bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INTEREST GROUP SESSION—AGE-FRIENDLY UNIVERSITY (AFU): AGE-FRIENDLY UNIVERSITY CAMPUSES: PUTTING PRINCIPLES INTO PRACTICE
Authors: Montepare Joann M , Farah Kimberly , Ferraro Kenneth F
Published: November 2019

The pioneering Age-Friendly University (AFU) initiative, endorsed in 2016 by GSA’s Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE), calls for institutions of higher education to respond to shifting demographics and the needs of our aging populations through more age-friendly programs, practices, and partnerships. Over 45 institutions in the United States, Canada, European countries, and beyond have joined the network and adopted the 10 AFU guiding principles. This symposium will feature leaders at AFU campuses who will discuss why their institution joined the initiative, their age-friendly campus vision, and how they are putting AFU principles into practice. AFU Washington University St. Louis leaders will describe efforts to increase age-diversity on their campus, especially through professional studies programs that support personal and career development in the second half of life. AFU University of Southern California leaders will discuss new age-friendly efforts entailing intergenerational exchange, best practices of age-friendly programming for retired employees and alumni, and emerging connections to local community aging initiatives. AFU Eastern Michigan University leaders will round out the presentation with an overview of accomplishments of their campus-wide steering committee and its age-friendly evaluation research that informed the needs and interests of older learners pursuing second careers, as well as how to actively engage emeritus faculty and staff as a retired community on campus. The discussant will provide integrating comments and age-friendly suggestions for putting AFU principles into practice.
MAKING CAMPUS GREAT AT ANY AGE: ONE UNIVERSITY’S APPROACH TO AFU PRINCIPLES
Authors: Barragan Cassandra , Barragan Cassandra , Zakrajsek Andrea
Published: November 2019

This presentation will discuss the focused approach to putting AFU principles into practice that we accomplished with our campus-wide steering committee. We performed surveys for students over the age of 40 to learn the perspectives of older learners and what resources they felt were available on campus. By doing this, we were able to understand more about learners pursuing second careers and through a variety of initiatives at the university level, we have improved visibility of older learners and the richness they bring to our campus. We also collected data from our emeritus faculty and staff to learn how they interact with campus in retirement to understand effective ways to actively engage with them as a retired community. Overall, we have been able to effectively use the AFU Initiative to enhance inclusion and diversity to include older learners on campus and make AFU efforts more visible across campus.
GENE-ENVIRONMENT INTERPLAY BETWEEN SMOKING BEHAVIOR AND COGNITION AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Pahlen Shandell , Kremen William , Reynolds Chandra A
Published: November 2019

Associations between smoking behavior and lower cognitive functioning have been observed but there is a paucity of evidence examining the etiological impact of smoking on cognition. The current study explored the moderation of genetic and environmental contributions to cognition across mid and late-adulthood by smoking behaviors in 8 twin studies from the international IGEMS consortium (N=11,764; Mage=63.1 years). Mixed effects regression models between smoking behavior and cognition found the strongest negative effects for smoking on Symbol Digit (Bpackyears=-1.42, p<.0001) and Block Design (Bpackyears=-1.79, p=.0008), while controlling for dependency between twin siblings, age, sex, and country. Although the negative effects tended to be more pronounced for males, we did not find significant sex moderation. Univariate biometric models considered smoking behavior (status and pack years) and age as moderators of genetic and environmental components contributing to cognitive performance. Results for both Symbol Digit and Block Design suggest that smoking (current and past) is associated with lower genetic, and higher environmental influences on cognition compared to non-smoking. For Block Design, but not for Symbol Digit, pack years moderated shared environmental contributions, with the highest contributions found for current smokers compared to former. Overall, results illustrate an increasing saliency of smoking related environmental influences for processing speed and spatial reasoning tasks. Cognitive tasks with speed components may be sensitive to age-related declines, and speed may also represent a factor vulnerable to smoking exposure, potentially implicating important health and neurobiological pathways. Supported by NIH Grant Nos. R56 AG037985, R01 AG060470.
CARE PARTNER-ASSISTED PILOT ORAL HEALTH INTERVENTION FOR PERSONS WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Wu Bei , Plassman Brenda L , Nye Kathleen , Poole Patricia , Bunn Melanie , Xu Hanzhang , Downey Christine , Anderson Ruth
Published: November 2019

This study pilot tested effectiveness of a care partner-assisted intervention on improving oral health among community-dwelling older adults with cognitive impairment. Twenty five participants (15 with mild cognitive impairment [MCI] and 10 with mild dementia) and their care partners were enrolled. Eighteen participants were randomly assigned to the treatment and 7 to the control group. The treatment group received educational materials, an electronic toothbrush, coaching on communication and goal setting, and individualized instruction on oral hygiene technique. The control group received educational materials and an electronic toothbrush. There were 3-data collection points: baseline, the end of the 3-month intervention, and 3-month after the intervention. The intervention improved participants’ oral hygiene (based on clinical measure of plaque index and gingival bleeding) for both groups; with more improvement in the treatment group. Improvement was greater for MCI than for mild dementia participants. This intervention showed promising results for a larger trial.
RECIPROCAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COGNITION AND EDENTULISM AMONG MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER ADULTS IN CHINA
Authors: Lu Nan , Wu Bei , Pei Yaolin
Published: November 2019

While empirical evidence shows that cognitive function affects oral health and vice versa, there is a lack of empirical evidence to test the reciprocal relationship between these two indicators. This study aimed to examine this relationship among middle-aged and older adults in China. Data were derived from the 2011 and 2015 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal study. A two-wave cross-lag analysis was adopted to test the hypothesized model. Cognitive function in 2011 was found to be a significant predictor of complete tooth loss in 2015. Furthermore, complete tooth loss in 2011 was found to be a significant predictor of cognitive cognition in 2015. This finding demonstrates the reciprocal relationship between cognitive function and oral health. This study highlights the importance of improving both cognitive health and oral health for middle-aged and older adults. Policy and intervention implications are discussed.
ORAL HEALTH AND COGNITION AMONG U.S. COMMUNITY-DWELLING CHINESE OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Petrovsky Darina V , Wu Bei , Mao Weiyu , Dong XinQi
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between tooth/gums symptoms and changes in cognitive function. We used data from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago, a two-wave epidemiological study of 2,713 U.S. Chinese older adults. We selected self-reported oral (tooth and gum) symptoms as independent variables. We measured global function and three cognitive domains: episodic memory, executive function and working memory. Adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related characteristics, participants who reported having teeth symptoms at baseline, experienced their global cognition and episodic memory decrease (both p<0.05). Participants who reported having teeth symptoms at baseline, experienced a faster rate of decline in global cognition for every additional year. However, this effect disappeared once we adjusted for all covariates. We found no significant relationship between baseline gum symptoms and change of cognitive function. Future research directions, clinical and policy implications will be discussed.
DNA METHYLATION: CAUSE OR CONSEQUENCE OF AGING?
Authors: Levine Morgan E , Hagg Sara
Published: November 2019

Epigenetic changes are one of the Hallmarks of Aging. DNA methylation is a key epigenetic mark that has been shown to change during aging. Several "clocks" have been developed whereby changes in DNA methylation can be used to predict chronological, and perhaps, biological age. This symposium will focus on recent advances in understanding how and why changes in DNA methylation occur during aging and whether these changes play a causal role in age-related functional declines and disease.
CUMULATIVE DISADVANTAGE OF EARLY-LIFE ADVERSITY AND HEALTH IN MIDLIFE AND LATER ADULTHOOD
Authors: Kong Jooyoung , Surachman Agus , Carr Deborah
Published: November 2019

Cumulative dis/advantage (CDA) framework is one of the most influential theoretical frameworks in understanding how early adversity creates health disparities across adulthood. The CDA model posits that adverse experiences early in life may lead to subsequent adversities over time and accumulates across the life course. Various studies have shown that middle-aged and later adulthood are periods when accumulated disadvantages proliferate, resulting in heightened risks for an individual’s health and well-being. This symposium includes four presentations that build on such existing knowledge, and its primary aim was to further examine the complexity of how various types of adverse childhood experiences may influence physical and psychological health in middle and later adulthood. This symposium addresses a wide range of early adversities, including low socioeconomic status, parental maltreatment, and household dysfunctions. The four presentations also focus on examining various aspects of physical and psychological health outcomes in later adulthood, including measures of body mass index, physical functional ability, somatic symptoms, and clinical risk for rapid declines in kidney function. Furthermore, these presentations will demonstrate the utilization of innovative and robust methodological approaches, including latent class analysis, multilevel structural equation modeling, and latent growth modeling on examining the association between early life adversity on the long-term trajectory of change in health status using large-scale longitudinal data. Lastly, this symposium consists of an outstanding group of multidisciplinary presenters with diverse backgrounds who aim to enhance the understanding of the processes and mechanisms of CDA and how they affect individuals’ life courses.
EXAMINING CUMULATIVE INEQUALITY IN THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CHILDHOOD SES AND BMI FROM MIDLIFE TO OLD AGE
Authors: Lee Chioun , Lee Chioun , Park Soojin
Published: November 2019

Socioeconomic status (SES) is among the strongest determinants of body mass index (BMI). For older populations, selection bias is a large barrier to assessing cumulative disadvantages. We investigated the extent to which childhood SES affects BMI from midlife to old age and gender differences in the association. Data come from Midlife in the U.S. We used latent growth models to estimate BMI trajectory over a period of 20 years and examined results under different missing data patterns. Compared to individuals from higher childhood SES, those from lower childhood SES have higher BMI in midlife and experience a faster increase in BMI between midlife and old age. The observed associations remain significant even after controlling for midlife SES. After addressing nonrandom selection, the gap in BMI between high and low childhood SES widens from midlife to old age for women. The findings provide new evidence of cumulative inequality among older adults.
UNDERSTANDING NEEDS AND CHALLENGES OF HEALTH SELF-MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH MOBILITY LIMITATIONS
Authors: Nie Qiong , Nie Qiong , Rogers Wendy
Published: November 2019

According to the U.S. Census, about 30% of older adults live with a mobility impairment, defined as difficulty walking and/or climbing stairs. Older people with mobility limitations are at risk for decreased access to medical services and negative health outcomes. However, few studies address the healthcare needs of these individuals. We used a combination of a population-based data set and an in-depth interview study to understand the challenges these older adults experience in managing medications, accessing health information, going to healthcare provider appointments, and getting help in case of emergency. The quantitative data were from 2,828 participants in the National Health & Aging Trends Study (NHATS). The qualitative data were from 60 participants in the Aging Concerns, Challenges, and Everyday Solution Strategies (ACCESS) interview study. These data provide insights about health self-management challenges for older adults with mobility impairments and guidance for support solutions and interventions.
CHANGING NEEDS AND NEEDS ASSESSMENT IN THE TRANSITION BETWEEN DISABILITY AND OLD AGE
Authors: Rostgaard Tine , Graff Lea
Published: November 2019

As our societies age, we see more people with disabilities living well into old age. However, there are different societal, systemic and individual assumptions about needs, rights and obligations associated with frail older people and people with disabilities. The paper presents quantitative results from a Danish study investigating what challenges ageing of society pose for the individual as well as for the welfare state in regards to meeting the needs of those who either age into disability or age with disability. Using panel data from the Danish Level of Living Survey from 1997-2017, we investigate how ADL related needs for care have changed for the 52+ year olds and we project how needs will change in the near future. Finally, we show how different systemic approaches to need assessment for those under or above 65, but with otherwise identical and socio-economic backgrounds, result in a very different service utility.
THE BALTIMORE LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF AGING: OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESEARCH ON WOMEN'S AGING AND HEALTH
Authors: Simonsick Eleanor M , Simonsick Eleanor , Moore Ann Z , Shardell Michelle , Shaffer Nancy C , Tanaka Toshiko
Published: November 2019

The Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA), an ongoing continuous enrollment cohort study of normative aging established in 1958 currently conducted by the NIA Intramural Research Program, began including women in 1978. To date, nearly 1200 women aged 17-94 at enrollment (median=53 Q1-Q3=40-70) have been followed for up to 21 visits spanning 40 years (median visits=6; Q1-Q3=3-9). Over 3 days, participants receive comprehensive examinations, interviews, imaging and functional and cognitive evaluations; repeat visits occur every 1-4 years depending on age. The BLSA offers opportunities to examine distributions of, change in and interrelationships among several rarely concurrently ascertained parameters (e.g., cardiovascular fitness, resting metabolic rate, glucose challenge response, five-factor personality, brain volumes, and diet) over the life course and across birth cohorts. The BLSA also maintains an extensive biorepository. This talk will summarize the extensive measurement catalogue and timeline and provide illustrative examples from ongoing research on women’s aging and health.
GIFT: GRANDMOTHER INITIATIVES IN FAMILY TRANSFORMATION
Authors: Musil Carol M , Zauszniewski Jaclene , Jeanblanc Alexandra , Wallace McKenzie , Henrich Christina , Burant Chris , Tracy Elizabeth
Published: November 2019

Little research has been conducted on the development and testing of interventions to support grandmothers during their caregiving experience. Our descriptive and pilot intervention studies provide the foundation for converting a face-to-face resourcefulness intervention into an NIH-funded self-administered, online intervention for grandmother caregivers, to determine its impact on individual health and family well-being. The online intervention provides personal and social resourcefulness training using online video content and structured reflective journaling to reinforce resourcefulness skills compared to reflective journaling. We are testing the resourcefulness intervention in a randomized clinical trial (RCT) with a national sample of 334 grandmothers living with/raising grandchildren, comparing the resourcefulness training protocol vs. unstructured journaling alone. Given the limited interventions available to grandmother caregivers, an intervention that transcends time and place and is available 24 hours a day is expected to bolster the personal and social resourcefulness, which will in turn affect individual and family outcomes.
THE USE OF SOLUTION-ORIENTED STRATEGIES TO SUPPORT GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN
Authors: Montoro-Rodriguez Julian , Hayslip Bert , Ramsey Jennifer , Jooste Jane l
Published: November 2019

There is consistent evidence that caregiving for grandchildren is psychologically, emotionally and physically challenging for grandparents. However, many of them may not be able to receive the support they need from their own families or public services. Using the Selective Optimization with Compensation framework and principles of solution-oriented cognitive models, we implemented a six-week session pilot program to increase grandparents’ effective coping strategies, reduce stress, and improve parenting and communication with grandchildren. Preliminary data from 22 grandparents suggest that participants improved their use of effective selection strategies to set priorities and pursue goals related to their wellbeing and the quality of their relationship with grandchildren. Their pre-post test scores also indicated a higher level of parental efficacy, social relations and confidence in organizing their time and priorities. Results indicate that focusing on solution-oriented strategies may empower grandparents to improve their psychological adjustment and take care of their needs.
THE DIAL-UP BLUES: OPINIONS ON TELE-HEALTH AND BROADBAND AMONG RURAL RESIDENTS
Authors: Cozad Aisha Bonner
Published: November 2019

Findings from several AARP telephone studies on Caregiving and telehealth will be presented. Starting in 2017, AARP began collecting data on telehealth issues in the caregiving studies. As the amount of data began to grow, patterns of telehealth use began to emerge. Using a sample of 1,000 respondent’s age 45-plus, the data shows respondents are generally supportive of the telehealth. Telehealth activities are often billed as a way to reduce healthcare cost and to provide much needed healthcare to geographically isolated populations particularly those residing in rural areas. A key component to accessing telehealth services is having access to adequate broadband which can be challenging in rural communities. Data shows that older adults (65+) are less likely to be very interested in telehealth services. Research finds that those employed, women and AARP members are all more likely to be very interested in using the telehealth services.
INTEREST GROUP SESSION—RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY AND AGING: KEEPING FAITH ALIVE: ADVANCING THE NEXT GENERATION OF RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL INQUIRY IN GERONTOLOGY
Authors: Bishop Alex J , Ellor James W
Published: November 2019

A compelling body of evidence suggests that church attendance and spiritual practices increase as persons approach the end life. In fact, a growing number of baby boomers in the United States are returning to church and reconnecting with their faith communities. A primary reason for this surge in religious engagement involves a personal desire to turn away from the material pursuits of life and achieve a sense of meaning and fulfillment amid increasing frailty and vulnerability. However, most religious institutions do not have the necessary resources to support an ever increasing older membership. The graying of religion will require gerontologists to develop innovative approaches to advance theoretical thinking, measurement and assessment practices, and program evaluation. Therefore, the purpose of this symposium is to advocate and synergize a new generation of religious and spiritual inquiry in gerontology. Of particular interest is exposing theoretical models, measurement strategies, mixed-methodologies, and evidence-based findings to promote and sustain positive faith connections as persons grow old. Empirical advancements surrounding commitment and practice of one’s religious faith in old age, evolving feelings of religious belief versus doubt, disposition to seek and engage in acts of forgiveness, and faith-community responses to dementia care will be shared. Implications relevant for building interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary connections across behavioral and social science research, social work, clinical counseling, and pastoral ministry will be highlighted.
A TEST OF THE OKLAHOMA INMATE FORGIVENESS AND WELL-BEING MODEL
Authors: Randall George K , Bishop Alex
Published: November 2019

Data was collected from older male offenders (N = 86 non-violent; N = 163 violent) incarcerated in Oklahoma. Testing a forgiveness model, positive evaluation of life PVOL was regressed on religiosity (REL) and forgiveness of self (FSelf), others (FOthers), and situation (FSit) using hierarchical OLS regression. Blocks of predictors included: a) age and education; b) religiosity; and c) FSelf, FOthers, and FSit. For the non-violent model of PVOL significant predictors included REL (β = .26, p ≤ .01) and FSelf (β = .40, p ≤ .01). For the violent offender model of PVOL significant predictors included REL (β = .31, p ≤ .001), FS (β = .21, p ≤ .01) and FSit (β = .33, p ≤ .001). Result indicate effects of REL and FSelf for both non-violent and violent offenders but a unique association of FSit for violent offenders. Implications for gerontological inquiry, practice, and policy are discussed.
PERSON-CENTERED CARE: DEFINITIONS AND PERCEPTIONS OF VARIOUS STAKEHOLDERS
Authors: Kusmaul Nancy , Tucker Gretchen
Published: November 2019

Implementation of culture change in nursing homes shifts the care model from a traditional, more medically focused approach to person-directed care. Person-directed care promotes resident autonomy and decision making and the empowerment of direct care staff. In this paper, we examine how different stakeholders in nursing homes (residents, family members, direct care staff, administrative staff) conceptualize and experience a selection of person-centered care concepts (consistent assignment, meal choice, waking/bedtime practices, and bathing). We describe the commonalities and differences in the ways different groups of stakeholders operationalize these core person centered care practices and describe areas of potential conflict of views. Lastly, we consider how the well-being and quality of life for residents is affected by the use of these practices.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ADVANCE DIRECTIVE COMPLETION AND POTENTIALLY AVOIDABLE HOSPITALIZATIONS
Authors: Galambos Colleen M , Rantz Marilyn , Popejoy Lori , Angelita Pritchett , Petroski Greg
Published: November 2019

Advance directive (AD) completion can improve transitions between hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (SNF’s). One CMS Innovations Demonstration Project, The Missouri Quality Initiative (MOQI), focused on improving advance directive documentation and use in sixteen SNF’s. An analysis was conducted of data collected from annual chart inventories occurring over four years. Using a logistic mixed model, results indicated statistical significance (p<0.001) for increased AD documentation. Greatest gains occurred at project mid-point. The relationship between having an advance directive and occurrence of transfer to a hospital was tested on a sample of 1563 residents with length of stays more than 30 days. Residents who did not have an advance directive were more likely to be transferred. A logistic regression was conducted and the results were statistically significant (p<0.02). The MOQI model and initiatives will be explained followed by a discussion of research methodology, data collection, and analyses. Practice implications will be discussed.
MUSEUMS AND AGING: VISTAS, SYNERGIES, AND OPPORTUNITIES
Authors: O'Neill Desmond
Published: November 2019

Against a background of an overall decrease in attendance at museums, older Americans represent a contrast with a marked increase in attendance of those aged over 75. Drawing on theorists of museums and the narratives on ageing in the literature of museums, this introductory presentation gives an overview of the socio-political context of museums, the activities and roles of older people as currently presented through networks such as the Network of European Museums Organizations, and propose a fresh vision of the networks and synergies between older people, museums and gerontology.
DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING ALIVIADO DEMENTIA CARE IN HOSPICES: CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED AND LESSONS LEARNED
Authors: Brody Abraham A , Lin Shih-Yin , Schneider Catherine E , Bristol Alycia A , Convery Kimberly E , Sotelo Victor
Published: November 2019

Hospice was originally developed to care for individuals with metastatic, solid-tumor cancers. While advanced ADRD is now the primary illness in approximately 19% of the hospice population and presents as a co-morbid condition in many more, little evidence-based work has been performed to retool hospice to care for persons with ADRD and their caregivers. Aliviado Dementia Care-Hospice Edition is a systems level change program consisting of hospice workforce training, an implementation toolbox, and agency-wide workflow changes. Aliviado seeks to improve the quality of life for persons with ADRD and their caregivers receiving hospice, focused specifically on BPSD and pain assessment and management. In developing a coalition of hospice agencies and implementing this pragmatic intervention, we discuss our solutions to overcoming a number of barriers, including varying electronic health records, performing culture change with a disseminated workforce, scaling to 25 hospices, and working with some hospices who lack experience performing research.
GEROFIT: IMPACT ON PTSD SYMPTOMS AMONG PARTICIPATING VETERANS WITH SELF-REPORTED PTSD
Authors: Lee Cathy , Melrose Rebecca , Blanchard Erin , Wilkins Stacy , Castle Steven , Hall Katherine , Morey Miriam
Published: November 2019

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases risk of medical comorbidities in aging. The Gerofit Program is an exercise program for older Veterans that shows efficacy for physical health. We sought to determine its impact on PTSD. Veterans in Gerofit completed a self-report questionnaire at 3 and 6 months assessing effect of Gerofit on: PTSD symptoms generally, disturbing dreams, avoidance, negative feelings, and irritability. Two hundred twenty-nine Veterans completed the questionnaire. Of these, 56 (24.5%) reported PTSD. None reported worsened PTSD following Gerofit participation. At 3 months, >50% of Veterans reported symptom improvement and this was maintained over 6 months for all items (p>0.05 paired t-test). There was an increase between 3 and 6 months in the percentage who reported “improved a lot” for overall symptoms (16.7% to 22.2%), negative feelings (5.6% to 11.1%) and irritability (0% to 11.1%). Gerofit may offer an effective intervention to improve PTSD symptoms in older Veterans.
WHAT’S IN IT? AN IN-DEPTH DESCRIPTION OF THE INDIAN COUNTRY ROAD MAP
Authors: Holt Heidi
Published: November 2019

As tribal health and aging leaders become concerned about the growing problem of dementia, they can build on strengths in their cultures and traditions, which provide unique opportunities to improve the lives of older adults living with dementia, their families, and their communities. To offer a tool for tribal leaders, CDC, together with key partners, created The Healthy Brain Initiative: The Road Map for Indian Country. Designed to support discussion about dementia and caregiving within tribal communities, this Road Map encourages a public health approach as part of a holistic response. During this presentation, an in-depth review of the themes that shaped this Road Map will be provides, gaps in knowledge and practice will be described, and explain the 8 recommended actions in the Road Map. Discussion will wrap up with recommended actions for moving forward, as well as CDC’s plans for supporting implementation of the Road Map.
DATA FOR ACTION: CDC’S BEHAVIORAL RISK FACTOR SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM (BRFSS) COGNITIVE DECLINE AND CAREGIVING DATA
Authors: McGuire Lisa C
Published: November 2019

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is the world’s largest ongoing health survey, administered in all 50 U.S. states, as well as the District of Columbia and the three U.S. territories, with data collected from more than 400,000 respondents. The BRFSS collects data on cognitive decline and caregiving as well as many health behaviors, annually. In 2015-2017, the 6-item cognitive decline module has been administered in 49 states, DC, and Puerto Rico, while the 9-item caregiving has been administered in 44 states, DC, and Puerto Rico. CDC’s Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging Program has developed many data for action resources for use by states and other partners to help identify populations and communities most at need. This presentation will describe the series of resources to facilitate data utilization among Tribal Communities, including state and race/ethnicity-specific infographics, topic-specific briefs, and the online portal.
BIDIRECTIONAL ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN SLEEP COMPLAINTS AND DEPRESSION: FINDINGS FROM THE NHATS STUDY
Authors: Liu Minhui , Szanton Sarah L , Vitiello Michael V
Published: November 2019

Depression and insomnia are prevalent in older adults and show bidirectional relationships. Sleep initiating and maintenance difficulties are the two frequently seen complaints of insomnia diagnostic criteria. Whether these two sleep complaints differ in their associations with depression is unknown. Using the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), we examined whether sleep initiating and maintenance difficulties at baseline (T1) predicted depression onset at 12 months (T2) and 24 months (T3) in 4,048 T1 non-depressed participants and whether depression at T1 predicted these two sleep complaints at T2 and T3 in 3,581 T1 non-insomnia participants. Participants who developed depression at T2 tended to be Hispanic, non-Hispanic black, less educated, live alone, physically inactive, and have more painful locations and chronic conditions. Participants with sleep complaints at T2 tended to be less educated, live alone, physically inactive, and have more painful locations and chronic conditions. Sleep initiating difficulty persistently predicted depression onset at T2 (OR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.14, 2.31) and T3 (OR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.21, 2.81) after adjusting demographics, lifestyles and health condition-related covariates. Depression at T1 persistently predicted sleep initiating difficulty at T2 (RRR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.44, 3.34) and T3 (RRR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.07, 2.70) after adjustment. Sleep maintenance difficulty at T1 did not predict depression onset at either time point and vice versa. This study suggests a bidirectional association of depression with sleep initiating difficulty but not sleep maintenance difficulty in older adults. Interventions targeting difficulty initiating sleep may moderate depression onset in older adults.
DYADIC FACTORS THAT ASSOCIATE WITH INSOMNIA IN CAREGIVERS OF PERSONS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Brewster Glenna S , Bliwise Donald , Epps Fayron , Yeager Kate , Hepburn Ken
Published: November 2019

Insomnia is prevalent in caregivers of persons living with dementia (PLWD); however, more research is needed to identify which dyadic factors most impact caregiver sleep. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with caregiver insomnia in the baseline component of a randomized clinical trial. A linear regression was conducted with caregiver variables (e.g., depression), and PLWD variables (e.g., disruptive nighttime behaviors) as independent variables in relation to insomnia, as assessed with Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Caregivers (n=49) were on average 63 years, mostly female (65.3%), White (69.4%), and spouses (65.3%). Mean ISI was 6.8, indicating mild-to-moderately disturbed sleep. Multiple linear regression (F(11,32) = 13.4, p<.001) showed that both caregiver-based measures (depression, p<.023) and PLWD-based measures (disruptive nighttime behaviors, p<.001) were independently associated with ISI. Ideas about needed multicomponent dyadic interventions which target both PLWD nighttime behaviors, caregiver depression, and sleep disturbances will be discussed.
POOR SLEEP QUALITY IS RELATED TO DECREASED WHITE MATTER INTEGRITY IN BRAIN NOCICEPTIVE PATHWAYS IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Egbert Anna R , Falck Ryan S , Best John R , Li Linda , Feehan Lynne , Liu-Ambrose Teresa
Published: November 2019

Poor sleep quality, decreased physical activity (PA) and increased sedentary behavior (SB) are common characteristics of older adults. Notably, these factors play an important role in brain health. We examined the relationship between sleep quality, PA, SB and brain white matter integrity (WM) in older adults with osteoarthritis (OA). We retained data on 16 participants (mean age 60, SD=7.7) from a larger Monitor-OA cohort recruited from Metro Vancouver, BC, Canada. Sleep efficiency and duration, amount of time spent on PA and SB daily over a period of one week was acquired with an objective measure – the multi-sensor monitor SenseWear Mini which integrates tri-axial accelerometer data, physiological sensor data and personal demographic information. Brain WM tractography was calculated from fractional anisotropy data obtained with diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Voxelwise group-level statistics examined the effects of our variables of interest on the integrity of brain WM tracts while controlling for participants age. We found that lower sleep efficiency was related to decreased integrity in WM tracts of frontal, temporal lobes, precuneus and thalamus (Bonferroni corrected p<0.05). Shorter sleep was related to lower WM integrity in frontal regions, posterior cingulate and insula radiations (Bonferroni corrected p<0.05). No significant effects were noted for PA or SB. The identified brain regions are involved in sleep processes but further overlap with the nociceptive brain network. Our findings suggest that neural mechanisms related to sleep disturbance may also involve pain-related processing in older adults.
PREDICTORS OF LONELINESS INCIDENCE IN CHINESE OLDER ADULTS FROM A LIFE COURSE PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Yang Fang , Gu Danan
Published: November 2019

Loneliness in older adults is an increasing public health issue. Research on predictors of loneliness incidence using longitudinal data in China is limited. We aim to examine what factors are predictive of loneliness incidence from a life course perspective and whether predictors differ between women and men based on a nationally representative longitudinal dataset in China. A total of 5,043 older adults aged 65 or above from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey who were not lonely in the 2008 wave were included in the analysis. Logistic regression models were applied to examine what factors in the 2008 wave predicted loneliness incidence in the 2011 wave. Analyses were also stratified by gender to examine gender differences. Older ages and self-rated poor health increased the odds of loneliness incidence, whereas receiving one or more years of schooling, rural-urban migration, living with family members, having a white-collar job, having a good family economic status, being currently married, having a higher resilience and social support decreased the odds of loneliness incidence. We also found gender differences: socioeconomic factors were significant only for older men, whereas self-rated health, resilience, and social support were significant only for older women. This study offers insights into disentangling the complexity of factors associated with loneliness incidence in Chinese older adults from a life course perspective and from a gendered perspective.
SEX AND TISSUE SPECIFIC ROLES OF MTORC2 IN HEALTHSPAN, METABOLISM, AND SURVIVAL
Authors: Lamming Dudley W
Published: November 2019

Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of the mechanistic Target Of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1) promotes health and longevity in organisms ranging from yeast to mice, and may also have rejuvenative effects in dogs and humans. A potential barrier to the translation of rapamycin-based therapies to the clinic are the side effects of rapamycin, which include metabolic disruption. We and others have demonstrated that many of these side effects are mediated not by inhibition of mTORC1, but by “off-target” inhibition of a second mTOR complex, mTORC2. However, the effect of inhibiting mTORC2 on the healthspan and longevity of mammals has been largely unaddressed. Here, we will discuss our research exploring the contribution of mTORC2 signaling in three different tissues to the healthspan, metabolism, and longevity of mice.
ANTI-CELL SENESCENT EFFECTS OF RAPAMYCIN AND THEIR ROLE IN DISEASES, INCLUDING ALZHEIMER’S
Authors: Perez Viviana I
Published: November 2019

Senescent cells contribute to age-related pathology and loss of function, and their selective removal improves physiology and extends longevity. We have shown that deficiency in Nrf2 in young Nrf2KO mice leads to an increase in senescent cells, with increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in various tissues, including the brain. Both the cellular senescence and SASP decrease significantly when these mice are treated with rapamycin. Our current work focuses on determining whether cellular senescence contributes to premature AD-like pathogenesis in mouse models of AD. Indeed, it has been shown that Nrf2 deficiency in mouse models for AD leads to exacerbated pathology, suggesting that increased inflammation, due in part to the increased SASP-producing senescent cells, might be contribute to this phenotype. We are testing whether the burden of senescent cells in the brain on mouse models of AD can be reverted by rapamycin.
DO OLDER ADULTS AND THEIR CHILDREN AGREE ABOUT THE USE OF LOCATION TRACKING, IN-HOME SENSORS, AND WEB-CAMERAS?
Authors: Berridge Clara
Published: November 2019

On the dyad and aggregate level, we compare preferences of older adult women and their adult children for three remote monitoring technologies: location tracking, in-home sensors, and Web-cameras. Their assessments of each technology’s impact on privacy, safety, independence, freedom, relationship with family member, social life, and identity are also compared. Twenty-eight individual, in-depth structured interviews were conducted with 18 women who are Meals on Wheels clients and 10 of their adult children. Adult children preferred each technology more than their mothers did and underestimated both their mothers’ ability to comprehend the functions of the technologies and the importance of engaging them fully in decision making. For both groups, privacy was the most-cited concern, and participants perceived significant overlap between values of privacy, independence, identity, and freedom. Shared decision-making tools are needed to promote remote monitoring use consistent with older adults’ values and to prevent conflict and caregiver overreach.
GWEPS WORKING TO SUPPORT THE AGE-FRIENDLY HEALTHCARE SYSTEM MOVEMENT
Authors: Cortes Tara A , St.John Cinnamon , Lucas Jeff
Published: November 2019

Age friendly health systems aim to help people age and die with dignity. As this social movement progresses it is important to remember the community as a critical stakeholder. To ensure their engagement requires input from the community to understand their needs and education of the community to empower people to know what standard should be expected from an age friendly health system. The NYU GWEP has trained 140 community volunteers who have educated >4,500 older adults in the Bronx on healthy behaviors and chronic disease management. 85% responded that they have changed their behaviors as a result of the teaching. Qualitative data reveals that people feel they can now talk to their primary care provider in a meaningful way about what matters to them, the medications they take, their mental state, and mobility.
“BUT WE ARE NOT POWERLESS AGAINST THIS PROBLEM”: OLDER PEOPLE, LONELINESS AND THE MEDIA
Authors: Sullivan Mary Pat
Published: November 2019

Media campaigns play a critical role in framing public perceptions or ‘public talk’ around social issues. The media’s role in characterizing the loneliness ‘problem’ is, however, an under explored area. This paper presents the language of loneliness and loneliness representations in the media in Canada and England over a 10-year period (2009-2018) and their relationship with key policy initiatives specific to an ageing population. Using qualitative content analysis, the findings illustrate the use of skilled marketing techniques and highly stigmatizing discourse. These media approaches act to: (1) reinforce the threat of an ageing population; (2) endorse responsibilization and governmentality of the body; and (3) promote individual and/or family shame and morally responsible actions by charities and volunteers. We conclude that there is a need for a critical analysis of loneliness from the perspective of social and cultural constructions of ageing, the positioning of older people in society, and neo-liberalist ideology
INTEREST GROUP SESSION—AGING WORKFORCE: WORK AND PRODUCTIVE AGING: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
Authors: Emerman Jim , Halvorsen Cal J , Emerman Jim
Published: November 2019

With much of the world experiencing population aging and a strong need—and desire—among many approaching later life to work longer than past norms, individuals and institutions are experimenting with new ways of working. Yet given the complexities of navigating the work environment in later life, including aspects of cumulative (dis)advantage that help or hinder one’s work prospects, the pull to socially impactful work in the nonprofit sector, and the day-to-day experience of such work in later life, outcomes from this work can vary. Consequently, this symposium will focus on the challenges and opportunities of working longer and their relevance to a productive aging model. The first paper will provide a framework for engaging in the conversation on productive engagement in later life. It will give particular consideration to older workers with lower levels of socioeconomic status in OECD countries. The second paper will discuss results from more than 1,400 surveys of fellows and organizational hosts that have participated in the Encore Fellowships Network, which matches mid- and late-career workers (typically corporate retirees) to non-profit organizations seeking their skills and experience. The third and final paper will reveal findings from an experience sampling methods study of two groups of older adults over the age of 60: founders or leaders of social purpose organizations, and older volunteers. We will conclude by facilitating a discussion on ideas for future scholarship on longer working lives, with particular emphasis on individuals with less advantage as well as those pursuing social purpose work.
SIX MONTHS OF FOCUSED EXERCISE IN GEROFIT LEADS TO REDUCED FALL RISK THROUGH IMPROVED BALANCE
Authors: Tayade Arti S , Colglazier Jody R , Wesley Alan D , Froehlich Paul J , Hersch Elizabeth C , Poppe Anne P , Hall David E , Younker Suzanne M
Published: November 2019

Many older Veterans are physically debilitated, with a reduced quality of life (QOL.) Use of assistive devices during ambulation is indicative of fall risk. We describe two case studies following six-months of participation in Gerofit, a structured exercise program. Ms. M., a 75 y/o Veteran with chronic PTSD and joint pain could walk 237 yards in six-minutes using a cane. Mr. D., an 86 y/o Veteran, came to Gerofit using a Front Wheeled Walker and could walk 307 yards in 6-minutes. After six-months of Gerofit, neither Veteran used assistive devices during testing, and both reported higher QOL. Ms. M. now walks 514 yards in six minutes, while Mr. D. can walk 375 yards in six minutes. Both Veterans exhibit improved balance and endurance. They tell us: “Gerofit gave me my life back!” and “Gerofit gets me out of the house and off the couch.”
CAN PRODUCTIVE AGING BE MADE TO WORK FOR ALL WORKERS?
Authors: Taylor Philip
Published: November 2019

This paper considers the changing status of older workers in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries and addresses the questions of if and how they can be supported to age productively. This paper questions the utility of the dominant pro-work policy framework which, while ostensibly aimed at all older workers, mostly benefits those for whom greater choice around work and retirement was always available. Analysis of OECD data concerned with employment and unemployment demonstrates that, for a significant proportion of older workers, choice in terms of labor force participation is severely constrained, with potentially adverse consequences for the transition to old age. The soundness of the pro-work agenda is challenged and it is argued that older people’s advocacy, in particular, has an important role to play in offering a vision of what it means to grow old successfully that is not limited by narrow conceptions of productivity.
INTEREST GROUP SESSION—INTERNATIONAL AGING AND MIGRATION: AGING SOCIETY: INDIVIDUAL, FAMILY, AND COMMUNITY COLLABORATION FROM A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Toyokawa Noriko , Lou Vivian W
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this symposium is two-fold: (1) to promote mutual understanding and communication regarding the long-term caregiving plans for older immigrants/refugees between policymakers and researchers in the fields of behavioral and social sciences and (2) to discuss the needs for connecting local needs of older immigrants/refugees and their families with a global plan for aging society. The symposium is structured by three empirical studies on older adults and their caregivers by behavioral and social sciences researchers, followed by a presentation of the needs for an international convention on the rights of older people by an advocate in the global network to promote older people’s health. Miyawaki and colleagues focus on the residential status quo, family relations, and prevalence of chronic diseases among older Vietnamese refugees in Houston, TX, U.S.A. Liu’s qualitative study on Taiwanese professional caregivers’ perceptions of clients in adult daycare services reveals the relation between staff’s negative image of aging and their practice. Toyokawa conceptualizes middle-aged Mexican immigrants’ sense of family obligation, as their obligation for reducing children’s caregiving burden and the endorsement predicts their well-being. Three presenters point out the need for standards for basic needs of refugees/immigrants, staff training, and the quality of long-term care, and discuss the meaning of culturally sensitive support based on their studies. Finally, Marumoto advocates the need for an international convention of the rights of older people and standardization of the quality of long-term care. Specific approaches to ‘harness the network’ between local and global efforts are discussed.