bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EXPLORING EPIGENETIC CLOCKS AND COGNITIVE CHANGE IN MIDDLE ADULTHOOD
Authors: Zavala Daisy , Oravecz Zita , Graham-Engeland Jennifer , Engeland Christopher , Sliwinski Martin , Veeramah Krishna , Scott Stacey
Published: January 2025

Positive age acceleration, in which a person’s epigenetic age is older than their chronological age, was associated with worse mean-level cognitive performance and higher moment-to-moment intraindividual variability in our prior work utilizing only a single burst of data. The present study extends this work by utilizing a Bayesian Double Exponential Model (BDEM) to examine longitudinal changes in cognition while accounting for practice effects. In a diverse sample of 142 midlife adults, baseline age acceleration was derived from five DNA methylation epigenetic clocks (Horvath 1, Horvath 2, Hannum, PhenoAge, GrimAge). Across four annual bursts of data, ambulatory processing speed and working memory was determined through the symbol search and n-back task, respectively. Using the BDEM framework, for both tasks we found that peak performance (at burst 1) was slower for individuals with greater age acceleration and those who were chronologically older. However, we found no longitudinal changes in peak performance on average, and neither age acceleration nor chronological age were predictive of differences in longitudinal change. Interestingly, greater age acceleration (but not chronological age) was associated with more fluctuations in scores across the study period, but greater chronological age (not age acceleration) was linked with more forgetting between bursts in the symbol search task. Although it is unclear what is driving opposing findings, these results reveal that even in an age heterogeneous sample spanning midlife (prior to expected cognitive declines, or onset of impairment) differences in age acceleration predict differences in peak performance and variability.
EXPLORING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COGNITIVE STIMULATION THERAPY FOR DEMENTIA IN UNITED STATES, BRAZIL, AND HONG KONG
Authors: Nketsiah Ebow
Published: January 2025

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is a cost-effective non-pharmacological intervention for dementia developed in the United Kingdom. Though CST has been adopted and implemented all over the world, there has not been a study to evaluate its effectiveness across multiple counties. This study analyzes existing data from CST groups in USA, Hong Kong, and Brazil to evaluate the primary outcomes CST for persons with dementia. Paired sample t-tests were conducted to evaluate the effect of CST on cognition, quality of life, physical function, and depression across the countries. Among the USA CST groups (N=288), significant t-test were calculated for cognition, t(261) = -7.412, p< 0.01, quality of life, t(199) = -8.707, p< 0.01, and depression, t(254) = 6.347, p< 0.01. A non-significant t-test was calculated for physical function, t(103) = 1.262, p=0.21. Among the Hong Kong CST groups (N=408), significant t-tests were calculated for cognition, t(204) = 3.125, p< 0.01, depression, t(236) = 3.084, p< 0.01. However, non-significant t-tests were calculated for quality of life, t(376) = -0.614, p=0.539, physical function, t(84) = -0.888, p=0.377. On the other hand, among Brazil CST groups (N=47), significant t-test was calculated for cognition, t(46) = -2.961, p< 0.01. However, non-significant t-tests were calculated for quality of life, t(46) = -1.760, p=0.085, physical function, t(46) = -0.250, p=0.804, and depression, t(46) = 0.345, p=0.690. There are cultural and demographic factors that influence the effectiveness of interventions like CST. As CST is being implemented as a cost-effective non-pharmacological intervention for dementia and Alzheimer’s worldwide, its cultural applicability is worth exploring.
EXPLORING THE LINK BETWEEN PLACE ATTACHMENT AND SOCIAL WELLBEING IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Cox Mary , Beatty Jennifer , Hill Patrick
Published: January 2025

Many residents of St. Louis feel strong emotional bonds with the city, a phenomenon known as ‘place attachment.’ The relationship between place attachment and social well-being in older adults is a crucial area of study, particularly in an urban center like St. Louis, which has been the stage for important sociocultural events in Missouri. Research indicates that place attachment is positively correlated with social well-being and belonging. This connection is significant for older adults, as environments that promote social connection, autonomy, and security can support cognitive health and overall well-being in older adults. The current study tested our prediction that older adults with increased attachment to St. Louis will report higher levels of social well-being. Using survey data from 492 participants ages 65-85, we conducted correlational analyses to examine the relationship between intergroup anxiety and social well-being, exploring whether these associations differ based on levels of attachment to St. Louis. There were significant correlations between attachment to St. Louis (M=4.39, SD=1.31) and the well-being facets of social acceptance, social integration, social contribution, and social actualization (p< 0.001); however, social coherence was not significantly associated with place attachment. Moreover, place attachment was not associated with other wellbeing indicators, such as self-reported intergroup anxiety. While place attachment has beneficial social outcomes, it does not improve all wellbeing indicators. This suggests that a strong bond with St. Louis may not address all social challenges, highlighting the need for further exploration of how urban environments can better support older adults’ psychological and social needs.
FAMILY HISTORY OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND LOCUS COERULEUS ACTIVATION IN HEALTHY OLDER AND YOUNGER ADULTS
Authors: Seago Elayna , Chen Ya-Yun , Lee Tae-Ho , Katz Ben
Published: January 2025

The locus coeruleus (LC) is a small nucleus in the brainstem that produces the majority of norepinephrine in the brain. It engages in reciprocal communication with the frontoparietal network and the salience network, both networks that are critical for attention and undergo significant structural and functional changes during aging. Additionally, the LC is suggested as the primary region of early Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) pathology and its dysfunction may contribute to AD symptomology. It is largely unknown whether family history of AD is linked to LC activity or moderates the association between age and LC functional activity. In this study, functional MRI scans were collected while participants completed the Attentional Network Task. Neural activity in the LC was compared in congruent and incongruent conditions. Twenty-three out of 77 participants had a family history of AD. Participants age ranged from 18 to 74. Multiple regression analysis, controlling for gender, showed no main effect of age on left LC activation (p = 0.289); critically, there was a marginal main effect of family history of AD on left LC activation (p =.088) such that the activation in incongruent compared to congruent condition was higher in participants with a family history of AD than in participants without a family history of AD. We did not find an interaction between family history of AD and age (p =.180) or any right LC effects. These results demonstrate that AD family history is related to left LC activity in both younger and older adults.
FAMILY MATTERS: EFFECTS OF UNFAIRNESS AND DISAGREEMENT ON DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS’ GAINS AND BURDEN
Authors: Nah Suyoung , Savla Jyoti
Published: January 2025

Although caregiving occurs within a family, the influence of family contexts on caregiver outcomes remains understudied. Building on the distributive justice framework and stress process theory, we examined whether an unequal division of care among adult siblings, perceived unfairness in the division, and family disagreement over parental care are associated with caregivers’ gains and role overload. We further explored whether perceived unfairness and family disagreement interact in predicting caregiver outcomes. Using data from the 2015 and 2017 National Health and Aging Trends Study and National Study of Caregiving, we examined adult child caregivers of persons living with dementia (N = 364 for cross-sectional analysis and N = 173 for longitudinal analysis; Mage = 54.0; White = 51%). Multivariate multilevel analysis was conducted to investigate the effects of these family contexts on caregivers’ gains and role overload. Caregivers who felt they were providing more care than their fair share experienced higher overload at initial assessment (β = 0.20, p =.001) and at follow-up (β = 0.23, p =.04). Greater family disagreement was associated with higher role overload at initial assessment (β = 0.33, p <.001). Family disagreement moderated the effect of perceived unfairness, such that the perception of providing less care was linked to lower gains at follow-up only when family disagreement was high (β = -0.67, p <.001). Findings highlight the importance of perceived unfairness and family disagreement in caregiver outcomes. Interventions should promote shared caregiving responsibilities and facilitate open communication within families about care dynamics.
FAMILY STRENGTH AND LIFE SATISFACTION IN OLDER ADULTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS: A STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELING
Authors: Yang Eunjin , Kim Seohyeon
Published: January 2025

Although family strength has been recognized as one of the crucial factors in the well-being and life satisfaction of people with disabilities, studies regarding its specific role in the life satisfaction of older adults with visual impairment are still limited. Therefore, this study aimed to explore how family strength affects life satisfaction, examining the mediating roles of self-esteem and disability acceptance in this relationship. Data were obtained from the 4th Disability and Life Dynamics Panel in South Korea, analyzing 386 participants aged 50 and above. Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the direct and indirect effects among family strength, self-esteem, disability acceptance, and life satisfaction. The overall model fit indices met the recommended criteria, indicating the hypothesized model appropriately represented the relationships between family strength and life satisfaction among older adults with visual impairments (Normed χ2=1.876, TLI=.985, CFI=.993, RMSEA=.048, SRMR=.017). The results revealed that family strength enhances life satisfaction, both directly and indirectly through promoting self-esteem and disability acceptance. These findings suggest that an integrated approach focusing on strengthening family support, as well as enhancing self-esteem and disability acceptance, is recommended to improve life satisfaction for older adults with visual impairment. This study contributes to a better understanding of mechanisms underlying life satisfaction in older adults with visual impairments. In addition, it provides valuable insights for developing targeted interventions to enhance family strengths and to create supportive strategies for this vulnerable population.
FOUR TYPES OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT AMONG “SANDWICHED” MIDDLE-AGED ADULTS: LIFE AND FAMILY RELATIONSHIP SATISFACTION
Authors: Cho Hyeonji , Chin Meejung , García Catherine
Published: January 2025

Middle-aged adults who provide supports to both their parents and children – often referred to as the “sandwiched generation” – are at higher risk for poor mental health. However, within the Korean cultural context, where strong expectations for intergenerational financial support exists, may influence the well-being of individual’s who either fulfill or fail to meet these expectations. This study classified middle-aged adults into four groups based on their financial support patterns: (a) Supporting both parents and children, (b) supporting only parents, (c) supporting only children, and (d) Supporting neither. Using data from the 25th wave (2022) of the Korean Labor and Income Panel Study (KLIPS), we analyzed 1,975 middle-aged householders aged 40-64, all of whom have at least one living parent and co-reside with at least one child ([a]=72.6%, [b]=14.2%, [c]=9.8%, [d]=3.4%). Controlling for sociodemographic and economic characteristics, we conducted linear regression analyses to examine the association between financial support groups (group [a] as the base level) and life satisfaction indicators (i.e. overall life satisfaction and family relationship satisfaction). Regarding overall life satisfaction, group (a) was more satisfied than group (b) (B=-0.09, p=.031) and (c) (B=-0.16, p<.001). Additionally, group (a) was more satisfied in their family relations than group (c) (B=-0.14, p=.002) and (d) (B=-0.14, p=.046). These results suggest that, in Korea, the societal expectation to fulfill financial responsibilities towards parents may contribute to a greater sense of life satisfaction among those who successfully meet these obligations, whereas those unable to do so might experience diminished well-being.
FREQUENCY OF SOCIAL MEDIA USE IS ASSOCIATED WITH DELAY DISCAOUNTING IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Walton Allison , Moss Daniel , Stephan Abigail , Ross Lesley , Phillips Christine
Published: January 2025

Delay discounting is the decline in the perceived value of a reward as the time to reward receipt increases. Individuals who discount more steeply favor smaller more immediate rewards (i.e., impulsive choices) over larger delayed rewards (i.e., self-controlled choices). Social media and smartphone engagement, whereby users have instant access to information or social networks, are linked with higher delay discount rates in younger adults. However, there is a dearth of research surrounding this relationship in older adults. The present study examined associations between delay discounting, use of health and financial tracking apps, and social media use, as well as age as a potential moderator, in community-dwelling adults ages 55 years and older (M=68.64, SD=8.2, n=120) enrolled in the Tracking Real-world Activities in Life Study. Delay discount rate was assessed using the Monetary Choice Questionnaire. Three self-report items assessed frequency of app and social media use. Multiple linear regression results indicated delay discount rate was positively associated only with social media use, statistically controlling for age (β =.17, t(118) = 2.14, p =.035). Age did not moderate this relationship. Results suggest that regardless of age, more frequent social media use is linked with greater preference for immediate rewards. Future research should explore whether frequent engagement with social media increases delay discount rate or if those who discount more steeply are more inclined to engage with social media. Additionally, potential interventions targeting impulsivity and delay discounting are needed in this population who are at risk of online scams
FROM THE PERSPECTIVES OF PROVIDERS TO OLDER ADULTS: CONVERSATIONS ABOUT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES IN OREGON
Authors: Hews Ellis , Himes Dani , Stodola Allyson , Dys Sarah , Dawson Walter
Published: January 2025

The Older Adult Behavioral Health Initiative (OABHI) is an innovative program funded by the Oregon Health Authority to address gaps in services for older adults and people with physical disabilities with behavioral health (BH) issues. The Initiative consists of 24 Behavioral Health Specialists who work with community partners across Oregon to improve BH services through workforce development, health and wellness promotion, complex care consultations, and promoting coordination and collaboration between aging and BH agencies. The Institute on Aging (IOA) at Portland State University (PSU) has evaluated the effectiveness of the Initiative since its establishment in 2015. Prior evaluation efforts included interviews and surveys from key community partners, staff from Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC), Aging and People with Disabilities (APD), and Community Mental Health Programs (CMHPs). As the Initiative comes upon nearly ten years of existence, the evaluation team conducted a new evaluation approach by facilitating focus groups with these key community partners in addition to primary care providers, older adults (65+) with lived experience, and senior centers representing 25 rural and urban Oregon counties (n=54). Participants were asked about the top challenges in their communities and how the Initiative can better address their biggest needs when supporting older adults and people with physical disabilities living with behavioral health issues. Findings from these data identify recommendations to address systems-level barriers and opportunities to promote intra-agency collaboration and outreach to community partners and consumers.
GLOBAL DEMOGRAPHIC-CULTURAL SHIFTS AND ‘KINLESSNESS’: RECONSIDERING INTERGENERATIONAL THEORIES
Authors: Mair Christine , Anderson Rose
Published: January 2025

Demographic and cultural shifts such as declining fertility, expanding longevity, and shifts toward individualism (e.g., living alone) have contributed to changes in intergenerational relationships among aging populations cross-nationally. Specifically, the proportion of older adults who do not have children or partners (“kinless”) is expected to increase substantially in nearly all regions of the globe over the next 50 years. Yet, these shifts do not occur evenly across low-, middle-, and high-income countries. Such substantial demographic-cultural changes and cross-national inequalities will require that scholars reconsider existing concepts and theories of intergenerational relationships. In this paper, we analyze publicly available aggregate, country-level data from Our World in Data and the World Values Survey from multiple time periods to explore trends in fertility, longevity, population age composition, rates of living alone and one-person households, rates of “kinlessness”, and cultural endorsement of values associated with individualism and friendship in low-, middle-, and high-income countries. The results illustrate differences by countries and regions, which highlight areas for future conceptual development. Based on these results, we propose new directions for gerontological theories, measurement, and policy regarding intergenerational relationships, parenthood and partnership, childlessness and “kinlessness,” and siblings, extended family, and friendships that address the shifting characteristics of intergenerational relationships globally.
HEARING LOSS AND LONELINESS AMONG OLDER ADULTS: LIVING ALONE AS A RISK FACTOR
Authors: Birditt Kira , Turkelson Angela , Noyer Emily , Weber Emma , Ng Crystal
Published: January 2025

Hearing loss is a leading source of disability within the United States, affecting up to 65% of adults aged 71 and older in the United States. Hearing loss is associated with greater loneliness which is also common among older adults and predicts a range of negative health outcomes. However, little is known about whether hearing loss predicts changes in loneliness over time. Further, adults who live alone with hearing loss may be particularly at risk for loneliness. Using newly released longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (2018 and 2022), this study seeks to examine the implications of hearing loss for loneliness over time. Participants included respondents (N = 2,753) who participated in 2018 and 2022 waves (ages 50 to 97; 60% women). Participants completed an in person hearing test and questionnaires in which they reported loneliness with the three item UCLA loneliness scale. A total of 72% of the respondents had mild to severe hearing loss and 20% lived alone. Multilevel models controlling for age, gender, race and education showed that having worse hearing predicted greater loneliness. Worse hearing predicted increased loneliness over time among older adults living alone but not those living with others. Hearing loss is an important risk factor for loneliness among older adults with those who live alone at greatest risk. Further research should examine whether using hearing aids reduces the negative implications of hearing loss for loneliness and examine factors that predict hearing aid use among older adults who live alone.
HOW FORMAL AND INFORMAL HEALTHCARE KNOWLEDGE IMPACT DEMENTIA CAREGIVER PREPAREDNESS
Authors: Thomas Zoe , Falzarano Francesca
Published: January 2025

Dementia family caregivers frequently experience significant burden and depressive symptoms, which can harm their health and impair their ability to fulfill caregiving responsibilities. Previous research has shown that greater dementia knowledge or health literacy improves caregivers’ psychological symptoms and helps them feel more prepared for their role. Socioeconomic status and education are also strong predictors of health literacy. However, much of this research has been conducted in Asia, indicating there is a need to investigate dementia literacy further in the United States. This qualitative study aims to explore how formal versus informal healthcare system knowledge affects dementia family caregivers’ feelings of preparedness. Formal knowledge is defined as being obtained from a job or school education before becoming a caregiver. Informal knowledge includes doing independent research online, learning from support groups, and any past caregiving experience or managing personal healthcare. Knowledge as a theme emerged in 8 out of 30 caregiver semi-structured interviews, with excerpts subsequently analyzed and coded using reflexive thematic analysis. Results show that caregivers with formal knowledge of the healthcare system had a better grasp of dementia progression, felt more confident in discussions with physicians, and were better prepared to mitigate safety risks in the person with dementia. In contrast, those with informal knowledge displayed greater uncertainty and relied more heavily on the physician to validate their decisions. The findings highlight the advantages of formal healthcare knowledge in facilitating preparedness and indicate the need for educational interventions to improve health literacy among dementia family caregivers.
I THINK I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL: NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL CORRELATES OF EMOTION PERCEPTION IN FRONTOTEMPORAL DEMENTIA
Authors: Toledo Anna , Paruchuri Nishita , Yokoyama Sae , Chen Enna , Hua Alice , Kramer Joel , Levenson Robert , Brown Casey
Published: January 2025

Neurodegenerative diseases lead to deficits in cognitive functioning that could disrupt the ability to perceive others’ emotions. We examined whether cognitive deficits in semantic knowledge and executive function relate to two aspects of emotion perception. Individuals with frontotemporal dementia and healthy controls (N = 110; 33 behavioral variant, 23 non-fluent variant, 30 semantic variant, and 24 healthy controls) completed cognitive tests of semantic word knowledge (Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test and Boston Naming Test) and executive function (Digit Span Backwards, Stroop, Design Fluency, and Trail-Making). To assess different facets of emotion perception, participants completed an emotion labeling task that measured the ability to identify specific emotions (sad, happy) experienced by characters in films and an emotion tracking task that measured the ability to continuously track the emotional valence of a character in a film using a rating dial. Regression analyses revealed that semantic word knowledge was associated with emotion labeling but not emotion tracking, even after accounting for relevant covariates (diagnosis, age, sex, global cognition, and dementia severity). Executive function was associated with both emotion labeling and emotion tracking, even when accounting for covariates. Steiger’s Z test revealed that executive function was more strongly associated with emotion valence tracking than with emotion category labeling. Findings reveal how distinct neurocognitive abilities are linked with unique facets of emotion perception. Semantic word knowledge may subserve the ability to distinguish between specific emotion categories and executive function may be more important when continuously updating one’s unfolding emotions than making a single emotional judgment.
IDENTIFYING MULTIMORBIDITY RISKS IN OLDER ADULTS: TEN YEAR REVIEW USING THE RGA TOOL
Authors: Cho Jinmyoung , Wang Wenjin , Zubatsky Max , Gibson Allison , Berg-Weger Marla
Published: January 2025

Approximately one in two older adults in the U.S. experiences multimorbidity, defined as the coexistence of two or more chronic diseases. The consequences of multimorbidity are significant, including increased vulnerability to acute illness, exacerbation of existing conditions, frequent hospitalizations, and elevated medical costs. Identifying the risk factors for multimorbidity in advance can guide healthcare service decision-making and help prevent adverse outcomes. This project utilized geriatric syndromes from the Rapid Geriatric Assessment (RGA) tool to assess the risk of multimorbidity. The RGA includes four geriatric syndromes: frailty, sarcopenia, geriatric anorexia, and cognitive decline. It was administered to a total of 16,615 individuals aged 65 years and over across Missouri from 2015 to 2024. Multimorbidity was defined as having five or more illnesses, which is one of frailty screening measures. Nearly 40% of the participants reported having five or more illnesses (37.3%). After controlling for age group, sex, race, and ethnicity, logistic regression analysis showed that the prevalence of sarcopenia (OR=3.807 [3.488 – 4.156], p <.001), geriatric anorexia (OR = 1.329 [1.224 – 1.443], p <.001), and dementia (OR=1.273 [1.158 – 1.401], p <.001) were significantly associated with having multimorbidity. This project provides evidence that the RGA is a valid screening tool for identifying multimorbidity across different practice settings and geographic regions of Missouri. The findings underscore the importance of early detection of geriatric syndromes to prevent further morbidity and disability among older adult populations.
IMPROVING FUTURE PLANNING AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH VISION-THREATENING EYE DISEASE
Authors: Sörensen Silvia , Chen Yunxiang
Published: January 2025

Preparation for Future Care Needs (PFCN) can protect older adults’ well-being as they face age-related challenges like Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), which progressively impacts the loss of their activities, functioning, and quality of life. However, rates of PFCN are lower among AMD patients than non-diagnosed community-dwelling older adults. We examined whether PFCN can be increased in a sample of 180 AMD patients aged 60-96 (63% women). Participants were randomly assigned to an 8-week in-home Preventive Problem-Solving Intervention (PREPSI), designed to enhance PFCN, or to an in-home Life Review intervention (attention control). Both conditions received 4 weeks of vision loss education before the intervention. We used Latent Growth Modeling to test whether the intervention would lead to change in the trajectories of the five dimensions of PFCN compared to the control condition over 5 measurement points (two post-intervention). Trajectories were significantly different for PREPSI versus control participants on Decision Making (DM). DM improved significantly for the intervention group and continued to improve at 6 month follow-up (p<.05). Although the trajectories for Concrete Planning (CP) diverged, they were not significantly different from one another (Wald χ2 =1.511, p=.219). Gathering Information (GI) improved significantly for both PREPSI and control group. Awareness showed significant and surprising decrease only in the intervention group, whereas Avoidance showed non-significant changes. Within the intervention group, covariate analyses showed that older participants had slower rates of GI increase and men had a faster increase in CP than women. PREPSI effectively increases engagement with future care needs for this population.
INCOME-BASED POVERTY AND MATERIAL HARDSHIP PREDICT REDUCED COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE IN OLDER AMERICAN ADULTS
Authors: Daniel George , Williams Cedric , Lawrence Aneesah , Buckley Kiera , Leonard Delaney , Bernal Darren , Bailey Olivia , Mwendwa Denee
Published: January 2025

Background

Research has demonstrated a deleterious impact of lower socioeconomic status (SES) on cognitive functioning. SES has primarily been conceptualized and defined in research as education, income, and/or wealth. This study extends our understanding of the association between SES on cognitive functioning by examining income-based poverty and material hardship as proxies for SES. An additional aim investigated the moderating effects of race and sex on these relationships.

Methods

Participants (n=10,974) in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) completed sociodemographic and neuropsychological assessments. Analyses determined demographic and health differences by poverty-based income. Subgroup analyses investigated the influence of race and sex. Linear regression determined the impact of income-based poverty and material hardship on cognitive functioning, while controlling for demographic and other covariates.

Results

Mean age was 74 years old. Sample characteristics were 15% Black, 10% Hispanic, and 58% female. Those below the income-based poverty threshold (n=960) were younger, Black, less wealthy, less educated, and unhealthier. Income-based poverty was the strongest predictor of poorer cognitive functioning (B = -1.65, p < 0.001), and this relationship was stronger in Blacks and women. Indicators of material hardship (e.g., food scarcity, rationing medication, and difficulty paying bills) also predicted poorer cognitive functioning.

Discussion

Income-based poverty and material hardship predicted poorer cognitive functioning. Novel measures of SES may help to provide further insight into the negative impact SES has on cognitive functioning, particularly in Blacks and women. Future studies should focus on multidimensional poverty and its implications on long-term cognitive functioning and in older adults.
INDIVIDUAL AND RELATION-INFERRED SELF-EFFICACY FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INCREASE IN OLDER ADULT COUPLES
Authors: Garza Elizabeth Zambrano , Broen Tiana , Ashe Maureen , Madden Kenneth , Gerstorf Denis , Hoppmann Christiane
Published: January 2025

Older adults encounter daily problems which may hinder them to engage in physical activity. Individual self-efficacy has been positively associated with physical activity, but it does not consider the social world we live in; relation-inferred self-efficacy does, as it captures one’s perception about whether a close other believes in their abilities to engage in these behaviors. With a sample of 110 community-dwelling older adult couples who wore accelerometers and reported daily ratings of problems for up to 7 days, this project analyzes associations of both types of self-efficacy and daily problems with physical activity (MVPA and steps). Assuming that both modalities of self-efficacy may be particularly useful to motivate individuals, interactions of self-efficacy and daily problems were examined. We controlled for well-established associations with physical activity (age, gender, and physical limitations). Daily problems were not associated with physical activity. When modelled separately, both types of self-efficacy were associated with more physical activity; when modelled together, only relation-inferred self-efficacy was significant. Unfortunately, there were no significant interaction effects. Findings replicate previous evidence and shed light on the importance of social context for physical activity engagement in older adulthood.
INSIGHTS FROM A NATIONAL COMPARISON STUDY ON MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS OF AUSTRALIAN AGED CARE USERS
Authors: Leung Lok Man , Yan Elsie
Published: January 2025

Background

The mental health status of aged care service users has important implications for service planning and care outcomes. Objective: This study examines the prevalence of mental health conditions among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged 50 and above who accessed aged care services in Australia between 2017 and 2022. Comparison was made between Home Care(HC) users and Residential Aged Care(RAC). Method: Data were obtained from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare(AIHW) database on Mental Health in Aged Care(n=10,535 for HC and n = 6,757 for RAC users). Mental health conditions were assessed by Aged Care Eligibility Assessments and, where applicable, the Geriatric Depression Scale(GDS), Kessler-10(K10), and Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia(CSDD).

Results

Mental health conditions were more prevalent in RAC than HC users (58.6% vs. 31.1%, X²=1276.41, p<.01), with mood disorders being the most common, affecting 43.1% of RAC and 20.9% of HC users (X²=970.89,p <.01). The same pattern was observed for anxiety/stress disorders (26.5% vs. 11.2%, X² = 682.97, p<.01) and psychotic disorders(6.2% vs. 4.1%, X² = 34.99, p<.01). Over the five years (2017–2022), a steady increase in recorded mental health conditions was observed in both settings (from 21.0% to 34.5% for HC and 56.0% to 58.4% for RAC). The increase is particularly sharp for mood disorders (from 12.3% to 24.1% for HC and 40.2% to 42.7% for RAC).

Conclusion

These findings highlight the need for targeted mental health interventions in residential care. Further research should develop interventions tailored to the specific needs of this group.
INSIGHTS GAINED FROM A VIRTUAL INTERGENERATIONAL YOGA INTERVENTION DURING COVID-19
Authors: Martens Nancy , Schutte Debra
Published: January 2025

Studies focused on social isolation, intergenerational, and virtual interventions revealed lack of rigor (Cohen-Mansfield et al., 2018, Conn & Grove, 2019; Chipps et al., 2017). The Shine Through2 pilot study aimed to determine feasibility and acceptability of an intergenerational yoga intervention delivered virtually, twice weekly, for six weeks. The Shine Through2 project was tailored for populations who may be experiencing social isolation. The project was developed as a novel community and university collaboration pilot and is a starting point for establishing partnerships aimed to improve older adult and college student health, and subsequently community health. The project included 23 older adults and 12 college students. The data suggest older adults and college students found this virtually - delivered socialization and yoga intervention feasible and acceptable. Insights gained from the project include: 1) Pre-screening for social isolation and depression are impactful assessment modalities, 2) Utilizing a Senior Certified Yoga Instructor added (necessary) expense and scalability challenges, 3) Sampling bias can be overcome with intentional recruitment strategies 4) Specialized yoga programming may be cost-prohibitive, 5) Intergenerational component challenging to deliver virtually, 6) Study design did not allow direct comparison of efficacy between older adults and college students, and 7) Provision of community yoga resources was limited by COVID-19. Based on the results explored in ShineThrough2, we conclude that socialization and yoga interventions can be used to improve health outcomes including measures of social isolation, depressive symptoms and meaning in life.
INTERGENERATIONAL VERSUS PEER-LEARNING IN OLDER VOLUNTEER TRAINING: A MIXED-METHODS EVALUATION
Authors: Cai Xinxin , Sun Nianzi , Bai Xue
Published: January 2025

Intergenerational learning activities enhance older adults’ well-being and intergenerational relationships, but their impact on learning outcomes is less understood. This explanatory sequential mixed-methods study evaluates a volunteer training program conducted between March and December 2023. Older adults were assigned to either a peer-learning group (n = 73) or an intergenerational learning group (n = 49), the latter including undergraduate students participating alongside them in a two-stage program: 1) thematic training workshops on family communication, later-life planning, or healthy living, and 2) designing and organizing a service project. Quantitative assessments were conducted before and after the workshops (T0, T1) and after the volunteer activities (T2). Outcomes included self-rated volunteering abilities, thematic knowledge acquisition, well-being (loneliness, happiness, life control), and intergenerational and peer relationships. After the program, 12 participants attended two focus group interviews. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant improvements in volunteer abilities and thematic knowledge only in the peer-learning group. A significant between-group effect was observed for thematic knowledge. MANOVA results indicated a significant time*group interaction, with the intergenerational group showing reduced loneliness. Qualitative analysis suggested older adults were highly motivated to learn and contribute to the community. While they valued interaction with younger generations, they did not perceive it as influencing their learning. However, they believed student commitment influenced their volunteer experiences. This study highlights the learning capabilities of older adults in delivering skill-based volunteer activities. While intergenerational components may not directly enhance learning outcomes, they can improve well-being. Their inclusion should align with program goals for maximum impact.
LOW-INTENSITY PEER-LED EXERCISE DOES NOT CHANGE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OR BALANCE IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Banarjee Chitra , Suarez Jethro Raphael , Choudhury Renoa , Park Joon-Hyuk , Xie Rui , Stout Jeffrey , Thiamwong Ladda
Published: January 2025

Decreased physical activity in aging adults is associated with increased fear of falling (FOF) and decreased static balance. These results varied by the level of engaged physical activity (i.e., light, moderate, vigorous). This study examined the effect of a low-intensity peer-led intervention on step count, FOF, and static balance. We recruited 65 community-dwelling older adults (mean age = 73.52 years ± 5.66; 87.7% female) at two-time points (mean interval = 177.66 days ± 80.33) to evaluate longitudinal changes in step count, perceived fear of falling (Short Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I)), and objective static balance (BTrackS Balance System (BBS)). Step count was recorded over a 7-day interval at each time point. For FOF, participants completed the short FES-I, a 7-item self-report questionnaire. For static balance, participants stood on a balance plate for 3 20-second trials that were averaged to determine the center of pressure path length. Forty-one participants attended a once-weekly peer-led exercise for one hour. Wilcoxon tests revealed no significant effect of this intervention in step count (p=0.984), FOF (p=0.1972), or static balance (p=0.8136). This suggests once-weekly low-intensity exercise did not significantly affect physical activity and balance measures. Limitations include a predominantly female sample and the low-intensity nature of the intervention. Further research should investigate the effects of a longer duration, higher-intensity peer-led exercises in a larger, more diverse sample.
MEANINGFUL ACTIVITY IN ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENTS WITH DEMENTIA: RESULTS FROM THE MAC-4-BSD STUDY
Authors: Holmes Sarah , Galik Elizabeth , Resnick Barbara , Scherr Susan , O’Brien Erin , Levy Sorah , Gurlu Merve , Zhu Shijun
Published: January 2025

Engagement in meaningful activity is beneficial for assisted living (AL) residents with dementia and may help to reduce behavioral symptoms and improve quality of life. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a theory-based approach, Meaningful Activity for Managing Behavioral Symptoms of Distress (MAC-4-BSD), for decreasing behavioral symptoms and increasing engagement in meaningful activity. It was hypothesized that residents exposed to MAC-4-BSD will demonstrate reduced behavioral symptoms, increased meaningful activity engagement and quality of life at 4 months compared to those exposed to education only. Using a cluster randomized controlled trial with repeated measures design, this study included 71 residents with dementia from 5 communities. Residents were evaluated at baseline and 4 months. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample and evaluate feasibility. Linear mixed models were used to determine effectiveness. Most participants were female (n=52, 73%), and White (n=62, 87%) with a mean age of 85 years (SD=8.2). The MAC-4-BSD intervention was feasible to implement with regard to delivery, receipt, and enactment. Preliminary effectiveness was demonstrated based on increased engagement in meaningful activity (b=7.69, p=.005), improved quality of life (b=3.74, p=.03), and decreased staff distress related to residents’ behavioral symptoms (b=-1.83, p=.037) among those exposed to MAC-4-BSD versus the control group. There was no change in the severity or number of behavioral symptoms. These findings demonstrate that engagement in meaningful activity is a promising approach that can be used to help improve the quality of life for AL residents with dementia.
MISREMEMBERING SOLITUDE IN OLDER AGE: AGE AND CULTURE SHAPE RECALL ACCURACY FOR LONELINESS AND HAPPINESS IN SOLITUDE
Authors: Lay Jennifer , HO Yuen Wan , Tse Dwight , Da Jiang
Published: January 2025

Recalling past affective experiences is key to guiding behaviour – including social and solitary activities – in ways that maximise wellbeing. However, affect recall is not always accurate. Previous research suggests that older (vs. younger) adults show a positivity effect in memory, depending on whether the stimuli are culturally meaningful. It is unclear, however, whether this age-related positivity effect applies to recalling experiences of solitude (time without social contact), which become increasingly prevalent in older adulthood. An age-stratified sample of adults aged 18-81 (M age = 40.8 years, 60.8% female) in the United Kingdom (N = 214) and Hong Kong (N = 220) reported their current affective experiences and social situations 5 times per day over 7 days using a smartphone app. Participants then recalled how they felt on average over the 7-day period at times when they were in solitude. Models controlling for peak and recent affect, overall time in solitude, and independent/interdependent self-construal showed that whereas younger adults tended to retrospectively overestimate how lonely they felt in solitude, this effect reversed with age such that older adults tended to underestimate their loneliness in solitude. Moreover, whereas UK older adults tended to retrospectively overestimate their happiness in solitude, HK older adults tended to underestimate their happiness in solitude. Findings suggest individuals misremember their solitude experiences in ways that align with age-normative and cultural attitudes to solitude, and that there is an age-related positivity effect which is shaped by culture. We discuss implications for loneliness and wellbeing in older adulthood.
MOBILE HEALTH AND RESOURCE FAIRS TO ADDRESS SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH OF LOW-INCOME OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Sardina Angie , Meadows Jeffrey , Simon Lena , Hampton Marsha , Phillips Christine , Ross Lesley , Gamaldo Alyssa
Published: January 2025

Mobile Health and Resource Fairs (MHRFs) were designed to provide resources, education, and social engagement to low-income communities through reducing traditional barriers and constraints for older adults. We (1) explored effective marketing approaches and rationale for resident attendance; (2) examined satisfaction and expectations of the MHRFs, and (3) examined the likelihood for attending future events. MHRF events comprised 2 sites in Greenville, SC. Ninety-four participants (ages 50-90+) registered (site 1=77%; site 2=23%). Participants were asked to complete survey items on how they learned of the event and their reason for attending (aim 1). At the end of the MHRF, participants reported on event expectations and satisfaction (aim 2) using a Likert scale ranging from 0 (not all) to 10 (very much), and the likelihood of attending future events (aim 3) using a single Likert-Scale question ranging from 0 (very unlikely) to 4 (very likely). Attendees were predominately female (64%), Black/African American (73%), with a high school education (55%). Effective marketing approaches (aim 1) were event flyers (62%), other (14%; e.g., MHRF-specific staff/activities or housing activities/advertisements), walking by the event (11%), family/friends recommendations (9%), and housing staff recommendations (5.3%). Attendance rationale included obtaining healthy-aging information (49%), social engagement (28%), access to necessities (19.1%); and volunteerism (16%). Participants reported high expectations (M=9.72) and satisfaction (M=9.58) with the MHRF. Participants reported they were “somewhat-very likely” to attend future events (83%, aim 3). These findings affirm MHRFs can successfully provide critical health/social service resources, while simultaneously engaging older adults from underserved lower-income communities.
NAVIGATING HOSPICE CARE: PERSPECTIVES FROM OLDER BLACK AMERICANS
Authors: Tate Channing , Perez-Jolles Monica , Schere Laura , Shiferaw Tsion , Mami Gwendolyn , Matlock Daniel , Huebschmann Amy
Published: January 2025

Misperceptions about hospice care are universally prevalent and disproportionately impact communities of color. Hospice remains an underutilized healthcare service, especially among older Black Americans. Potential cultural barriers to enrollment among Black Americans are important to identify. The study goal was to assess older Black adults’ perspectives of hospice care across four dimensions of hospice eligibility. A total of 144 participants responded to the written prompt, “In your own words, describe hospice care.” Written responses were evaluated to assess any misconceptions in their perspectives of hospice care. Participants were eligible if they were ≥65 years of age and self-identified as Black or African American. Participant ages ranged from 65 to 97 years (M =74.62, SD = 6.94), were predominately female (81%) and widowed (33%). Most participants accurately described hospice care/eligibility (80%), goals of hospice (89%), what services hospice provides (83%). However, only 39% of participants correctly identified locations of hospice services highlighting a potential barrier to hospice enrollment among older Black Americans. Additionally, some participants (8%) reported certain myths and conspiracies pertaining to hospice care, such as “hospice was created by the KKK”. These results highlight potential misunderstandings about hospice among older Black Americans that may serve as barriers to hospice enrollment and perpetuate inequities. These barriers go beyond hospice knowledge and include misconceptions and conspiracies rooted in medical mistrust and structural racism. The misconception that hospice care cannot be provided in the patients’ home is modifiable with interventions that use strategies tailored to support enhanced communication between patients and clinicians.