bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RACIAL, ETHNIC, AND AGE-RELATED DISPARITIES IN COMORBID CANCER AND DEMENTIA
Authors: Schiaffino Melody , Murphy James , Nalawade Vinit , Schumacher Jessica , Dale William , Moore Alison
Published: December 2022

Older adults make up over 60% of new cancer cases and will be 73% of survivors by 2040. Dementia, which is cognitive impairments that includes Alzheimer’s, affects 10.3% of this age group with a greater burden on Black and Latino/a older adults. It is essential to accurately characterize the prevalence of comorbid dementia and cancer (ADRD+Ca) to ensure guideline concordant care. The goal of our study was to characterize pre-existing ADRD+Ca across cancer sites (cervical, breast, prostate, colorectal, head and neck, and lung). Using a validated CMS algorithm, we found 5.6% ADRD+Ca in our sample. Female patients were more likely to report ADRD+CA vs men (62.5% vs 37.5%, p<0.0001); similarly, age differences were observed with the biggest difference among 85+ ages 33.8% vs 11.7% respectively. The proportion of Black patients with ADRD+Ca was nearly double compared to Ca only groups. Patients with additional multiple comorbidities, unstaged site, and single/other marital status were also more likely to report ADRD+Cancer (p<0.0001). Among cancer sites, we observed the highest prevalence in colorectal and cervical cancer both over 8%, the lowest was in prostate cancer (2.64%). Our findings show inequities in social factors and cancer subtypes among fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries that warrants investigation.
CONCEPTIONS OF SUCCESSFUL AGING AMONG OLDER MEN AND WOMEN LIVING WITH HIV
Authors: Rubtsova Anna , Taylor Tonya , Holstad Marcia , Wingood Gina , Ofotokun Ighovwerha , Gustafson Deborah , Jeste Dilip , Moore David
Published: December 2022

The aim of this qualitative study was to compare conceptions of successful aging (SA) among older men and women living with HIV. Participants were recruited through 1) Women’s Interagency HIV Study (Atlanta and Brooklyn sites); and 2) HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program at the University of California, San Diego. Our sample included 31 participants: 17 women living with HIV (WLH) and 14 men living with HIV (MLH), age range 51 to 73, 58% Black. We conducted semi-structured interviews in 2018-2021, using the same interview guide for MLH and WLH. The interviews lasted ~90 minutes and were fully transcribed. The thematic and comparative analysis was conducted within the social constructivist paradigm, using MAXQDA software. Although there was some overlap in SA conceptions between MLH and WLH, we found important differences. Whereas maintaining function and general health was more emphasized by MLH, WLH stressed accepting and celebrating aging within the life course perspective.
SUPERRESOLUTION IMAGING OF CHROMATIN IN HEALTH AND DISEASE
Authors: Lakadamyali Melike
Published: December 2022

Super-resolution microscopy has been playing an instrumental role in providing new insights into how the genome is folded and packaged inside intact nuclei in single cells. I will present our work on using super-resolution microscopy to visualize and quantify the spatial organization of chromatin with nanoscale spatial resolution in single cells. Our work has revealed that at the nucleosomal level chromatin is a disordered fiber composed of groups of nucleosomes packaged at varying densities, which we named nucleosome clutches. Despite the heterogeneity of nucleosome clutch organization, the size and packing density of nucleosome clutches is cell-type specific and correlates with cell fate. Our recent results also show that nucleosome clutches and chromatin nano-structure can be remodeled via chemo-mechanical cues. In particular degenerative chemo-mechanical cues during disease lead to aberrant chromatin nano-structure and loss of mechano-epigenetic memory, potentially leading to alterations in cell phenotype.
THE EFFECTS OF HOUSING AND LIVING STANDARDS ON LONELINESS AND SOCIAL EXCLUSION AMONG OLDER PEOPLE
Authors: Waldegrave Charles , Cunningham Chris , Love Catherine , Nguyen Giang
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Housing security is a likely indicator of loneliness (Gierveld et. al. 2015, Gonyea et. al. 2018) but there are few studies that focus specifically on the relationship between the two. This paper presents findings from a New Zealand Ageing Well National Science Challenge research programme that presents findings on the impacts of housing and living standards on loneliness and social exclusion. Method: This presentation will provide results from a study of 200+ Māori (indigenous New Zealanders) aged 50 years and over. Key questions around loneliness and social isolation were co-created with the participants and responses compared with standard international scales to help identify both universal aspects of loneliness and culturally specific aspects. Questions relating to housing security, affordability, living standards and neighbourhood safety were also asked. Regression analysis was used to test the statistical significance of the various relationships between differing aspects of housing and loneliness.

Results

The results demonstrate statistically significant relationships between housing quality, affordability, living standards and neighbourhood suitability with both the universal and culturally specific scales of loneliness. Overall greater housing security and quality was shown to be negatively associated with loneliness, which suggests it contributes to the reduction of loneliness.

Conclusion

Addressing the quality of social connections has often been seen as the key way to address loneliness. The results of this study suggest housing security and living standards play an important role in people’s perception of loneliness and their experience of it, as well.
OPTIMIZING ONLINE DELIVERY OF INTERGENERATIONAL STUDENT EXPERIENCES: LEVERAGING OPPORTUNITIES
Authors: Borrero Lisa
Published: December 2022

Conceptualizing intergenerational opportunities for students in fully online courses can initially appear daunting or impractical, given the absence of a common physical classroom and community environment. However, it could be argued that online learning serves as a facilitator, rather than a barrier to intergenerational programming. This session will focus on the connections between intergenerational programming and the principles of quality online teaching – emphasizing the ability of online modalities to increase connections with a global community, remove the limitations of geographic-based access to experiences, and elevate the level of student engagement typically expected within online courses. Leveraging opportunities to overcome real and perceived challenges to the planning, delivery, and evaluation of intergenerational student experiences in online courses will be discussed, as well as opportunities for future growth in the current era.
CHANGES IN SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING DURING RETIREMENT TRANSITION: A 10-YEAR COHORT STUDY OF AGING ADULTS IN CHINA
Authors: Zhou Shuai
Published: December 2022

The literature on retirement adjustment remains inconclusive whether retirement transition is a stressor or a relief. This study examined the effects of retirement on subjective well-being of Chinese ageing adults in various phases of retirement. Drawing on a representative sample of “baby boomers” born in 1945-1965 (N = 3,328) from the China Family Panel Studies (2010-2018), the author examined the within-individual changes in subjective well-being, measured by life satisfaction and confidence in the future, using time-distributed fixed-effects regression technique. After adjusting for a wealth of potential confounders such as financial standing and health, the data reveal that the two outcomes of interest started increasing at two years before retiring. In addition, the improvements persisted in four or more postretirement years. Urban adults experienced greater well-being boost than rural residents during the immediate pre- and post-retirement period, but not in two or more postretirement years. Furthermore, the subjective well-being of urban females and rural males increased upon retirement and fluctuated significantly, whereas rural females and urban males experienced a stable increase in subjective well-being since the first preretirement year. Results suggest that the transition into retirement generally represents a relief for urban ageing adults in China, but the well-being improvements are stratified by residency and gender. Therefore, retirement policies should ensure subjective well-being of disadvantaged pre-retirees and attend to the needs of retired urban women and rural men.
RE-EMPLOYMENT MANDATE IN SINGAPORE: EMPLOYMENT AND HEALTH OUTCOMES
Authors: Chia Ngee Choon , Chen Cynthia , Koh Jemima , Lim Kia Yee , Tsoi Yuet Yan
Published: December 2022

Older workers can be a crucial resource to meet manpower needs for aging society. This is especially so for countries where older adults are expected to live longer and healthier. In 2012, Singapore implemented the Retirement and Re-employment Act (RRA) which obliged employers to offer re-employment to eligible workers. With RRA, mature workers have the flexibility to work beyond retirement age. Using the Retirement and Health Study (RHS) data and regression discontinuity design, we find that, after adjusting for education, marital status, housing asset and expenditure, the re-employment mandate helps delay retirement in the sample by 8.7%, with a larger impact of 9.1% among the males, as compared to the females of 7.3%. More non-retirees reported that they have very good or excellent health compared to retirees. Retirement leads to increase in healthcare utilization. Does the work environment affect how one responds to retirement option? We observe a correlation between post-retirement wellbeing and stress at work. Our study also suggests that mandatory re-employment offers are less effective in encouraging those in physically demanding jobs to continue working. Re-employment mandate helped raise the employment rate for workers in high-routine, high-manual jobs by 6.1 per cent. These would include craft workers and trade workers. It raised the employment rate for workers in highly routine and low-manual occupations by 26.9 per cent. These include workers in the hospitality, retail and services sectors. In sum, the mandate together with other inclusive work policies have been useful to mitigate impacts of societal ageing in Singapore.
BREADTH OF ADVERSE OUTCOMES ASSOCIATED WITH ANOREXIA/APPETITE LOSS IN OLDER POPULATIONS
Authors: Fielding Roger , Landi Francesco , Smoyer Karen , McRae Thomas , Tarasenko Lisa , Groarke John
Published: December 2022

The scope of the clinical problem of anorexia or appetite loss (AL) in older populations is potentially under-appreciated. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted following PRISMA guidelines to summarize associations of anorexia/AL in older adults with a range of clinical outcomes. Searches were run January/1/2011–July/31/2021 in PubMed, Embase®, and Cochrane databases to identify English-language studies of adults (aged ≥65 years) with anorexia/AL. Two independent reviewers screened titles/abstracts and full text against pre-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria. In all, 146 studies underwent full-text review; 58 met eligibility criteria. Most were from Europe (34/58 [58.6%]) or Asia (16/58 [27.6%]); only 3 (5.2%) were from the United States (US). Although mortality (n=18) and malnutrition (n=15) were the most reported outcomes, no US study reported on these outcomes. Other commonly reported outcomes included sarcopenia (n=7), functional status (n=6), need for increased care (n=6), and hospitalization (n=4). Significant associations of anorexia/AL were most consistently observed with mortality (17/18 studies), malnutrition (15/15 studies), and functional status (5/6 studies). Although the overall number of studies is small, associations have emerged with falls (2/3 studies), health related quality of life (2/3 studies), depression (2/2 studies), and cognition (2/2 studies). However, associations with hospitalization (1/4 studies), sarcopenia as assessed by muscle strength (2/4 studies) or by muscle mass (1/3 studies), and need for increased care (3/6 studies) were less consistent. Together, these studies highlight the breadth of adverse outcomes associated with anorexia/AL in older populations and a need for more US-based research into this common clinical problem.
COVID-19 AND THE FEAR OF FALLING AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN SINGAPORE: AN ELECTRONIC SURVEY
Authors: Chong Wayne , Lokanathan Tharshini , Yow W Quin
Published: December 2022

We investigated the predictors of fear of falling in Singapore during the COVID-19 pandemic. Older adults aged 60 to 85 (N=144) participated in an electronic survey that assessed their attitudes toward technology, perceived severity and fear of COVID, frailty, social engagement and falls risk. Hierarchical linear regressions revealed that the fear of falling was first predicted by falls risk, beta = .26, p = .001, F(1, 142) = 10.50, then by resistance, beta = .18, p = .03, F(2, 141) = 7.96. When COVID-19 fear, beta = .14, p < .001, and health conditions, beta = -.22, p = .005, were added together, falls risk became non-significant, beta = .14, p = .083, F(4, 139) = 10.50. The interaction between COVID-19 fear and health conditions was found to add significant variance in the final model, beta = -.31, p < .001, R square = .37, R square change = .09.
HOW HAS COVID-19 SHAPED SINGAPORE OLDER ADULTS' ATTITUDES TOWARD TECHNOLOGY?
Authors: Yow W Quin , Lokanathan Tharshini , Chong Wayne
Published: December 2022

This study investigated Singapore older adults’ attitudes toward technology during the COVID-19 pandemic when in-person socializations have been negatively impacted. One hundred and forty-four older adults (range = 60-85 years old) participated in a large-scale survey that included questions such as their attitudes toward technology, severity and fear of COVID, as well as frequency of social support and contact with relatives and friends. Results revealed that the more severe the COVID situation in their area was, the more they believe that technology is useful and could enhance their effectiveness, and the more they like the idea of using technology in their daily activities, Fs>6.60, Bs>1.71, ps<.01. Furthermore, social support could facilitate the adoption of technology in older adults, F=6.31, B=.89, p=.013. Paradoxically, the fear of COVID could collaterally increase the hesitation of using technology in older adults for fear of making mistakes they cannot correct, F=8.50, B=1.30, p=.004.
HOUSEHOLD COMPOSITION AND THE RESILIENCE OF OLDER ADULTS AGING IN COMMUNITY DURING COVID-19
Authors: Scheckler Samara , Molinsky Jennifer , Herbert Christopher
Published: December 2022

Household composition impacts older adults’ financial needs, earnings capacity, and benefits eligibility. It is also related to formal and informal LTSS access and may be associated with disparities between racial and ethnic groups since Black and Hispanic older adults are more likely than white older adults to live in multigenerational homes. The relationship between household composition and community-based aging is highly salient as multigenerational households and older people living alone are expected to increase in both number and share in coming years. This research framed the pandemic period as a stress-test to detect differences in resilience, defined as financial and LTSS stability and number of hardships, associated with older adults living alone, with partner, or with family or unrelated coresidents. Using the state-identified Health and Retirement Study (HRS), researchers developed a pre-pandemic profile of financial resources and public benefit utilization, informal and professional LTSS, and a vector of wellbeing measures by household composition type. Researchers then conducted two analyses to identify different pandemic experiences by composition type. First, wave over wave variation was regressed by household composition, noting any increased rates of instability in the 2020 wave. Researchers then used the HRS COVID-19 supplemental survey to describe pandemic hardships by household composition. About a third of HRS respondents lived in each household type. Findings, which offer a profile of resources by housing composition type and two analyses of resilience associated with composition, suggest complex relationships between household composition and resilience, but overall, residents living alone appear more vulnerable to instability.
AFTER REVIEW AND WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
Authors: Ortenberg Elia
Published: December 2022

After the review meeting, the SRO prepares the Summary Statement, which is the primary outcome of peer review. Program staff and Advisory Councils at the Institutes use this official document to make decisions about which applications to fund. How can you best prepare for the next steps for your application? Understand the qualities of a competitive NIH application, talk to Program staff, and take advantage of the opportunity to become a peer reviewer yourself. From the field, apply the tips shared by applicants and reviewers about what they do and what they look for in a well-written application. Receiving the summary statement can be daunting and discouraging; but by de-mystifying the process and getting involved, you can help position your application towards maximum success.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADULT DAY HEALTH CENTER OWNERSHIP, STAFFING, AND PARTICIPANT OUTCOMES
Authors: Spetz Joanne , Flatt Jason
Published: December 2022

Growing demands for specialized care for older adults living with disabilities, including those with Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementia (ADRD), and for caregiver respite have resulted in rising use of adult day health centers (ADHCs). ADHCs vary in size, ownership, participant demographics, and services offered, with a many operated by multi-site chain organizations and with for-profit ownership. This study examines whether ADHC ownership is associated with their scope of services, staffing models, and outcomes. We used facility-level data from the restricted-use 2014 National Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Study (NPALs) Adult Day Services Center module, which collects primary data on ADHCs through a nationally representative survey. Key outcome variables were measures of ADHC staffing, and rates of participants’ emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and falls. The first part of the analysis was descriptive, focused on participant and staffing patterns. We then estimated ordinary least squares multivariate regressions to learn whether staffing differences exist holding other ADHC characteristics constant, such as size, region, and other services offered. We also estimated Poisson regression models to learn whether there are differences in rates of emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and falls. We found little difference in staffing or participant outcomes between for-profit vs. not-for-profit ADHCs. We found that chain-affiliated ADHCs had different participant populations and sources of revenue. They also had lower levels of staffing in general and for licensed nurses, activity staff, and social workers. Rates of falls and emergency department visits were higher in chain-affiliated versus independent ADHCs when controlling for other characteristics.
THE STUDY SECTION AND THE ROLE OF THE SCIENTIFIC REVIEW OFFICER
Authors: Lun Janetta
Published: December 2022

Applications reviewed by the NIH Center for Scientific Review go through a process that starts with assignment to a review panel and ends with the generation of a priority score and a written evaluation (Summary Statement). This process is overseen by several key players, the most important being the Scientific Review Officer, who is the designated federal official overseeing all aspects of Level 1 review. Their role is to recruit and enlist expert reviewers to evaluate the scientific and technical merit of an application and assess its potential contribution and impact to the relevant research field. The goal of Level 1 review is to ensure that applications are expertly and fairly evaluated in accordance with the NIH policies of rigor, reproducibility, transparency and research integrity. In this presentation, attendees will learn about the how study sections are formed, how reviewers are involved and conduct their evaluations, and the guiding principles that underlie Level 1 review.
PROXIES OF FRAILTY AND INFLAMMATION PREDICT ALTERED WHITE MATTER MICROSTRUCTURE IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Bender Andrew , Duezel Sandra , Lindenberger Ulman , Demuth Ilja , Steinhagen-Thiessen Elisabeth , Polk Thad , Kühn Simone
Published: December 2022

Age-related elevations in inflammation are associated with both neurodegeneration and increased frailty in older adults. Here we used state-of-the-art diffusion-MRI (dMRI) methods to examine how specific markers of white matter (WM), including fiber density [FD], fiber cross-section [FC], and extracellular cerebral spinal fluid [CSF] are linked to inflammation and frailty in a population-based aging cohort. We hypothesized that increased inflammation and frailty would be associated with reduced FD and FC and increased CSF. Participants included 255 older adults (Mage=70.46; SD=3.79 years; 42% women) recruited from the Berlin Aging Study-II (BASE-II) for MRI scanning. Measures of blood serum ferritin and grip strength (corrected for sex and body mass) served as proxies of inflammation and frailty, respectively. Processing of dMRI data (b=1000 s/mm2; 60-directions) followed the MRtrix3 fixel-based analysis (FBA) pipeline, extended for voxelwise estimation of FD, FC, and CSF, with data transformed to a sample-specific template. The voxelwise estimates of FD, FC, and CSF were then regressed on the measures of blood serum ferritin and grip strength, correcting for multiple comparisons. Greater inflammation (ferritin) and frailty (grip strength) predicted lower FD in the internal capsule and anterior commissure. Higher ferritin also predicted lower FC in dorsal cingulum and forceps minor. Finally, frailty, but not inflammation, predicted increased CSF in multiple regions. These findings demonstrate common and specific associations of inflammation and frailty with WM in older adults and highlight the utility of newer methods for characterizing WM alterations.
THE PHYSIOLOGIC COMPLEXITY OF BEAT-TO-BEAT BLOOD PRESSURE FLUCTUATION IS ASSOCIATED WITH FRAILTY IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Zhou Junhong , Cai Yurun , Guo Yi , Jiang Xin
Published: December 2022

Background

Beat-to-beat blood pressure (BP) is an important cardiovascular output and regulated by neurophysiologic elements over multiple temporal scales. The multiscale dynamics of beat-to-beat BP fluctuation has thus been characterized using “BP complexity” and has been linked to age-related adverse health outcomes. We here aimed to examine the relationship of BP complexity to frailty, and if BP complexity mediates the association between arterial stiffness and frailty. Method: A total of 350 older adults completed assessments for frailty (i.e., Fried frailty phenotype criteria), arterial stiffness (i.e., average brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity), and beat-to-beat finger BP. The complexity of beat-to-beat systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) BP series were measured using multiscale entropy. The relationships between frailty, BP complexity and arterial stiffness were examined using ANOVA and linear regression models. The effects of BP complexity on the association between arterial stiffness and frailty were examined using mediation analyses.

Results

Compared to non-frail, pre-frail and frail groups had significantly elevated lower SBP and DBP complexity (F>11, p< 0.001), and greater arterial stiffness (F=16, p< 0.001). Greater arterial stiffness was associated with lower BP complexity (β<-0.42, p< 0.001). SBP and DBP complexity mediated the association between arterial stiffness and frailty (indirect effects>0.28), account for at least 47% of its total effects on frailty (Mediated proportion: SBP: 50%, DBP: 47%).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that BP complexity is associated with frailty in older adults, and mediates the association between arterial stiffness and frailty, suggesting that this metric would serve as a marker to characterize important functions in older adults.
THE ASSOCIATION OF SLEEP AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG OLDER ADULTS AND THE MODERATION OF CHRONOTYPE
Authors: Huang Jing , Li Mengchi , McPhillips Miranda , Lukkahatai Nada , Li Junxin
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to examine the associations of both subjectively and objectively measured sleep with self-reported level of physical activity among older adults, and explore the possible moderative role of chronotype in these associations. Baseline data of 116 community-dwelling older adults without dementia from three prior studies were included. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Actigraphy were used as subjective and objective sleep measures respectively. The Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire was used to measure chronotype, which was further dichotomized into morning type and non-morning type. Physical activity was assessed by the Physical Activity Scale for Elderly. Multiple linear regressions were performed to examine the associations, controlling for demographic and health characteristics. We found better subjective sleep quality, shorter actigraphy sleep duration, and higher sleep efficiency were independently associated with greater physical activity. Being morning type might alleviate the association between poor subjective sleep quality and physical activity among older adults.
A SCOPING REVIEW OF OUTCOMES IN ELDER ABUSE INTERVENTION RESEARCH: THE CURRENT LANDSCAPE AND WHERE TO GO NEXT
Authors: Burnes David , MacNeil Andie , Nowaczynski Aliya , Sheppard Christine , Nekolaichuk Erica , Lachs Mark , Pillemer Karl
Published: December 2022

Researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers worldwide recognize elder abuse (EA) as a major threat to the health and well-being of older adults, but rigorous intervention research has greatly lagged behind this interest. A major weakness is the lack of cohesive understanding of appropriate program outcomes to be measured. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a scoping review of the EA intervention research literature to understand the range of outcomes considered to date and to provide guidance for future research. We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Ovid PsycInfo, Ovid Social Work Abstracts, Ebsco AgeLine, Ebsco CINAHL, Wiley Cochrane Central, and Proquest Sociological Abstracts for studies evaluating community-based EA response programs. Two independent reviewers completed record search, screening, and data extraction procedures. We identified 52 eligible studies (1986-2019) that employed a total of 184 outcomes (range: 1–16, mean = 3.5). This study revealed that a large range of outcomes has been employed in EA intervention studies to date, mostly attached to victims or the intervention process itself, with inconsistent operational definitions and measurement procedures. Several key recommendations for future EA intervention research are: 1) implementing intervention outcomes that reflect multiple levels of eco-systemic influence, 2) heightening the analysis of intervention process outcomes beyond description toward identifying factors that mediate or moderate successful case outcomes, 3) conducting qualitative research with EA victims and other relevant stakeholders to understand meaningful intervention outcomes from their perspectives, and 4) establishing common EA outcome measures for implementation across studies to facilitate greater data pooling and synthesis.
PANDEMIC VULNERABILITY AND RESILIENCE: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE FINDINGS FROM THE COVID-19 COPING STUDY
Authors: Finlay Jessica , Kobayashi Lindsay
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 Coping Study aims to investigate social, behavioral, health, and economic impacts of the pandemic on the health and wellbeing of aging Americans. A total of 6,938 adults aged ≥55 were recruited from all 50 US states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico from April-May, 2020, using a multi-frame online recruitment strategy. Participants completed a 20-minute baseline survey and a subset were recruited to complete monthly follow-up surveys for one year. A random subsample of 57 participants completed semi-structured interviews in May-July, 2021. This symposium will share novel mixed-methods insights into the ongoing experiences, perspectives, significant life events, and mental health changes among aging US adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. First, Kobayashi will describe the dynamic, longitudinal relationships between loneliness, anxiety, and COVID-19 worry with cognitive function and abilities. Second, Abrams investigates long-term employment outcomes and mental health trajectories among a particularly vulnerable group of older adults: those who experienced work disruptions and job loss early in the pandemic. Third, Meltzer will share how particular groups of older adults were more likely to report greater closures of key places to socialize in their neighborhoods since the pandemic onset. Fourth, Finlay will present a qualitative thematic analysis of ongoing pandemic sources of risk and vulnerability among marginalized and underserved aging adults. The symposium highlights diverse strengths and resiliencies to cope with adversities of the pandemic. Findings may inform individual- strategies and community-level policies to support aging adults during times of collective stress and trauma.
TILT TEST TOLERANCE AFTER TWO-WEEKS BED REST IN OLDER ADULTS IS NOT PROTECTED BY DAILY AEROBIC AND RESISTANCE EXERCISE
Authors: Robertson Andrew , Hughson Richard , Hedge Eric , Mastrandrea Carmelo , Unger Federico Granados
Published: December 2022

Bed rest is associated with increased risk of orthostatic intolerance on return to upright posture and, at least in young adults, regular exercise during bed rest is proposed as protective. 22 older adults (55-65 years, half women) participated in a randomized trial with 14-days of continuous 6-degree head-down bed rest. Half completed 60 min/day of aerobic and high-intensity interval cycling plus resistance exercises (Ex) while the other half were control (Con). A passive 80-degree head-up tilt (HUT) to a maximum of 15-min assessed orthostatic tolerance while cardio- and cerebrovascular responses were monitored to a pre-syncopal level of systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg. In pre-bed rest baseline, all but 3 women (Ex) completed 15-min HUT. After 14-days bed rest, only 3 men (1 Ex) and 1 woman (Ex) completed 15-min with no differences in tolerance between men and women or Ex and Con. Vasovagal syncope presented in 5 participants (2 M-Con, 1 M-Ex, 1 F-Con, 1 F-Ex), most other non-finishers had progressive reduction in stroke volume without adequate vasoconstriction. Reductions in cerebral blood velocity measured during HUT by Doppler ultrasound revealed strong linear relationships to both end-tidal PCO2 and mean arterial pressure across all participants. These data indicate that neither older men nor older women were protected from orthostatic intolerance by 60-min per day exercise including high-intensity interval training. These data contrast with previous findings in younger adults in controlled trials of bed rest pointing to the need for greater understanding of mechanisms regulating blood pressure and brain blood flow.
INTRODUCING THE CENTENARIANS IN THE HEALTH AND RETIREMENT STUDY
Authors: Martin Peter , Lee Gina , Arieli Rotem , Ryou Yeon Ji
Published: December 2022

The Health and Retirement Study (HRS) is a nationally representative sample of older adults, and data are available for 15 waves. This presentation presents an overview of the oldest cohort of the HRS (the AHEAD sample) as they become centenarians. Basic characteristics of these centenarians and near centenarians (98 years and older, N = 516) indicate that they are primarily female (77 percent), White (82 percent) with on average 10.6 years of education. The average age was 84.2 years at baseline and 98.3 years at wave 14. We analyze data by comparing centenarian survivors to nonsurvivors, by following them longitudinally, and by comparing different cohorts of centenarians over historical time. Results indicate that centenarians continue to enjoy life, and they have special survivorship characteristics. Newer cohorts, however, show a more compromised quality of life. The results are relevant to family members of oldest-old adults and to community service providers.
AGING WITH VISION LOSS: EXPLORING EVERYDAY ACTIVITY CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION
Authors: Remillard Elena , Koon Lyndsie , Mitzner Tracy , Rogers Wendy
Published: December 2022

Vision loss can impact the health of older adults on multiple domains, including physically (e.g., mobility challenges), psychologically (e.g., depression), and socially (e.g., isolation). Older adults with vision loss, and particularly those with long-term vision loss, are likely to experience challenges in performing Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), as these activities often require abilities like reading, fine motor movements, and navigating. We conducted structured interviews with 60 older adults aged 60-79 with vision loss for at least 10 years about their challenges with select IADLs (e.g., household tasks, transportation, shopping, finances, and managing health). An analysis of in-depth interview data revealed specific challenge themes associated with engaging in different IADLS, such as challenges with accessibility, physical limitations, assistance from others, communication, and finances. Findings highlight opportunities for technology solutions to support IADL participation and independence for people aging with vision loss.
SMARTBATHROOM 102: STUDYING BATHING TRANSFER PERFORMANCE
Authors: Jones Brian , Sanford Jon , Presti Peter , Lee Susan , Bhattacharjya Sutanuka , Murphy Kyle
Published: December 2022

Age-related changes in functional ability, particularly among people aging with long-term disabilities, can impact safe performance of toilet and bathtub transfers and severely limit their ability to successfully age-in-place. The SmartBathroom is a state-of-the-art bathroom laboratory that features mechanically adjustable features and an array of sensors that can measure walking performance, location of feet and hands, and forces applied to the bathroom surfaces and fixtures. To complement the SmartToilet system, TechSAge recently developed the SmartBathing Transfer Testbed prototype that will enable us to study how different bathing environment configurations can impact transfer performance. The testbed consists of a height adjustable tub wall and three-wall, height and angle adjustable grab bars with integrated sensors to measure hand location and grip and load forces. This session will describe the SmartBathing Testbed and present results of studies with individuals both with and without ambulatory impairments performing simulated transfers within the testbed.
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN LIFE SPACE MOBILITY AND ASPECTS OF HOUSING AND SERVICE INFRASTRUCTURE
Authors: Slaug Bjorn , Zingmark Magnus , Iwarsson Susanne
Published: December 2022

To achieve the widespread policy goal of active aging, it is central that older adults can participate and be independent in activities both in and outside the home. Life-space mobility refers to the extent of the area where a person performs different activities, including frequency and level of independence, and is considered an indicator of active aging. There is, however, a lack of studies on the relationship between life-space mobility and aspects of the home and neighborhood environment. The aim of this study was to explore associations between life-space mobility and (a) perceived usability of the home and (b) satisfaction with commercial and societal services in the surrounding neighborhood. We utilized the baseline survey of the Swedish RELOC-AGE project (N=1,964; mean age=69; 45% men), comprising data from adults aged 55+ with an interest for relocation. We found weak but significant correlations between life-space mobility and usability of the home (r=0.10; p< 0.001), and between life-space mobility and satisfaction with service infrastructure (r=0.09; p< 0.001). The correlations were stronger for men and for adults aged 65-74 years, compared to younger and older age groups. Those with their independent life space limited to the home and the close exterior surroundings (balcony, garden etc) assessed the usability of the home significantly lower (p=0.04) than those with more extended independent life space. There was no difference with regard to infrastructure satisfaction. These results suggest that improvement of both the home environment and service infrastructure may be important in supporting extended life space mobility among older adults.
REFINING CARFREEME, A DRIVING RETIREMENT PROGRAM FOR PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA AND THEIR CARE PARTNERS
Authors: Peterson Colleen , Louwagie Katie , Birkeland Robyn , Ingvalson Stephanie N , Mitchell Lauren , Gaugler Joseph
Published: December 2022

Persons living with dementia (PLWD) are at increased risk for roadway crashes and subsequent injury or death. Navigating driving retirement while respecting the PLWD’s autonomy and supporting continued independence can be challenging. CarFreeMe™, originally developed in Australia, is a driving retirement intervention providing tailored psychoeducational telecoaching modules to PLWD and/or their care partners. Session topics include living with dementia, balancing independence and safety, adjusting to loss and change, exploring others’ experiences with driving retirement, planning for alternative transportation, lifestyle planning, advocacy and support, and problem solving. Phase I enrolled 16 care partners and 11 PLWD. Mixed methods data from Phase I’s 1- and 3-month follow-up surveys and post-intervention interviews demonstrated feasibility and acceptance of CarFreeMe™ with a U.S. audience. Phase I participants found the program valuable and would recommend it to others (96% care partners, 100% PLWD). Care partners and PLWD reported improved Readiness of Mobility Transition scores at the 3-month survey. Several felt the program may be most useful early in the decision making process. The program offered strategies and education that facilitated conversations both during and outside of the intervention sessions to support the PLWD’s agency and acceptance of driving retirement. Participant feedback and lessons learned from Phase I informed Phase II development and deployment. Phase II is enrolling 50 care partners, PLWD, or dyads and includes 3- and 6-month follow-up surveys. Preliminary CarFreeMe™ Phase II utility, acceptance, and driving related outcomes will be discussed as well as next steps for evaluation.
AN ACTION PLAN FOR ORGANIZATIONS SERVING OLDER ADULTS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS DURING PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES
Authors: Bayne Alycia , Isaacs Lauren , Fox Jessica , Singer Rachel , Ahn Roy , Leaphart Desirae , Cerbone Felicia , Liotta Madeleine
Published: December 2022

During public health emergencies, it is critical to maintain the continuity of services and resources essential to health and safety. Public health emergencies can disproportionately affect older adults and their caregivers. Organizations, including community-based, faith-based, rural, and tribal organizations, can play a vital role during a public health emergency response given their familiarity with the community’s unique needs and resources. With support from the CDC Foundation and technical assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NORC at the University of Chicago conducted a study to identify public health interventions to meet the needs of older adults and their caregivers during public health emergencies. Methods included an extensive search of peer-reviewed and grey literature in Spanish and English to identify interventions on six topics: deconditioning; deferral of medical care; elder abuse and neglect; management of chronic conditions; social isolation; and caregiving. NORC identified 300 public health interventions to support older adults and their caregivers during public health emergencies with a focus on underserved populations, including programs to support racial and ethnic minority populations, people with disabilities, and rural and tribal communities. NORC developed Search. Find. Help., a virtual resource library, and an Action Plan to support organizations in using these interventions. Search. Find. Help., which houses the Action Plan, has had 34,000 unique users. This session focuses on how organizations that serve older adults and caregivers can use the Action Plan’s four phases to select, adapt, implement, and evaluate public health interventions before or during a public health emergency.
DEPRESSION, SOCIAL RELATIONS, AND COGNITIVE HEALTH DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Cooper Jasmine , Antonucci Toni , Ajrouch Kristine
Published: December 2022

This study examines cognitive abilities, number of people in a social network, and presence of depressive symptoms among the “youngest old”, “middle old”, and “oldest old”, by ethnicity. A sample of 600 people; 200 Blacks, 200 Whites, and 200 non-white Arabs were recruited for the survey. Those with missing data were omitted from analysis, which left 435. Data were collected via a computer assisted telephone survey. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVAs. We found significant effects on cognition by ethnicity f(2,430)=2.71, p<0.05 and age group f(2,430)=11.24, p<0.001. There was a significant effect of the number of people in social networks on cognition across all groups f(2,430)=10.4, p<0.01. The presence of depressive symptoms was not a mediator. There was no significant interaction between ethnicity and age group, or ethnicity and social network structure.
A UNIQUE ADIPOCYTE PROGENITOR POPULATION PROMOTES AGE-RELATED ADIPOSITY
Authors: Wang Qiong (Annabel)
Published: December 2022

The average fat mass in adults increases dramatically with age, and older people often suffer from visceral obesity and related adverse metabolic disorders. Unfortunately, how aging leads to fat accumulation is poorly understood. It is known that fat cell (adipocyte) turnover is very low in young mice, similar to that in young humans. Here, we find that mice mimic age-related fat expansion in humans. In vivo lineage tracing shows that massive adipogenesis (the generation of new adipocytes), especially in the visceral fat, is triggered during aging. Thus, in contrast to most types of adult stem cells that exhibit a reduced ability to proliferate and differentiate, the adipogenic potential of adipocyte progenitor cells (APCs) is unlocked by aging. In vivo transplantation and 3D imaging of transplants show that APCs in aged mice cell-autonomously gain high adipogenic capacity. Single-cell RNA sequencing analyses reveal that aging globally remodels APCs. Herein, we identify a novel committed preadipocyte population that is age-specific (CP-A), existing both in mice and humans, with a global activation of proliferation and adipogenesis pathways. CP-A cells display high proliferation and adipogenesis activity, both in vivo and in vitro. LIFR serves as a functional maker of CP-A, which promotes CP-A proliferation. Together, these findings define a new fundamental mechanism involved in fat tissue aging and offer prospects for preventing and treating age-related metabolic disorders.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN COGNITIVE FRAILTY AND ORAL HEALTH IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS IN KOREA
Authors: Ji Yoonjung , Chung Jane , Lee TaeWha
Published: December 2022

Cognitive frailty(CF) is a condition where physical frailty and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) co-exist without dementia. CF is related to adverse health outcomes, such as functional disability, hospitalization, depression, and mortality. Studies suggest that poor oral health is also associated with a greater risk of frailty, a significant healthcare challenge in aging populations. However, no previous studies have investigated the association between oral health and CF. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and its association with oral health. A secondary analysis was conducted using the 7th wave dataset from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging collected in 2018. Individuals aged ≥65 years, without dementia and pre-frailty were included (N=750, mean age 73.2 years). Participants were classified into either robust (n=635) or CF (n=115) based on the presence or absence of CF. Oral health was assessed using the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). Poor oral health was prevalent in both robust and CF groups (58.6% and 95.7%, respectively). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to investigate the associations of CF with oral health. CF was significantly associated with GOHAI scores (B = −0.153, 95% CI: 0.833-0.884, p < 0.001). The association remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, educational level, smoking, drinking, comorbidities, and body mass index (B = −0.140, 95% CI: 0.836-0.904, p < 0.001). The presence of oral health problems was associated with greater risks of developing CF in older age. The identification and management of poor oral health is critical to preventing cognitive frailty in older adults.
ANKLE BRACHIAL INDEX (ABI) AND ACCELEROMETER PATTERNS OF DAILY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN HCHS/SOL
Authors: Schrack Jennifer , Chiu Venus , Wanigatunga Amal , Sotres-Alvarez Daniela , Ballew Shoshana , Allison Matthew , Kaplan Robert , Matsushita Kunihiro
Published: December 2022

The benefits of routine engagement in physical activity (PA) on vascular health are well established; lesser known is whether vascular health associates with accelerometry-based daily patterns of PA in mid-to-late life. Using linear regression models adjusted for demographics and comorbidities, we modeled the cross-sectional associations between ankle brachial index (ABI) and PA patterns (diurnal activity and activity fragmentation) in 7,848 HCHS/SOL participants (45.5% men, 56.4±0.2 years). Compared to those with normal ABI (1.0-1.4), those with low ABI (≤0.9) had more fragmented daily activity (B=1.0%, SE=0.4, p=.04); primarily between 12 and 8 PM (B=1.66%, SE=0.55, p<.01). Similarly, those with low ABI had lower daily activity throughout the day (B=-0.09 log-counts, SE=0.05, p<.05) also mainly between 12 and 8 PM (B=-0.16 log-counts, SE=0.55, p<.01). Results suggest a diminished, less favorable PA profile patterns in those with low ABI. Future longitudinal studies should consider whether patterns of PA assist in determining PAD risk.
DUAL-TASK CHANGES IN PREFRONTAL ACTIVATION AND GAIT QUALITY IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Baillargeon Emma , Suri Anisha , Huppert Theodore , Sejdic Ervin , Rosso Andrea
Published: December 2022

We compared the impact of performing dual-task walking on gait quality and prefrontal cortical activation assessed by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). We hypothesized a greater increase in fNIRS averaged over the left prefrontal cortex during dual-task walking would be associated with a greater decrease in gait quality (increased step-time variability; decreased gait speed, cadence, smoothness, and adaptability). In older adults (n=60, 75±5.8 years, 57% female), we quantified the change in fNIRS and gait metrics from single-task walking (even surface) to walking with attentional (reciting every-other letter of the alphabet) and physical (uneven surface) dual-task challenges using four 15m repetitions of each task. Gait metrics were computed from a tri-axial accelerometer at the lower-back. Changes in fNIRS from single to dual-task walking were not associated with changes in gait quality for both attentional and physical challenges (Spearman correlations, all p>0.08). Variability in response across individuals may contribute to our findings.