bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE ROLE OF LATE-LIFE SOCIAL PARTICIPATION IN THE RISK OF DEMENTIA: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY
Authors: Wang Xi , Lujintanon Sita , Amezcua Pablo Martinez , Schrack Jennifer
Published: January 2025

Social connectedness may prevent dementia in community-dwelling older adults. However, few studies have long-term follow-up and repeated assessments of social participation. We analyzed the data of adults aged 65 years and over in the United States from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (n = 5,893) from 2012 to 2019. We assessed social connectedness annually with questions about engagement in various activities (“Yes”/”No”), including visiting family/friends, attending religious services, organized activities, and going out for enjoyment. We created a binary composite variable indicating participation in at least one of the activities. Incident dementia was defined using the NHATS dementia algorithm (reported dementia diagnosis, AD8, and neurocognitive test results). We estimated the longitudinal association between social participation and dementia using generalized estimating equation models adjusted for characteristics measured in 2011 (one year before the first exposure assessment), including age, sex, race, marital status, educational attainment, household income, depressive symptoms, and self-rated health. Composite social participation was associated with lower odds of dementia (odds ratio [OR]: 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.31, 0.54). Individually, visiting family/friends (0.53; [0.45, 0.63]), attending religious services (0.64 [0.55; 0.75]), participating in organized activities (0.74; [0.61, 0.89]), and going out for enjoyment (0.38; [0.32, 0.45]) were all associated with lower odds of dementia. Among community-dwelling older adults in the United States, multiple forms of social participation may be targets for dementia prevention interventions or serve as early markers of dementia risk.
THE IMPACT OF AGE-SPECIFIC PSYCHOLOGICAL SELF-SUFFICIENCY ON ECONOMIC WELL-BEING AMONG OLDER WORKER JOB SEEKERS
Authors: Lee Mina , Yeo Hyesu , Hong Philip
Published: January 2025

Aim

Federal and state workforce policies prioritize Economic Self-Sufficiency (ESS) but often overlook crucial psychological dimensions. Psychological Self-Sufficiency (PSS) provides an empowerment framework, especially for low-income jobseekers, integrating psychological and economic well-being. While PSS represents a transformative path from Employment Barrier (EB) to Employment Hope (EH) and positively impacts ESS, the age-specific impact of PSS measures on economic well-being remains unexplored. This study validates PSS measures and investigates their relationship with ESS among older worker job seekers.

Methods

Data were collected from 1006 participants aged 50+, engaged with community-based agencies offering employment training services (2012-2016. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) identified older-worker PSS using 27 EB and 24 EH items. ESS was assessed using the 15-item WEN ESS scale. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) examined the relationship between older-worker PSS and ESS pre- and post-program participation.

Results

EFA and CFA revealed a 16-item 4-factor EB and a 15-item 3-factor EH structure. EB factors included human capital, personal balance, physical and mental health, and labor market exclusion barriers, while EH factors encompassed self-assurance, skill and resource utilization, and goal orientation. SEM indicated significant PSS, highlighting the transformative path from EB to EH, significantly affecting ESS with EH fully mediating EB.

Conclusion

This study highlights the distinct age-specific composition of PSS factors among low-income older workers, emphasizing the need for age-friendly intervention strategies by workforce development practitioners. By enhancing psychological self-sufficiency, these interventions can contribute to the economic well-being of older workers in the context of employment transition.
COMPONENTS OF SUPPORTED DECISION-MAKING BY ADULT GUARDIANS FOR ADULTS UNDER GUARDIANSHIP IN JAPAN
Authors: Kasahara Sachiko
Published: January 2025

The adult guardianship system in Japan is designed to protect the rights and property of elderly individuals or those with diminished decision-making capacity. The system also allows for property management and personal care considerations. Adult guardians include relatives and non-relative guardians, but in Japan non-relative guardians account for over 80% of the total. For non-relative adult guardians who often meet the individual after being appointed as their guardian, respecting the individual’s wishes is an extremely important task in guardianship activities. The purpose of this research is to visualize the components of supported decision-making by non-relative guardians. The previous studies indicated that it was important to know what the specifics of supported decision-making for people under wards. The research was conducted from September to October of 2022 by self-administered questionnaires. The survey was mailed to 1,180 non-relative adult guardians in Japan. The data was collected Multistage sampling. The response rate was 25.2%. The statistical analysis was an exploratory factor analysis. Three factors in the specifics of supported decision-making were extracted by the factor analysis: Supporting for forming, expressing, and realizing of their wishes of the person under wards; Assessment and relationship with them; and Supporting by a team. The Cronbach’s alpha for internal consistency was greater than 0.8 for each factor. In addition, the three factors were associated each other. In conclusions, the present study found that the specifics of supported decision-making were Supporting their wishes as process, Preconditions for supported decision-making, and Supporting as a team.
DISCRIMINATION AND RESILIENCE ON HEALTH ACROSS THE LIFESPAN
Authors: Lee Yeonjung , Vang Cindy , Her-Xiong Youhung
Published: January 2025

Asian and Asian American (AAA) older adults have encountered varying forms of discrimination in the United States. However, discrimination across the life course shaping the lives of AAA is an emerging area in understanding health disparities. This study aimed to shed light on this area by using the Life Course Perspective and the Asian Critical Theory to characterize the levels of discrimination, resilience, and health of AAA older adults before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The preliminary data were collected through convenience and snowball sampling methods. Participants (N=39) completed a survey using discrimination, resilience, and health measures before and during the pandemic. Descriptive results indicated increased perceived mild discrimination post-pandemic compared to the pre-COVID-19 pandemic. The findings, however, indicate that participants showed increased resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the preliminary data focusing on hard-to-reach older adults, the present study findings can help understand the unique association between discrimination and resilience experiences among AAA older adults.
EXAMINING GUARDIANSHIP RISK OF THE UNBEFRIENDED UTILIZING A SOCIOECOLOGICAL MODEL TO IMPROVE ADVOCACY AND POLICY
Authors: Marcel Solange
Published: January 2025

Background

Adults without decisional capacity, having no surrogate, are known as unbefriended persons and are often referred for guardianship. Guardianship is meant to serve as a means of protection; however, a guardian’s decision-making authority is conversely a threat to autonomy. The aim of this literature review is to examine the prevalence of unbefriended persons at risk for guardianship while exploring the gaps, trends, and inconsistencies related to healthcare provider and/or institutional knowledge deficits.

Methodology

A literature review was performed using electronic databases CINAHL, PubMed, Medline, and PsychInfo. Publication parameters were set between 2010 and 2024. Additionally, relevant articles with a special medicolegal focus were hand-selected without publication date restrictions.

Results

Search terms resulted in 258 articles for title and abstract screening. Utilizing the socioecological model, 17 studies were synthesized. Neurocognitive disorders and psychotic disorders were intrapersonal antecedents. Social isolation increased vulnerability at the interpersonal level. Organizational factors included inadequate healthcare knowledge. Lack of guardian access was a notable environmental factor. At the policy level, health facilities lacked effective policies to promote ethical and timely decision-making. Conclusions: At each socio-ecological level, there are vastly different experiences for the unbefriended compared to decisional-incapacitated persons with identified surrogates. These differences should be the impetus for future education and serve as a springboard for advocacy initiatives. A multidisciplinary approach consisting of clinicians, healthcare ethics committees, and the guardianship system is compulsory to address the evolving needs of the unbefriended. Keywords: unbefriended, unrepresented, persons without proxies (PWP), decisional capacity, incapacitation, guardianship, and surrogates.
RECONSIDERING MANDATORY RETIREMENT FOR POLITICIANS: A MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH
Authors: Tzemah-Shahar Roy , Menashe Aviad
Published: January 2025

The upcoming 2024 U.S. presidential election has ignited a widespread discourse on the age of candidates; globally, the political arena has witnessed seasoned leaders surpassing the age of 80 and continuing to hold office. The advanced age of politicians raises multifaceted questions across cultural, social, legal, political, and gerontological research fields. Is there a case for considering mandatory retirement age for politicians, and under what circumstances? We review available literature, federal and state laws, media reports (e.g., social networks), and health research focusing on the impact of age on work-related performance. Moreover, we explore theoretical and practical aspects of age and ageism in the workforce. The debate surrounding the advanced age of politicians has intensified in recent decades: older politicians may hinder the rise of new generations and raise concerns about their physical or cognitive ability in old age; however, these leaders are often perceived as experienced and well-connected, providing an irreplaceable wealth of knowledge. While retirement age varies globally, only a few countries have set mandatory retirement age for politicians. Recent health studies suggest that chronological age alone is insufficient to determine an individual’s ability to participate in the workforce; however, there are no objective criteria other than chronological age for mandatory retirement of most professions, including politicians. There is no consensus on ability or disability of older politicians to perform adequately, but their experience remains unparalleled. Physical and cognitive function, as reflected in biological age metrics, may serve as an alternative to chronological age concerning mandatory retirement.
USING CANCER SURVIVORSHIP EXPERIENCES TO INFORM CANCER ADVOCACY IN NIGERIA
Authors: Nweke Chizobam , Nduka Chinelo , Chidebe Runcie , Nwakasi Candi
Published: January 2025

Background

Despite having a high cancer burden that is still rising, Nigeria, like many rapidly aging countries in sub-Saharan Africa, due to a very high burden of infectious diseases, is not paying adequate attention to non-communicable diseases, especially cancer. This study explored the experiences of cancer survivors for informing tailored cancer advocacy programs in Nigeria.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive approach was used on a sample of 19 women with age ranging from 29 – 55 years, with a history of breast cancer. We had four focus group discussions during data collection and used reflexive thematic analysis for data analysis.

Results

The following themes were identified from the analysis: 1) strengthening care quality, 2) addressing delayed presentation, 3) expanding access to informal support, and 4) alleviating the cost burden of cancer care.

Discussion

A better understanding of cancer survivorship experiences among Nigerian women can help strengthen cancer advocacy in Nigeria. In turn, strong cancer advocacy will help to prioritize cancer control, and mitigate a looming cancer crisis in Nigeria.
“ACT YOUR AGE!” YOUNG ADULTS’ CONCERN REGARDING PRESCRIPTIVE AGE STEREOTYPE VIOLATION
Authors: Gourley Amy , Chasteen Alison
Published: January 2025

A younger subjective or ‘felt’ age is often associated with positive health outcomes among adults over 60. However, a dearth of research examines young adults’ attitudes towards older people who report feeling ‘young at heart’. The degree to which a young adult feels concerned about violations of prescriptive age stereotypes (i.e., that older people should act their age) may predict their reactions to older adults who feel young at heart. The present work examines young adults’ (N = 296) attitudes toward older vignette characters described as feeling either their age (65), 45, or 25. Participants evaluated one of six possible characters and completed a measure of their concern that the character would violate prescriptive age stereotypes (e.g., “I am concerned that older people like the person described in the vignette will come to places where I like to hang out.”). Participants were more concerned that characters who felt 25 or 45 would violate prescriptive age stereotypes compared to characters who felt 65. Moreover, concern about characters’ potential stereotype violation predicted participants’ attitudes toward the character. Specifically, the more concerned participants felt, the lower they rated characters’ competence, particularly when the character felt 25 or 65. These findings suggest that older adults’ felt ages and younger adults’ concerns about preserving strict age-group boundaries may be key predictors of evaluations of older people. To develop interventions to reduce ageism, more work must consider younger people’s reactions to older adults’ felt ages as well as their concern regarding prescriptive age stereotypes.
LONG-TERM EFFECT OF HEALTH CARE DISCRIMINATION ON LIFE SATISFACTION OF FUNCTIONALLY LIMITED OLDER ADULTS IN ENGLAND
Authors: Garrido Felipe Sandoval
Published: January 2025

Healthcare discrimination, e.g. receiving poorer service compared to others, detrimentally affects older adults, particularly those with greater care needs. In the UK, the long-term interplay of healthcare discrimination and functional limitations is under-researched, leading to potential care gaps and poorer health outcomes. This study fills this gap by examining the effects of healthcare discrimination and functional limitations on the life satisfaction of 12,690 individuals aged 60+ from the 2010-2019 English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. The 2010-11 survey assessed healthcare discrimination and functional limitations using ADL and IADL scales. Life satisfaction was measured using the Satisfaction with Life Scale, with scores from 2010-11, 2014-15, and 2018-19 analyzed via a linear mixed-effect model to account for the longitudinal design. Findings show that 2.9% (368 respondents) experienced discrimination. A preliminary bivariate logistic regression showed that those with more significant functional limitations were twice as likely to face discrimination (odds ratio: 2.010). The mixed-effect model showed a 1.580-point decrease in life satisfaction due to discrimination and a 1.134-point decrease from ADL/IADL difficulties. An interaction effect led to a larger 2.399-point drop when combining both factors, adjusted for demographic and health variables. These results highlight the intersection of healthcare discrimination and functional limitations, emphasizing the need for targeted policy and educational reforms. Incorporating these insights into training programs for healthcare professionals and establishing more inclusive, sensitive healthcare policies could significantly enhance care quality and outcomes for the elderly. This study underscores the imperative for such initiatives to better cater to the aging population’s unique needs.
RELATIONSHIP OF AGING KNOWLEDGE TO AGE BIAS VARIES ACROSS KNOWLEDGE DOMAIN FOR DOCTORAL PSYCHOLOGY TRAINEES
Authors: Johnson Benjamin , Caskie Grace
Published: January 2025

Doctoral psychology trainees often express low interest in clinical work with older adults, which may be attributed to ageist stereotypes they hold. Levy’s (2018) PEACE model states that one of the two most effective ways to reduce age bias is to increase accuracy of knowledge about aging. Few studies have examined psychology trainees’ aging knowledge or whether it relates to their age bias. We assessed the aging knowledge of 192 doctoral psychology trainees (aged 21-30 years), using Palmore’s Facts on Aging Quiz (FAQ), which includes three domains (biological, psychological, social). We also investigated the relationship of trainees’ aging knowledge to age bias (measured by FSA, ASD, and AmbAS). On average, trainees answered 13 FAQ items correctly (52%), indicating low aging knowledge. Trainees had more accurate aging knowledge in biological (M=70%) than psychological (M=60%) or social (M=40%) domains. They were significantly more likely (p<.001) to respond incorrectly to 10 facts and correctly to 11 facts; the social domain showed the most incorrect knowledge. Trainees’ total aging knowledge was not significantly correlated with any age bias measure; however, greater biological aging knowledge was positively correlated with more age bias (FSA and AmbAS), while greater psychological and social aging knowledge were negatively correlated with all age bias measures. Thus, to reduce age bias by increasing aging knowledge, interventions may need to be domain-specific. Additionally, psychology training may overemphasize biological aging and physical decline (i.e., medical model), suggesting interventions address other aspects of aging and focus on age-related gains in addition to losses.
AGE BIAS IN PEOPLE’S DAILY ACROSS 72 YEARS
Authors: Mai Chunyan , Chen Amber X , Cao Ji , Fung Helene H
Published: January 2025

Background

Older adults were traditionally portrayed to be respected in China, a collectivistic and culturally tight society. However, findings are mixed on attitudes towards the older adults in contemporary China, amidst socio-economic transformation and cultural shifts. Addressing this gap, our study investigates the evolution of societal attitudes towards the older group, as reflected in narratives from the People’s Daily Newspaper (Renmin Ribao) from 1950 to 2021.

Methods

Societal attitudes were measured with three metrics: moral judgment (virtue versus vice), ageist evaluations (positive versus negative), and stereotypes (warmth versus competence), utilizing natural language processing. Age biases (Virtue Bias, etc.) refer to the association between attitude-related words (virtue, etc.) and the older group relative to the younger group. To explain the overtime change in the Age Biases, time series models and Granger tests were applied to examine the correlation and precedence between cultural values and age biases.

Results

The results of time series models revealed that after accounting for GDP per capita, collectivistic values were positively correlated with Warmth Bias. Additionally, cultural looseness exhibited positive correlations with Virtue Bias, Positive Ageist Bias, and Warmth Bias. Granger tests revealed that declines in cultural looseness preceded declining Virtue Bias and Positive Ageist Bias.

Discussion

This is the first known study longitudinally exploring societal attitudes towards the older group in China. Our findings highlight the significance of the temporal dynamics of societal attitudes along with cultural changes.
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN OBJECTIVE HEARING FUNCTION AND SUBJECTIVE VIEWS OF AGING
Authors: Koch Jana , Brady Brooke , Anstey Kaarin
Published: January 2025

Subjective views of aging have been associated with positive health-promoting behaviours and well-being. While age-related changes are considered fundamental to views of aging, the role of declining hearing function in shaping these age views remains a largely unexplored area. Within the scope of this study, we hypothesized that poor hearing function would contribute to less favorable views of aging, as measured on multiple related constructs. Data were obtained from the app-based, longitudinal ‘Labs without Walls’ study, including 184 participants with a mean age of 55.6 years (17.1 SD). Subjective views of aging were measured by the Self-perceptions of aging scale, Expectations regarding aging scale (with subscales on physical health, mental health, and cognitive function), subjective age, and ideal age. Hearing function was measured on a validated app-based hearing task, and a pure-tone average was calculated in the better-hearing ear on frequencies 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz. Structural equation modelling was employed to examine the unique contributions of hearing function on subjective views of aging while controlling for chronological age, sex-at-birth, loneliness, cognition and socioeconomic status. As hypothesized, poor hearing function was associated with negative expectations regarding aging, especially regarding maintaining cognitive function and physical health. Hearing function was also associated with an older ideal age. However, poor hearing function was not predictive of any other constructs of subjective views of aging. These findings highlight that hearing loss affects expectations of the aging process. Future interventions should examine whether addressing these negative expectations could lead to improved hearing health behaviors.
DAILY HEALTH PROBLEMS, SUBJECTIVE AGING, AND THE MODERATING ROLE OF AWARENESS OF AGE-RELATED CHANGES
Authors: Tingvold Maiken , Kornadt Anna
Published: January 2025

Indicators of subjective aging, such as a persons’ subjective age or their perception of accelerated aging, are related to health problems, in that experiencing health issues can lead to more negative subjective aging. This has been shown for longitudinal relationships as well as in daily assessments. In the current study, we were interested in moderators of this relationship. We assumed that on days in which participants experienced more age-related gains, the coupling of daily subjective aging and health problems should be weaker, whereas it should be amplified on days in which participants experienced more age-related losses. A sample of N = 70 participants aged 52 – 75 years (Mage = 62.74, SD = 5.53) reported on their daily subjective age (uni- and multidimensional), accelerated aging, health problems and awareness of age-related gains and losses on up to 14 days of daily diary assessments. Age, gender, education, and baseline health were included as covariates. Multilevel models showed that as expected, the perception of age-related losses increased the impact of daily health problems on multidimensional subjective age and accelerated aging. Contrary to expectations, however, more daily gains also increased the impact of daily health problems on subjective age and accelerated aging. Our findings attest to the importance of both the perception of age-related gains and losses in daily life, and show that irrespective of valence, perceiving changes as age-related might be influential for the interpretation of daily experiences and their impact on developmental outcomes.
EXPLORING RACIAL DIFFERENCES IN WILLINGNESS FOR COGNITIVE TESTING IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Costa Amy , Kasenetz Whitney , Crisci Alex , Curtis Ashley , O’Brien Jennifer
Published: January 2025

Knowledge and attitudes about dementia contribute to diagnosis and treatment outcomes. People of color (POC) are less likely to receive dementia screening and an official dementia diagnosis compared to white adults, leaving them vulnerable to missed diagnosis and early intervention. This study tested whether racial group (0=white, N=255; 1=POC, N=56) moderates associations between knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and willingness to undergo cognitive testing. Older adults (N=364, Mage=69.5±6.3 years, 171 women) completed the Perceptions Regarding Investigational Screening for Memory (PRISM; acceptance of AD screening sub-score [PRISM-accept]) and the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS). After completing the questionnaires, participants were invited to the lab to complete the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA; 0=not completed, 1=completed). A linear regression determined whether race moderated associations between ADKS and PRISM-accept sub-score, controlling for education and gender. A logistic regression determined whether race moderated associations between ADKS and MoCA completion. Race did not moderate associations between ADKS and PRISM-accept (p>.05). Race moderated associations between ADKS and whether they completed the MoCA (χ2=12.2, p<.001). Specifically, higher knowledge about AD had higher odds of MoCA completion for white older adults (B=.10, p<.001), but lower odds of MoCA completion for POC (B=-.21, p=.03). Results reveal increased knowledge about AD may increase willingness to be screened for white older adults but decrease willingness for POC. Results may be due to factors influencing screening acceptance in POC (e.g., lack of trust). The present study highlights the need to tailor recommendations to increase willingness to be screened for dementia based on race.
FUTURE ORIENTATION MEDIATES ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN ATTITUDE TOWARD OLDER ADULTS AND IMPULSIVITY IN YOUNG ADULTS
Authors: Wang Xin , Li Tianyuan
Published: January 2025

Attitude towards older adults (ATOA) is related to young adults’ future expectation, which could also influence their current behaviors. Impulsivity is a risk factor related to a number of health concerns in young adulthood. The current study investigated how ATOA was related to young adults’ impulsive behaviors and explored whether future orientation was a mediator. A total of 371 Chinese young adults were recruited and completed a survey on their demographic characteristic, ATOA, consideration of future consequences (CFC) and impulsiveness. The results showed that ATOA had a significant negative curvilinear relationship with impulsiveness (β = -.04, p =.01). Notably, participants with very positive or very negative ATOA both reported lower impulsiveness level compared with those who were in the middle. Furthermore, CFC mediated this curvilinear relationship (β = -.02, p =.02). There was a significant curvilinear relationship between ATOA and CFC (β =.08, p < 0.001), with both very positive and very negative ATOA related to higher levels of CFC. Higher CFC was further related to lower impulsiveness (β = -.20, p < 0.001). The results suggest that young adults holding very positive or very negative ATOA are both concerned about their future and are more capable of restraining from impulsive behaviors. The inverted U-shaped pattern between ATOA and young adults’ impulsiveness provides a new perspective to understand the role of ATOA in early adulthood. Future studies could further investigate the different motives driving the future orientation for young adults with either positive or negative ATOA.
HEALTH AND ENERGY OUTLOOK PREDICT FUNCTIONAL HEALTH 20 YEARS LATER
Authors: Taylor Morgan , Lachman Margie
Published: January 2025

Research has shown that older adults who hold positive self-perceptions of aging have better cognitive and health outcomes. However, few studies have investigated this in a long-term longitudinal and full adult lifespan sample. We used data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study to investigate whether outlooks of one’s health and energy assessed at MIDUS 1 (M1; 1995-1996) would be associated with health limitations (e.g., trouble carrying groceries, difficulty climbing stairs) decades later at MIDUS 3 (M3; 2013-2014). At M1, participants were asked to rate their health and energy on a scale from 0 to 10 at three different time points: the past (10 years prior), the present, and the future (10 years hence). To determine their outlook, we computed a difference score by subtracting participants’ past rating from their future rating. Scores ranged from -10 to 10 and represented a 20 year change that modeled the actual gap between M1 and M3. Using multiple linear regression, we found that health and energy outlook was negatively associated with residual change in health limitations at M3, such that those with more positive outlooks reported fewer health limitations, controlling for age, sex, education, and baseline health limitations. Participant age did not interact with this effect, demonstrating that positive outlooks can benefit the health of individuals across the adult lifespan.
IS A UNIVERSAL TERM FOR OLDER ADULTS CULTURALLY APPROPRIATE? CONSIDERING PREFERRED TERMS IN AFRICA
Authors: Adamek Margaret , Ashirifi Gifty , Adeniji Dolapo , Teshome Abraham
Published: January 2025

Terminology matters. For consistency’s sake, one may argue that aging scholars should use one universal term for older adults regardless of what part of the world they are studying. Others may argue that the terms used by scholars in the Global South to refer to older adults should not be dictated by scholars in the Global North. If the term “elder” is a term of respect for older adults in Sub-Saharan Africa, should African scholars writing about aging be required to use the preferred term of the Global North? Can a universal term for older adults be culturally appropriate globally? With such questions in mind, we conducted a mixed methods study of preferred terms for older adults. Respondents included 78 African scholars and practitioners who completed an online survey. For this study we analyzed responses of 13 scholars from 6 African nations who participated in online focus groups. Using descriptive narrative analysis, our results indicate a wide variety of preferred terms for older adults including elder (Ethiopia), elderly, senior citizen, seniors, pensioners, and golden agers (Malawi). Many terms for older adults exist in local dialects—some connoting respect for elders, others that are derogatory. Respondents indicated older Africans prefer terms that convey respect, honor, and endearment. In scholarly dissemination efforts, we recommend a balanced approach with a universal term such as older adults for international audiences and yet leeway for native scholars to use the term for older people (e.g., “elder”) that is a best fit for their culture.
PERCEPTIONS OF AGING: INVESTIGATING GROUP DIFFERENCES AND PREDICTORS OF SUBJECTIVE AGE
Authors: da Rosa Grace , Martin Peter
Published: January 2025

While aging is a universal process, individuals perceive and experience aging in markedly different ways. Subjective age reflects how people feel (younger or older) compared to their actual age. The purpose of this study was to assess the association of subjective age (younger vs. older) with education, actual age, self-report health, personality, loneliness, chronic stress, and psychological well-being. This study used data from 2000 wave of the Health and Retirement Study. A total of 3,113 adults 65-years and older were included in this study. The results revealed that older adults who feel younger compared to their chronological age reported lower depression scores, lower Neuroticism, lower levels of loneliness, and lower chronic stress, compared to individuals who perceived themselves as older than their chronological age. In addition, older adults who felt younger compared to their chronological age reported higher levels of Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Openness to Experience, Life Satisfaction, Control over their health, Control over their social life, and Control over their financial situation. Significant linear regression results confirmed that high levels of Neuroticism, low Agreeableness, and low levels of hopefulness were associated with older perceived age. Higher levels of Extraversion and Openness to Experience and reported higher Control over health were associated with younger perceived age. In summary, this study offers valuable insights on the importance of subjective age. Interventions that target perceptions of aging may have positive effects on health behaviors, psychological functioning, and overall quality of life of older adults.
WHO’S AFRAID OF LIVING TO 100? ATTITUDES TOWARD A CENTENARIAN LIFE ACROSS GENERATIONS
Authors: Felts Adam , Cerino Lauren , Patskanick Taylor , D’Ambrosio Lisa , Coughlin Joseph
Published: January 2025

The U.S. centenarian population is expected to increase fourfold over the next three decades, according to Pew Research Center (2024). Amid this increasing likelihood of living to 100, and given the general mystique that a century-long life possesses, how do people think and feel about the possibility of a 100-year life? We explore results from a survey that asked respondents a battery of questions related to their attitudes toward a 100-year lifespan, including their interest in living a 100-year life, their emotions, their concerns, and their perceived level of preparedness. Further, we examine the sources of advice that respondents trusted to guide them through a 100-year life. Finally, we review archetypes respondents chose that reflect the kind of person they would like to embody at age 100, to begin to explore questions (and how to ask questions) about how people conceptualize the “the good life” in later old age. Reporting and discussion of survey results (N=1,184) will be paired with qualitative findings from focus groups (N=69) on the same topic. In the discussion of these results, we will focus on whether people hope for or fear a 100-year life, what their aspirations would be in old age given a lifespan of such great length, and how they would prepare for it. Particular attention will be paid to generational or life course differences in responses, especially in the sources of advice that people prefer, which suggest profound generational shifts in people’s preferred sources of expertise.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SERUM BIOMARKERS IN OLDER WOMEN WITH CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE EXPERIENCING FATIGUE
Authors: Shakya Shamatree , Tintle Nathan , Sharp Lisa , Halloway Shannon
Published: January 2025

Fatigue is a common symptom of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and can be an early indicator of frailty. Physical activity (PA) can improve fatigue and frailty-related serum biomarkers: brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF A), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). However, variation in PA and serum biomarkers among patients with CVD who are experiencing fatigue is understudied. We aimed to investigate (a) differences in PA and serum biomarkers in women with CVD experiencing fatigue and (b) the influence of PA on fatigue. We used cross-sectional, baseline data from older women (≥ 65 years, N=253) with CVD participating in the MindMoves trial (NCT04556305). PA included ActiGraph accelerometer measures of sedentary behavior, light PA, moderate-to-vigorous PA, and daily step count, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Serum biomarkers included BDNF, VEGF-A, and IGF-1. Fatigue was assessed using two items from the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale. Two-sample t-tests examined differences in PA and biomarkers across subgroups with and without fatigue. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between significant PA variables and fatigue. Fatigue was prevalent in 17% of participants. There were significantly fewer daily minutes of MVPA (p=0.0005) and lower daily step count (p=0.0142) in those experiencing fatigue. No significant differences were observed in serum biomarkers. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, no PA variable was associated with fatigue. Women with CVD who experience fatigue had lower engagement in PA. Future research is needed to investigate fitness measures (e.g., strength) and other biomarkers to understand underlying physiological processes influencing PA in fatigue.
ANALYTIC METHODS FOR HEALTH DISPARITIES IN ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIA
Authors: Akushevich Igor , Yashkin Arseniy , Kravchenko Julia
Published: January 2025

Analysis of Medicare data reveals persistent health disparities related to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) in the United States. These disparities were measured using empirically estimated age-adjusted rates or hazard ratios (HRs) obtained from proportional hazard (PH) models. However, methods for explaining disparities based on comparisons of HR derived from different PH models have strong limitations and observed differences in HRs cannot be causally interpreted. To overcome these limitations, we developed and applied a series of approaches utilizing both traditional workflows as well as novel methodologies such as the Powers-Yun approach, approaches for population attributable fractions, rank-and-replace methods, and parametric g-formula modeling. We sequentially applied these approaches to two multi-racial cohorts of Medicare beneficiaries with baseline ages 67 and 75 and 10 and 15 years of follow-up, respectively. The estimates of the effects of factors contributing to racial disparities in AD risk showed that social determinants of health were an important predictor of disparity with strong competing effects from risk-related diseases, such arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Traditional methods proved to be useful for univariable and bivariate comparisons but did not allow for clear conclusions on multiple inter-related factors. Estimates obtained through alternative methods while generally consistent were not identical. The Powers-Yun approach and approaches for population attributable fractions demonstrated the most promising results. The parametric g-formula showed great potential for establishing causality. However, further analytic work has to be completed to understand how specific assumptions associated with specific methods impact the estimates.
XGBOOST MACHINE LEARNING TO IDENTIFY PREDICTIVE VALUES OF CARDIOMETABOLIC RISK FOR COGNITIVE DECLINE AND MORTALITY
Authors: Liu Longjian , Cui Saishi , Wang Ruifeng , Xu Kaidi , Eisen Howard
Published: January 2025

Aim

To investigate the crucial biomarkers of cardiometabolic disorders that contribute to the risk of cognitive decline and mortality among adults with cognitive decline and dementia.

Methods

We analyzed a cohort of 6814 participants aged 45 to 84 years at the baseline of 2000-2002 in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Cognitive function was assessed in 4,591 during 2010-2012. Dementia included Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and AD-related dementia. All participants were followed through to December 2015. XGBoost based machine learning (ML) approach, a novel technique, was used to identify the important features of various biomarkers for assessing the risk of cognitive decline and mortality in those with cognitive decline and dementia.

Results

Among 5723 with valid follow-up information, 227 died in those with cognitive decline or dementia. The mortality rate (95%CI) was 3.8 (3.2-4.5) per 1000 person-years in males, and 2.1 (1.7-2.5) per 1000 person-years in females. XGBoost models identified the top five critical biomarkers: carotid intimal-medial thickness, elevated glucose, urinary albumin to creatine ratio (UACR), interleukin 6, and factor VIII. The XGBoost models demonstrated an accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 74%, 73%, 75%, and 85%, respectively, in classifying cognitive decline. XGBoost survival models identified top five biomarkers: CIMT, UACR, homocysteine, cystatin-C, and D-Dimer for mortality risk, with a C-index of 0.86% and a mean time-dependent AUC of 90%. Conclusions: XGBoost based ML approaches effectively identified the pivotal features among multiple biomarkers of cardiometabolic disorders linked to the risk of cognitive decline and mortality.
STAYING ACTIVE IN DAILY LATER LIFE: BENEFITS ON HYPERTENSION AND DEPRESSION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Kim Jeehoon , Lee Mi-Jeong
Published: January 2025

Maintaining active engagement is important to reduce disease risks in later life. Given greater restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, adults ages of 71-100 might have limited opportunities to engage in daily exercise. However, less is known whether physical activity is related to cardiometabolic diseases and mental health in 70-plus adults during the pandemic. Using the 2021 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) accelerometry data (n=740), this study conducted a latent profile analysis based on four activity-related variables including total activity count per minute (TACM). Multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed (base outcome=high level group). Predictors included BMI, incidence of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart diseases, depression and dementia, NHATS summary score of Short Physical Performance Battery, and demographic variables. Three classes were profiled based on the activity level: low (26%, 683 TACM), middle (56%, 1,227 TACM), and high level (18%, 1,829 TACM). Low- and middle-level older adults were more likely than high-level to be overweight and had higher incidence of hypertension and mild depression. Low-level older adults tended to have worse summary scores of physical performance than high-level group. Self-reported walking or vigorous physical activity participation was not associated with physical activity level measured with accelerometer. P-values are less than.05 for all findings. Staying active in daily life was correlated with better health outcomes, lower prevalence of hypertension and mild depression, in 70-plus adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Intervention strategies to promote physical activity in later life, thus helping reduce risks of cardiometabolic diseases, will be discussed.
TESTING THE ROLE OF MITOCHONDRIAL DYSFUNCTION IN AGE-RELATED HYPERTENSIVE AORTIC DISEASE
Authors: Dhanekula Arjune , DeRoo Scott , Burke Christopher , Hwang Billie , Mulligan Michael , Pal Jay , Marcinek David
Published: January 2025

Aging is a risk factor for hypertension, aortic aneurysm, and dissection. However, the age-related changes in aortic biology underlying this risk are poorly understood. Mitochondrial dysfunction is an important contributor of both aging and cardiovascular pathology. However, most models of aortic disease are in young animals, lacking the context of age-related changes. To test whether mitochondrial changes drive aortic aneurysm, we developed a unique mouse model replicating age-related hypertensive aortic disease. A pilot study used multiple doses of angiotensin II (AngII) for 4 weeks to test the development of aortic disease in 20 month C57Bl/6 mice (n=8). These data revealed a statistically significant increase in ascending aortic size for AngII doses ⩾1000 ng/kg/min (1.603 +/- 0.054 mm versus 1.433 +/- 0.064 mm, p< 0.05). A cohort of older C57Bl/6 mice (23-24 months, n=22) were then treated with AngII (1500 ng/kg/min) or saline, with no change in aortic size over the 4 week study period. The older cohort also revealed no difference in maximal oxygen consumption rate (OCR) between the AngII and saline groups (30 +/- 3.6 versus 29.4 +/- 0.9 pmol/(sec*mg), p=0.99). However, the 20 month mice in the pilot data had a significantly higher maximal OCR (58 +/- 13.4 pmol/(sec*mg), p< 0.0001). These results demonstrate that angiotensin II administration in older mice results in the development of aortic aneurysm in an age-dependent manner, with an unexpected increase in maximal mitochondrial respiratory capacity associated with disease development. These results highlight the importance of testing age-related disease in the context of aging biology.
BARRIERS AND FACILITATORS TO CARE PEOPLE WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN HOSPITALS OF CHINA: A QUALITATIVE STUDY
Authors: Lv Yalin , Ou Yinuo , Li Zhijiang , Jia Jie , Li Juan
Published: January 2025

Cognitive impairment refers to various degrees of cognitive decline in memory, attention, language, execution, and orientation, significantly impacting people’s daily activities and quality of life. With the aggravation of aging population, China has a huge number of people with cognitive impairment and high demand for care. Although there are several international guidelines of care individuals with cognitive impairment, class A tertiary hospitals in China have not well applied them to the clinical care. This study aimed to understand the context of care people with cognitive impairment in hospitals and to explore potential barriers and facilitators to evidence-informed practices. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nurses from various departments in a Class A tertiary hospital in China. We developed an interview guide based on the Theoretical Domain Framework and guidelines. Data were analyzed using a framework analysis and domains were identified as salient based on their frequency. Finally, 11 domains related to the clinical care of people with cognitive impairment as well as 6 “barrier” and 11” facilitator “ domains were identified. The “barrier” domains were social influences, environmental context and resources, social/ professional role and identity, beliefs about consequences, beliefs about capabilities and intentions. The “facilitator” domains were knowledge, physical skills, cognitive, interpersonal skills, social influences, environmental context and resources, social/ professional role and identity, behavioral regulation, memory attention and decision processes, beliefs about consequences, beliefs about capabilities and intentions. These will inform collaboration of multiple disciplines and evidence-based intervention to improve the practice of caring cognitive impairment individuals in hospitals.
COLLEGE EDUCATION AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES PREDICT LATE-LIFE COGNITIVE STATUS: DO BIRTH COHORTS DIFFER?
Authors: Smith Jacqui , Johnson Kimson , Larkina Marina
Published: January 2025

Efforts to determine potentially modifiable factors associated with heterogeneity in cognitive status in old age point to the importance of participation in cognitive, physical, and social leisure activities and the relevance of historical changes in completion of post-secondary education. We use data from two birth cohorts in the US Health and Retirement [HRS: Baby Boomers (BB) born 1948-1959; Older cohorts (OC) born before 1948] to examine this proposal. Eligible participants (N=8503: Mage=71) provided post-secondary education information in the HRS Life History Mail Survey (LHMS, 2015-2017) and cognitive status and participation in leisure activities in the 2016 or 2018 HRS biennial waves. Cohorts differed in rates of college education (BB 53% vs OC 42%) and overall leisure activity participation (BB>OC, p<.001). A multiple regression analysis predicting cognitive status (normal vs impaired: Langa-Weir algorithm) revealed significant effects for college education (OR=O.47), leisure activities (OR=0.87), and cohort (ps <.001), after controls for age, gender, wealth, race, marital status, chronic illnesses, and depression. In follow-up cohort-stratified analyses, we grouped people by level of participation in specific activity types (top quartile vs rest). Interestingly, within the older cohort, the risk of cognitive impairment was significantly reduced by high participation in cognitive (OR=0.42) and physical (OR=0.71) leisure activities in addition to having college education (OR=0.47). Within the BB cohort, only people with high participation in cognitive leisure activities (OR=0.65) in addition to college education (OR=0.38) had a reduced risk. Future research should investigate why some leisure activities seem to confer benefits for cognitive resilience whereas others don’t.