bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PAIN IN PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA AND APATHY IN NURSING HOMES
Authors: Liao Yo-Jen , Jao Ying-Ling
Published: December 2022

Apathy and pain commonly occur in persons with dementia and significantly impact their quality of life. However, communication barriers in persons with dementia make pain assessment challenging. Apathy further complicates pain management in dementia due to decreased facial expression and verbal communication. This study aims to examine pain management in persons with dementia and apathy. This descriptive study included 13 residents with dementia and apathy from two nursing homes in Pennsylvania. Data on pain, pain-related diagnoses, and treatments were extracted from medical records. Participants’ mean age was 90 years old, and their mean apathy level was 54.6. All 13 participants had pain-related diagnoses with an average of 3.1 pain-related diagnoses (range=1-7). Four participants (30.7%) had pain reported in their medical records with osteoarthritis being the most common diagnosis (38.5%). Eight participants (61.5%) had pain-related diagnoses but did not have regular pain medication administered, and 3 of them (37.5%) had pain reported. In addition, five participants had one or more acute pain-related diagnoses, including surgery, fractures, and falls, and only 2 (40%) of them had pain reported. The average number of prescribed pain medications was 0.4 and 1.1 for regularly administered and as-needed medications, respectively. Acetaminophen was the most common administered medication. Overall, the results pointed out the potential issue that pain may be underrecognized and undermanaged in this population. More research is needed to examine the pain assessment and treatment in this population to promote pain management in persons with dementia and apathy.
FORECASTING PREVALENCE AND MORTALITY OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS USING PARTITIONING MODELS
Authors: Akushevich Igor , Yashkin Arseniy , Kovtun Mikhail , Kravchenko Julia , Arbeev Konstantin , Yashin Anatoliy
Published: December 2022

A forecasting model for prevalence and mortality based on a trend partitioning approach which models trends in age-adjusted prevalence and incidence-based mortality in terms of changes in interpretable epidemiologic quantities such as disease incidence and survival, is developed and applied to generate forecasts of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementia (ADRD) prevalence and mortality up to 2035 using health data drawn from a 5% sample of the total Medicare population. Forecasts are generated for entire AD population and for unique subgroups characterized by age groups and the presence of high-impact health conditions (stroke, traumatic brain injury, pneumonia, hypertension, diabetes) prior to AD diagnosis. Then methodology using B-splines in key time points allows is used to analyze scenarios of possible interventions focused on the prevention and treatment of AD/ADRD. Prevalence of AD/ADRD is predicted to be stable between 2017 and 2035 primarily due to a decline in prevalence of pre-AD/ADRD-diagnosis stroke. Mortality, on the other hand, is predicted to increase. In all cases the resulting patterns come from a trade-off of two disadvantageous processes: increased incidence and disimproving survival. The projections are constructed with the assumption that future trends represent a superposition of historic trends in different time periods taken with weights. Sensitivity to assumptions on choice of specific weights are studied, and the approach to choose an optimal combination of weights and therefore, to minimize uncertainties of future forecasts of AD/ADRD prevalence and mortality is suggested and discussed.
BARRIERS TO VACCINE UPTAKE IDENTIFIED BY COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS FOR INSITUTIONALLY UNDERSERVED GROUPS
Authors: Wharton Tracy , Costello Emily , Lafronza Vincent , Espinosa Oscar
Published: December 2022

Through a competitive proposal process for a recent funding opportunity, 38 community based organizations submitted proposals that addressed vaccine hesitancy among adults who are members of racial or ethnic minority communities. Proposals were required to include discussion of barriers identified in the community of focus and evidence to support all assertions. Submissions ranged from single employee projects to large collaborative networks, and were submitted from all regions of the US, including both tribal and territorial areas, including more than 45 ethnic and language groups. Barriers were coded by two reviewers and six (6) primary themes were identified: access related to transportation, distance, or time; lack of culturally responsive materials or sensitivity of providers; structural issues such as poor data collection, historical inequity, mistrust, or systemic racism; messages coming from untrusted sources; misinformation or no information available; and differing cultural perspectives. The most commonly identified issues were related to mistrust, historical structural issues or fear and racism (n=23), and lack of access due to transportation, distance, or time (n=17). This group of proposals for funding represent a small cross-section of communities who continue to have significant pockets of unvaccinated persons. While it is possible to see themes for barriers that are encountered in increasing vaccination rates among adults, communities demonstrate extremely nuanced realities, filtered through a range of culturally and paradigmatically different ways of knowing. Success in public health initiatives requires intensive focus on the variance across these different perspectives and careful attention to appropriately focus outreach and messaging.
EMBRACING GENDER DIVERSITY: REIMAGINING HEALTH AND HEALTH EQUITY FOR TRANSGENDER OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Kennedy Teri , Marsh Courtney , Walcott Quinnlyn , Qiu Paddy , Li Angela , Maliski Sally
Published: December 2022

This presentation will share results of in-depth focus groups exploring eight transgender older adults’ (TOAs) experiences of health and healthcare and related themes, explain weathering and factors contributing to health and healthcare disparities, and apply the Sexual and Gender Minority Health Disparities Research Framework to explore strategies to address individual, interpersonal, community, and societal factors to foster health and health equity. TOAs represent an underserved population at elevated risk for lower socioeconomic status, higher rates of disability and chronic illness, and poorer overall physical and mental health compared to their non-transgender LGBQ and cisgender peers. Due to their unique life experiences including difficult decisions about “coming out” and transitioning, lack of acceptance of being transgender, and physiological impacts of hormonal and surgical treatments, transgender individuals experience long-term chronic stress and accumulate health-related risks as they age, contributing to significant health disparities. Higher levels of illness, disability, and premature death among historically disadvantaged groups can be explained by weathering, the accumulated impact of social disadvantages and socio-political inequalities over the life course producing premature biological aging. A 2019 systematic review of LGBTQ aging literature found that only 10% of studies included trans-identified participants and few addressed the needs of transgender older adults. Understanding the lived experiences of TOAs including healthcare access and receipt, and psychological, social, and financial experiences across the life course, is crucial to understanding current disparities in health and healthcare, developing strategies to improve care and reduce inequities, and fostering health and health equity of transgender older adults.
PATIENT PARTICIPATION IN HEALTHCARE ACTIVITIES: NURSES' AND PATIENTS' PERSPECTIVES IN TAIWAN
Authors: Kao Hsueh-Fen , Hung Chang-Chiao , Lee Bih-O , Tsai Su-Ling , Moreno Oscar
Published: December 2022

Patient participation in healthcare activities is key to producing successful patient-centered care. However, little is known about both nurses' and patients' perspectives regarding patient participation in East Asia. This paper compared and contrasted perspectives of patient participation in healthcare activities between nurses and patients (age=61.53 ±8.75), using a qualitative study with a purposive sample of 39 nurses and 15 patients. Inclusion criteria for patient participants were: (1) speaking Mandarin Chinese or Taiwanese dialect, (2) aged 20 or older, (3) hospitalized at the unit for at least 3 days, (4) able to provide written informed consent, and (5) well enough to endure 40–50 minutes of individual interview. A semi-structured interview was applied to focus groups for nurses, and to face-to-face interviews for patients to prevent nosocomial infection. Content analysis was utilized to analyze the data, common themes and subthemes were identified showing three similarities in perspectives between nurses and patients—authoritative culture, participation behaviors, and obstacles to participation, as well as two differences—sources of acquiring patient-related health information, and responsible party. Nurses and patients did not entirely view participation in healthcare activities congruently. Relevant clinical practices are also suggested, including respecting patients' autonomy, nurses' using layman’s language for explanations, patients' understanding the meaning behind their participation behaviors, recognizing obstacles faced in enhancing patient participation with adjusted nursing workload, actively providing needed health information, and leading patients to realize that they will be responsible for their health behaviors after discharge.
SIGMA PHI OMEGA: HISTORY AND ITS OUTREACH EFFORTS
Authors: Felsted Katarina Friberg
Published: December 2022

Sigma Phi Omega, The International Academic Honor and Professional Society in Gerontology (aka Sigma Phi Omega), was established in 1980 to recognize excellence of those who study gerontology and aging, and the outstanding service of professionals who work with or on behalf of older persons. Its mission and vision was thoughtfully crafted to support the endurance and outreach of Sigma Phi Omega within the United States and globally. This session will share the structure and function of Sigma Phi Omega and its accomplishments. This foundation is an essential platform for the launching of the organization’s strategic plan as we move forward in the field of aging.
ETHNORACIAL DIFFERENCES IN HOME HEALTHCARE USE: FINDINGS FROM THE NATIONAL HEALTH AND RETIREMENT STUDY
Authors: Simning Adam , Wang Jinjiao , Caprio Thomas , McGarry Brian , Li Yue
Published: December 2022

This study seeks to identify ethnoracial differences in self-reported home health care (HHC) use among older adults. To do so, we examined 8,817 people aged 65 and older from the 2016 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a nationally representative survey of older adults in the U.S. The dependent variable was whether HRS participants reported any HHC service use in the past two years. The primary independent variable was ethnoracial grouping, which included non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, and Hispanic groups. Multivariable logistic regressions stratified by ethnoracial grouping identified correlates of HHC use. We found that HHC use was more prevalent among non-Hispanic Blacks (14.9%) than in non-Hispanic Whites (10.1%) or Hispanics (10.7%). For all ethnoracial groups, increasing age, dementia, activities of daily living impairment, medical comorbidity (except for Hispanics), and hospitalization (in the past two years) were associated with an increased likelihood of HHC use. In addition, we identified ethnoracial differences in the correlates of HHC use. Among non-Hispanic Whites, more formal education and Medicaid insurance were associated with a higher likelihood of using HHC. For non-Hispanic Blacks, residing in rural areas was associated with a decreased likelihood of HHC use, whereas being single and living alone were associated with an increased likelihood of HHC use. This study thereby identified notable ethnoracial differences in the correlates of HHC use among older adults.
SOCIAL EPIGENETICS OF RACIAL DISPARITIES IN AGING
Authors: Yannatos Isabel , Xie Sharon , Brown Rebecca , McMillan Corey
Published: December 2022

Racial disparities in many aging-related health outcomes are persistent and pervasive among older Americans. There are well-documented inequities in social and physical environmental exposures which may contribute to these disparities, but we lack understanding of the biological intermediates by which environmental exposures affect disparate health outcomes. DNA methylation (DNAm) aging captures the residual between biological age, robustly measured by GrimAge and Dunedin Pace of Aging methylation (DPoAm), and chronological age. We hypothesize that neighborhood social environment and air pollution exposures contribute to racial disparities in DNAm aging. We performed retrospective cross-sectional analyses among non-Hispanic participants (N=2611 White, N=639 Black) in the Health and Retirement Study whose 2016 DNAm age is linked to survey responses and geographic data. We observed Black individuals have significantly accelerated DNAm aging on average compared to White individuals according to GrimAge (599%) and DPoAm (498%). We implemented linear regression models and Kittagawa-Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition to identify exposures that contribute to this disparity. Exposure measures include census-tract-level Social Deprivation Index, perceived social stress, particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide, and ozone. Individual-level determinants include socioeconomic status, healthcare access, health status, and health behaviors. Results suggest these individual-level factors account for ~43% of the disparity in GrimAge and ~34% in DPoAm. Higher neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation for Black participants significantly contributes to the disparity in GrimAge, while greater vulnerability to PM2.5 contributes to the disparity in DPoAm. DNAm aging may play a role in the environment “getting under the skin” and contributing to age-related health disparities between Black and White Americans.
FEAR OF FALLING IS RELATED TO ANXIETY
Authors: Kim Hyeon Jung , Yentes Jennifer , Venema Dawn , Boron Julie Blaskewicz
Published: December 2022

Fear of falling (FOF), defined as a psychological symptom, is related to increased fall risk, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. As physical function changes with age, FOF can appear beginning in midlife. FOF may result in avoiding physical activities, resulting in weakness of postural balance. Neuroticism is associated with anxiety and depression; thus, those high on neuroticism may have an increased FOF. This study aimed to address the relationships between FOF, neuroticism, and number of falls from external perturbations while standing. Participants included 45 participants (female: n=24; age range: 42-77yrs; age=62.44±9.25yrs). Five standing trials were completed on a force platform with perturbations. Hierarchical regression was used to investigate the impact of neuroticism (Big Five Inventory) and number of falls on FOF (The Falls Efficacy Scale International), accounting for age, anxiety (Geriatric Anxiety Scale), and depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale). Anxiety was significantly associated with FOF (model 1; age, anxiety, depression), B=0.31, β=.55, t(41)=3.08, R2=.30, p=.004, 95% CI [0.11, 0.51]. Neuroticism was not significantly related to FOF (model 2; ΔR2=.05, ΔF=2.94, p=.094), nor was number of falls (model 3; ΔR2=.00, ΔF=0.01, p=.974). Results revealed that anxiety levels had the strongest relationship with FOF. This suggests that strategies to reduce daily anxiety may decrease FOF. Future research should examine how anxiety is related to history of falls, and how changes in physical functions (e.g., mobility, vision, proprioception) may impact FOF.
AT THE INTERSECTION OF CULTURE AND MENTAL HEALTH
Authors: Jimenez Daniel
Published: December 2022

Although mental health disorders affect people across the lifespan, older adults face unique issues associated with accessing mental health treatment. These structural and psychosocial challenges are further exacerbated among older racial and ethnic minorities. Often compared to their white counterparts, racial and ethnic minority older adults face specific cultural factors and other systemic barriers that create stark disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and access to care. Increasing research on identifying barriers to treatment for older racial and ethnic minority adults has been recognized as an integral component in enhancing treatment access to improve behavioral health outcomes among these marginalized groups. Therefore, this review article aims to investigate the intersection of mental health and culture through the lens of three racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States – Blacks/African-Americans, Asian Americans, and Latinos. Authors provide unique insights on the differing needs of these under-researched communities by exploring psychiatric comorbidity, experiences with seeking, accessing, and engaging in treatment, and the unique cultural and psychosocial factors that affect treatment outcomes for these diverse groups. Future directions and recommendations to provide appropriate mental healthcare to Black/African-American, Asian American, and Latino communities are discussed with special attention placed on cultural adaptations, models of care, prevention, and practical strategies that can be implemented to reduce disparities and increase health equity.
POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE RELATIONSHIPS, OUTLOOK, AND DEPRESSION PREDICT LONELINESS IN OLDER ADULTS DURING COVID-19
Authors: Hougaard Benjamin , Mo Vennisia , Eskandari Anahita , Gomez Rowena
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way many older adults live and function in the United States. Because of the isolation from stay-at-home mandates and higher risk of death from infection, many older adults are experiencing depressive symptoms, anxiety, and increased loneliness (National Council on Aging [NCOA], 2021; Center for Disease Control [CDC], 2021). One factor might be whether one has a spouse, children, or friends and if those relationships are positive or negative (Vanderhorst & McLaren, 2005). Besides the quality and nature of the relationship, another factor might be the amount of virtual contact while in isolation during COVID-19 (Regis College Online, 2020.In this study, we examined the relationships between outlook (optimism, pessimism, hopelessness), depression, loneliness, and social relationships in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in a sample of 808 adults 60 years of age or older. The data was gathered from self-reported questionnaires from the psychosocial and lifestyle questionnaire and health questionnaire from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) 2020 version (HRS, 2021).We found that loneliness scores were significantly predicted by self-reported measures of positive and negative relationships, along with optimism, pessimism, hopelessness, depressive symptom scores, and COVID-19 life changes (Adjusted R2 = .447, F(12, 795) = 55.26, p < .001). COVID-19 has changed the way many older adults live and function. Finding ways to increase the level of communication older adults are able to have with their close relationships is crucial to combating this epidemic of loneliness.
PSYCHOSOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL INDICATORS OF CHRONIC PAIN AMONG MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER BLACK MEN
Authors: Wakita Anna , Whitt-Glover Melicia , Brooks Amber , Clark Jaylyn , Perry Katrice , Morales Knashawn , Baker Tamara
Published: December 2022

There is a lack of data describing the pain experience of Black men. This may be the result of social messaging that men are to project strength and avoid any expression of emotion or vulnerability. This avoidant behavior(s) however, often comes too late when illness/symptoms are more aggressive and/or diagnosed at a later stage. This begins to address two larger issues – the willingness to acknowledge pain and to seek medical attention when experiencing pain. To address this lack of data, this study aimed to determine the influence psychosocial indicators have in the pain experience of Black men 40+ years old. Participants from the Active & Healthy Brotherhood study were categorized based on the pain question from the Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire. Demographics, general health, and psychosocial measures were compared across pain groups. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine predictors of pain, while adjusting for other factors. Results showed that the men (n=303) were mostly married (54%) and employed (53%). Those reporting arthritis (OR=4.5; 95% CI 2.0, 10.0), good health (2.8; 1.2, 6.6), higher somatization (3.2; 1.2, 8.8) compared to excellent/very good self-rated health, were more likely to self-report pain in the past 30 days. Findings from this study show that continued efforts are needed to identify the unique pain experiences of Black men, while recognizing the impact it has on their identity as a man, a person of color, and as a person living with pain.
PROMOTING POSITIVE AGING IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING SOUTH ASIAN AMERICANS: AN EXPLORATORY QUALITATIVE STUDY
Authors: Khan Mushira , Shah Sheetal , Basic Ajla
Published: December 2022

Between 2010 and 2017, South Asians were the fastest-growing major ethnic minority group in the US, growing at a rate of 40% over the previous decade (SAALT, 2019). This exponential growth, along with a rapidly aging US population, implies that a significant proportion of the South Asian American population will be 65 years or older in the coming years; yet research on the lived experiences/needs of older South Asian Americans is limited. To address this gap, this qualitative study explored barriers and facilitators to healthy or positive aging in a sample of community-dwelling South Asian Americans 50 years and older. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 South Asian American older adults (18 women and 14 men). Thematic analysis of the interview data showed that level of acculturation, proficiency in English, cultural beliefs/practices, awareness about available health and social services, degree of religiosity, and the density of social networks were key determinants of healthy aging. Compared to those who were US-born or had immigrated earlier in life, participants who had immigrated later in life (post-retirement) appeared more financially and/or emotionally dependent on their adult children and expressed ambivalence vis-à-vis future caregiving arrangements and intergenerational co-residence. Nearly all participants shared that helping their adult children with childcare, cooking, or other household chores gave them a sense of purpose and made them feel valued. Study findings suggest that along with culturally appropriate programs and policies to support healthy aging, increased volunteering opportunities may enhance subjective well-being in South Asian American older adults.
LIFE-COURSE SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS AND MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY IN THE MIDUS NATIONAL SAMPLE
Authors: Jiang Yanping , Chen Li , Zilioli Samuele
Published: December 2022

Socioeconomic status (SES) is a well-established social determinant of health shaping the distribution of the burden of morbidity and mortality. In this area, a less understood topic is how life-course SES affects physical health. This study aimed to examine the effects of childhood and adulthood SES and social mobility on morbidity and all-cause mortality. Data were drawn from the Midlife in the United States study (MIDUS, N = 7,108, ages 25-74 years, 88.4% of White, 51.6% of female). Childhood and adulthood SES were assessed at baseline (i.e., 1995-1996). Mortality was tracked through June of 2018 (N = 1,425 deceased). The number of comorbidities was assessed at baseline and the third wave of MIDUS in 2013-2014 (N = 2,786). Results showed that lower childhood SES was associated with a larger increase in the number of comorbidities at the third wave of MIDUS and higher mortality risk (ps < .05). However, when including adulthood SES in the model, adulthood SES, but not childhood SES, was associated with morbidity and mortality (ps < .01). Childhood SES was indirectly associated with morbidity and mortality through adulthood SES (ps < .01). Participants achieving upward mobility (i.e., low childhood SES, high adulthood SES) had a smaller increase in the number of comorbidities and lower mortality risk (ps < .01) than those reporting persistent low SES in childhood and adulthood. These findings indicate the unique effect of adulthood SES on physical health and highlight the potential health benefits of upward mobility in middle-aged and older US adults.
CAREGIVING FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA DURING THE PANDEMIC: A SCOPING REVIEW
Authors: Cantu Phillip , Chyu Joanna , Mehta Neil , Kyriakos Markides
Published: December 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a large impact on the roles and responsibilities of caregivers for older adults with dementia. An increasing number of studies have examined the unique challenges faced by caregivers during this time, including extended work hours, anxiety around contracting COVID-19, and adhering to public health guidelines. Informal caregivers may also face greater strain on their personal lives during lockdown. Objective: To conduct a scoping review to examine factors impacting well-being of caregivers of older adults with dementia during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: We conducted a PubMed search using the terms “COVID-19,” “older adults,” and “caregiving” or “caregiver.” Sixty-seven papers were identified published between June 2020 and December 2021.

Results

All papers identified were cross-sectional and conducted after the pandemic began and prior to the availability of COVID-19 vaccines. Articles highlighted increasing burdens such as financial and physical stress, as well as worsened psychological wellbeing through increased anxiety and depression among caregivers during the pandemic. Additionally, themes of protective factors on wellbeing in the form of social connection and telehealth interventions emerged. Discussion: Limitations to our review include lack of longitudinal information on caregiver experience to better identify broad impacts on caregiver well-being. Studies not only identified new, pandemic-related risk factors for caregiver burden, but also a heightened effect of pre-existing risk factors (e.g. income, living situation, gender) on burden. Caregiver psychiatric outcomes reflect the overall population’s increase in mental illness since the start of the pandemic.
ADDRESSING COVID-19 HEALTH DISPARITIES THROUGH VIRTUAL EDUCATION AND COLLABORATION
Authors: Boyd Kelly , Walker Jacob , Benett Jenil , Graupner Jeffrey , Thompson Katherine
Published: December 2022

The South Side of Chicago, made up of predominantly Black and Latinx neighborhoods, has higher rates of COVID-19 infection and death rates and lower COVID-19 vaccination rates than other areas of Chicago. People aged 65 and older comprise nearly 15% of the region’s population. The SHARE Network at the University of Chicago has a long history of providing healthy aging education to organizations serving older adults on Chicago’s South Side. Using this pre-existing curricular structure, investigators created a monthly virtual workshop for community members to address COVID-19 related health disparities for older adults. Topics address aging concerns (i.e. dementia, mobility) and pandemic concerns (i.e. health disparities, vaccine hesitancy). At the end of the sessions, participants can ask questions to experts and share resources. Attendance has ranged from 15-20 participants, predominantly formal and informal caregivers. In post-attendance surveys, 80% of respondents identified as Black or African-American. Of the 20 respondents, 95% felt more knowledgeable about the topics discussed and all felt more knowledgeable about local health resources. Three-quarters felt more confident in the caregiving role, and 95% planned to make healthy lifestyle changes to benefit themselves or a loved one (i.e. more exercise, seeking respite care). These results demonstrate the positive impact of a timely community-informed virtual workshop. Providing virtual education on COVID-19 and healthy aging directly to older adult-focused community organizations and their clients is an early step health systems can take to address health disparities.
DEVELOPMENT OF PODCAST IN SERVICE OF THE NEXT GENERATION OF GEROPSYCHOLOGISTS
Authors: Schaff Branden , Weiskittle Rachel , Dodson Lindsey Jacobs
Published: December 2022

The current geropsychology workforce falls woefully short of meeting the mental healthcare needs of older adults, with only 3% of licensed psychologists identifying Geropsychology as their primary or secondary specialty. Formal training in geriatric mental health is extremely limited. Out of the over 400 APA-accredited doctorate-level psychology programs in the U.S., only five provide specialty training in Geropsychology. Consequently, the vast majority of psychologists who treat older adults have never received formal education or training in geriatrics. It is imperative that evidence-based geropsychology education is disseminated to a wide audience of mental health providers across all levels of training and career development. The Geropsychology Podcast was developed to address this gap as a novel pedagogical resource commensurate with educational competencies established by the ‘Pikes Peak Model for Professional Geropsychology.’ Topics include geriatric assessment methods, intervention, consultation, and foundational knowledge on adult development and aging. The feasibility and acceptability of the podcast was evaluated with a two-year pilot study from 2019 to 2021. During this time, eleven episodes were published across multiple podcast platforms. Preliminary results found the episodes were downloaded by over 1,500 unique listeners across 34 countries. These results indicate that The Geropsychology Podcast is scalable, acceptable, and potentially fulfilling an educational need that people are actively seeking. This poster describes the podcast’s model of curriculum development and ongoing quality metrics and impact analysis. Future work holds that this podcast will continue to be a vital resource for the field.
PAEAN: PAIN IN AGING, EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF NEED: OPIOID DIAGNOSES AND IMPACTS ON PAIN DIAGNOSIS IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Hogans Beth , Siaton Bernadette , Witter Julie , Katzel Leslie , Brown Lana , Frey-Law Laura , Sorkin John
Published: December 2022

Pain is prevalent in older adults of both genders but more so in women. The extent to which this is impacted by opioids is not well established. We sought to evaluate common pain diagnoses among older adults noting whether the pattern of female preponderance holds across all conditions and whether opioids might impact this. Utilizing the 2017 Medicare 5% standard analytical claim sample we examined the rate of pain condition diagnoses in older females and males with or without opioid-related diagnoses. We have previously reported that low back pain and opioid diagnosis coding rates interact in older adults, we here expand this finding. We established a condition definition file for opioid use, not including overdose-related codes. We segmented the older adult Medicare part B claims file into those with and those without opioid diagnoses, separated by CMS-coded gender. Diagnostic rates of the 100 most common pain diagnoses in each of the subpopulations showed low back pain was the most prevalent pain diagnosis regardless of gender or opioid diagnosis status. Chest pain unspecified, neck pain, and abdominal pain unspecified, were also highly prevalent. All pain conditions were diagnosed at higher rates in the opioid subpopulation. Few diagnoses were more common in males, these included sex-specific conditions, diabetic neuropathy, and vascular claudication. Although pain conditions are common in older adults, diagnosis rates are elevated in those with opioid diagnoses. This impacts the educational needs of geriatricians, and other healthcare providers, and may indicate needs for more research in pain and aging.
OLDER ADULTS' INDIVIDUAL TRAJECTORIES IN SOCIAL STATUS AND AGING ANXIETY
Authors: Kuball Tim , Jahn Georg
Published: December 2022

A high social standing in comparison to others is associated with positive psychological and health outcomes. Highest social standing is assigned to the group of middle-aged adults, hence, on average, older adults face a loss in status relative to younger age groups and relative to their former selves. Experienced and expected age-related changes in subjective social status and their association with aging anxiety have not yet received much attention in aging research. Using a new methodological approach, respondents indicated their perceived and expected social status for five points in time: 10 years ago, 5 years ago, now, in 5 years, in 10 years, which allowed for inter- and intrapersonal comparisons. They did the same for the average status of members of their age group. Early and later in old age (N = 191; range 65 – 88; MW = 73.5 years), participants expected higher losses in status than they have experienced in the past. However, low personal status in relation to others showed higher associations with aging anxiety (R2 = .16) than disadvantageous age-related intrapersonal changes (R2 = .14). Perception of a stable subjective status trajectory as well as distancing oneself from the group older adults, as in perceiving one’s personal status above the groups’ status, was related to reduced anxiety of aging. Taken together, analysis of individual status trajectories can help to gain new insights on attitudes toward aging. Implications for creating a more positive perception of aging are discussed.
PHYSICAL FUNCTION, SELF-PERCEPTIONS OF AGING, AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Nah Suyoung , Martire Lynn , Tate Ashley
Published: December 2022

Poor physical function has been linked to greater depressive symptoms among older adults. On the other hand, older adults’ perceptions of positive and negative age-related changes provide personal strength and vulnerability to stressful events, respectively. We therefore expected that positive self-perceptions of aging (SPA) would be associated with fewer depressive symptoms, while negative SPA would be related to greater depressive symptoms, beyond the effect of physical function. We further tested the hypotheses that positive SPA would buffer the association between physical function and greater depressive symptoms, whereas negative SPA would exacerbate this association. This study used data from 108 older adults (mean age = 81.09) in independent-living or retirement communities. Results from a linear regression revealed that more positive SPA (B = -0.21, p = .02) and less negative SPA (B = 0.21, p = .06) were associated with fewer depressive symptoms, even after controlling for physical function, both types of SPA, and other covariates. In contrast, physical function was no longer significantly associated with depressive symptoms (B = -0.15, p = .19), after controlling for both types of SPA. There were no significant moderating effects of positive and negative SPA. Findings suggest that how positively and negatively older adults perceive their own aging may be important for their mental health while experiencing less physical function in late life.
ATTITUDES TOWARD AGING AND WELLNESS ENGAGEMENT IN LIFE PLAN COMMUNITIES
Authors: Smith Jennifer , Fullen Matthew , Clarke Philip
Published: December 2022

Life Plan Communities, also known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities, typically offer a wide range of wellness programs and services, including fitness classes, educational lectures, volunteer opportunities, and social events. Despite the convenience of onsite wellness resources, some residents choose not to participate in wellness offerings available at the community. One factor that may influence engagement in wellness behaviors is older adults’ attitudes toward aging, which has been associated with differences in health and well-being over time. The purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between attitudes toward aging and wellness engagement among residents of Life Plan Communities. A total of 447 residents (ages 59 to 97; M = 81.82, SD = 6.55; 65% female) of 10 communities completed surveys that measured their attitudes toward aging, self-reported wellness, interest in improving wellness, participation in wellness programs, and barriers to wellness participation. Multiple regression analyses revealed that more positive attitudes toward aging were associated with better wellness, higher interest, more frequent participation, and fewer barriers, controlling for age, gender health, education, and marital status. Follow-up analyses revealed that these effects could be accounted for by specific types of aging attitudes (i.e., psychological growth, psychosocial loss, and physical change). For example, greater psychological growth was associated with greater wellness, interest in improving wellness, and wellness participation, whereas greater psychosocial losses was associated with greater perceived barriers and lower wellness. These findings have implications for the development, implementation, and promotion of wellness programs for older adults.
TOILETING AND MOBILITY ASSISTANCE PREFERENCES OF PATIENTS ON AN ACUTE CARE FOR ELDERS (ACE) UNIT
Authors: Wilson Lucy , Hollingsworth Emily , Shah Avantika , Simmons Sandra
Published: December 2022

While the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) fall prevention guidelines include recommendations for providing consistent toileting and mobility assistance during hospitalization, little is known about hospitalized older adults’ preferences for receiving such assistance. The aim of this study was to identify older adults’ perceived need and preferences for toileting and mobility assistance during their hospital stay. We interviewed 150 patients aged 50 or older and asked about their perceived need for toileting and mobility assistance and how frequently hospital staff provided it. A total of 75 patients (50%) reported a need for toileting assistance; and, of those who reported a need for assistance, 95% reported that staff provided assistance at a frequency that met their needs. A total of 72 patients (48%) reported a need for mobility assistance; however, an additional 41 patients (27%) had not yet attempted to ambulate at the time of the interview. Across all patients, 100 (67%) reported either no attempt or having ambulated only once during their hospital stay. Most patients who required toileting or mobility assistance stated it was “very” or “extremely important” to receive assistance (82% and 76%, respectively). In summary, approximately one-half of older patients on an ACE unit require toileting and/or mobility assistance. Efforts to provide consistent toileting and mobility assistance during hospitalization could require significant staff time based on the number of patients who need it. Further research is needed to determine how to comprehensively implement AHRQ fall prevention guidelines in the hospital setting for older patients.
THE VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF THE DISTRESS THERMOMETER IN FAMILY SURROGATES OF ICU PATIENTS
Authors: O'Brien Emma , Burke Emily , Slaven James , Taylor Tracy , Torke Alexia
Published: December 2022

Brief, reliable assessment tools are highly valued in both research and clinical settings. The single-item Distress Thermometer (DT) asks participants to rank their overall level of distress from zero to ten. Similar measures of distress perform well in oncology populations, but the validity of the DT has not been well tested with other populations. To determine its validity and reliability, we analyzed data from family surrogates (n=188) of critically ill ICU patients. Surrogates were asked to rate their distress during the first four days of the patient’s ICU stay and 6-8 weeks after discharge (n=127). Data were analyzed using Spearman non-parametric correlation due to the distributions of the data. DT scores at both baseline and follow-up were significantly correlated with anxiety (GAD-7: correlation coefficient (ρ)=.527, p<.0001; ρ=.543, p<.0001, respectively), depression (PHQ-9: ρ=.480, p<.0001; ρ=.399, p=.0002), distress (Kessler-6: ρ=.477, p<.0001; ρ=.528, p<.0001), and negative religious coping (ρ=.149, p=.0426; ρ=.238, p=.0074). Results also indicated that spiritual well-being at baseline and follow-up (FACIT: ρ=-.391, p<.0001, ρ=-.443, p<.0001) and positive religious coping at baseline (RCOPE: ρ=-.164, p=.0253) have an inverse relationship with overall distress. At baseline, surrogates with better positive religious coping and/or more involvement in organizational religious activity (ρ=-.189, p=.0106) were more likely to report lower distress. The DT could be an efficient, single item predictor of outcomes that impact patient and family care. Future research could confirm its validity as a measure of distress, in a variety of clinical populations and environments that could inform clinical care for patients and families.
A MIXED METHOD APPROACH TO UNDERSTANDING NURSING STUDENTS' SELF-EFFICACY TO CARE FOR OLDER ADULTS IN GHANA
Authors: Abudu-Birresborn Diana , Puts Martine , McCleary Lynn , Yakong Vida , Chu Charlene , Cranley Lisa
Published: December 2022

To identify students’ motivation, gaps, and opportunities to design effective teaching strategies, it is necessary to examine nursing students' understanding of their self-efficacy to care for persons 60+ years. A mixed-method approach was employed. In phase 1, 170 second-and third-year nursing students from two public Nursing Colleges in Ghana were recruited. A cross-sectional survey included the General Self-efficacy to Care for Older Adults’ scale (GSE-COA), the Kogan’s Attitudes towards Old Peoples scale, and the Knowledge about Older Patients Quiz. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSS IBM 26. The results of phase 1, informed the selection of students for phase 2. In phase 2, 17 students were purposefully selected for in-depth semi-interviews. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Both results were then integrated, interpreted, and presented jointly. Students’ mean age was 21yrs (SD=3.73), with 91 (54%) females. Most students 140 (71.0%) had lived with/were currently living with an older adult. The majority 164 (97%), had higher scores for GSE-COA (mean= 107, SD=14.29), indicating high self-efficacy. Qualitative results showed that students’ high self-efficacy was due to their familiarity with older adults at home and their perceived competence in routine nursing care. Students who demonstrated a high sense of self-efficacy were confident and perceived caring for older adults as a duty and responsibility, had experience/exposure to and were comfortable working with older adults. The findings demonstrate an opportunity to design effective teaching strategies to develop and sustain students’ interest and motivation in the care for older adults in Ghana.
EXPLORING LINGUISTIC PATTERNS ON A STORY RECALL TASK IN PEOPLE WITH MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Boland Angela , Jensen Adelaide , Davidson Patrick , Taler Vanessa
Published: December 2022

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) involves declines in language and episodic memory. Episodic memory is often assessed using language tasks. To prevent linguistic factors from confounding recall scores, memory and language should be jointly examined. We explored linguistic patterns on a story recall task among cognitively healthy adults aged 65+ (n=18) and people with amnestic MCI (n=18). Participants completed immediate and delayed (20-30min) recall on a set of novel story recall materials (6 pairs, i.e., 12 stories total). Stories were coded using a propositional coding scheme (where a proposition refers to the smallest unit of meaning), as well as a unit scoring scheme (i.e., individual words). Responses were coded as veridical (word-for-word), gist (general idea), and distortion (error). Linguistic features of the output were coded using the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) program. Overall, people with MCI produced more verbs, fewer time-related words, and fewer total words than control participants. In the MCI group, delayed unit- and proposition-based veridical and gist recall scores were positively correlated with certainty and causation words, indicating that higher certainty about events and their causal links is associated with better memory. Total words were positively correlated with all immediate and delayed recall scores, indicating that amount of linguistic output is strongly linked to memory in MCI. Time-related words were positively correlated with immediate unit-based veridical recall, suggesting that, in MCI, more words denoting time signal better immediate recall of story details. Examining linguistic features of verbal output in memory tasks could improve detection of MCI.
METACOGNITION AND EMOTIONS IN OLDER AFRICAN AMERICAN ADULTS
Authors: Kero Katherine , Halter Colt M , Woodard John L , Giordani Bruno , Daugherty Ana , Kavcic Voyko
Published: December 2022

Older adults in the earliest stages of cognitive decline often present with subjective cognitive complaints which may not be fully reflected in objective measures of cognition. Previous research suggests that a relationship exists between negative emotions, stress and metacognition, but these relationships have not yet been examined in the context of COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of stress and emotions in perceived cognition in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Telephone screenings were administered to 206 older African Americans (aged 64–94 years). Objective cognition (Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status [TICS]), subjective cognition (Cognitive Change Questionnaire [CCQ]), perceived stress scale 4 (PSS-4), and survey questions about affective responses to COVID-19 experiences were measured. Objective TICS scores predicted subjective CCQ executive function scores (F(1, 197)=4.37, p=.038, R2=.022). Discrepancy scores were calculated as the standardized residual variance between objective and subjective measures. Survey items describing emotional states were summarized with emodiversity scores following Quoidbach and colleagues’ (2014) formula. Discrepancy scores were correlated with perceived stress, as well as global and negative emodiversity (Spearman r=.294, .279, .318, p<.001). In conclusion, we have shown that objective and subjective measures of cognition are related, but discrepancies exist between objectively-measured and self-perceived cognition. Increased stress and greater negative emotions are associated with greater overestimation of cognitive difficulties relative to one’s objective level of cognition. As stress and negative emotions have increased for many during the pandemic, individuals may also have depreciated their self-appraisal of cognitive abilities in the present climate.