bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship of Cannabis Use With Immediate, Delayed, and Working Memory: The Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Maynard Madison , Paulson Daniel , Dunn Michael , Dvorak Robert
Published: December 2021

Past research has examined relationship between cannabis use and cognition among adolescents and young adults, but less is known about older adults despite rapidly increasing recreational and therapeutic cannabis use by this demographic. These relationships were explored cross-sectionally using data from the 2018 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Dependent variables included immediate and delayed memory (10-item word list) and working memory (serial sevens; range 0-5). Cannabis use was categorized as non-user (n=886), past-user (n=334), current moderate (<52 uses/year; n=36), and current heavy (52+ uses/year; n=92). Mean age was 67.59 years (range: 50-98, SD=10.76). The sample was predominantly female (59%), and Caucasian (67%). Uncontrolled analyses found that cannabis use group was associated with immediate memory (F=6.14, p<.001), delayed memory (F=3.75, p=.01), and working memory (F=6.91, p<.001). Analyses controlled for gender, education, age, and race found that cannabis use group was no longer associated with delayed memory (F=1.74, p=.16) or working memory (F=1.66, p=.17); however, cannabis use was associated with immediate memory (F=3.75, p=.01) in controlled analyses. Current heavy users’ (M=4.94, SE=.16) immediate memory worse than that of both non-users (M=5.48, SE=.06) and past users (M=5.49, SE=.09; p<.05 for both). Gender, education, age, and race significantly associated with immediate, delayed, and working memory, respectively (p<.05 for all). In conclusion, relative deficits in immediate memory, but not delayed memory or working memory, were associated with current heavy cannabis use among older adults. In combination with other findings, these results may inform development of safe-use guidelines for older adults.
The Relationship between Religiosity and Cognitive Function among Chinese Older Adults in Chicago
Authors: Egierd Jacob Koppel , Bergren Stephanie , Lanza Lisa , Dytchwald Dana , Dong XinQi
Published: December 2021

Evidence suggests religiosity may be related to cognitive decline in older adults living in the US and China. However, the relationship between religiosity and cognitive function has not been tested in a Chinese community in the US. Immigration and isolation often cause diasporas to differ from communities where they currently reside and their origin. This study aims to determine the relationship between religiosity, cognitive function, and demographic attributes in a sample of older Chinese adults age 60 to 105 living in the Chicago area (N = 3157). Regression analysis showed participation in organized religion significantly predicted higher global cognitive function (β = 0.031, p < 0.001, N = 3051). Of all cognitive function measures including episodic memory (East Boston Memory Immediate and Delayed Recall Test), perceptual speed (Symbol Digit Modalities Test), working memory (Digit Backwards Test), cognitive impairment (Mini Mental State Examination), and a composite measure of (global cognition), the importance of religion only significantly predicted greater working memory capacity (β = 0.045, p = 0.003, N = 3058). Practicing religion at home had a nonsignificant relationship with all measures of cognitive function. All analyses controlled for the following covariates: gender, education, income, number of children, marital status, and health insurance coverage status. Findings suggest that among aspects of religiosity, organized religious involvement may have a positive association with higher cognitive function. Future research should explore between-population differences in the relationships of social factors, religiosity, and cognition function to determine what practices can best benefit older adults in various communities.
A Decade of Teaching the Course Aging & the Arts: Reflecting on Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Eaton Jacqueline
Published: December 2021

In 2010, the University of Utah Gerontology Interdisciplinary Program first offered GERON 5240/6240: Aging and the Arts. This course was developed to enrich program curricula by addressing a gap in content specific to the arts and humanities. The purpose of this presentation is to focus on identifying the opportunities and challenges experienced teaching this course over the past decade. Opportunities will highlight competency mapping, internal and external partnerships, the benefits of bridging disciplines, and innovation in teaching and problem-solving. Challenges experienced include addressing various needs (online learning, undergraduate and graduate levels, multiple disciplines), tuition differentials, and varying levels of enrollment. A stand-alone course is one method of increasing humanities, arts, and cultural gerontology within curricula. It has the potential of enhancing student interest in gerontology while also demonstrating how the arts and humanities can improve work across disciplines.
Event Centrality of Positive and Negative Autobiographical Memories in Older Adulthood
Authors: Pociunaite Justina , Wolf Tabea
Published: December 2021

Centrality of an event (CE) is a characteristic denoting how important a life experience is to one’s identity. Usually, positive memories are more central than negative ones in the community samples. Nevertheless, there is emerging evidence showing substantial individual differences in how one perceives CE. Especially regarding age, one could expect pronounced differences due to age-related changes in personal goals. In this study, we investigated how older adults differ from young and middle-aged adults. Apart from age, we tested whether personality traits such as neuroticism and openness to experience influence the CE ratings among age groups. The sample comprised of 363 German participants, age ranging from 18 to 89 (M=49.57, SD=17.087), 67.2 % of the sample were women. Using multilevel analysis, we found the CE of positive memories to be higher in all age groups. The CE of positive events significantly differed for older adults compared to younger adults but not to the middle-aged group. With respect to personality, neuroticism had an impact only on the CE of negative memories in younger and middle-aged adults. For older adults, neither neuroticism, nor openness to experience had an impact on CE ratings. This shows that while older adults significantly differ from younger adults in the CE of positive memories, other individual differences characteristics do not have an impact on the way older adults perceive memories as central to their identity.
Internet Use and Cognitive Functioning at the Interaction of Age and Gender Among Older Adults
Authors: Wang Kun , Suntai Zainab , Chen Xiayu
Published: December 2021

The positive relationship between internet use and cognition has long been documented in the gerontology literature, and researchers are consistently finding that internet use engages the brain in a way that improves cognitive functions such as multitasking, information processing and executive thinking. While there are numerous studies examining this association, few studies have explored the three-way interaction between age, gender, and internet use on cognition. This study aimed to examine the gendered moderation effect of age on the relationship between internet use and cognition among older adults. The study sample was derived from the 2016 Health and Retirement study, which is a biennial longitudinal panel study of adults aged 50 and older in the United States. Multilinear regression models were used to examine the three-way interaction of age, sex and internet use on cognition while controlling for other covariates. Results showed that women gained a greater increase in cognition as a result of internet use as they became older, while men had the same amount of increase in cognition as a result of internet use regardless of age. This indicates that internet use can be a positive agent in improving cognition among older adults regardless of age and sex, and interventions should focus on increasing internet use among older adults, to ensure equitable access to the benefits of internet use on cognition.
Telephone-Based Word List Recall and Hearing Ability
Authors: Atkinson Taylor , Andel Ross
Published: December 2021

Certain consonant sounds called fricatives (e.g, “s” and “f”) are difficult to hear over the telephone; phones exclude high-frequency sounds that affect their intelligibility. This may be problematic for older adults responding to phone-based memory tests. Many older adults have some degree of hearing loss, and older men have it more in the high-frequency range. Hearing loss, in combination with phone bandwidth restrictions, may reduce older adults’ recall of fricative words. Participants (n=3,612, mean age=64.2, 60% women) in the 1998 wave of the Health and Retirement study (HRS) completed a word list immediate recall task over the phone. List 4 recall was examined because it was evenly split (5 each) between words with and without fricative consonant sounds. Subjective ratings of hearing and health, age, depression, and education were also measured. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed participants recalled fewer fricative (M=2.8) than nonfricative (M=3.0) words, Z=-8.47, p<.001. An ordinal regression for fricative word recall indicated a sex by hearing interaction; males with worse hearing were less likely to recall more fricative words, OR=.94, 95% CI [.88, 1.01], p=.076, after controlling for age, education, health, and depression. An ordinal regression for nonfricative word recall did not show a main effect for hearing or a hearing by sex interaction. For both models, age, education, and health were related to recall. Consonant sounds may influence phone-based word recall, particularly for older men. Attention should be paid to word selection when designing phone-based cognitive tests in order to avoid memory impairment overestimation.
Guardianship and self-sovereign identity: implications for persons living with dessmentia
Authors: Neubauer Noelannah , Liu Lili
Published: December 2021

Self-sovereign identity (SSI), an identity management system where individuals own and manage their digital identity, can improve access and management of one’s personal data. SSI is becoming feasible for the general public to use for their health and other personal data. Like any data system, when persons living with dementia no longer have capacity to provide informed consent, guardianship over their data is required. The purpose of this study was to examine the concept of guardianship within the context of SSI, specifically its application to persons living with dementia. This study followed a qualitative description approach. Seventeen semi-structured virtual interviews were conducted with persons living with dementia and care partners to elicit their perspectives on existing guardianship practices and guardianship within the context of SSI. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Conventional content analysis guided the analytic process. Participants had mixed impressions of existing guardianship practices. While some were positive, others thought existing practices failed to consider the complexity of caring for someone with dementia (e.g., presence of multiple guardians). Participants suggested that SSI has the potential to improve the security and safety of persons living with dementia who have had guardianship enacted (e.g., reduced risk of financial abuse.) Recommendations included ensuring that SSI guardianship processes are simple and flexible, building a user-friendly system that also considers the heterogeneity of persons living with dementia and their care partners. Overall, guardianship within the context of SSI was well received. Findings will be used to further inform the SSI guardianship processes.
Burnout, Compassion Satisfaction, and Intent to Quit Among Long-Term Care Nursing Assistants in the Time of COVID-19
Authors: Richert Mallory
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly exacerbated the stress and burden of those employed in long-term care (LTC) facilities due to staff shortages, increased risks on the job, and ever-changing COVID-19 protocol requirements. This study examines potential differences in pre-COVID-19 and current COVID-19 LTC facility employed nursing assistants on burnout, compassion satisfaction, job satisfaction, and intent to quit. The sample included 81 nursing assistants employed in LTC facilities across the United States, with data collected prior to (n= 42) and during COVID-19 related shutdowns (n= 39). Participants completed the Professional Quality of Life Scale 5 (ProQOL 5), a single-item self-report measure of job satisfaction, and a two-item self-report measure of intent to quit their current employment. Nursing assistants during COVID-19 reported a higher level of burnout and lower level of compassion satisfaction than nursing assistants Pre-COVID-19. However, there were no differences in job satisfaction or intent to quit. The results suggest there may be additional factors that influence an individual’s decision to remain employed above and beyond the impacts of burnout and compassion satisfaction that may be unique to the caring professions. Future research might investigate factors that influence an individual’s decision to remain employed as a nursing assistant during periods of increased stress and burnout. Additionally, the impact of COVID-19 related stress added to the already high levels of stress and burnout on nursing assistants calls for further attention and research devoted to psychological support of LTC staff during crisis and normal times.
Factors Associated With the Quality of Staff-Resident Interactions in Assisted Living
Authors: Paudel Anju , Galik Elizabeth , Resnick Barbara , Doran Kelly , Boltz Marie , Zhu Shijun
Published: December 2021

Care interactions are essential to understand and respond to resident needs in assisted living (AL). The factors that influence care interactions in AL have not been directly examined. In this study, we explored the factors associated with the quality of care interactions in AL. It was hypothesized that resident functional status, agitation, depression, and resistiveness to care as well as facility size and ownership would be significantly associated with the quality of care interactions in AL after controlling for resident demographics (age, gender, marital status), comorbidities, and cognition. To test the hypothesis, we utilized baseline data including 379 residents from the second and third cohorts recruited in a randomized trial titled ‘Dissemination and Implementation of Function Focused Care for Assisted Living Using the Evidence Integration Triangle’. Regression analysis was performed using a stepwise method. The care interactions were mostly positive (mean=6.3; range = 0-7). Resident agitation and facility ownership were significantly associated with care interactions and accounted for 8.2% of the variance. Increased resident agitation was associated with negative or neutral interaction while for-profit ownership was associated with positive interactions. To promote positive care interactions, staff should be educated about strategies to minimize resident agitation (e.g., calm posture and respectful listening) and encouraged to engage with residents using resident-centered care and communication approach. Findings also suggest the need to work towards optimizing care interactions in nonprofit stings. Future research could further explore the impact of facility-level factors (e.g., staffing ratios, staff longevity, and job satisfaction) on care interactions.
Linking Coping Behavior and Mental Well-Being in Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: O'Connor Dugan , Smith Jennifer
Published: December 2021

In addition to being a significant source of stress, the COVID-19 pandemic required older adults to drastically alter their behaviors and routines. People cope with stress in various ways; however, the pandemic was a unique situation that warranted investigation of this topic. This study aimed to identify the ways older adults coped with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the relationship between specific coping behaviors and perceived stress and mental health. Two hundred thirty-one older adults, ages 53 to 90, completed an online survey about coping behaviors used to manage stress during the pandemic, as well as measures of loneliness, depression, perceived stress, and the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their lives. “Talking with friends and family” (83%) and “increased television watching or other screen-time” (68%) were the most common coping behaviors. A series of one-way analyses of covariance (ANCOVA), with race, gender, age, education, and income included as covariates, revealed “eating more often” and “drinking alcohol” were associated with greater loneliness, depression, and stress. “Increased screen time” was also associated with greater depression and stress. “Engaging in more family activities,” was associated with a less negative impact of the pandemic, and “talking with friends and family” was associated with less loneliness. These findings suggest older adults who coped with stress of the COVID-19 pandemic through more eating, drinking, and the second most common behavior—watching TV—were more likely to report poorer well-being, and may benefit from programs to boost virtual social engagement.
Mental Health Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Older Adults With Chronic Conditions
Authors: Polenick Courtney , Kaba Diarratou , Meyers Summer , Zhou Annie , Daniel Nikita , Salwi Shreya , Lee Vanessa
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic may have a negative impact on mental health, especially among older adults with chronic conditions who are more vulnerable to severe illness. This cross-sectional qualitative study evaluated how the pandemic has impacted the ways that adults aged 50 and older with chronic conditions managed their mental health. Participants included a total of 492 adults (M = 64.95 years, SD = 8.91, range = 50 – 94) from Michigan (82.1%) and 33 other U.S. states who reported a diagnosis of at least one chronic condition and completed an anonymous online survey between May 14 and July 9, 2020. Participants provided open-ended responses to a question about the pandemic’s impact on how they were taking care of their mental health. The data were coded to ascertain relevant concepts and were reduced to develop major themes. We determined four main themes. The pandemic impacted how participants took care of their mental health through: (1) pandemic-related barriers to social interaction; (2) pandemic-related routine changes; (3) pandemic-related stress; and (4) pandemic-related changes to mental health care. Taken as a whole, this study indicates that older adults with chronic conditions encountered a variety of challenges to managing their mental health in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, but also demonstrated considerable resilience. These findings identify potential risk and protective factors to target as part of personalized interventions to preserve their well-being during this pandemic and in future public health crises.
Characterizing Patients and Themes of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Hesitancy in a New York City High-Risk Older Population
Authors: Chow Stephanie , Yamada Yuji , Munoz Lizette , Lavayen Susana , Payne Jodi , Sreevalsan Kavya , Fani Shamsi
Published: December 2021

Background: Vaccines to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection are deemed one of the most promising measures in controlling the devastating pandemic, yet there is significant vaccine hesitancy in some communities. Historic systemic health, discrimination, and structural inequities in specific racial and ethnic communities contribute to vaccine hesitancy with disproportionately negative impact. It is therefore critical to better understand vaccine hesitancy in this high-risk older population. The ALIGN (Acute Life Interventions, Goals, and Needs) program co-manages a panel of older patients with complex medical and psychosocial needs in an urban academic medical center. Methods: ALIGN enrolled or graduated Patients or designated healthcare proxies were contacted by telephone to discuss SARS-CoV-2 vaccine willingness and hesitancy using a standardized web-based survey. Qualitative data was categorized into themes and subgroups. Demographic data was collected by chart review. Results: Complete results are forthcoming and will include patient reported race and ethnicity baseline, vaccine hesitancy perceptions, with common overarching themes, and clinical team member debriefing. Iterative quality improvement actions taken based on elicited patient themes will also be included and assessed in telephone follow-up for changes in vaccine hesitancy. Conclusions: We are conducting a qualitative and quality improvement study characterizing vaccine perceptions and hesitancy in a high-risk older group with focus on racial and ethnic disparities in this population. This preliminary data informs healthcare providers of potential health literacy, cultural and language, and other potential barriers in order to help further understand how to optimize SARS-CoV-2 vaccine acceptance and delivery in a patient population with elevated risk.
Video Chat Use and Mealtime Behaviors in Older Adults Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Barre Laura , Young Tara , Coupal Sarah
Published: December 2021

Video chat allows people to connect when not physically together. Using video chat while sharing a meal (VideoDining) may decrease loneliness and improve older adults' nutritional intake. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey study using Amazon Mechanical Turk in June 2020. The objectives were to learn about eating with others, the use of video chat, and interest in VideoDining in older adults during the pandemic. There were 1331 survey attempts with 167 responses meeting the criteria for age (65 years of age or older), U.S. residency, and quality. Participants were 64% male, 77% white, 65% college-educated, and a median age of 67 years (IQR=2 years). Few participants lived alone (17%), yet 76% reported feeling isolated. Eating with others regularly, defined as several times a week or more, declined in the pandemic (44% vs. 59% pre-pandemic, p=0.0002). The use of video chat and eating when video chatting increased during the pandemic versus pre-pandemic (82% vs. 74%, p=0.003; 47% vs. 37%, p=0.0005). The majority of participants said they would VideoDine (50%) or consider trying it (37%). Interest in VideoDining did not vary by age, race, or gender. Participants who used video chat were more likely to say they would VideoDine than participants who had never used video chat (OR=3.1; 95% CI=1.25, 8.35; p=0.02). This data suggests most adults 65 years of age and older, already using the Internet, are experiencing isolation and decreased mealtime commensality during the pandemic. The vast majority are using video chat and are interested in trying VideoDining.
Viral Culture in Hospitalized Congregate Care Patients With Prolonged SARS-CoV-2 Viral RNA Detection
Authors: Arunachalam Thilaka , Singh Amit , Stellrecht Kathleen , Elmendorf Sarah , Barman Tarani K , Robek Michael , Metzger Dennis W , Waxman Michael
Published: December 2021

Prolonged detection of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA has been observed in hospitalized congregate care patients following resolution of clinical symptoms. It is unknown whether patients with persistent PCR positivity pose a risk for COVID-19 transmission. The purpose of this study was to examine the results of serial PCR testing, viral load, and viral culture in patients awaiting discharge prior to a negative PCR test. We sampled 14 patients who were admitted from skilled nursing and/or rehabilitation facilities to a large academic medical center, had clinical signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and had multiple PCR-positive tests separated by at least 14 days. PCR-positive nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained from each patient for viral load quantification and viral culture. The mean age of patients was 72.5 years (55 – 92), with a mean peak SOFA score of 5.6 (1 – 11). Patients were hospitalized for a mean of 37.0 days (25 – 60). RNA was detected by PCR for a mean of 32.9 days (19 – 47). Mean viral load for the first PCR-positive nasopharyngeal swab collected at our hospital was 5.81 genomic copies/mL (2.12 – 9.72). Viral load decreased significantly with days from clinical symptom onset (R = -0.69, 95% CI, -0.80 – -0.55). Four out of 28 samples grew active virus via culture, with no active virus isolates after 2 days of symptom onset. Our viral culture data suggests that persistent PCR positivity may not correlate with infectivity, which has important implications for COVID-19 infection control precautions among older congregate care patients.
Quality-of-Life Scores for Nursing Home Residents Are Stable Over Time: Evidence From Minnesota
Authors: Ng Weiwen , Shippee Tetyana , Bowblis John , Akosionu Odichinma , Woodhouse Mark , Duan Yinfei
Published: December 2021

Objective: Quality of life (QoL) is a multidimensional construct that assesses the quality of lived experience in nursing homes (NHs). QoL is directly important to NH residents. However, QoL is only publicly reported in a few states, partly because of concerns regarding measure stability. To address these concerns, we tested the stability of Minnesota’s NH QoL measure over one year. Study Design: A pair of two-year cohorts of Minnesota NH residents who responded to the 2012-2013 (N = 4,448) or 2014-2015 (N = 4,644) QoL survey in consecutive years. Stability was measured using the intra-class correlation (ICC) from hierarchical linear models. Models were fit without any covariates, then individual and facility-level characteristics were added. Principal Findings: Overall QoL had ICCs of 0.602 and 0.614 in the earlier and later cohort respectively. Domain-level ICCs were lower, ranging from 0.374 (positive mood) to 0.571 (lack of negative mood) in the 2012-2013 cohort, with similar trends for the later cohort. Adjusting for important covariates reduces the ICCs slightly, but they remained at 0.565 or higher for the summary score. Conclusions: Person-reported summary QoL has adequate stability over a period of one year. Our results provide impetus to assess and report NH QoL on a national level. Consumers can be confident that if an NH’s QoL scores improve from year to year, that represents a real improvement, and not just the scores varying due to which residents were sampled. Some caution, however, is warranted when presenting facility-level domain scores, as these are less stable.
Talking through Technology: Maintaining Essential Contacts with Older Adults During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Shade Marcia , Hubner Sarah , Boron Julie Blaskewicz , Kotopka Stephen , Manley Natalie
Published: December 2021

Older adults are at increased risk for contracting COVID-19 and are more vulnerable to poor outcomes. Public health efforts to prevent spread of COVID-19 resulted in widespread social/physical distancing; this changed adults’ regular communication with their essential contacts, warranting development of solutions for socialization to reduce loneliness, bolstering quality of life. Essential contacts provide social/emotional/physical care for community-dwelling or institutionalized adults. This study aimed to explore how essential contacts of older adults utilize technology to maintain social connection in response to COVID-19. Participants (N=156) aged 55+ completed a Qualtrics questionnaire via Amazon Mechanical Turk; demographic, social contact, and technology use data were collected. Respondents (M Age=62.2±4.9) were generally female (72.4%), white (89.7%), and a contact for an institutionalized adult (59%). Data were analyzed descriptively with binary regressions. Results revealed that volumes of general [X2(4,N=156)=37.69,p<.001], in-person [X2(4,N=156=37.84,p<.001], and distanced [X2(4, N=156)=27.69,p<.001] social interaction were significantly associated with the older adult’s environment (community-dwelling vs. institutionalized). In-person conversation was significantly associated with environment [X2(1,N=156)=29.38,p=0.001], while other technology-based communications (e.g., video-chat) were not. In-person conversation was positively predicted by the contact being a physical caregiver (B=2.324,p<.001), while smartphone use was positively predicted by being a social contact (B=1.287,p<.05). Findings suggest that although technology was used by participants to communicate with their older adult contacts across groups, environment and caregiver/contact type significantly influenced communication. It may be that, throughout COVID-19, dyads have relied on familiar methods of socialization, or that there is lack of access to more sophisticated technologies for communication. This warrants future investigation.
Loneliness Before and During the Covid-19 Pandemic: Associations with Chronic Illnesses and Relationship Quality
Authors: Kayser Jay , Smith Jacqui
Published: December 2021

While self-reported loneliness generally declines after age 65, the likelihood of experiencing chronic illnesses increases. During the Covid-19 pandemic, social isolation measures have changed the social context of many people. We address three research questions: 1) What is the predictive strength of chronic illnesses, relationship quality, and their interaction on loneliness? 2) Has Covid-19 altered experienced loneliness relative to pre-pandemic? 3) Was loneliness during Covid-19 associated with the number of prior chronic illnesses in 2016? To answer these questions, we have analyzed data from participants in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) included in the early 2020 release who also completed the 2016 wave (N = 1106). On average, in 2016, these participants were age 74.64 (SD = 6.66) and reported 2.57 (SD = 1.39) chronic illnesses. In 2016, unadjusted multiple regression models revealed that chronic illnesses (β = .38) and relationship quality (β = -.41) were associated with loneliness (R2 = .28). When covariates were added, these values were attenuated but remained statistically significant. In 2020 during the pandemic, 8% of these participants reported they often felt lonely and 26% reported feeling lonelier since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. People who had more chronic illnesses in 2016 reported feeling lonelier in 2020 as did people whose relationships were poorer quality (p < .05). Further analyses with final data from HRS are needed to confirm these trends. These findings highlight the importance of having longitudinal information to identify individuals at high risk and most likely to benefit from interventions.
Social Isolation in Older Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The impact on Quality of Life and Mental health
Authors: Marshall Victoria , Sandhu Robina , Kanzler Kathryn , Espinoza Sara , Keel Pamela , LaCroix Andrea , Musi Nicolas , Kilpela Lisa
Published: December 2021

To mitigate the spread of COVID-19, countries worldwide enacted quarantines, particularly for older adults, as mortality from COVID-19 is inequitably distributed among this group. Notably, social isolation in older adults is associated with a heightened risk of cardiovascular, autoimmune, and mental health problems (e.g., depression, anxiety). Furthermore, the mental health of women in particular has been greatly impacted by the pandemic. Although previous research indicates that social isolation among older adults is a “serious public health concern”, less is known about the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated this issue. The primary objective is to investigate the effects of social isolation on mental health indices and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in older women in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants include 77 postmenopausal women (aged 60+) who completed self-report measures online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Controlling for education and annual household income in all analyses, we used linear regression models to investigate the effects of social isolation on depression, anxiety, alcohol use, binge eating, and the 8 domains of the SF-36. Results indicate that, when controlling for education and income, social isolation significantly predicted depression, binge eating, and poorer HRQOL in all 8 domains of the SF-36 (all p’s < .01) Social isolation did not predict anxiety and alcohol consumption when controlling for these sociodemographic variables. Enrollment is ongoing; this poster will report updated results. Results indicate the continued need for creative avenues to improve social connectedness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Validation of the Integrated Care for Older People Screening Tool: Focus on the Chair Rise Test to Assess Locomotion
Authors: Gonzalez-Bautista Emmanuel , de Barreto Philipe Souto , Salinas-Rodriguez Aaron , Sourdet Sandrine , Rolland Yves , Rodriguez-Mañas Leocadio , Andrieu Sandrine , Vellas Bruno
Published: December 2021

The Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) is a function- and person-centered healthcare pathway developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). ICOPE's first step (Step 1) consists of screening for impairments in the intrinsic capacity (IC) domains (namely sensorial, cognition, nutrition, psychological, and locomotion). For instance, the ICOPE Step1 tool suggests a cut-point of 14 seconds for five-repetition chair rise time as a marker of impaired locomotion. Given the lack of validation of this tool in the literature, we aimed to validate the ICOPE screening tool concerning incident health outcomes, focusing on the locomotion assessment. First, we analyzed the five-domain screening tool's ability to identify older adults (OA) at higher risk of incident outcomes (frailty, disability, dementia) using longitudinal data from the Multidomain Alzheimer Preventive Trial (MAPT). For the locomotion assessment (chair rise test), we derived and cross-validated age-specific cut points from two population-based cohorts using ROC (receiver operating characteristic) analysis. We further verified those cut points among OA real-life users of the health system and clinical trial participants. In conclusion, the ICOPE Step 1 screening tool was able to identify OA at higher risk of incident frailty, disability, and dementia. New chair-rise-time cut points for age groups 70-79 years old and 80 years and older were valid in populations from different settings. The ICOPE Step 1 tool provides a practical and integrative way of screening older adults for impairments in IC and detecting those at higher risk of functional decline.
Dyadic Loneliness and HbA1c Levels Among Older Married Couples: Evidence From The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing
Authors: Stokes Jeffrey , Barooah Adrita
Published: December 2021

Loneliness is an important determinant of health and mortality among the aging population, including for cardiometabolic health. Yet research has largely focused on individual experiences of loneliness, rather than taking intimate relationships into account. However, recent studies have highlighted that the psychosocial well-being of one’s partner may impact one’s own health as well. Indeed, the stress generation hypothesis anticipates that loneliness in one partner may lead to more stressful interactions within relationships, and thus to worse health outcomes for both spouses. This is particularly true among older couples, as life events and shifting time horizons (e.g., retirement, socioemotional selectivity, reduced social networks) lead older persons to focus more time and energy on their closest relationships. Life events such as retirement may make adults’ intimate relationships – and the experiences of their partner – more salient than ever before. In this study, we use dyadic structural equation modeling to examine associations between loneliness and HbA1c levels among 1,331 older married couples from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. Further, we test whether any such associations vary by age or employment status. Results indicate that one’s own loneliness was not significantly linked with elevated HbA1c, irrespective of age or employment status. However, loneliness of a dyadic partner was significantly associated with elevated HbA1c among retired persons only. Further, this effect was not due to age, but rather to employment status itself. These findings suggest that relationship context is crucial when considering the dyadic health implications of loneliness among the older population.
Starts and Stops: Strategizing an Age-Friendly University Commitment During a Pandemic
Authors: Ebner Paige , Ferraro Kenneth , Pastor Brian , Rogers Wendy
Published: December 2021

The Global Network of Age-Friendly Universities seeks to enhance age-inclusivity and engagement in higher education, but delivering age-friendly programming became very challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examine how two land-grant universities adapted to the pandemic and draw some lessons from those experiences that may be useful for other universities seeking to implement or resume the AFU programming. The two main responses were to either pause many of the age-friendly initiatives at the university or adapt to virtual or online delivery platforms. To ensure the health and safety of older adults, colleges and universities paused many age-friendly initiatives such as intergenerational service-learning, technological assistance to older adults, and influenza vaccinations. Other programs continued but in a modified delivery format. Examples include: converting a face-to-face balance-training program to telehealth delivery; transitioning visitation programs to pen pal communication; and replacing face-to-face workshops offered by Extension Services with webinar delivery. Despite these challenges, we conclude that moving to virtual platforms and other methods of delivery, including conventional mail, has in some cases increased access for many older adults and became a lifeline during a time of social isolation for many older adults. Taken together, these experiences highlight the need for age-friendly universities to have contingency plans to ensure continuation of age-friendly programming in the event of pandemics or disasters. Finally, the pause in programming creates opportunities to re-launch or re-organize those initiatives in accord with federal and state safety guidelines.
What Do Undergraduates Learn About Alzheimer Disease? An Analysis of Introduction to Psychology Textbooks
Authors: Hancock Zoe , Wynn Matthew , Carpenter Brian
Published: December 2021

One of the most popular courses for undergraduate students, Introduction to Psychology, is often students’ first exposure to scientific and clinical facts about Alzheimer disease (AD). In order to learn how our current understanding of AD is presented to undergraduate psychology students, we analyzed passages related to Alzheimer disease that appear in contemporary Introduction to Psychology textbooks. We extracted and analyzed passages describing AD from twenty-four best-selling Introduction to Psychology textbooks for both advanced and intermediate undergraduate audiences, published between 2018 and 2020. We applied a standardized coding scheme to the passages to quantify what aspects of AD were most commonly described. Each textbook contained between 1 and 3 major passages regarding AD, most often appearing in the chapters on Memory or Human Development. Average word count for these passages was 409.1 words (SD = 194.8 words). Passages most often covered biological aspects of AD (87.5% of textbooks), symptoms (87.5%), prevalence (75%), and risk factors (75%). Disease prevention (62.5%) and illness course (62.5%) also appeared in the majority of textbooks, while aspects of treatment and management (25%), assessment and diagnosis (12.5%), and caregiving (25%) were mentioned less often. While the majority of books used contemporary and appropriate terminology to describe AD (e.g., “Alzheimer disease,” “dementia,” “neurocognitive disorder”), some textbooks maintained the use of out-of-date and inappropriate terminology (e.g., “senility” or “senile dementia” in 15%). Introductory psychology textbooks provide an opportunity to teach comprehensive, accurate information about AD and publishers and textbook authors could be guided in this effort.
An 18-year Experience with an Innovative Geriatrics Training Model: Implications for the Workforce
Authors: O'Brien Cara , Henricks Evan , Beckert Angela , Denson Kathryn , Duthie Edmund
Published: December 2021

Despite the growing population of older adults, the geriatrics workforce has not similarly expanded. The number of geriatrics fellows has declined by 14.3% from 2012-2017. Implementation of innovative training programs may improve this reality. In 2002, the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) created the first four-year combined medicine residency and geriatrics fellowship (Med-Ger). Similar programs are currently being developed. The aim of this study is to describe the outcomes of the MCW Med-Ger program. Primary endpoints: American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) pass rates, ABIM Geriatric Medicine Certification pass rates, fellowship completion rates, and geriatric-focused practice. Results: There was a Med-Ger program fill rate of 73.7% (n=38). There was equivalent ABIM pass rate of 100% between Med-Ger graduates (n=18) and traditional graduates (n=25). Med-Ger trainees were more likely to complete their geriatrics fellowship (94.4% vs. 88%) and practice in geriatric-focused careers (82.4% vs. 68.2%). These outcomes suggest the benefit of a combined program for training future geriatricians. The MCW Med-Ger fill rate exceeds the national geriatrics fellowship fill rate of under 50%. Additionally, graduates may be more likely to practice geriatric medicine. This may help address population needs for an increased geriatrics workforce. In 2020, the ACGME approved an Advancing Innovation in Residency Education (AIRE) Medicine-Geriatrics Integrated Residency and Fellowship national pilot program. Further investigation of why trainees choose Med-Ger training and are more likely to continue with careers in geriatrics is needed in order to replicate the success of the MCW Med-Ger program.
A Study on Trends in the Number and Content of Journal Article Titles Containing the Term “Elder Abuse”
Authors: Katsumata Asako , Tsukada Noriko
Published: December 2021

Japan enacted the Elder Abuse Prevention Law on April 1, 2006; no amendments have been made since then. The purpose of this study is to examine trends in the number and content of journal article titles containing the term “elder abuse” and determine what further research is needed to identify where amendments to the law would be useful. We identified 986 articles using the CiNii database between the dates of 2005 to 2020. We categorized those titles by content, using a KJ Method. Preliminary analyses revealed that the average number of the articles published each year was 61.6, though a moving average of the numbers of articles on elder abuse has been steadily declining, as opposed to the average number for child abuse articles, 158, where the moving average staying the same. As for the analyses for the titles, they were categorized into 10 categories, including “law,” “responses of professional personnel to elder abuse,” “systems of government agencies,” “responses of nurses,” “institutional elder abuse,” “support for caregivers,” “reports on elder abuse in other countries,” “dementia and elder abuse,” “responses of medical institutions,” and “others.” It is suggested that more research needs to be done, especially in such areas as “verification of elder abuse cases,” “psychological impacts on elder abuse victims,” “empirical research conducted by medical doctors dealing with elder abuse cases,” and “cooperation between police and professional institutions,” many of which were found in research on child abuse where 4 law amendments have been made since its enactment of 2000.
An Assessment of Dementia Caregivers’ Interaction With Community-Based Services
Authors: Saravanan Deepika Pugalenthi , Satyadev Nihal , Townsend Natashia , Rose Katherine , Ma Harrison , Benton Donna , Levy-Storms Lené
Published: December 2021

Respite care is an important service to address caregivers' stress and fatigue when caring for a person with dementia (PWD). YouthCare is a non-medical, at-home, intergenerational respite care program that partners trained student volunteers with PWDs. The Family Caregiver Survey was created and distributed to caregivers of PWDs in Los Angeles to better understand interactions with the community and its caregiver services. The survey assesses caregivers’ demographics, daily activities, mental health, and the type of respite support needed. The survey findings (n=47) show that 53.2% of caregivers are 54 and older and 83% females. 40.4% of the caregivers listened to the radio primarily in the morning while 61.7% watched television in the afternoon to evening time. For transportation of PWDs to and from destinations, 78.3% of caregivers reported using their own vehicles. In regards to their mental health, 61.7% of the caregivers stated that they felt tired and unmotivated to complete daily activities. When asked why they sought respite services, 40% stated that they were overwhelmed by the responsibilities in addition to their own work. The groups that primarily support caregivers are family and professional respite services. Findings indicate that caregivers are most likely to trust resource recommendations from family and friends. Similar surveys should be administered in other cities and in rural locations to improve the generalizability of our findings.
Early Collaboration Measures Among a Cross-Sector Stakeholder Group in a Statewide GWEP
Authors: Crittenden Jennifer , Elwell Abigail , Wihry David , Kaye Lenard
Published: December 2021

The AgingME Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) uses collaboration across institutions of higher education, community-based organizations, and healthcare entities to imbed transformational healthcare practice change across Maine, a primarily rural state. To explore the factors that influence cross-sector collaboration among a diverse array of partners, a baseline anonymous electronic survey was distributed to the newly formed project steering committee. The survey consisted of the Wilder Collaborative Factors Inventory, an established measure of 22 research-based collaboration factors along with four open response questions on process-level challenges and opportunities for improvement. A total of eleven responses (N = 11) were received out of 20 Steering Committee members (55% response). Collaboration strengths noted in the assessment include unique purpose of statewide GWEP efforts (M = 4.41 out of 5 points), mutual trust among members (M = 4.32), favorable social and political environment (M = 4.27), and a history of collaboration among partners (M = 4.27). Lower scores were received on the multiple layers of participation (M = 3.45 out of 5 points), and ability to compromise factors (M = 3.45). Qualitative responses reinforced the need for a common understanding of the project’s goals and outcomes early on in the collaboration. Barriers to collaboration included scheduling considerations and limited time and energy among partners due to heightened COVID-19 response efforts. Results elucidate: 1) Early collaboration strengths and needs of a newly formed statewide education collaborative; and 2) Strategic action steps and focal points informing early partnershipping among organizations engaged in interprofessional health education efforts.