bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMPACT OF COMMUNITY TYPE ON SLEEP HEALTH DISPARITIES IN GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN
Authors: Stearns Melanie , McGovney Kevin , Curtis Ashley , Nadorff Danielle , McCrae Christina
Published: January 2025

Grandparents raising grandchildren (GRG) report greater sleep problems than non-caregiving peers. Individuals living in low-income urban areas also report difficulty sleeping due to increased noise, light, and unsafe neighborhoods. However, no studies have examined urbanity’s impact on sleep among GRG and this study fills that gap. Grandparents living in rural (N=50, Mage=56.80), urban (N=59, Mage=53.07), and suburban areas (N=74, Mage=56.03) caring for their grandchild (>17 years old) completed the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI-sleep latency, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep medication, sleep disturbances, and global sleep scales) and indicated their community type (rural, urban, suburban). Two-way ANOVAs evaluated interactions (sleep x community) and main effects. Pairwise comparisons clarified significant differences. Interactions were not significant. There was a significant main effect (p=.047) of community on sleep medication use, sleep disturbances (p=.009), and global sleep problems (p=.012). Urban grandparents reported more sleep medication (M=1.58+\-1.20) than rural (M=1.06+\-1.27; p=.046) or suburban grandparents (M=1.07+\-1.26; p=.026). Urban grandparents reported more sleep disturbance (M=1.63+\-.64) than rural (M=1.25+\-.55; p<.001) or suburban grandparents (M=1.44+\-.53; p=.080). Urban grandparents reported more global sleep problems (M=10.61+\-3.17) than rural (M=8.28+\-3.43; p=.010) or suburban grandparents (M=8.61+\-2.87; p=.010). Results suggest that level of urbanity impacts sleep health disparities among GRG and urban GRG may be at greater risk for sleep problems. More research (e.g., longitudinal) should examine what contributes to increased sleep problems among urban GRG, but these results suggest that behavioral sleep treatment programs should potentially target environmental and socioeconomic factors unique to urban GRG (e.g., increased noise, decreased safety and security, etc.).
THE ASYMMETRIC EFFECTS OF THE INCREASE AND DECEASE IN INTERGENERATIONAL TRANSFERS ON DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS
Authors: Park Sujeong , Kim Jinho
Published: January 2025

Despite the existing body of research on the dynamics of intergenerational transfers, there remains a gap in understanding whether decreases and increases in such transfers have differential effects on depressive symptoms among older Korean adults. This study aims to address this gap by examining two key

objectives

(a) exploring the asymmetric effect of intergenerational transfers from children to parents on parental depressive symptoms and (b) investigating whether this asymmetric effect differs by gender. Using seven waves of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (KLoSA), a novel asymmetric fixed effects model was employed to separately estimate the association for decreases and increases in intergenerational transfers. Our analysis, based on standard fixed effects estimates, uncovered a negative association between intergenerational transfers and depressive symptoms among older adults in Korea. This association was found to be significant solely for mothers, with no significant effect observed for fathers. Moreover, our findings suggest that the asymmetric associations between intergenerational transfers and depressive symptoms are more pronounced for women than for men. Specifically, the asymmetric fixed-effects models revealed that a decrease in intergenerational transfers was linked to increased depressive symptoms among women, whereas an increase in transfers did not show a significant association with depressive symptoms. These results indicate a stronger emotional bond between mothers and their adult children within the Korean context. Given the asymmetric effect of intergenerational transfers, this study contributes to our understanding of the gendered dynamics of intergenerational relationships and their implications for mental well-being among older adults.
INTEGRATING AND IMPROVING MULTIPLE-METHOD RESEARCH IN AGING
Authors: Saunders Pamela , Perone Angela
Published: January 2025

One of the basic tenets of mixed-method and mixed-methods research methodologies is that they integrate qualitative and quantitative data to provide a more holistic understanding of a research question. This interdisciplinary symposium examines several aging research projects to illustrate best practices for integrating and improving multiple methods research projects. We draw on fields including cultural anthropology, discourse analysis, and sociocultural gerontology to examine questions of language, identity, transcription, and homelessness. In a mixed-methods study, Saunders examines the integration of data and analysis from staff interviews, residents’ conversations, and staff ratings of friendship among persons living with dementia in a long-term care setting unit. Crampton examines the value of outliers in a study of how “ old” is defined by people aging into 80+ decades. Dobbs’ paper will discuss the role of AI transcription using smartphone and web-based platform technologies to collect data from older adults and their caregivers. Perone uses a novel multi-method approach to learn about housing models that aim to prevent or intervene in homelessness among LGBTQIA+ older adults. Directors of Aging Centers Interest Group Sponsored Symposium
THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TRANSCRIPTION TECHNOLOGY IN CAREGIVER QUALITATIVE DATA COLLECTION
Authors: Dobbs Debra , Yauk Jessica , Meng Hongdao , Jalil Tanjina
Published: January 2025

In recent years the use of artificial intelligence (AI) transcription has become more common and has advanced the ability of data collection methods in aging research. This paper presentation includes examples of how AI transcription methods can be implemented into research in multiple ways that has advanced the time to analysis of data and interpretation of qualitative data. The first study example is AI transcription using talk-to-text with an iphone to transcribe handwritten homework assignments from direct caregivers in assisted living in a palliative care education intervention. The second study example is using voice memo AI audio function for assisted living staff interviews in a music group intervention study. The third study uses Microsoft Teams to interview caregivers about advance care planning and end-of-life care quality which produces using AI transcription a transcript of the recorded interview. For each of these AI transcription techniques used in the three studies, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of their utilization in qualitative data collection and analysis including the amount of time and money saved in budgeting for transcription costs and whether it is balanced out by the costs for the technology; issues of privacy and older participants’ willingness to allow researchers to use technologies such as smart phones and web-based platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams and Zoom). We will also discuss the role of technological advancements in qualitative data methods as it relates to the need for technology skill development, privacy and data security.
BUILDING INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA: TAKING THE LEAD FROM LIVED EXPERIENCE
Authors: Phinney Alison , Jackson Lynn , Landy Ania , Sakamoto Mariko
Published: January 2025

Social citizenship is increasingly adopted in academic circles as a theoretical perspective foregrounding the rights of people with dementia to full participation in their community. However, what this means in practice is poorly understood. Using methods of participatory action research and developmental evaluation, our team conducted a four-year study to learn what social citizenship means from the perspective of people with lived experience, and to put that understanding into action through community programs and services. In phase one, an action group of people with dementia identified stigma as their main concern, and together with the research team co-developed an online toolkit to raise awareness and “flip stigma on its ear”. In phase two, the toolkit was shared with community stakeholders who provided formative feedback, and the team conducted implementation sessions to explore the toolkit’s impact for community programs and services who wanted to be more dementia inclusive. Analysis of interviews with stakeholders and program leaders and field notes from the feedback and implementation sessions identified key themes about how the toolkit has been received and its impact across varying community contexts, e.g. libraries, churches, community centres, and adult day programs: (1) the power of hearing real voices; (2) recognizing stigma; (3) gaining confidence for change; (4) spreading the word; and (5) working with (not for) people with dementia. Overall, these groups found that taking the lead from people with lived experience has been pivotal in helping them take first meaningful steps toward dementia inclusion.
NEIGHBORHOOD PROXIMITY AND SPATIAL SPILLOVER: IMPACT ON OLDER ADULT HEALTH
Authors: Desjardins Michael , Moored Kyle , Shields Timothy , Curriero Frank , Carlson Michelle
Published: January 2025

Studying the impacts of neighborhoods on health exposures and outcomes has seen increased attention over the last few decades. Neighborhoods can describe where individuals work, live, and recreate in granular detail, facilitating our understanding of activity spaces throughout the lifecourse. However, a plethora of studies in neighborhood health, especially among older adults treat these spatial units as statistically independent. Most research in this domain fails to capture the potential influence of surrounding neighborhoods on health exposures and outcomes in the target neighborhood. Many of these studies also fail to check for residual spatial autocorrelation/dependence of modeling results, which may violate the assumption of independence that is fundamental in statistics. The explanatory power of regression models may also improve by accounting for the spatial dependence of the variables in question. We present conceptual examples (e.g., blue/green spaces, neighborhood socioeconomic status, and other social determinants of health) of spatial regression models that consider the influence of nearby neighborhoods on the dependent variable of interest. We also highlight the need to consider neighborhoods that are not adjacent since individuals may interact with neighborhoods farther away more often than those immediately adjacent. We then present case studies of modeling neighborhood and environmental predictors of cognitive outcomes of older adults in the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS). Emphasis will also be on modeling lifecourse exposures. Our work highlights the power of spatial models to capture spillover and protective effects, which can greatly improve our understanding of older adult activity spaces and health across the lifecourse.
NEIGHBORHOOD BLUE SPACES AND RISK OF INCIDENT DEMENTIA: IMPORTANCE OF SPATIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Authors: Moored Kyle , Desjardins Michael , Rosso Andrea , Lovasi Gina , Donahue Patrick , Shields Timothy , Curriero Frank , Carlson Michelle
Published: January 2025

Neighborhood blue spaces (e.g., lakes, rivers, other water sources) are underexplored contributors to cognitive aging that may act by promoting recreation and mental health. Yet, benefits may vary by historical use and surrounding spatial context of water sources. We examined associations between neighborhood blue spaces and risk of incident dementia in community-dwelling older adults in Pittsburgh, PA. Participants were 655 adults ≥65 years old from the Cardiovascular Health Cognition Study (CHCS; 1992-1999) living in Pittsburgh/Allegheny County, PA. Baseline blue space was measured as the Census tract-level percentage of open water from the 1992 National Land Cover Dataset, stratified into groups incorporating water source: none (0%), low (.003-.04%, smaller water sources), and high (>.04%, major rivers). Time to dementia diagnosis was clinically adjudicated from a neurological exam, neuropsychological examinations, medical records, and proxy reporting across a median 6.2 years (n=103 cases, 16%). Cox models were adjusted for individual age, sex, race, education, income, and lifetime occupation. Greater blue space was associated with higher risk of all-cause dementia (low vs. none: HR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.26, 2.41 high vs. none: HR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.45, 2.98). Contrary to our hypothesis, neighborhood blue space was linked to increased risk of dementia for residents of Pittsburgh, PA. Historical industrialization and clustering of lower income neighborhoods along Pittsburgh’s main rivers will be discussed as potential contributors to this finding. Future work will capitalize on the geographic diversity of CHCS by comparing these analyses with more rural/suburban clinic sites (Winston-Salem, NC; and Hagerstown, MD).
CREATING CONNECTIONS BETWEEN PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA AND VOLUNTEERS THROUGH ART
Authors: Young Meghan
Published: January 2025

Scripps Gerontology Center’s award-winning Opening Minds through Art (OMA) program has built bridges across age and cognitive barriers through art for 17 years. People living with dementia, also known as artists, and volunteers are paired 1:1 for weekly abstract art making sessions. The program philosophy is based on autonomy and the freedom to make choices within a structured process, so the artists have the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in art-making with the assistance of their volunteer partners. Volunteers in the program are trained to rely on the imagination and skills of the artist, without making any artistic, aesthetic decisions during the art-making process. Over the course of the art-making sessions, relationships develop between the pairs. Thirteen published studies show the impact of the program including findings to support that volunteers are more positive in their attitudes toward people living with dementia post-participation, and participants living with dementia displayed more interest and pleasure during OMA than during traditional visual art activities. This session will provide an overview of the program and a description of previous research as background information for the remainder of the symposium. The session will also include an overview of OMA’s first and longest running program at Miami University where 2,898 older adults and 2,812 students have participated in OMA through in-person and virtual intergenerational programming. To highlight OMA’s longevity, we will also present an original compilation of internal program evaluation data to map the expansion and growth of OMA from inception to the present day.
ENGAGING OLDER AND YOUNGER PEOPLE VIRTUALLY THROUGH THE ARTS
Authors: Peterson Krysta
Published: January 2025

Following the COVID-19 Pandemic, the need for programming to foster connections and reduce loneliness for people of all ages increased. After the success of a three-year virtual OMA program, a new, video-chat application was developed to continue building intergenerational relationships virtually. ScrippsAVID (Arts-based, Virtual, Intergenerational, and Dementia-Friendly), pairs older and younger adults to discuss and co-create art, music, poetry, and share stories using over 75 art-based “prompts” designed to generate connections. Since its inception in 2023, ScrippsAVID has remained locally based with the majority of previous and current pairs comprised of Miami University students connecting with alumni. The program addresses older adults’ needs for social and creative engagement while providing younger adults opportunities to develop communication skills and build relationships with older adults, with and without dementia, outside of their families. Participants have commented on the value of their interactions with observations such as, “My AVID partner is one of the great joys in my life. Our time is so precious, and I am learning so much about life through her eyes. Thank you for this amazing opportunity. It is truly a blessing.” Overall, 132 older adults and 168 students have participated in ScrippsAVID with 90% of post-meeting satisfaction surveys reporting respondents being “Very Satisfied” (84%) or Satisfied (6%) with their meetup. This presentation will delve into the early ScrippsAVID implementation and outcome data to support further understanding of this innovative intergenerational program. We will also discuss potential future applications of ScrippsAVID for university-based intergenerational programming and community outreach.
CAREGIVERS’ PERCEIVED IMPORTANCE IN SOCIAL ACTIVITIES EXACERBATES THE EFFECT OF SOCIAL RESTRICTIONS ON DEPRESSION
Authors: Zhao Yuanchang , Yan Mengzhao , Kelley Jessica
Published: January 2025

Taking on a family caregiving role can limit time for social activities, even ones that are very important to the caregiver. Despite the well-known benefits of social activity participation, such as mental health and reducing caregiver strain, few studies have examined the potential impact of missing specific types of social activities and their degree of importance for caregivers on their mental health. Guided by the conceptual model of caregiver burden and role theory, we hypothesize that missing specific activities that are important to the caregiver will have a more negative impact on depressive symptoms. We utilize Round 12 National Study of Caregiving (NSOC) data of family caregivers to people aged 65+ (N=2,431) focused on four key social activities: visiting friends and family, attending religious services, participating in group activities, and enjoying outdoor events. Our findings indicate that for each additional activity caregivers miss, they have 54% increased odds of depressive symptoms. Further, missing any activity considered “important” by the caregiver had 70% higher odds of depressive symptoms. Missing outdoor activities increased odds of depressive symptoms by 216%, but missing outdoor activities considered “important” had 234% higher odds of depressive symptoms. In sum, limiting social and recreational activities due to caregiving raises the risk of poor mental health, but missing activities that are highly valued by the caregiver raises that risk even further. These findings underscore the importance of recognizing caregivers’ perceived important activities to better understand and address the mental health challenges they face due to activity restrictions.
THE EFFECTS OF CAREGIVING HISTORY ON THE WELL-BEING OF INFORMAL CAREGIVERS LATER IN LIFE
Authors: Neller Sarah , Svynarenko Radion
Published: January 2025

Previous studies have been primarily focused on documenting the negative impact of caregiving on quality of life. However, such a perspective overlooks the potentially positive outcomes that it can bring into the caregiver’s life. The purpose of the current examination was to explore how the history of informal caregiving for six months or more influences beliefs about well-being later in life. We used data from the Health and Retirement Study on caregiving history from the Life History Surveys, which were combined with well-being measures from Psychosocial and Lifestyle Questionnaires collected between 2016 and 2022. For data analysis, we used a set of Ordinary Least Squares regression models (OLS) to control for age, gender, race, ethnicity, education, and marital status. The total sample size in each OLS model varied depending on the year of data collection and response rates for each dependent variable. We found that history of caregiving has mixed effects on well-being later in life. Though it was negatively associated with life satisfaction (b = -0.19, p < 0.001, n = 3,902), it was positively associated with compassionate goals (b = 0.094, p< 0.001, n = 3,860) and purpose in life (b = 0.07, p = 0.017, n = 4,713), and negatively associated with fears about aging (b = -0.07, p = 0.016, n = 3,161). We will discuss potential ways to leverage positive wellbeing effects to promote caregivers’ flourishing and positive caregiver outcomes. These findings can be used to develop future interventions that aim to improve well-being of informal caregivers.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF PREDEATH GRIEF, BURDEN, AND EMPATHETIC PAIN IN FAMILY CAREGIVERS
Authors: Chrzanowski Lauren , McLean Elisabeth , Singer Jonathan
Published: January 2025

Family caregivers may experience pain as an empathetic reaction to their loved ones’ pain – this has not been studied in aging populations. Caregiver distress (such as pre-death grief (PDG)) increases as patient pain worsens. Therefore, this study hypothesized that higher PDG and caregiver burden would result in higher rates of empathetic pain for family caregivers. This study included family members of persons with advanced cancer (N=100) and dementia (N=38). We measured PDG using the PG-12 scale, burden with the Zarit Burden Inventory (ZBI), and used a single item (i.e., How often have you experienced pain (or other symptoms) that the individual with life limiting illness as (e.g., empathetic pains)), dichotomized (0=never; 1=at least once a day-multiple times a day) to measure empathetic pain. Logistic regressions were performed to ascertain the effects of PDG and burden on the likelihood of family caregivers experiencing empathetic pain when controlling for diagnoses and age of care recipient. PDG significantly predicted empathetic pain X2(3, N = 118) = 18.83, p<.001. The model explained 20.4% (Nagelkerke R2) of the variance. Higher PDG score was associated with an increased likelihood of endorsing empathetic pain (OR=.896, 95%CI [1.041, 1.161]). Caregiver burden significantly predicted empathetic pain X2(3, N = 124) =7.81, p=.05. The model explained 8.4% (Nagelkerke R2) of the variance. Higher ZBI score was associated with an increased likelihood of endorsing empathetic pain (OR=.889, 95%CI [1.002, 1.128]). These results provide evidence that higher PDG and burden can lead to downstream effects on the caregiver, including empathetic pain.
CONGRESSIONAL UPDATE
Authors: Lindberg Brian
Published: January 2025

This popular annual session will provide cutting-edge information on what the 118th Congress has and has not accomplished to date related to aging policy. Of particular importance will be the Older Americans Act Reauthorization, including funding for the Center for Research and Demonstration in the Aging Network, as well as an update on Medicare Advantage, nursing home regulations, and hospice and palliative care legislation.
MY LIFE PROFILE: EMPOWERING COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS TO ADVOCATE FOR AGE-FRIENDLY HEALTH CARE
Authors: Tucker-Roghi Gina
Published: January 2025

Older adults face a heightened risk of dementia and delirium, the latter affecting over half of hospitalized older adults, leading to longer hospital stays and poorer outcomes. Current evidence supports multi-component nonpharmacologic approaches such as cognitive activation, re-orientation, simple mobilization, social engagement and sleep hygiene to prevent delirium during hospitalization. Utilization of these non-pharmacological interventions may be enhanced by personal information. My Life Profile for Age-Friendly Care, rooted in the Age-Friendly Health Systems’ 4Ms framework and the Occupational Profile, serves as a proactive instrument. It is collaboratively developed by community-dwelling older adults and occupational therapy students, offering healthcare providers vital insights into the personal history, habits, routines, and preferences of older adults. Students are trained to utilize a semi-structured interview process to gather personal information relevant to Age-Friendly care. The student and older adult collaborate to compile the essential information onto a one-page profile, strategizing to ensure healthcare teams receive this information if hospitalization occurs. This process deepens students’ appreciation for personalized care and illustrates the significance of the Occupational Profile in driving person-centered care across healthcare teams. Feedback from 180 students over four years and participating older adults underscores the initiative’s effectiveness in affirming the value of personalized care in promoting older adults’ well-being and dignity. The My Life Profile for Age-Friendly Health Care project exemplifies how educational objectives and healthcare solutions can converge, highlighting the pivotal role of occupational therapy in fostering age-friendly healthcare practices.
DETERMINING APPROPRIATE LOAD: BUILDING STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE AS A REHABILITATION RESEARCHER
Authors: Bove Allyn
Published: January 2025

Physical therapy educational programs typically teach students to dose patients’ exercises with the goal of increasing strength or increasing endurance – an “either/or” decision rather than a “both/and” decision. However, clinicians working with older adults know that our patients will be more successful when we help them build both strength and endurance. In this presentation, the presenter will discuss why a strategy of building both strength and endurance also applies to the early years of a research career. The presenter will discuss how she built strength while making pivotal career decisions including whether to pursue research or teaching, whether to pursue post-doctoral training, and how much clinical practice is reasonable to build into one’s schedule. Next, the presenter will discuss how she learned (more accurately, ‘is still learning’) to accept being told “no” most of the time, and how the arduous process of pursuing grants and publishing manuscripts builds endurance. Finally, the presenter will discuss lessons learned as an early career rehabilitation researcher. These lessons include: (1) improving balance is difficult, both as a patient in physical therapy and as an early career researcher; (2) it’s okay to be a terrible juggler, as long as one surrounds herself with people who can help her keep all of the balls in the air; (3) how early career researchers may position themselves for careers that are both strong and endurant.
A NONTRADITIONAL PATH TOWARD A RESEARCH CAREER
Authors: Sol Ketlyne
Published: January 2025

I graduated with my PhD in Clinical Psychology, where I received both clinical and research training. I specialized in rehabilitation psychology and received additional training in neuropsychology. I focused the bulk of my graduate training on developing strong clinical skills because I wanted the research I produced to be informed by clinical experience. My research training gave me a strong foundation in research methodology and statistical analysis. But I underestimated the business side of research and the culture of academia overall. When I decided to pursue dedicated research training in disparities in cognitive aging, it had to be a full-time commitment, as it had been with my clinical training. Focused research training helped me progress much better and faster than I would have been able to trying to juggle both a clinical and research career. I became much better at grant writing and at communicating my research. I also believe that no person is an island. So, I also credit my success to organically forming the right combination of formal and informal mentors, peers, and other friendships during each step of my career, along with maintaining relevant pre-existing kin- and friend-ships. I was told early on that a career in clinical research is a marathon, not a sprint, but it took me a bit of time to fully understand that statement. I have finally embraced the marathoner’s mindset because I enjoy this work and I intend to produce good research for a very long time.
POSTTRAUMATIC GROWTH: REFRAMING JOB MARKET CHALLENGES AND LESSONS LEARNED
Authors: Bybee Sara
Published: January 2025

In this presentation, I will use the phenomenon of posttraumatic growth—the positive psychological change that occurs as a result of the struggle with a highly stressful or traumatic event—to describe my experience searching for, applying, and obtaining a postdoctoral fellowship and later, a faculty position at an R1 institution. The five domains of posttraumatic growth (personal strength, priorities, new possibilities, relationships, and spiritual/existential change) will serve as guideposts as I discuss challenges I have faced, strategies I recommend, and lessons learned from my experiences in the job market. More specifically, I will share tips for identifying open positions, giving job talks and attending campus visits, questions that are important to ask yourself and your potential employer, and what qualities to look for when identifying possible mentors. I will also discuss professional development activities that have been pivotal in my growth, how I used what I learned from these activities to advance my career, and how I built a supportive network both within my institution, as well as across institutions. In sum, this presentation will provide attendees an opportunity to hear about applying and obtaining both postdoctoral fellowships and faculty positions, as well as both positive and negative experiences navigating the job market.
RELATIONSHIP QUALITY PATTERNS AND DISABILITY IN LATER LIFE
Authors: Sauerteig-Rolston Madison , Ferraro Kenneth
Published: January 2025

Informed by the life course perspective and stress process model, this study examined the gendered relationship between patterns of relationship quality (identified as high quality, adverse, indifferent, or ambivalent) and the onset of disability in later life. Cross-sectional and longitudinal models were estimated using nationally representative data from the Health and Retirement Study. Logistic regression models were used to examine cross-sectional associations between relationship quality and wave 1 (W1) disability (i.e., occurrence). Weibull accelerated failure-time models were employed to examine the association between relationship quality and age of onset of disability 12-14 years later (i.e., incidence). We tested for moderation between relationship quality and disability by gender. At W1, older adults in adverse relationships had higher odds of disability than older adults in high quality relationships (OR=1.26, 95% CI=1.11-1.44). In addition, men who reported adverse or indifferent relationships had a higher probability of disability than women in adverse or indifferent relationships (respectively, 2nd differences= 0.029, 0.032). Over time, early onset of disability was associated with adverse (β = -0.07, p < 0.001) and ambivalent relationships (β = -0.07, p < 0.001). It is important to consider the complex and multidimensional aspects of social relationships to understand how relationships influence later-life disability. Not only are adverse relationships associated with an earlier onset of disability in later life, but ambivalent relationships, those identified by high levels of support and high levels of strain, are detrimental for physical functioning among older adults.
LINKING SUPPORT PROVISION AND CHANGE IN DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG OLDER ADULTS OVER EIGHT YEARS
Authors: Kole Debarati , Fuller Heather
Published: January 2025

Research indicates giving support to others positively affects older adults’ overall well-being; however, limited research examines longitudinal shifts in associations between older adults’ support provision and psychological well-being over time. This study explores links between support provision and changes in depressive symptomatology in older adults over eight years and the moderating role of physical health. Data comes from the Social Integration and Aging Study, a longitudinal, community-based survey of older adults (60+) in the Upper Midwest. Data collection was conducted from 2015 (Wave 2; N= 314) to 2023 (Wave 6; N=98). Support provision was assessed with a 2-item measure of frequency of providing help to family and friends, and depressive symptoms were assessed with the 10-item CES-D scale (Cronbach’s Alpha =.82). Longitudinal Multi-Level Modelling was used to assess the time-varying effect of support provision on change in older adults’ depressive symptoms across 5 timepoints (controlling for age, gender, marital status, and subjective health). Statistically significant results were found both between-person (B=-.502 p<.001) and within-person (B=-.263 P=.022) with higher support provision predicting lower depressive symptoms; however, the interaction of time by within-person help provision (B=.133, P=.017) indicated support provision has long-term detrimental effects for depressive symptoms. Further, subjective health significantly moderated (B=.156, p<.031) the between-person association between support provision and depressive symptoms over time indicating increased progression of depressive symptoms for those with poor health/low support provision and good health/high support provision. Overall, findings indicate complex longitudinal relationships between help provision and older adults’ psychological well-being.
NEIGHBORHOOD ENVIRONMENT AND LONELINESS IN LATER LIFE: DO PERCEIVED EXPERIENCES MEDIATE THE OBJECTIVE FEATURES?
Authors: Ashtiani Reza Tayari , Moorman Sara
Published: January 2025

The health of older adults may be more impacted by their neighborhoods due to limited mobility. Thus, the attributes and quality of the neighborhood environment are crucial for the social life and health outcomes of older individuals. This study aims to examine the role of neighborhood factors in loneliness, investigating associations between objective residential environment, perceived neighborhood cohesion and danger, and loneliness. We used cross-sectional data from 4,377 midlife and older adults (49–95 years) participating in the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP). We measured the residential environment using a scale based on the interviewer’s observation of the neighborhood’s quality. The scale included five items: the street’s cleanliness, noise, amount of traffic, closeness of houses together, and strong smell or air pollution. We employed multiple regression models. The product of coefficients tests showed that while neighborhood residential environment was not directly associated with loneliness, it was significantly associated indirectly, through both perceived social cohesion (B = 0.006, p <.05) and perceived neighborhood danger (B = 0.010, p <.05). In turn, perceived neighborhood social cohesion was negatively associated with loneliness (B = -0.13, p <.001), whereas perceived neighborhood danger was positively associated with loneliness (B = 0.05, p <.05). These findings underscore the significance of incorporating both objective and subjective elements of neighborhood environments in relation to the experience of loneliness.
ENTWINED LIVES: THE DYADIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHILDHOOD ADVERSITY AND SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS AMONG OLDER COUPLES
Authors: Li Yiang , Wong Jason , Waite Linda
Published: January 2025

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been linked to disadvantages along the life course. However, little is known about how ACEs may affect one’s own and spousal social connectedness in later life. Using data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (N=1,214 couples), we employ the actor-partner interdependence model to estimate the long-term dyadic influence of ACE on later-life community participation and social network structure. We find that ACEs (including early-life family unhappiness, absence of parents in the household, poor health, witnessing/experiencing violence, being born in the U.S. South, and low parental education) are associated with reduced later-life community participation and smaller network sizes. Additionally, we find that the spousal spillover effects of ACEs are more pronounced from wives to husbands in fostering social ties than from husbands to wives in engaging with formal community participation. Our findings highlight the spillover effect of childhood disadvantages on spousal later-life social connectedness and its gendered implications.
EDUCATION, SOCIAL NETWORKS, AND COGNITION IN CROSS-NATIONAL CONTEXT
Authors: Iveniuk James , Schafer Markus , Sun Haosen
Published: January 2025

Previous research has shown that older adults with more education report both larger social networks and better cognitive function. But educational institutions vary greatly from country to country, meaning the process whereby education conserves cognition through social networks may vary by national context. In this paper, we bring together data from the National Social Life Health and Aging Project (NSHAP, 4777 cases collected in 2015/2016) and the Survey of Health Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE; 67200 cases across 18 countries collected in 2015) to examine associations between education and cognition cross-nationally, and how much of the association between education and cognition is mediated by social network characteristics (i.e. size and proportion kin). We standardize education using the International Standard Classification of Education 1997. We find that across every country, more education is associated with better cognition. In most countries, education is also positively associated with network size, and negatively associated with proportion kin. Network size is generally positively associated with cognition, and proportion kin is negatively associated with cognition. We find significant indirect effects for network size of in all but four countries (Czechia, Spain, Greece, Israel), with the United States showing one of the largest indirect effect sizes. Overall, the proportion mediated by network size was small across all countries – 7.4% at maximum, and 4.1% across all countries. We also found fewer and weaker indirect effects with proportion kin. We conclude with suggestions for harmonization analysis and implications for networks, international educational stratification, and cognitive aging.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF LONELINESS AND HEALTH: EFFECTS ACROSS DEFAMILIZATION LEVELS
Authors: Azar Ariel
Published: January 2025

Although a significant amount of research has addressed the negative relationships of loneliness and social isolation with health in old age, the mechanisms linking them to health outcomes are not fully understood. While some argue that health behaviors may account for these associations, previous research has not adequately contextualized the relationships between loneliness, social isolation, and health. Given the variations in these relationships across different contexts, it is imperative to understand how institutional contexts moderate the detrimental effects of both loneliness and social isolation. This comparative study focuses on European countries and the U.S., utilizing SHARE data for 20+ European countries, ELSA data for the UK, and both HRS and NSHAP data for the U.S. It explores how the relationships between loneliness, social isolation, and health vary across institutional exposure to defamilization policies during the life course. These policies aim to promote women’s autonomy and reduce the caregiving burden traditionally placed on them. By leveraging panel data, this paper employs a causal framework to estimate how the effects of loneliness and social isolation on health vary for individuals experiencing different institutional contexts. This research introduces a novel approach to understanding the moderating role of the welfare state, viewing it not only as a resource-transferring institution but also as a facilitator of social networks.
AN AGE-FRIENDLY APPROACH TO THE DESIGN OF WEB-BASED USER INTERFACES
Authors: Lam Justin
Published: January 2025

Older adults are increasingly adopting digital technologies, with the majority of adults ages 65 and over being Internet users. These technologies can help support older adults’ well-being by improving access to and engagement with healthcare information. However, digital accessibility may continue to be an obstacle for adults who experience age-related functional changes, such as loss of vision and hearing or decline in cognitive and motor skills. While guidelines do exist for ensuring accessibility among people with disabilities, these guidelines do not always provide older adults with positive user experiences. A variety of frameworks have been proposed to support age-friendly user engagement with websites and mobile applications, with several centered on improving comprehension of text, location of information, and recognition of access links. In this presentation, we will explore the nuanced needs of users across different age groups, with special consideration given to the design of interfaces that can support both care partners and older adults. This presentation will cover a range of topics, such as optimizing user interaction patterns and enhancing readability, to provide practical insights into the concept of age-friendly design for user interfaces.
DEPLOYING TELEWELLNESS PROGRAMS IN THE COMMUNITY: BARRIERS, FACILITATORS, AND POTENTIAL
Authors: Mitzner Tracy , Remillard Elena , Mumma Kara
Published: January 2025

‘Telewellness’ programs use technology (e.g., video conferencing software) to facilitate remote participation in exercise classes. These programs hold great potential to expand access to physical and mental health benefits of group exercise classes for older adults, especially those with mobility disabilities. We translated the Tai Chi for Health Institute’s in-person, evidence-based tai chi program, Tai Chi for Arthritis, to be a virtual experience (via Zoom) that is both socially engaging and inclusive of people with a mobility disabilities. The ‘Tele Tai Chi’ clinical trial (NCT04696887) explored to what extent this program may increase social interaction and positive health behaviors among older adults with long-term mobility disabilities; data analysis is in progress. The next phase of this project is focused on delivering our Tele Tai Chi program in real world, community-based settings (e.g., senior centers, senior living communities). This session will present findings from interviews with subject matter experts (e.g., senior center coordinators, administrators from Area Agencies on Aging, tai chi instructors) on perceived barriers to delivering Telewellness classes (e.g., safety, staffing, demands, technical support), as well as potential facilitators to address them. We will also discuss the need for different models of Telewellness (e.g., hybrid classes with attendees both in-person and online) that align with the community’s unique characteristics, preferences, and support needs.
THE AGING RESEARCH IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE HEALTH (ARCH) NETWORK: WHERE WE’VE BEEN AND WHERE WE ARE GOING
Authors: Barry Lisa , James Jennifer , Gerald Melissa , Murillo Fernando
Published: January 2025

Established in 2019, the NIA-funded “Aging Research in Criminal Justice and Health (ARCH) Network” brings together a multi-disciplinary, international group of researchers and community leaders dedicated to evaluating the life course experiences of justice-involved older adults and translating that research into policy and practice. In this symposium, we will celebrate the ARCH Network’s accomplishments over the past five years by highlighting inspirational investigators, community leaders, and pilot projects that have helped to advance science in this emerging research area. The first presentation will provide a brief overview of the ARCH Network and its mission, highlighting the journey from development to inception to continual growth. The second presentation will focus on the impact of the ARCH Network on the career trajectory of early-stage investigators. From the perspective of a doctoral student, we will learn about how the ARCH network is a pipeline model for advancing the careers of scholars interested in health equity and policy research focused on justice-involved older adults. The third presentation will highlight the practice interventions and community resources that have emerged from health-equity focused, collaborative, aging research on incarceration. The fourth presentation will discuss policy-related impacts and solutions for justice-involved older adults. The final presentation will focus on the impact of the ARCH Network from the perspective of an individual with lived experience and will highlight the vision for the ARCH Network moving forward. Following the presentations, we look forward to an interactive discussion led by the NIA Program Officer for the ARCH Network. Incarceration and Aging Interest Group Sponsored Symposium
THE GROWING STRENGTH OF THE ARCH NETWORK: INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATIONS ACROSS INSTITUTIONS AND PRISON WALLS
Authors: James Jennifer
Published: January 2025

The ARCH network has intentionally brought together scholars from different disciplines, clinicians, lawyers, policy makers, advocates, and people with lived experience of incarceration from institutions around the globe. Too often, individuals interested in using research to advance our understanding of health and seek change in policy and practice are siloed, working independently and without the benefits of inter-professional collaboration. Importantly, most health-focused research about incarceration has been conducted at a distance, without directly engaging those who are incarcerated in the formulation of studies, analysis and interpretation, or the dissemination of findings. Given this history, members of the ARCH network conducted community-based research with people with lived experience of incarceration, their loved ones, and their healthcare providers to both identify priorities for aging research and identity barriers and facilitators to collaborating in research. We will describe how the ARCH network has created new possibilities for and understandings of collaborative research across prison walls and speak to some of the emerging research from the network. In particular, we will highlight the policy advancements, practice interventions, and community resources that have emerged from health-equity focused, collaborative, aging research on incarceration.
THE ARCH NETWORK: LOOKING AHEAD
Authors: Murillo Fernando
Published: January 2025

It is clear that the commitment to addressing the pressing public health problem of mass incarceration and aging is growing. With every ARCH Network meeting, there are more of us who care. We even started a GSA Incarceration and Aging Interest Group! This presentation provides the perspective of an individual with lived experience as a pastoral care services worker for terminally ill incarcerated persons. Perspectives such as these are an essential to the mission of the ARCH Network. Looking ahead, we will continue to build new collaborations and partnerships and strengthen those that already exist. We will continue to refine our research agenda. We will continue to disseminate our work to make a difference in the lives of those impacted by the intersection of incarceration and aging. The ARCH Network has much to be proud of, yet we know that there is still even more that we can do.