight , Finley Kelsey , Vrooman Katherine
Published: December 2020

Studies on successful aging have conceptualized it as a between-person construct, meaning that people’s aging process is seen as more or less successful than others’ across contexts. This study examines within-person, moment-to-moment successful aging indicators, such as (absence of) physical pain, good physical and cognitive functioning, and active engagement in social and productive activities, and their relations to one-time well-being indicators (affective balance, psychological needs satisfaction, meaning in life, and satisfaction with life) at the time and one year after. Multilevel modeling on experience sampling data revealed that successful aging varied substantially (over 50% total variances) within-person and was positively associated with well-being. This study illustrates the utility of momentary successful aging indicators and advocates for a more nuanced understanding besides a simple classification of older adults undergoing “successful” or “normal” aging processes.
Creating an Age-Friendly Workplace for Older Workers and Employers
Authors: Hollis-Sawyer Lisa
Published: December 2020

Despite the clear aging trends in the U.S. and global population (e.g., World Health Organization, 2015), there has been a lack of “age audit” tools to evaluate the age-friendliness of workplace environments to facilitate older adults’ positive mental/cognitive health, physical health, social/interpersonal health, and general aging adaptation. The present study did a review of the literature and audit tools across several disciplines (psychology, gerontology, kinesiology, anthropometry, audiology, vision science, human resources management, architecture, and social factors engineering) regarding the assessment and design issues underlying “age-friendliness” in the workplace. Further, the present research pilot-tested a new audit tool in two organizations (educational, industrial). The researcher, in coordination with two independent raters, conducted a content analysis of the different peer-reviewed articles and books across several disciplines and available age audit tools/approaches to identify: (1) current practices in age-friendliness assessments (e.g., “user-friendliness” of audit tools for practitioners), (2) potential biases/limitations in age assessments (e.g., “decline/decrement” aging perspective), and (3) “gaps” in evaluations to create a more holistic evaluation approaches. The following conclusions were made: (1) most assessments focused on one factor of functioning (e.g., psychomotor capability), (2) existing tools are limited in options and functionality for daily assessments, (3) most focus on decline and limitations in functioning, and (4) need to design multi-sensory, multi-function assessments reflecting an integrated and coordinated system of sensory, psychomotor, social, and cognitive performance. A holistic model of the outcomes for workplace design “fit” interventions to create more aging-friendly workplaces based upon pilot test results will be presented.
Exploring Employment Trend and Relationship With Individual and Family-Related Factors in 65 or Older Koreans
Authors: Ryou Yeonji , Yeonji Ryou
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study is to identify the trend of the employment status in 65 years or older adults who reside in South Korea and to explore the relationship between the status of employment and individual and family-related factors. This study utilized 10-year and 6-wave secondary data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (KLoSA). The original panel sample is a random sample of 10,254 adults who are 45 or older, but for the aim of this study, the participants younger than 65 years were excluded. The number of samples in each wave is different, ranging from 4,013 to 4,335 due to the death of the participant, the rejection of additional interviews, and the refreshment participant collected in Wave 5. The findings indicate that the absolute employment of the people aged 65 or older and the proportion of working people among those have increased over the past decade. In this study, it is also found that there is a close relationship between employment status and individual factors such as gender, educational background, health condition, region, etc. Moreover, the results suggest that there are various facets of the relationship between employment status and family-related factors including whether living with children, the number of the member whom I help with daily activities, the total amount of financial support from/to children/parents/other family or whether participating social activities, etc. The implications of the need for employing the older population and the consideration family-related factors in the policy-making process in Korea are discussed.
The Role of Peer Specialists in Engaging Aging Adults in Recovery and Wellness Behaviors
Authors: Peeples Amanda , Wray Laura
Published: December 2020

Peer specialists are individuals who have a lived experience with a mental health condition and who have received formal training to provide peer support and services to others. This symposium will examine the role of peer specialists in supporting aging adults’ recovery, quality of life, health behaviors, and health outcomes. Peer specialists have increasingly been integrated as formal service providers in health care systems in a wide variety of settings. In the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), over 1,110 Veterans work as peer specialists across the country. Findings from both VHA and community studies will be presented. First, Amanda Peeples will present findings from a mixed-methods evaluation study on the implementation of peer specialists to primary care teams in the VHA. Next, Anjana Muralidharan will present on the role of peer specialists in promoting health and wellness among aging veterans with serious mental illness using data from three VHA studies on peer-led interventions. Finally, Karen Fortuna will present on PeerTECH, a digital peer support self-management intervention that teaches older adults with mental health conditions how to co-manage psychiatric illness and chronic health conditions. Together, these three presentations will explore the ways in which “peerness” is defined in different populations and in diverse contexts. Laura Wray, geropsychologist and Executive Director of the VHA Center for Integrated Healthcare, will serve as discussant. She will comment on the role of peer specialists in supporting the recovery and wellness of aging persons in VHA and beyond.
Loneliness and Patterns of Health Service Usage: Evidence From Healthy Ageing in Scotland
Authors: Douglas Elaine , Bell David
Published: December 2020

Loneliness is associated with poorer health status and health outcomes. Yet, little is known about how loneliness in ageing populations is associated with health service usage. Loneliness (UCLA-3) was measured in older people in Scotland (Healthy Ageing in Scotland, HAGIS, n = 1,057). We analysed socio-demographic, perceived health, and health behaviour characteristics using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. The survey data (HAGIS, 2016/17) were linked to retrospective administrative health data to investigate patterns of health service usage (from 2005), such as the number of hospital visits and mean length of stay, and their associated costs. Two-part models were used to highlight variation i) in those who had ever vs never been admitted to hospital, and ii) between those who had been admitted. Our results highlight the variation in hospital service usage in those experiencing loneliness and opens discussion on the implications for older people and hospital services.
Children Raised by Grandparents or Nongrandparents: Which Have Greater Odds of High Academic Performance?
Authors: Shovali Tamar , Bright Melissa , Emerson Kerstin
Published: December 2020

There is a 19-fold greater likelihood that children removed from parental care will be raised by a grandparent than any other caregiver. Theorists and practitioners highlight the importance of monitoring academic progress to understand the benefits of at-risk youth living in grandfamilies. Using a nationally representative dataset we examined academic performance for children in three caregiver (N = 814) categories: Grandparent (73.1%), Foster parent (12.7%), Other (nonfoster, nonkin/nonfoster; 14.2%), with significance testing across groups. Children were between 6-17 years with grandfamilies and foster families caring for significantly younger children compared to the “other” group. Overall, 76% of children were reported to have high academic performance in math and 79.6% had high academic performance in reading/writing. Grandparents were caring for a significantly higher proportion of non-Hispanic White children with statistically significantly higher reported academic performance in math and reading/writing compared to nongrandparents. Logistic regression model A showed for both foster parent (AOR 0.57, CI: .35-.91) and other (AOR 0.55, CI: .35-.86) caregiver groups were significantly negatively correlated with high math performance compared to grandparents. Model B showed the same statistically significant and negative relationship to reading/writing performance outcomes for foster parent (AOR 0.56, CI: .02-.35) and other (AOR 0.51, CI: .01-.32) caregivers compared to grandparents. Controlling for relevant caregiver and child variables both models suggest that children living with grandparents have 55% greater odds of high academic performance compared to children raised by nongrandparents. Findings support placement of children with grandparents. Supporting grandfamilies with appropriate social services will be reviewed.
Factors Related to Family Caregivers Quitting Their Work
Authors: Shirasawa Masakazu , Takemoto Yoshihito , Masuda Kazutaka , Hata Ryousuke
Published: December 2020

As the working population declines in Japan, preventing family caregivers from quitting their work has become a government priority. Approximately 100,000 people leave their jobs annually because of caregiving obligations. The present study examines the reasons behind caregivers’ resignation and the factors that prevent caregivers from quitting. In January 2018, 3,000 sites were randomly selected from care management institutions nationwide. Surveys were conducted by mail, first with one care manager from each institution, then with an elderly person requiring long-term care and who had a family caregiver overseen by that same manager. The second survey was contingent on the response to the first. A total of 1,719 valid responses were received in the first survey (response rate: 57.3%), and 594 in the second survey (response rate: 34.6%). The surveys found that 21.2% of family caregivers quit their jobs. Caregivers also quit their hobbies (23.6%), neighborhood associations (7.2%), and stopped volunteer activities (5.4% ). Eight items from the survey of people requiring long-term care and who were supported by their family caregivers, and 5 items from the survey of care managers were analyzed in binomial logistic regression analysis with continuation of work (yes/no) as the dependent variable. Caregivers are less likely to continue working if they are older and their dependents require extended care, and more likely to continue working if they and their dependents are satisfied with the care manager. Care managers could therefore play a crucial role in allowing caregivers to find a better balance between caregiving and work.
Older African Americans' Experience of the Opioid Crisis
Authors: Rainer Sharon
Published: December 2020

In 2017, over 1200 Philadelphians died from opioid overdoses and an estimated 50,000 -70,000 people in the city are addicted to opioids. The opioid crisis is a family crisis that touches all communities affecting those using opioids, their family members, and the community. As policymakers develop responses to the opioid crisis, a multigenerational perspective is critical. With much published on the opioid crisis, there remains little understanding of older adult’s perceptions or experiences to this public health emergency. Older adults bring a unique voice. They are grandparents, parents, opioid users, and people living with chronic pain and/or addictions. Center in the Park (CIP), a nationally accredited senior center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania sought to understand older African Americans’ perceptions of the opioid crisis and how their experiences inform senior center programming. CIP leadership sought a community partnership with Thomas Jefferson University College of Nursing to respond to what some in their community called “a domino effect” of the opioid crisis. Using a Community-Based Participatory Research Model rooted in humanistic research theory, a qualitative study was designed. Three focus groups (n29) were convened. All focus group recordings were transcribed and checked for accuracy. An iterative axial coding process was used. All transcripts were coded using the qualitative software program NVivo12. Findings suggest older adults are concerned about younger generations and addictions. In addition, older adults lack knowledge of the use and safety of opioids and have a general mistrust of the medical community to adequately limit the opioid epidemic.
Understanding Nursing Home Responses to Minnesota’s New Value Based Reimbursement System
Authors: Hass Zachary , Abrahamson Kathleen , Xu Dongjuan , Cooke Valerie
Published: December 2020

Even though Value Based Reimbursement (VBR) systems for nursing homes (NH) continue to expand, we have little understanding of how NH respond to VBR. In 2016, Minnesota passed VBR legislation for NHs that increased care-related funding and tied increases to a facility’s composite quality score. While care-related expenditures increased with VBR, the incentive for quality did not work as intended. We investigated the differential responses of facilities in their care-related expenditures and quality scores. Data were derived from cost reports and quality measures for the years 2013-2017 from 300 free-standing Minnesota NHs. Latent Class Growth Analysis was used to cluster facilities by their joint care-related cost and quality score trajectories over the period. Three interpretable trajectory clusters emerged: medium-to-high cost and medium-to-high quality (n=172), low cost and medium-to-high quality (n=54), and low cost and low quality (n=74), all during the pre-VBR period. In all three clusters cost rose significantly with VBR, but only in the low cost and low quality cluster did quality also rise significantly. The quality improving cluster had the highest percentage of government-owned and rural facilities as well as the largest annual increase in care related spending. The medium-to-high cost and medium-to-high quality cluster had the highest concentration of urban facilities (Twin City Metro Area) and were the most likely to be non-profit and chain owned. Although the new VBR system appeared effective in achieving its goals for a subset of facilities with lowest cost and quality, the majority of facilities increased care-related costs without improved quality.
A Systematized Review of UTI Management Protocol for Long-Term Care Residents
Authors: Arora Akanksha , Little N Ruth Gaskins
Published: December 2020

Clinical acuity for the elderly population has significantly intensified. This population is at heightened risk of infection, especially urinary tract infections (UTIs). Urinary tract infections exist as a clinical leviathan in the long-term care (LTC) industry and, despite its high prevalence rates, there exists a dearth of research on management protocol. The following review aims to summarize the current literature, identify, and comparatively analyze the current UTI management guidelines among LTC residents to guide provider leadership development of standards to prevent UTIs. The Joanna Briggs Institute’s approach to systematic reviews was implemented to search the following databases: ProQuest, PubMed, CINAHL, and MEDLINE. 538 citations were assessed, with 32 articles included in the review. Inclusion criteria comprised of clinical trial studies, a time frame of 2005 to current, and no restriction on the study country/region. Key results were collected and analyzed using a data extraction tool. Study findings show that consistent protocols are not followed by licensed staff to prevent, diagnose, and treat UTI’s among the elderly residing in long term care facilities. Inappropriate use of antibiotics is problematic due to the lack of specific practice guidelines for testing, diagnosis and, treatment. Studies implementing (1) successful clinical management strategies (i.e. antibiotic initiation, urinalysis frequency) and (2) facility administrative strategies (i.e. incontinence nurse specialist, DON/nurse leadership education) are needed to establish gold standard practice guidelines for the LTC industry.
Advanced Practice Clinicians Providing an Increased Share of Primary Care in Skilled Nursing Facilities, 2008-2016
Authors: White Elizabeth , Kosar Cyrus , Rahman Momotazur
Published: December 2020

Rising care complexity in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), coupled with growing shortages of geriatricians and other primary care physicians able to see SNF patients, have increased demand for nurse practitioners and physician assistants (NP/PAs). We used 2008-2016 Medicare Part A and B claims and nursing home assessment data to describe longitudinal trends in NP/PA practice in SNFs. We identified 8,877,094 SNF post-acute primary care visits for 1,494,113 Medicare beneficiaries. The total number of visits increased from 850,285 in 2008 to 1,189,553 in 2016. The share of visits by NP/PAs rose significantly over time, from 24% of visits in 2008 to 43% in 2016. 71% of SNFs (n=10,139) used NP/PAs in 2016, up from 46% (n=6,696) in 2008. The number of NP/PAs practicing in SNFs more than doubled, from 4,472 clinicians in 2008 to 10,000 in 2016. The number of physicians practicing in SNFs declined from 26,297 in 2008 to 19,745 in 2016. NP/PAs represented 14% of all SNF medical providers in 2008 and 34% of providers in 2016. In 2016, 48% of NP/PAs were SNFists (i.e. >90% of visits billed in SNF), vs. only 11% of physicians. SNFs with NP/PAs are on average larger, more likely urban, for profit, and care for larger populations of racial minorities, than SNFs without NP/PAs. SNFs with NP/PAs also have more short-stay Medicare residents, more admissions, higher nurse and rehab staffing levels, and higher case mix. These findings show that NP/PAs are taking on increasingly prominent roles as medical providers in SNFs.
Cognitive Health in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island: Findings From the Healthy Aging Data Reports
Authors: Chunga Richard , Jansen Taylor , Lee Chae Man , Wang Shuangshuang , Wang Haowei , Silverstein Nina , Porell Frank , Dugan Beth
Published: December 2020

Over time persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) have impaired health, lower quality of life, and increased mortality compared to those without AD. This study describes state and community rates of Alzheimer’s disease, self-rated cognitive difficulty, and the % of the population age 85+ in three New England states (MA, NH, RI). Data sources were the American Community Survey (2009-2013 RI, 2012-2016 MA/NH) and the CMS Medicare Current Beneficiary Summary File (2012-2013 RI, 2015 MA/NH). Small area estimation techniques were used to calculate age-sex adjusted community rates for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), self-reported cognitive difficulties, percentage of older adults 85 years or older, and the percentage of adults age 65+ living alone. State rates (range) were: AD: RI 14.4% (8-23%), MA 13.6% (6-19.31%), and NH 12% (5.49-33.51%). Self-reported cognitive difficulty: MA 8.3% (0-25.16%), RI 7.8% (2-18%), and NH were 6.9% (0-34.21%). Adults 85 years and older: RI 17.6% (6-24%), MA 15.2% (0-32.23%), and NH 12.9% (0-27.91%). Living alone: RI 30.4% (12-45%), MA 30.2% (6.25-50%), and NH 26.1% (6.13-72.55%). While there was significant variation across states, Rhode Island had the highest state rate of ADRD, older adults 85 and older, and percentage of older adults living alone. Within-state disparities among AD rates, cognitive difficulties, and living alone was highest in NH, but MA had the largest variation for community rates of adults 85+. Understanding the prevalence of brain health is important to policy and practice efforts to promote age-friendly communities. This research was supported by the Tufts Health Plan Foundation.
2-deoxy-D-Glucose-(2-DG) Prevents Pathogen Driven Acute Inflammation and Associated toxicity
Authors: Pandey Sanjay , Anang Vandana , Singh Saurabh , Bhatt Anant Narayan , Natarajan K , Dwarakanath B S
Published: December 2020

Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) associated with viral and bacterial infections trigger multiple inflammatory pathways which may result in oxidative stress driven toxicity, tissue fibrosis organ dysfunction and ageing. Inflammatory events need high energy demands and predominantly depends on the glycolysis. Thus, energy metabolism of the inflammatory events can be targeted to reducing the magnitude of the PAMPs driven inflammation and preventing tissue toxicity. Here we propose that 2-DG, a glycolytic inhibitor, and a potential Energy Restriction Mimetic agent (ERMA) can modulate inflammatory events and can prevent the development of acute as well as chronic pathology. For this study we induced LPS (bacterial PAMP) induced endotoxemia in mice which models infection associated inflammatory acute inflammatory events, tissue damage and organ dysfunction. 2-DG fed mice (0.4% w/v in drinking water) showed reduced LPS driven oxidative stress and capillary damage in lungs. Administration of 2-DG also reduced LPS induced spike in inflammatory cytokines (TNF, IL6 and IL1β) in the BALF and serum. Lungs of 2-DG fed mice showed lesser infiltration of inflammatory cells and reduced inflammatory signaling activation. 2-DG also downregulated the ex-vivo and in-vivo migration of the PMNCs. Furthermore, 2-DG also reduced the activation of the macrophage cells (RAW264.7) which was seen with reduction and the glycolysis and increased mitochondrial functions. Our data suggest that 2-DG administration as ERMA in drinking water can prevent pathogenic exposure driven inflammatory events which may prevent acute as well as chronic inflammatory disorders.
A DNA Damage Response-Independent Mechanism for Telomere Shortening-Elicited Age-Related Pathologies
Authors: Stock Amanda , Wang Kun , Sun Chongkui , Liu Chengyu , Gong Yi , Liu Yie
Published: December 2020

Telomere attrition is associated with telomeropathies and age-related pathologies. In telomeropathies, telomere uncapping induces a DNA damage response (DDR) that drives apoptosis or senescence. However, a defined mechanism by which telomere attrition contributes to other age-related pathologies has not been determined. Telomere integrity is maintained by shelterin, a six-protein complex. Rap1 is the only shelterin member that is not essential for telomere capping but engages non-telomeric DNA and regulates gene transcription. We hypothesized that non-telomeric Rap1 accumulation could contribute to age-related pathologies in a DDR-independent manner. To test this, we used CRISPR/Cas9 editing to generate a Rap1 mutant mouse model in which Rap1 at telomeres is prevented, leaving only non-telomeric Rap1. Indirect immunostaining showed no differences in telomere dysfunction-induced DDR foci in Rap1 mutant compared to wild-type primary fibroblasts. Cell fractionation/western blotting of fibroblasts from Rap1 mutants demonstrated decreased Rap1 expression and Rap1 re-localization off telomeres, which mimics the same alteration of Rap1 in human cells with telomere attrition. Rap1 mutant mice exhibited increased body weight and altered metabolic and immune-response transcripts in various tissues, indicating that altered transcription could account for some of the observed phenotypes related to telomere attrition. In conclusion, telomere shortening may facilitate non-telomeric Rap1, which alters gene transcription and drives metabolic and immune dysfunction in a DDR-independent manner.
Communication in Home Care: The Experiences of Formal Caregivers in Communicating with Persons Living with Dementia
Authors: Kamalraj Pabiththa , Savundranayagam Marie , Orange J B , Kloseck Marita
Published: December 2020

There is limited literature on formal caregivers’ communication with persons living with dementia (PLWD) in home settings. Most research comes from studies of long-term care home settings or informal home care contexts. Yet, there are expected needs and rising demands for formal caregiver support within home care. The aim of this study was to understand better the lived experiences of personal support workers (PSWs) regarding their communication with PLWD in home settings. A hermeneutic phenomenological approach guided this research. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 PSW participants. Three major themes were identified through thematic analysis: (1) challenged by dementia-related impairments; (2) valuing communication in care; and (3) home is a personal space. PSWs experienced difficulties in their communication with PLWD despite recognizing the importance of communication in providing optimal home care. This suggests that while PSWs possess good intentions, they do not possess the skills necessary to ensure effective interactions. Dementia-specific education and training are recommended to improve PSWs’ communication skills and to enhance quality of care. Findings highlight further the uniqueness of the personal home space itself on PSWs experiences with communication. Aspects of the home care environment can enable, but also complicate, successful communication between PSWs and PLWD. Consequently, findings also have implications for family members of PLWD and home care employers regarding optimizing practice and improving care.
The Connections of Elderly Characters and Taiwanese Society in Edward Yang’s Movie “Yi Yi” (A One and a Two)
Authors: Hsu Sheng-Chin
Published: December 2020

As an aging society, Taiwanese is facing the low birthrate and low death rate, and many policies and social systems are facing difficulties. According to the social atmosphere, young and senior groups have many conflicts in between. Finding an alternative approach to reveal the social value of aged people becomes an important mission. The Taiwanese’ movie “Yi-Yi”(A one and a two, 2000) is the final masterpiece of Director Edward Yang, and he won the best director in Festival de Cannes. The story is taken place in a traditional Taiwanese wedding party, and there is a grandma who was invited to this party before her pass out. The grandma did not weak up until the end of this story. The director Yang filmed this sick character in the story and he showed the family members were gathering around their grandma. This study adopts the narrative analysis on elders in “Yi Yi”. There are three findings. First, the elder character is speechless but her sickness drives family members coming home. Second, the long term care is a heavy duty for family, but it reflects the preparations of individual physically and emotionally. Third, the meaning of image of elders is not image itself but family solidarity and social connection. The narrative theory and gerontology build a perspective to understand the social values and narrative functions of elderly people in “Yi-Yi”. It shows the conflict between different age groups and enlarges the spectrum of understanding elders in both Taiwanese’ movie and Taiwanese society.
Attitudes Toward Aging, Physical Activity, and Functional Limitations Ten Years Later in Middle and Older Adults
Authors: Chen Yen , Holahan Carole , Holahan Charles
Published: December 2020

Positive attitudes toward aging have been associated with better functional health (Bryant et al., 2012; Levy, Slade, & Kasl, 2002; Sargent-Cox, Anstey, & Luszcz, 2012). The current study examined the mediational role of regular leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) in this association among middle-aged and older adults. Participants were 2,209 adults ranging in age from 40 to 75 at baseline (M = 56.19; 51.2% women) from the second and the third waves of the Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS). The mediation model was tested in Mplus 7.4. The model tested the direct association and indirect association through LTPA of attitudes toward aging in MIDUS 2 with functional limitations in MIDUS 3 ten years later. Attitudes toward aging were measured as a latent variable with two indicators (subjective age and future health expectancies). Age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, marital status, and number of chronic conditions were included as covariates. Individuals with more positive attitudes toward aging reported less functional limitations ten years later (β = -.43, p < .001). Further, more positive attitudes toward aging related to higher levels of LTPA (β = .20, p < .001), which in turn predicted less functional limitations ten years later (β = -.10, p < .01). The indirect effect of attitudes toward aging on functional limitations through LTPA was statistically significant (indirect effect = -.02, p < .01). Positive attitudes toward aging operating through higher levels of LTPA may play an important role in functional health among middle-aged and older individuals.
Blue Zone Region Older Adults Mitigate ACEs and Other Chronic Stress Exposures
Authors: Alramadhan Fatimah , Bhuyan Manisa , Spencer Rhonda
Published: December 2020

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) has been linked to many negative health outcomes, including shortened lifespan. ACEs are prevalent in the US, where it is estimated that one in ten have experienced at least three ACEs. Knowing the adverse ACEs impact, it is important to understand mitigating factors, leading to healthier and longer life. Loma Linda, CA has been identified as a longevity hotspot region (LHR) and may provide insight into reducing impact of chronic stressors. Our purpose to interview LHR older adults regarding their childhood experiences to inform chronic disease prevention framework. We conducted a qualitative study with LHR community members. Childhood exposures and practices assessed using semi-structured key informant interviews (KIs), with questions informed by ACE International Questionnaire and supplemented with lifestyle and resiliency factor (RFs) questions. Data were audio recorded and transcribed. Integrative grounded theory methods guided coding and theming. Participants included 26 community members (14 aged 100 or older and 12 aged between 90 and 99) who reported numerous chronic stressors including ACEs and environmental exposures (i.e. household economic depression). Correlation analysis revealed overlapping of negative experiences. Several domains of protective themes (i.e. guiding presence, spirituality)—were identified in childhood, with potential to dampen chronic systemic inflammation—and many themes maintained across their life. Our findings show that even among older adults who are 90 or older there is a high prevalence of ACEs and stressors; however, many lifestyle protective factors were practiced by them, which may offset damage of stressors and positively influence health and longevity.
Diabetes, Disability and Mortality in Very Old Mexican Americans
Authors: Kelly Caroline , Markides Kyriakos S , Cantu Phillip
Published: December 2020

This study examines the relationship between diabetes, disability and mortality for very old Mexican American, a rapidly growing and understudied segment of the population. Data comes from Wave 7 of the Hispanic EPESE which surveyed 1078 Mexican Americans ≥80 years old, living in the Southwestern United States. Measures included self-reported physician diagnosis diabetes, ADL disability, demographic characteristics, and other self-reported comorbidities. Severe diabetes was defined as being diagnosed more than 10 years ago and/or taking insulin. Diabetes and mortality were studied over a five-year follow-up. Participants with diabetes are more likely to be disabled, 55% prevalence compared to 46% in non-diabetics. Even when controlling for demographic characteristics and comorbidities, the predicted probability of ADL disability in diabetics is 54% compared to 45% in non-diabetics. Logistic regression analysis showed an odds ratio (OR) of 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-2.02 of any ADL disability among diabetics, controlling for demographic characteristics and comorbidities. Stroke and arthritis were significantly associated with ADL disability as well, OR 2.59, [1.6-4.2] and 1.53 [1.15-2.04] respectively. Diabetics had greater odds of mortality, OR 1.25, than non-diabetics, and among diabetics, severity was predictive of mortality OR 1.38. Gender was an insignificant predictor of mortality. Diabetes prevalence in the very old Mexican American population is increasing and is associated with increased disability and mortality. Increased awareness of the prevalence of diabetes in this population and thus the increased potential of disability is needed to decrease the burden of disease and increase quality of life.
Tracing the Past: Renewing Life Narratives Through Robots
Authors: Ueda Anna , Takahashi Hideyuki
Published: December 2020

The study explores the effectiveness and efficacy of using robotics in clinical settings to facilitate Life Review. Life Review is a process in which subjects retrospectively analyze major life events with a conversation partner in order to find meaning and to synthesize a narrative. In this experiment, Life Review was conducted with 5 elderly subjects and two types of partners: a human and a robot. The partners utilized a set of trigger questions to review past events with their subjects. Two sequences of Life Review, each comprising four sessions, were completed. Four sessions involved a human partner, and four involved a robot partner. The recorded correspondences in Life Review were transcribed, and the utterances of the participants with the two partners were compared and analyzed qualitatively. This preliminary study was the first attempt to explore the benefits of conducting Life Review with robotic conversation partners. The results showcased distinct differences between a human partner and a robotic partner. Specifically, subjects in sessions with a human partner showed stronger awareness of generational gaps between the human partner rather than the robotic partner. In contrast, sessions with a robotic partner included more universally transmissive values. The outcome suggests Life Review with robots can potentially provide elderly patients greater safety and comfort in telling their unique life narratives. The usage of robotic partners in Life Review provides a promising and novel research area into improving and re-imagining mental health access and outcomes for patients.
Promoting Healthy Aging Through Policy Change on the Federal Level: Strategies for Scholars and Clinicians
Authors: Hernandez Alison , van Heumen Lieke , Li Luming , Gualtieri Marie , Stanley Ivorie , O’Neill Lisa , Kusmaul Nancy
Published: December 2020

Influencing health policy change is a significant focus for scholars and clinicians in the aging field. Nevertheless, they seldom receive formal training on how to influence the policymaking process effectively or how to translate their clinical and research experiences to inform policymakers best. Exposing scholars and clinicians to the policymaking process can advance their effectiveness as they seek to realize meaningful change to promote healthy aging of our population. This poster presentation focuses on providing scholars and clinicians with strategies to understand and influence the federal policymaking process. The presentation addresses the current policy environment in which federal health and aging policy is made and describes challenges to this process. Four strategies are identified to help scholars and clinicians influence the policymaking process: 1) identify a problem and any relevant policy that corresponds to the issue, 2) identify evidence-based solutions that relate to quality improvement, population health, or reducing per capita cost of healthcare, 3) grow relevant networks, meet experts, build relationships and connect with key stakeholders, 4) identify potential unintended consequences or barriers to the implementation of policy. By providing examples, this how-to aging and health policy road map provides context and guidance to stakeholder engagement, frameworks, and methods that can be used to engage in the policymaking process. The final part of this presentation explores ways to integrate health policy training and experience into scholars’ and clinicians’ professional development.