bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SERVICE AND PROGRAM NEEDS TO SUPPORT OLDER, LOW-INCOME HOMEOWNERS AGING IN PLACE
Authors: Lee Sung-Jin , Robinson Renee , Hopfer Elizabeth , Lee Minyong , Parrott Kathleen
Published: January 2025

An interdisciplinary team of the Housing, Kinesiology, and Textile programs at North Carolina A&T State University is collaborating on a multi-year research project to examine the person-environment fit perspective for older, low-income homeowners in North Carolina. Using a qualitative phenomenological study approach, researchers conducted 19 in-home and personal interviews with urban low-income, older homeowners in community-dwelling units. A local nonprofit housing agency providing home modification services to low-income older adults assisted with sample recruitment. Researchers conducted a content analysis using interview transcripts from recorded voices, home assessment data, photos taken during home visits, and interviewers’ notes. Data analysis revealed personal elements (e.g., living alone, informal support, mortgage payments, technology capability levels) and environmental elements (e.g., steps, dust/unclean home conditions, clutter, continuous upkeep needs) that can be associated with respondents’ aging-in-place practices. The qualitative data also highlighted the need for additional services and programs to improve their home environment or housing conditions beyond home modifications. Examples include cleaning services (e.g., dust on floors, carpets, ceilings, or vents), laundry services for home textiles (e.g., fabric drapes on windows), lawn care programs, and services for placing trash bins at the curb for pickup and returning them near the home. This study provides an opportunity to understand older, low-income homeowners aging in place and their home environments, which have been less explored using a qualitative approach. This research presentation will be supported by qualitative comments from study participants, along with photos of home environments.
SHEMANCIPATION: A GROUNDED THEORY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN’S PROCESS OF TRANSITIONING TO AGE 50
Authors: Bradley Lisa
Published: January 2025

The study of adult development has produced numerous theories to describe participants’ experiences, processes, and related developmental milestones. Despite the number of studies found in the literature, few have explored adult development for African American women, and fewer still have explored African American women’s midlife experience. The present study, rooted in theories of intersectionality and critical gerontology, used constructivist grounded theory to investigate a discrete aspect of midlife aging for African American women, the age-50 transition. Guided by the research question, “How do African American women describe their experience of turning 50?”, eighteen semi-formal interviews were conducted with 11 African American women, age 50 to 55, which coincides with Levinson’s (1986/1996) Middle Adulthood. The women confirmed that they were born, raised, and currently lived in the United States. During data collection, constant comparison and memoing were used to evaluate the data for gaps and overlapping instances. Initial coding generated the assignment of 161 unique codes. After four rounds of coding, the three processes of Reflection, Realization, and Resolution, and the theoretical concept of “Shemancipation” emerged. Findings of the present study were partially aligned with Cohen’s (2005/2006) stages of Midlife Reevaluation and Liberation, and Howell & Beth’s (2002) midlife development stages of External Awareness and Internal Awareness stages. The findings report includes several direct quotes from the participants to intentionally amplify voices long omitted from the literature. Further study with additional cohorts was recommended, as well as an investigation of the role played by the global pandemic on introspective processes.
SUBJECTIVE FINANCIAL STRAIN AMONG CAREGIVERS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND DEMENTIA
Authors: Zhu Yujun , Enguidanos Susan , Wilber Kathleen , Benton Donna , Falzarano Francesca
Published: January 2025

Caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia often face significant caregiving burdens. While the cost of care is admittedly high for dementia patients, research on the financial strain experienced by family caregivers remains limited. This cross-sectional study used publicly available data from the “Caregiving in the U.S. 2020” survey of 1,241 caregivers who identified as caring for an adult age 50 and older. Comparative analyses were conducted to assess subjective financial strain and caregiving intensity among caregivers of individuals with and without Alzheimer’s disease/dementia. Logistic regression models were used to explore the association between caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease/dementia and family caregivers’ subjective financial strain after controlling for caregivers’ demographic characteristics, care recipients’ conditions and care intensity. The average age of caregivers was 56.1 (SD=16.5) years and 59% were female. About 61% of caregivers for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease/dementia reported financial strain, significantly higher than the 51% reported by caregivers of individuals without these conditions (P<.001). Caregivers assisted in more activities of daily living (2.1 vs. 1.4) and instrumental activities of daily living (4.9 vs. 4.3) in the Alzheimer’s group compared to the non-Alzheimer’s caregivers. Caring for recipients with Alzheimer’s disease/dementia was associated with a higher (OR=1.5, 95% CI: 1.1-2.0) likelihood of experiencing subjective financial strain. This study highlights the amplified financial challenges faced by caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The results underscore the necessity for comprehensive support systems, including financial assistance programs to alleviate the burdens on this population.
DOES THE PERCEIVED DOSAGE OF BZRAS DURING TAPERING AFFECT SLEEP QUALITY IN OLDER ADULTS?
Authors: Wong Sarah , Mitchell Michael , Camacho Karen , Nguyen Thien , Fung Constance
Published: January 2025

Reducing adverse events (e.g., falls) is a primary motivator to deprescribe benzodiazepine receptor agonists (BZRAs) in older adults, but success rates vary despite intensive approaches (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia [CBTI]). Mechanisms such as placebo effects may be unexplored targets for improving deprescribing success. A masked taper is one approach to disrupting these mechanisms. Using data from the masked tapering arm of a 5-year randomized clinical trial that augmented CBTI with a masked taper (clinicaltrials.gov NCT03687086; n=89, 67% male, mean age = 69.2 years, 77.5% White, mean Insomnia Severity Index =13.6), we investigated relationships among BZRA pharmacokinetics (duration of action, receptor localization, lipophilicity), perceived BZRA dosage, and sleep quality. Daily, participants guessed their BZRA dosage taken nightly relative to their baseline dosage (guesses classified as over/concordant/underestimation) and completed diaries assessing sleep quality (sleep efficiency, sleep latency, wake after sleep onset). Mixed models examined the effects of pharmacokinetics on underestimation and perceived dosage (over/concordant/underestimation) on sleep quality. Pharmacokinetic measures were not significantly associated with dosage underestimation (all p-values >.05). Dosage overestimation was associated with improved sleep efficiency, reduced sleep latency and reduced wake after sleep onset) (all p-values <.001). Dosage underestimation was associated with worse sleep quality (all p-values <.001). Pharmacokinetics were not associated with estimation of BZRA dosage in a masked taper, but participants who perceived taking a higher dosage of BZRA reported better sleep quality. Future studies may explore the effects of perceived dosage of other drugs (such as analgesics) to aid in masked tapering efforts.
HETEROGENEOUS METABOLOMIC AGING ACROSS THE SAME AGE AND PEDICTION OF HEALTH OUTCOME
Authors: Jia Xueqing , Fan Jiayao , Wu Xucheng , Deelen Joris , Zhou Dan , Liu Zuyun
Published: January 2025

Existing metabolomic clocks exhibit deficiencies in capturing the heterogeneous aging rates among individuals with the same chronological age. Yet, the modifiable and non-modifiable factors in metabolomic aging have not been systematically studied. Here, a new aging measure—MetaboAgeMort—was generated and validated using metabolomic profiles from 239,291 UK Biobank participants for 10-year all-cause mortality prediction. The MetaboAgeMort showed significant associations with all-cause mortality, cause-specific mortality, and diverse incident diseases. Adding MetaboAgeMort to a conventional risk factors model improved the predictive ability of 10-year mortality. A total of 99 modifiable factors across seven categories were identified for MetaboAgeMort. Among these, 16 factors representing pulmonary function, body composition, socioeconomic status, dietary quality, smoking status, alcohol intake, and disease status showed quantitatively stronger associations. The genetic analyses revealed 99 genomic risk loci and 271 genes associated with MetaboAgeMort. The tissue-enrichment analysis showed significant enrichment in liver. This study illuminates heterogeneous metabolomic aging across the same age, providing avenues for identifying high-risk individuals, developing anti-aging therapies, and personalizing interventions, thus promoting healthy aging and longevity.
IMPACT OF NUMBER OF FUNCTIONAL TEETH ON INCIDENT MOBILITY DISABILITY IN OLDER ADULTS: FINDINGS FROM THE KFACS
Authors: Lim Nahyun , Shin Hyung Eun , Lee Daehyun , Jung Heeeun , Jang Jae Young , Cho Hyunjin , Won Chang Won , Kim Miji
Published: January 2025

The prevalence of mobility disability among older adults has a detrimental impact on their ability to live independently. It has been reported that losing functional teeth (FT) is linked to mobility disability. Nevertheless, there is insufficient longitudinal research investigating an association between the number of FT and incident mobility disability. We aimed to evaluate the association between the number of FT at baseline (2016–2017) and incident mobility disability after 6-year (2022-2023) in community-dwelling Korean older adults. A total of 1,090 older adults without mobility disability at baseline (50.2% women; mean age 75.3 ± 3.4 years) were analyzed from the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study. FT were defined as total teeth, including remaining natural teeth and prosthetically restored teeth on panoramic radiography. Mobility disability was defined after 6-year as gait speed less than 1.0 m/s. The multivariate logistic regression analysis evaluated the association between FT and incident mobility disability. Participants having FT less than 20 were 26.3% (n=287), and the incident mobility disability was 30.2% (n=329). FT less than 20 were significantly associated with a higher risk of incident mobility disability in un-adjusted model (odds ratio [OR]: 2.27, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.71–3.00). After adjusting for confounders, FT less than 20 had a higher risk of incident mobility disability (OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.38–2.75). In conclusion, the number of FT was independently associated with incident mobility disability. Our findings suggest that maintaining FT at least 20 is essential to prevent mobility disability in older adults.
MARITAL TRAJECTORIES, RACE/ETHNICITY, NATIVITY, AND CARDIOVASCULAR COMORBIDITIES AMONG US ADULTS
Authors: Karakida Maki , Stokes Jeffrey , Song Qian
Published: January 2025

Marital loss – one of the most stressful and emotional life events – often ties to negative cardiovascular health outcomes, which can be comorbid with other chronic conditions, like diabetes. Cardiovascular complications, spousal bereavement, and grey divorce are increasingly common in older adulthood, yet their effects may vary among US-born and foreign-born racial-ethnic minorities. The present study examines the longitudinal relationships between marital quality, race/ethnicity, nativity, and cardiovascular comorbid conditions among 6,953 Americans aged 58 and over. Leveraging the RAND HRS Longitudinal File 2020 (2010–2020) and binomial logistic regressions, we analyzed how married or partnered adults in 2010 undergone marital loss and developed heart disease, high blood pressure and hypertension, stroke, and/or diabetes by 2020, during the COVID-19 crisis. Across all the models, the main effects highlighted that the widowed group had a significantly higher likelihood of cardiovascular comorbidities (all p < 0.026) unlike the married and divorced groups. The model, examining the intersection of race/ethnicity and nativity – interacted with marital status – revealed that compared with US-born White married adults, US-born Hispanic divorcees (OR = 4.39; p < 0.022) and foreign-born non-Hispanic Other divorcees (OR = 10.49; p < 0.038) indicated 4-10 times greater cardiovascular comorbidity risks. Findings suggest that among older nonnative and/or racial-ethnic minorities, spousal bereavement and martial dissolution/separation developed worse cardiovascular comorbid conditions, especially during the first year of the pandemic outbreaks. Cardiovascular comorbidities, interacted with race/ethnicity, nativity, and marital status, are warranted to be further investigated.
PERFORMANCE ON THE MOCA IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH COGNITIVE RESERVE IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Barneclo Marcella , Isenberg A Lisette , Stradford Joy , Espejo Kimberly , Pa Judy
Published: January 2025

The Cognitive Reserve (CR) hypothesis suggests that more experiential resources (e.g. education, occupation, recreational activities) can help individuals combat age-related cognitive decline and maintain higher cognitive function with age. As such, higher CR has been implicated in greater cognitive resilience potentially correlated to delaying the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Previous research in cognitively normal populations found that the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a well-established neuropsychological assessment of global cognition used to identify Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or mild AD in older adults, may reflect CR. However, limited information exists on the association between MoCA and CR for MCI. The present study investigates the relationship between MoCA and CR in older adults with early MCI using the Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq), a proxy measure of CR determined by education, occupational activity, and recreational activity. The study includes 138 older adults aged 50-85 with early MCI, comprising 50 males and 88 females, with an average age of 66.1 ± 7.40. No correlation between MoCA and total CRIq scores (r = 0.12, p = 0.17), or the subcategories of working activity (r = 0.08, p = 0.35), education (r = 0.05, p = 0.54), and leisure time (r = 0.11, p = 0.19) were observed. Age was included as a covariate in the models. There were no differences between sexes for CRIq scores, MoCA scores, or years of education, respectively. These findings suggest that performance on the MoCA is not associated with CR in older adults with early MCI.
PROGRESSION TO FRAILTY – THE ROLE OF MUSCLE RESILIENCE
Authors: Thompson LaDora , Perazza Lais
Published: January 2025

The impact of a stressful event within the progression to frailty is unknown. In this study we determined the response to an acute stress in Robust, Prefrail, and Frail mice. We hypothesized the Robust mice would show greater resilience compared to Prefrail and Frail mice following a stressful event; whereas the Prefrail mice would show an intermediary resilience status. 17-27-month-old C57BL/6 female mice were classified as Robust, Prefrail or Frail using the Vitality Phenotype (strength, endurance, activity, walking speed, health deficits.) Stress was induced by downhill running (DR). Resilience was determined by muscle contractility and bone mineral density (BMD). 38% of cohort was classified as Prefrail, 33% as Frail and 29% as Robust. Performance parameters were different between the 3 categories of frailty. Tetanic force (soleus) in Frail mice was significantly reduced compared to Prefrail and Robust mice. When tetanic force was normalized to muscle mass, the frailty-driven reduction in force was still observed, suggesting impairment in protein quality. BMD was similar between Prefrail and Frail, while both differed from Robust, suggesting that BMD loss occurred early in the progression to frailty. Following DR, the Robust and Prefrail mice showed a significant reduction in tetanic force compared to non-damaged control Robust and Prefrail mice. In contrast, soleus tetanic force in Frail mice following DR was not different between non-damaged control Frail mice, likely due to the already preexisting muscle dysfunction. In sum, our data suggests that resilience after acute stress is dependent on the frailty status.
RELATING SPECIFIC MEDICATIONS TO RECORD OF FALLS IN A LARGE COHORT OF OLDER SWEDISH ADULTS
Authors: Peterson Daniel , Johansson Linda , Westerlind Bjorn , De Oliveira Thais Lopes , Finkel Deborah
Published: January 2025

Falls are common and devastating for older adults and can be impacted by medication. However, analyses relating medication and falls often focus on a subset of medications. We assessed relationships between medication prescription and prospectively captured falls within a large, Swedish National Quality Register (Senior Alert) sample. Participants (N=441) were tracked for approximately 2.5 years. The observation period was separated into 30-day windows, within which the presence of medication prescription and number of falls were noted. To relate medication prescription and falls, we used Logistic Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) self-comparison models, considering the dependence of longitudinal data as a cluster to correct confidence intervals and individuals as the cluster. Total number of medications for each 30-day window was included in the model. 286 unique medications were identified and initially considered. However, for model convergence, only medications that were prescribed 100 or more times across all participants and timeframes were included in the analyses, leaving 86 medications. After correction for multiple comparisons, 3 classes of medications were related to falls (annotated with 5-digit ATC codes): B01AB (antithrombotics), B03BB (folic Acid), and A03AX (functional gastro-intestinal [GI] disorder medications). Findings are partially consistent with previous work, as antithrombotic agents were related to falls. Folic acid and GI medications were not previously related to increased fall-risk. Results extend previous work in several ways. 1) data were analyzed via a robust, within subject design, 2) data were collected in older adults living in a novel, Swedish cohort, and 3) we interrogated many common medications.
SELF-RATED SUCCESSFUL AGING AMONG OLDER TRANSGENDER WOMEN AND TRANSFEMININE PERSONS
Authors: Rubtsova Anna , Operario Don , Baral Stefan , Murray Sarah , Lucas Iaah , Valentine-Graves Mariah , Sanchez Travis
Published: January 2025

Successful aging (SA) refers to older adults’ own holistic appraisals of how well they are aging. Research suggests that SA is achievable in historically marginalized communities. However, relatively little is known about SA among transgender older adults who may experience challenges related to gender affirming therapy, barriers to health care, intersectional stigmas, and discrimination. This study aimed to examine prevalence and correlates of self-rated SA (SRSA) among older transgender women and transfeminine persons, using data from the 2023/2024 cycle of Transgender Women’s Internet Survey and Testing (TWIST) study. Our sample (n=46) included TWIST participants aged 50+ who completed an SRSA assessment: average age 57.8, 89.1% white, 69.6% with ≥college education, 60.9% employed, and 54.55% with annual income ≥$75,000. SRSA was assessed using a single-item scale, asking participants to rate themselves in terms of SA from 1 to 10 (SRSA≥7=high SA). We used Fisher’s exact and t-tests to examine group differences by SRSA≥7 status. Pearson correlations were computed to determine psychosocial correlates of SRSA. We found that 63% of our sample reported SRSA≥7. While there were no group differences in sociodemographic variables, higher proportion of participants with SRSA≥7 reported no comorbidities (18% v. 4%, p=.016) and were comfortable with how others perceived their gender identity (65.5% v. 29.4%, p=.019). Higher SRSA was associated with higher levels of social capital (r=.57, p<.001) and social participation (r=.33, p=.029), and lower levels of depression (r=-.42, p=.005). These results suggest the potential for interventions to enhance positive psychosocial factors to promote SA in transgender people.
A PILOT RCT TO EXAMINE THE IMPACT OF A THERAPY DOG INTERVENTION ON LONELINESS IN HOSPITALIZED OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Gee Nancy , Townsend Lisa , Friedmann Erika , Barker Sandra , Mueller Megan
Published: January 2025

Loneliness is linked to significant health threats and is potentially more dangerous than obesity; it affects as many as 29% of noninstitutionalized older adults. Loneliness is exacerbated for those who require inpatient rehabilitation, are displaced from their social networks, spend little time receiving therapy, and are physically inactive and socially isolated. Evidence suggests that companion animals provide a number of health and wellbeing benefits and that interacting with a trained therapy dog may reduce loneliness. Older adult (59+ years) medical inpatients (N=42) were randomly assigned to receive one of three conditions: dog and handler interaction (AAI), handler-only Conversational Control (CC), or Usual Care (UC), for 20 minutes per day over three days. The UCLA Loneliness Scale and Short Form as well as an analog rating scale were used to assess loneliness. Linear Mixed Models with random intercepts were applied to examine differences in the changes from before to after the conditions. Changes in the UCLA-SF [t (200.356) = 1.851, p = 0.033] and the analog loneliness scale [t (194.407) = 2.651, p = 0.004], differed significantly between the AAI condition and the UC conditions but not between the CC and UC conditions (p =.175). Trajectories of changes in loneliness showed more improvement in the AAI than in the UC condition. These results indicate that AAI was effective for reducing loneliness in hospitalized older adults. Human handler only visits did not result in similar findings, indicating that there is something unique and beneficial about the presence of the dog.
ASSESSING THE PREDICTIVE POWER OF VOLUNTEER FREQUENCY CATEGORIES ON HEALTH: AN OUTCOME-WIDE APPROACH
Authors: Nemeth Samuel , Kim Seoyoun , Halvorsen Cal , Patel Isha
Published: January 2025

Later life volunteering contributes not only to community betterment, but also significant health benefits for volunteers themselves. However, researchers have used various methods for measuring volunteering frequency—often with data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS)—ranging from binary to eight-level categories. These diverse categorizations can obscure an accurate understanding of the relationship between volunteering and health while causing confusion among authors and reviewers on the ideal way to specify volunteering frequency. In response, we conducted a longitudinal outcome-wide analysis using nationally representative panel data from the HRS from 2006-2016 (N=17,062). We examined five different categorizations (2, 3, 4, 5, and 8 categories) of volunteering frequency at “baseline” (i.e., 2012, 2014) to examine how they differentially predicted 12 health outcomes (e.g., self-rated health, depressive symptoms, blood pressure, cholesterol) in the following wave (i.e., 2014, 2016). We found that as the number of levels of volunteering increased, the estimated effects on health become more attenuated (i.e., the effect sizes reduced). However, the confidence intervals become increasingly tighter, indicating that multiple categories of volunteering explain a larger proportion of variance in health outcomes more effectively. Importantly, and regardless of the measurement strategy used, the substantive conclusions for the health benefits of volunteering did not change. Rather than recommending a “best” practice, we advocate for a carefully reasoned selection of volunteering categorizations when designing studies and interpreting results that most optimally apply to researchers’ objectives.
ASSOCIATION OF COGNITION WITH FALLS RISK MODERATED BY RACE AND SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH
Authors: Black Sheila , Clay Olivio , Bell Tyler , Blake Jason , Kraemer Kyle , Jackson Barbara , Cauble Heaven , Evans Teairra
Published: January 2025

This study examined the extent to which social determinants of health and race moderated the effects of cognitive decline on fall risk. Our sample included 681 participants from the control arm of the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) study who received five assessments across ten years. Participants in this study received measures to assess their cognitive status and history of falls. The cognitive evaluation included measures to assess processing speed, reasoning ability, and episodic memory. The active database included measures that allowed us to assess social determinants of Health (SDOH). SDOH included economic stability, education, social and community context, access to healthcare, neighborhood and built environment. We found that changes in cognition (e.g., processing speed) were associated with greater fall risk. The effects of cognitive decline were moderated by race and social determinants of health. That is, slower processing speed over time was related to increased fall risk for people with above average educational/ occupational status, access to health care, and social community contexts. Regarding race, cognitive decline over time was related to a lower fall risk in White older adults but higher fall risk in Black/African American older adults. These findings were discussed in terms of racial disparities in SDOH resources and in terms of the relation between life space and SDOH resources.
BEYOND THE STARTING LINE: AN INTERSECTIONAL LIFE COURSE ANALYSIS OF OLDER WOMEN RECREATIONAL RUNNERS IN RURAL MAINE
Authors: Jain Jennifer
Published: January 2025

This study offers a close examination of the experiences of women runners, age 65 and older, who have witnessed the vast changes to the landscape of recreation and sports across their lifespans. The enactment of Title IX in 1972 made it more acceptable for women to pursue an active lifestyle. This qualitative study uses a grounded theory approach to examine the experiences of 13 women runners, ages 65-78, who live in rural Maine. The study aimed to understand the turning points along their life course that inspired them to run, the personal and social challenges, and the strategies that enabled them to continue running. The women participated in focus groups, journaled, and participated in follow-up interviews. Preliminary findings show that many older women were introduced to unorganized sports through family members at a young age. As adults, they turned to recreational running to maintain and improve their mental and physical health. Older women runners face challenges such as health issues, concerns related to public perception of aging bodies, slowed running pace that impedes participation in club running, and a lack of running companions due to living in rural locations. Despite their challenges, a majority of the women continued to run by drawing upon their commitment, planning, and preparations, self-awareness of their body’s abilities, and acceptance and adaptation to challenges. The results of this study can help to improve future community programming and lower the systemic and geographical barriers to maintaining physical activity for older women.
DAILY CAREGIVING TIME AND SPOUSAL CAREGIVERS’ WELL-BEING: THE MODERATING ROLES OF DAILY MARITAL INTERACTIONS
Authors: Yang Iris , Wilson Stephanie
Published: January 2025

With more individuals providing informal care (i.e., providing unpaid care to an adult with functional limitations), understanding the impacts of this role is crucial. The literature on the well-being of informal caregivers is divided, with some studies reporting primarily harmful effects and others concluding that caregiving is fundamentally beneficial. This study examined how positive and negative marital interactions moderate the association between caregiving time and caregiver affect in both within- and between-person processes, aiming to clarify the mechanisms behind the varied outcomes observed in caregiver well-being. In the Midlife in the United States Survey (MIDUS), 212 spousal caregivers participated in an 8-day daily diary study, resulting in 1689 days of data. A daily, within-person approach captured the day-to-day fluctuations of caregivers’ experiences and emotional well-being. Multi-level modeling was employed, with covariates including caregiver health, gender, employment status, minority status, education, and time spent caring for people besides a spouse. Results indicated that daily marital strain did not significantly moderate the relationship between daily caregiving time and negative affect, while marital uplifts did, reducing the association between increased caregiving time and negative affect. Conversely, daily marital strain and uplifts did not moderate the association between caregiving time and positive affect. At the between-person level, the proportion of days a caregiver experienced marital strain moderated the association between providing more care and having less positive affect. The results generally support the view that caregiving is predominantly linked with psychological burden while highlighting the potential role of marital uplifts in buffering this association.
DIRECTION MATTERS: THE ASYMMETRICAL EFFECT OF SOCIAL ISOLATION ON COGNITION
Authors: Kayser Jay , Johnson Kimson
Published: January 2025

Social isolation poses significant risks to cognitive health in older adults, with isolated individuals facing higher risks of cognitive impairment. However, existing research assumes symmetrical effects of increases and decreases in social isolation. This study examines the impact of changes in social isolation on cognition using data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (2011-2018). Social isolation was measured using a 4-item scale based on Berkman and Syme’s Social Network Index, and cognition was assessed using a dichotomous classification of dementia (no dementia vs possible or probable dementia) and domain-specific cognitive testing. Fixed-effects models with first differencing and robust standard errors were used to estimate the asymmetrical effects of variations in social isolation on cognition. Increases in social isolation increased the odds of possible or probable dementia (OR=1.13, p =.02), while decreases in isolation did not decrease odds of dementia classification. For specific cognitive domains, increased social isolation predicted decreased recall (β = -0.07, p =.02) but decreased social isolation did not predict increased recall. Both increases and decreases in social isolation were associated with changes in orientation such that decreased social isolation predicted improved orientation (β = 0.06, p <.001), and increased social isolation predicted lower orientation (β = - 0.06, p <.001). Executive function was not predicted by changes in social isolation. These findings highlight the asymmetrical nature of changes in social isolation on cognition. Social isolation primary prevention efforts may yield a greater impact in reducing adverse cognitive outcomes than secondary and tertiary interventions.
DYADIC DISCORDANCE ABOUT DAILY LIVING CHALLENGES AMONG PERSONS WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Torres Ana Sophia Garces , Chang E-Shien , Moxley Jerad , Boot Walter , Rogers Wendy , Czaja Sara , Charness Neil
Published: January 2025

As the prevalence of older adults with a cognitive impairment (PwCI) continues to increase, it is critical to identify cognitive tasks which are challenging for them, as well as areas of needed support for both the PwCI and their care partner (CP). Identifying discordant reports about daily challenges among dyads may also flag risks for potentially adverse caregiving experiences. This presentation will report on sources of dyadic discordance about daily cognitive tasks. Data were drawn from baseline quantitative and qualitative data from an ongoing, longitudinal mixed methods needs-assessment study called Everyday Needs Assessment for Cognitive Tasks (ENACT). PwCI and their CPs (n=22 dyads) rated the difficulty level that the PwCI experienced across five daily activity categories. The average ages of PwCI and CPs were 74.2 and 64.7 years respectively. Dyads were predominantly spouses/partners (64.7%). Both PwCIs and CPs identified health-related activities (e.g., health information activities, appointment activities, health management activities) as the most challenging. Additionally, the findings indicate that dyadic congruence regarding activity challenges varies according to activity. There was agreement between the PwCI and CPs regarding transportation, r(20)=0.53, p< 0.05 and domestic life, r(20)=0.72, p< 0.01 activities. Despite significant correlation in leisure and recreation activities, r(20)=0.71, p< 0.01, CPs underestimated PwCI’s experienced difficulty, t(21) = 2.70, p< 0.05. Additional qualitative thematic analyses revealed the dynamic role of technology in navigating cognitive challenges. Improved understanding of the areas of dyadic discordance can assist in guiding support interventions for individuals experiencing cognitive challenges and their CP.
EFFECTS OF SMARTHEALTH INTERVENTION ON DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS’ REACTIONS AND EMOTIONS: A PILOT STUDY
Authors: Ko Eunjung , Wright Kathy , Gordon Kristina , Stankovic John , Wang Hongning , Gao Ashley , Wang Peng , Rose Karen
Published: January 2025

Dementia care can cause emotional distress among caregivers. As technology advances, innovative interventions to alleviate stress in this group have emerged, highlighting the need for more investigation. We aimed to develop a deep learning-based smarthealth intervention using acoustic monitoring and ecological momentary assessment to detect stress and deliver stress management messages. We also intended to identify the intervention effects on the reactions and emotions of caregivers of people living with dementia. During the four-month intervention period, we collected data about participants’ emotional status and reactions to their care recipients’ symptoms through pre- and post-questionnaires, periodic phone surveys, and semi-structured interviews. Descriptive analysis, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and abductive thematic analysis were used. Ten of 11 participants completed the study. The average age was 60 years, and participants reported providing care for approximately three years. Participants were predominently female (72.3%), White (81.8%), and spouses (63.6%). Pre-and post-questionnaires showed significant changes in caregivers’ perceived frequency of care recipients’ disruptive symptoms (p=.026) and their reactions to these symptoms (p=.006), but not in other emotional-related variables. Although answers to periodic phone surveys varied, participants tended to consider self-care when they reported better physical health and less stress and depressive mood. Interviews revealed seven themes—affective attitudes, burden, ethicality, intervention adherence, intervention coherence, perceived effectiveness, and suggestions—containing 27 categories. While participants’ feedback on our smarthealth intervention was mixed, the intervention improved participants’ awareness of emotions and caregiving situations. The findings suggest the potential benefits of the smarthealth intervention on caregivers’ awareness of emotions and self-care.
EXPLORING SELF-COMPASSION AND EXPANDED OUTCOMES: A THEORETICAL MODEL OF CAREGIVING
Authors: Grant Claire , Judge Katherine
Published: January 2025

Expanding the theoretical understanding of the caregiver stress process is integral to the development and tailoring of evidence-based interventions for caregivers of people living with dementia (PLWD). Recent calls within the literature have suggested testing new theoretical models to expand the investigation of positive predictors and mechanisms of action to a broader range of outcomes including positive aspects of caregiving. The proposed poster will address both gaps within the literature by testing a model of self-compassion developed by Cha and colleagues (2023) adapted for caregivers of PLWDs. Self-compassion is a construct relating to positive self-concept including key tenets of self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. It has been identified as a strong predictor of various caregiver wellbeing outcomes and is increasingly used in intervention research. The theoretical model investigates self-compassion as a main predictor and proposes two parallel lines of mediation (general resources allowing for self-control behavior and specific psychological resources including coping and emotion regulation strategies) to impact a range of outcomes including depression, anxiety, and perceived stress, along with more novel positive outcomes including social support, and positive aspects of caregiving. Testing the model in a sample of caregivers of PLWDs will provide important insights into predictors of both positive and negative outcomes with important implications in development of evidence-based interventions as potential mechanisms of change are investigated. The poster will present a review of the literature supporting the model and discuss ongoing data collection with analysis plans. Further implications across caregiver theory and intervention development will be discussed.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN THE PATHWAYS FROM DAILY STRESS TO CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH IN CAREGIVERS
Authors: Biernot Kelsey , Clancy Erin , Koffer Rachel
Published: January 2025

Caregivers’ risk for cardiovascular disease may be increased because of stress. Furthermore, less is known about gender differences in the effects of caregiving on stress and cardiovascular health. This study examined the associations between gender and daily stressors on cardiovascular health in caregivers, first cross-sectionally at two time points 10 years apart and then longitudinally. Data from two waves of the Midlife in the United States Study (Wave 2: n = 2,087, 13.56% caregivers; age = 33-84 years; Wave 3: n= 3,437, 13.73% caregivers; age= 39-93 years) included caregiving status in the past 12 months, daily diary stressor reports, measures for the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7. Cross-sectional regressions found caregiving was only related to increased stressors in women, not in men, at Wave 2 (BWave2 = -0.08, p= 0.02; BWave3 = -0.01, p= 0.84). Both waves showed significant interactions between stressor exposure and caregiving status on cardiovascular health (BWave2 = 0.46, p = 0.047; BWave3 = -0.95, p< 0.001). In Wave 2, caregiving was related to lower cardiovascular health for those with more stressors, while in Wave 3 caregiving was related to worse cardiovascular health for those with fewer stressors. The interactive effects of caregiving and stressor exposure did not differ by gender. Follow-up analyses revealed the effects of wave 2 caregiving and stress did not relate to wave 3 cardiovascular health. Findings indicate caregiving status is most important for concurrent cardiovascular health, and differs by the context of daily stressor experiences.
HIV STIGMA AND COGNITION AMONG OLDER WOMEN LIVING WITH HIV
Authors: Vu Thi , Wise Jenni , Weiss Deborah Jones , Diaz Monica , Chandran Aruna , Weiser Sheri , Rubin Leah , Monin Joan
Published: January 2025

Internalized HIV stigma refers to the negative beliefs, feelings, and attitudes that people living with HIV (PLHIV) adopt about themselves due to societal HIV stigma. Internalized HIV stigma negatively impacts mental health. Up to 55% of PLWH experience HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. This study examines longitudinal associations between internalized HIV stigma and cognition among women aged 50+ living with HIV in the historic Women’s Interagency HIV Study. Internalized HIV stigma was measured between 2013-2015 using the negative self-image sub-scale of the HIV stigma scale. Seven cognitive domains (executive function, processing speed, attention/working memory, verbal learning, verbal memory, verbal fluency, and fine motor function) were assessed using a validated cognitive battery at baseline (2013-2017) and 2-3 years later. Demographically adjusted T-scores were calculated for each domain with higher scores indicating better performance. A global cognition score was computed by averaging the domain-specific scores. Linear regression models adjusted for age, race, ethnicity, cognition at baseline, average annual income, undetectable viral load, smoking history, recent non-prescription drug use, menopausal status, depression, and alcohol use. Participants’ (N=760) mean age was 54 years; 61% identified as Black/African American; 13% were Hispanic; and 54% had an annual income below $12,000. The mean HIV stigma score was 1.78 (SD=0.64). Higher internalized HIV stigma was associated with poorer global cognitive function (B= -0.68, p< 0.05), verbal learning (B= -1.42, p< 0.05), and verbal memory (B= -1.40 p< 0.05) at time 2. Findings suggest assessing and monitoring HIV stigma could have beneficial cognitive effects for older women aging with HIV.
I? AI? EXPLORING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE USAGE, PERSONALITY AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Ost-Mor Sharon , Wittenberg Nir , Birati Yossefa
Published: January 2025

As Artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly prevalent in modern society, understanding its adoption among older adults is crucial. Therefore, this study examines the relationship between AI usage, Big 5 personality traits, and positive solitude, among adults aged 60 and over in Israel. Grounded in the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the study explore how personality traits and positive solitude influences perceived AI usability and adoption. A sample of 260 older adults participated in the study. Data were collected through online validated questionnaires and open-ended questions, using Qualtrics. Results revealed that AI users (mean age 69.91, SD=6.7) were younger than non-users (M=74.91, SD=7.6). Of the AI users, 68% were women, 94% were home-dwelling, 65% married, and 98% independent. Additionally, 76% reported using AI for 30-120 minutes daily. Non-users felt subjectively older both physically (M=62.82, SD=11.7) and mentally (M=62.82, SD=10.7) compared to users (physical: M=54.84, SD=13.5; mental: M=58.65, SD=12.7). Significant correlations were found between attitude to life and perceived ability to use AI (r=0.315, p< 0.01), as well as between attitude to life and aging perception (r=0.495, p< 0.01). The qualitative analysis revealed varied responses to AI use. Participants noted significant benefits, including new opportunities and skill enhancement. However, they also encountered technical challenges, concerns about data reliability, and difficulties in formulating effective queries. These findings offer valuable insights into promoting AI adoption among older adults, potentially enhancing their quality of life and independence in the digital age. Future research should explore interventions to increase AI acceptance and usage among this population.
IMPACT OF WALKING GROUP INTENSITY & TIMING ON EXERCISE ATTITUDES IN OLDER ADULTS: MIXED-EFFECTS ANALYSIS
Authors: Wu Jingchuan , Conroy David , Danilovich Margaret
Published: January 2025

How does physical activity intensity influence pre-frail and frail older adults’ attitudes toward physical activity? Casual-speed walking is enjoyable but more intense walking programs can stimulate greater physiologic adaptations and benefits. However, intensity might negatively impact motivation if it leads older adults to evaluate physical activity less favorably. These attitudes can be affective (involving emotional responses, such as enjoyment) or instrumental (involving perceived practical benefits, such as health improvements) and influence future physical activity through their effects on intentions. Whether high-intensity exercise alters the dynamics of attitude change is unclear. This study was a secondary analysis of the effects of 16-week casual-speed versus high-intensity walking intervention on attitudes toward walking in pre-frail and frail older adults. Participants (n = 156; M age = 79.9 years, SD = 7.0) were randomized into casual-speed or high-intensity walking groups and reported attitudes toward the intervention at four time points (baseline, 6, 12, and 16 weeks). Generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) with a gamma distribution assessed attitude changes over time. Results showed instrumental attitudes initially declined (Estimate = -0.006, p <.001) but followed a quadratic pattern, stabilizing or slightly improving later (Estimate = 0.0002, p =.008). Affective attitudes remained stable, with no significant changes over time. Intensity did not affect the rate of change for either attitude type, suggesting similar changes regardless of intensity. We concluded that high intensity walking did not influence attitudinal changes toward walking, and concerns about adverse motivational impacts of high-intensity activity in older adults may be overstated.
IMPROVING LITERACY OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND RELATED DISORDERS (ADRD) AMONG OLDER ASIAN AMERICANS IN MICHIGAN
Authors: Sun Fei , Zhou Kangyi , Patano Arienne , Velez-Ortiz Daniel , Yi Zhiqi
Published: January 2025

This study evaluates a community-based participatory intervention designed to enhance ADRD knowledge and reduce ADRD stigma and worry among older Asian Americans in Michigan. Participants were recruited from senior centers and housing, religious congregations, and community Asian service agencies. They engaged in a 2.5-hour program comprising an educational session and a selected culturally tailored activity (e.g., group meals, mindfulness yoga. Pre- and post-intervention surveys focused on ADRD knowledge, worry, and stigma. The intervention was administered to 15 Korean participants (76.4±10.0 years old, 80% female), 82 Chinese participants (82.2±6.6 years old, 60% female), and 32 Indian participants (74.4±7.27 years old, 56% female) delivered in the participants’ native language; the images and examples were also culturally relevant to participants. For the Korean group, ADRD knowledge significantly increased (Hedges’ g =.60, p <.05), and stigma significantly decreased (Hedges’ g =-1.0, p<.01), though changes in worry were not statistically significant. The Chinese participants showed a similar pattern, with an increase in knowledge (Hedges’ g=.32, p<.01) and a decrease in stigma (Hedges’ g=-0.45, p<.01). The Indian community experienced an improvement in ADRD knowledge (Hedges’ g=.50, p<.01) but no significant changes in stigma or worry. Findings underscore the importance of culturally sensitive community-based interventions to address ADRD literacy gaps among older Asian Americans. While knowledge levels increased across all Asian groups, reducing stigma was only effective in the Korean and Chinese communities. Addressing dementia-related worry remains challenging, suggesting the need for more innovative strategies.