bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adult Development and Aging in Historical Context
Authors: Gerstorf Denis , Drewelies Johanna , Duezel Sandra , Wahl Hans-Werner , Löckenhoff Corinna , Demuth Ilja , Ram Nilam
Published: December 2020

Human development is shaped by socio-cultural contexts and the historical changes therein. Empirical reports suggest that old age has gotten “younger”, both on behavioral measures and in people’s perception. Here, we move one step further and shed light on key quality of life facets not yet well understood. We compare matched cohorts (each n = 250, Mage = 77) assessed 25 years apart in the Berlin Aging Studies (1990–93 vs. 2017–18). Extending the evidence to personality, older adults today are on average lower on neuroticism and higher on openness than their age peers in the past. Qualifying the picture, no evidence emerged for historical changes across four indices of perceptions of aging. Rounding out the picture, we also observed that older adults today perceive more time pressure than age peers 25 years ago. We discuss implications of this nuanced picture of historical changes among older adults.
Historical Changes in Aging Trajectories of Two Aspects of Self-Perceptions of Aging
Authors: Huxhold Oliver , Spuling Svenja , Wurm Susanne
Published: December 2020

In recent years many studies have shown that adults with more positive self-perceptions of aging (SPA) increase their likelihood of aging healthily. Other studies have documented historical changes in individual resources and contextual conditions associated with aging. We explored how these historical changes are reflected in birth-cohort differences in aging trajectories of two aspects of SPA – viewing aging as ongoing development or as increasing physical losses. Using large-scale cohort-sequential data assessed across 21 years (N ≈ 19,000), the analyses modeled birth-cohort differences in aging trajectories of SPA from 40 to 85 years of age. The results illustrated differential birth-cohort differences: Later-born cohorts may experience more potential for ongoing development with advancing age than earlier-born cohorts. However, later-born cohorts seem to view their own aging as more negative than earlier-born cohorts during their early forties but may associate their aging less with physical losses after the age of fifty.
Depression Dynamics Across a Decade: Daily Affective Experience and Yearly Depressive Symptomatology
Authors: Joiner Raquael , Bergeman C S , Wang Lijuan , Zhang Guangjian , Valentino Kristin
Published: December 2020

Recent conceptualizations of depression and supporting empirical work suggests that elevations and allievations of depressive symptoms can be understood from a dynamic systems perspective. Specifically, depression is proposed to result from strong-feedback loops in a system comprised of highly interdependent component parts (e.g., affect states). Supporting this perspective, individual differences in emotional interia and strong connections across emotions at micro-level timescales have been consistently associated with individual differences in depressive symptomatology such that individuals with greater emotional inertia and cross-emotion relations show higher levels of depressive symptoms. Importantly, however, individual differences do not necessarily translate to intraindividual change. The present study explores whether emotional connectivity at the daily timescale differs within individuals across a ten-year span and how these associations relate to intraindividual changes in depressive symptomatology. The results of these individual-level analyses will help further a dynamic systems perspective of depression and help inform clinical interventions for depression.
The Correlates of Cognitive Status Among Older Americans Living in the Community: Does Gender Make a Difference?
Authors: Cheung Ethan Siu Leung , Mui Ada , Hoffman Seth
Published: December 2020

Utilizing the data in National Social Life, Health and Aging Project (n = 3,104; 54% female), the study examined the predictors of cognitive impairments in terms of community harmony, community safety, frequency of neighbor contacts, depression, and demographic factors. Bivariate analyses suggest that there were no gender differences in cognitive status (Mean of MoCA Short Form = 9.89; SD = 3.33); nor were there gender differences in age (mean age = 72.95; SD=8.29), ethnic composition (76.1% whites; 15.3% Blacks, 8.6% Asian), community harmony, community safety, frequency of neighbor contacts. On the other hand, men had more education and income than women. Psychologically, older women reported higher level of stress and depression scores than older men. Multiple regression results show that gender has a significant independent effect and joint effects with stressors and community factors in explaining cognitive impairments. Parallel regression analyses for each gender group were conducted and models were significant (P < .0001). There were common predictors of cognitive impairments for the two groups but variables had differential impacts on older men and older women. Specifically, IADL had stronger effect on older men than on older women in predicting cognitive impairments (b = -.23 vs. b=-.10); perceived community harmony had stronger impact on older women in explaining their cognitive status (b = .26 vs. b=.22); older women’s cognitive status benefitted more from perceived community safety than older men (b = .61 vs. b=.43). Regardless of gender, older Whites scored higher than Black and Asian elders in their cognition scores.
Relationship Quality and Cognition Across Race and Ethnicity
Authors: Lee Ji Hyun , Turney Indira , Amini Reza , Katz Benjamin , Ajrouch Kristine , Antonucci Toni
Published: December 2020

Quality of social relations have increasingly been recognized as an important factor in cognitive health in later adulthood. Less is known about the association of relationship quality with executive functioning (EF) and memory; and whether the links differ by race/ethnicity. In this paper, we investigated the associations between positive and negative quality of relationship with spouse, children, family, and friends with EF and memory across non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic Whites. Participants are drawn from Health and Retirement Study Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (N = 2,678). Independent of network size and contact, relationship quality with family was linked to EF. Racial differences were found such that negative relationship quality with children was protective of EF for blacks. Relationship qualities were not associated with memory. These findings indicate that examining quality of relationship with distinct relationships may be essential for understanding the association with cognition, especially in the context of race/ethnicity.
Barriers to Engage Low-Skilled Adults in Educational Opportunities: A Global Perspective
Authors: Helsinger Abigail , Hicks Nytasia , Young Meghan , Dikhtyar Oksana , Cummins Phyllis , Yamashita Taka
Published: December 2020

The demand for adult education and training (AET) opportunities is substantial as older adults are remaining in the labor force at older ages, and are facing substantial technological changes in the workplace. Strategies to engage middle-aged and older adult workers in AET often exclude low-skilled and sub-populations. The engagement of these sub-populations in AET is challenging as access, awareness, and program costs associated with AET opportunities often target highly skilled populations. The inequality in AET participation warrants specific programs and strategies to address challenges low-skilled adult workers face in pursuing AET. The purpose of this study is to identify AET opportunities for low-skilled middle-aged and older adults, as well as highlight major barriers to engage and retain these sub-population in AET. Data were collected from 36 key informants through semi-structured interviews and through document reviews. Key informants represented Australia, Canada, Italy, Norway, the Netherlands, the U.K., and the U.S. Descriptive methods were used to identify barriers in recruiting and retaining low-skilled middle-aged and older adults. We particularly focused on the barriers related to cost, language, access, and awareness. Results highlighted opportunities tailored to support adult workers in the pursuit of adult learning opportunities both domestically and internationally. Barriers including learning histories, lack of long-term person-centered support, as well as the role of multiple forms of learning, such as formal and informal learning, were identified. Last, we provide recommendations for recruiting and retaining middle-aged and older adult workers in AET programs.
VA Peer Providers Supporting Physical Health and Wellness Among Aging Veterans With Mental Health Conditions
Authors: Muralidharan Anjana , Peeples Amanda , Lucksted Alicia , Goldberg Richard
Published: December 2020

There is a growing evidence base for the utility of peers in supporting physical health outcomes among aging Veterans with mental illness. This talk will consider two questions: (1) what does it mean to be a “peer” when the focus is improving physical health, and (2) how does peer support promote health behavior change? In considering these questions, select peer-delivered interventions recently or currently being tested in the VA will be discussed. Data from qualitative interviews (N=16; ages 47-75) from a recent RCT of Living Well, a peer co-facilitated group intervention promoting illness self-management, will be presented. These data shed light on the peer role, especially the role of peer self-disclosure in promoting group cohesion, social learning, self-efficacy, and health behavior change. Notably, when physical health is the focus, participants relate to peer providers across diverse characteristics, and not necessarily based on a shared lived experience of mental illness.
Veteran Status Matters! Life Course Perspectives on the Health and Well-Being of Aging Veterans
Authors: Spiro Avron
Published: December 2020

Military service during early life can result in exposure to traumatic events that can reverberate throughout life. Although much attention is focused on the negative effects of military service, many veterans report positive effects. These papers explore life course effects of military service on veterans’ health and well-being. Three used national US longitudinal cohorts (HRS, MIDUS); two sampled veterans from Oregon or from Korea. Three compared veterans to non-veterans; two examined veterans only. Cheng and colleagues found that veterans in HRS are more likely to be risk-averse than non-veterans. Risk aversion matters because it determines how people make decisions and predicts a wide array of health and economic outcomes. Kurth and colleagues examined Oregon veterans from several wars, finding PTSD symptoms were highest among Vietnam combat veterans, the oldest cohort; there were no differences among non-combat veterans. Piazza and colleagues examined in MIDUS the impact of veteran status on cortisol, a stress biomarker, finding older veterans more likely had non-normative patterns than did younger or non-veterans. Lee and colleagues studied patterns of mental health among Korean Vietnam veterans, identifying two patterns as ‘normal’ and ‘resilient’ encompassing half the sample; these veterans demonstrated positive outcomes of military service. Frochen and colleagues compared depression trajectories between veterans and non-veterans in HRS, finding veterans had less depression than non-veterans, but among veterans, trajectories varied based on extent of service. in sum, these papers demonstrate that military service can have positive as well as negative effects on veterans’ health and well-being in later life. Aging Veterans: Effects of Military Service across the Life Course Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.
Interplay Between Socioeconomic Markers and Genetic Predisposition to the Time to Dementia Onset
Authors: Ajnakina Olesya , Cadar Dorina , Steptoe Andrew
Published: December 2020

Identifying interplay between socio-economic markers (education and financial resources) and genetic factors influencing time of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) diagnosis is of central relevance for the development of preventative strategies. Using 7039 individuals aged >50 years from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, 320 (4.6%) of whom developed dementia over the 10-year follow-up, we investigated interactions between polygenic score for AD (AD-PGS) and socioeconomic markers on the timing of dementia or AD diagnosis. One standard deviation increase in AD-PGS was associated with an accelerated time to dementia onset by 4.8 months. Interactions between AD-PGS and lower wealth accelerated time to AD diagnosis by 24 months; an interaction between AD-PGS and years of schooling in decelerating time to AD by 3.0 months suggests education serves as protective mechanisms against AD diagnosis. Socio-economic markers are important factors influencing time to dementia and AD, particularly in those with polygenetic predisposition to AD.
Exploring Cause of Death in Social Convoy Membership: The Case of Pauline
Authors: Stemen Sara , de Medeiros Kate , Radina M Elise
Published: December 2020

People receive support from a fluid convoy of individuals. Historically, convoy membership has been limited to meaningful, living persons. However, research incorporating the continuing bonds model suggests that individuals who have died can also be convoy members as relationships can be preserved through pictures, memories, and after death communication experiences. Building on this idea, this presentation uses a qualitative case study to explore whether (and if so, how) continuing bond relationships are influenced by the way that individuals die. Pauline, a 67 year-old widow, compares the “natural” deaths of her sister and father-in-law to the suicide of her husband. Careful readings of her interview transcript reveal that the unexpected way that her husband died became a salient part of her identity and the way she connects with others. Consequently, this case study provides insights for researchers who may consider cause of death as a potential contributing factor to convoy membership.
End of Life: A New Life Course Stage for Older Adults and Their Families?
Authors: Carr Deborah
Published: December 2020

Over the past two centuries, death has transitioned from an unexpected and uncontrollable event to a protracted process that requires individuals and families to make difficult decisions regarding where and under what conditions one will die. This new life course stage, spanning the period from diagnosis to death, provides older adults and their families an opportunity to prepare for difficult medical decisions, yet also may be a time marked by suffering and conflict. In this paper, I provide an overview of the technological, demographic, and legal context of end-of-life in the 21st century, and its implications for the quality of life for dying patients and their families. I underscore that historical shifts have created a context in which the quality of one’s end-of-life experiences and autonomy are stratified by race and socioeconomic status, creating challenges for older adults and their loved ones. I highlight implications for research, policy, and practice.
Disparities in Community Immunization Rates in New England: Findings From the Healthy Aging Data Reports
Authors: Rataj Alison , Silverstein Nina , Lee Chae Man , Wang Haowei , Chunga Richard , Jansen Taylor , Dugan Beth , Wang Shuangshuang
Published: December 2020

Vaccinations are effective preventive tools yet are underutilized in the older adult population. The purpose of this study was to describe community rates of three vaccines (flu, pneumonia, and shingles) in MA, NH, and RI. State and community rates were compared to identify disparities. Data sources were the CMS Medicare Current Beneficiary Summary file (2013-2015) for the vaccine rates and the American Community Survey (2012-2016) for population characteristics. Small area estimation techniques were used to calculate age-sex adjusted community rates in each state and are reported at the community level and statewide. Results showed comparable rates of flu immunization (MA 60.8%; RI 59.1%; NH 59.3%). NH had the best statewide rate of pneumonia immunization (77.8%) and MA had the worst (72.0%). There was variation in shingles vaccination rate: 39.7% in MA and 30.3% in RI, perhaps reflecting differences in access. Within state disparities were observed. MA shingles vaccine rates ranged 57.80% - 21.17%, pneumonia ranged 79.78% - 61.21%, and flu ranged 71.09% - 51.46%. In RI shingles vaccination rates ranged 42.1% - 21.1%, pneumonia ranged 82.1% - 61.8% and flu ranged 68.4% - 52.1%. In NH pneumonia rates ranged 84.18% - 71.87% and flu ranged 67.14% - 52.11%. Strategies to address within and between state disparities are needed. Greater awareness of the benefits of preventive measures like vaccines may also help improve rates. Materials like the GSA guideline about aging and immunizations could be useful in educating providers and policymakers. This research is funded by the Tufts Health Plan Foundation.
Extra Health and Health-Related Costs of Living With Frailty Among Rural and Urban Elders in China
Authors: Zhang Yalu , Mui Ada
Published: December 2020

Growing attention has been focused on how to improve the affordability and accessibility of healthcare services, especially for elders (aged 55 and above) who have higher levels of medical needs. Following the standard of living approach, which assumes that people’s standard of living would be negatively affected if additional needs (i.e., healthcare) arise at a given level of household income, this secondary research examines elders’ extra health and health-related costs of having chronic diseases and disabilities in rural (n=5,509) and urban (n=3,225) areas of China. Bivariate analyses show there were no significant differences between rural and urban groups in terms of the prevalence of having one or more chronic diseases (56% vs. 58%) and at least one type of disability (15% vs. 13%). Multivariate analyses indicate that living with chronic diseases incurred more extra costs for rural elders than their urban peers, after controlling for individual and household characteristics. On average, rural elders who had at least three chronic medical conditions would spend 108.3% more on medical services than those who had no chronic disease; elders with at least two types of disabilities would spend 59.8% more than those with no disability. The extra health-related costs were boosted when people had at least one type of disability (63.6%), but this was not the case for those who had chronic diseases. Statistical significance was not found among urban elders in China regarding both health and health-related expenditures. The results suggest that rural elders need support to manage their chronic health conditions.
Long-Term Care Nurses’ Intent to Stay, Job Characteristics, and Organizational Justice : A Structural Equation Model
Authors: Wang Lin , Miao Miao , Yu Xiaoping
Published: December 2020

Background：Gratifying the elderly health-care demands and promoting high-quality of nursing services are based on the effort of long-term care(LTC) nurses. However, the high turnover rate of LTC nurses has become very serious in China. What remains unclear is whether the organizational justice and job characteristics affect the LTC nurses’ intention to stay. Objective: The aim was to investigate intention to stay among LTC nurses in relation to organizational justice and job characteristics. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenience sample of 545 LTC nurses. Data collection was performed between July and November 2019. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results: Most of LTC nurses reported to stay in nursing or current work place, however they still had strong desire to leave if there were other job opportunities. Organizational justice and job characteristics were significant predictors of LTC nurses intent to stay. LTC nurses job characteristics partially mediates the relationship between organizational justice and intent to stay. Conclusion: This would suggest the importance of administrators/ managers understanding how to promote organizational justice, foster a justice climate and increase LTC nurses’ perceived job characteristics. The organizational justice culture programs should be develop as LTC nurses retention strategy.
Avoidable Deaths--Nursing Practice Failures to Honor Advanced Directives in SNFs--A National Sample
Authors: Dellefield Mary , Batz Byron , Verkaaik Catherine , Carter Diane , Madrigal Caroline
Published: December 2020

Ongoing evidence of failures to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) has resulted in the federal regulation - F678 Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Descriptions of CPR-related non-compliance and nursing practice failures are contained in Statements of Deficiencies (CMS-2567). These data provide a unique opportunity to describe practice failures at the point-of-care. A mixed methods case study using content analysis and descriptive statistics was used for a purposeful sample of SODs from 11 SNFs in six states derived from a 2012 first quarter national CMS report of 42 avoidable deaths associated with immediate jeopardy citations. A codebook was developed and tested, based on empirical evidence reported in Office of Inspector General (OIG) 2014 Adverse Events and the Institute of Medicine 2004 nursing surveillance framework. Two trained and independent coders analyzed data. Analysis of SOD quality was conducted. Patterns of practice failures were identified. Ownership included 3 not-for-profit; 1 governmental; and 7 for-profit facilities. The 2012-star ratings ranged from 1.0 – 2.8. The practices of 5 RNs and 5 DONs were described. OIG categories included abuse and neglect, care transitions, and medications. Practice failures were associated with inadequate initiation of CPR resulting from improper processing of orders, poor identification of resident status, poor RN and DON surveillance, absence of CPR certified staff, and a lack of urgency in nursing’s response. The quality of SODs, based on 5 parameters, ranged from 18% - 100%. SODs are useful as data sources. Identified practice failures are useful in developing best practice protocols.
Generational Differences in Support and Care of Individuals Diagnosed With Severe Mental Illness
Authors: Finkel Deborah , Bulöw Per , Bulöw Pia , Wilińska Monika , Torgé Cristina Joy , Bravell Marie Ernsth , Jegermalm Magnus
Published: December 2020

As part of the process of de-institutionalizing the Swedish mental health care system, a reform was implemented in 1995 moving responsibility for social support for people with severe mental illness (SMI) from the county to social services in the municipalities. In many ways, older people with SMI were neglected in this changing landscape of psychiatric care. To investigate possible generational differences in support experiences, two nonoverlapping cohorts were created from surveys conducted every fifth year between 1996 and 2011 in one middle-sized municipality in the south of Sweden, aiming to detect the needs for social support. Cohort 1 includes everyone detected at the 1996 survey aged 65 and 79 years (N = 92). Cohort 2 includes individuals first detected at the 2011 survey who were aged 65 to 79 (N = 104). Results indicates significant differences between the two cohorts in diagnosis, reflecting changes over time in diagnostic tendencies. Cohort 1 was on average 10 years older than Cohort 2, even within the restricted age range. After correcting for age, there were no differences between the two cohorts in education, functioning (CAN and GAF), or marital status. Although Cohort 1 experienced more days of institutionalization than Cohort 2 (median = 424.5 days vs. 382 days), the difference was not statistically significant. Cohort 2 had significantly higher additional subsidies and disposable income, as well as significantly higher income from other sources after retirement. Results indicate the changing demands that older adults with SMI will place on care systems.
Mental Health Issues in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island: Findings From the Healthy Aging Data Reports
Authors: Jansen Taylor , Chunga Richard , Lee Chae Man , Wang Shuangshuang , Wang Haowei , Porell Frank , Silverstein Nina , Dugan Beth
Published: December 2020

Mental health issues in older adults are prevalent, yet often undetected or untreated and can contribute to poor physical health, increased disability, and higher mortality rates. The current study describes state and local community rates of mental health indicators of older adults 65+ in MA, NH, and RI. Data sources used to calculate rates were: the American Community Survey (2009-2013 RI, 2012-2016 MA and NH), the Medicare Current Beneficiary Summary File (2012-2013 RI, 2015 MA and NH), and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2012-2014 RI, 2013-2015 MA, and 2014-2016 NH). Small area estimation techniques were used to calculate age-sex adjusted community rates for more than 150 health indicators. This research examines disparities in rates for 3 mental health indicators depression, self-reported poor mental health, and self-reported poor/fair health status. Depression rates: MA 31.5% (19.91-48.82%), RI 30% (19.7-38.5%), and NH 28.8% (18.26-40.56%). Self-reported poor mental health: RI 7.5% (4.8-12.5%), MA 7.0% (2.10-16.59%), and NH 6.9% (3.42-10.13%). Self-reported fair/poor health: RI 20.4% (8.6-38.8%), MA 18.0%, (7.2-34.38%), and NH 16.5% (13.31-21.60%). Results showed variability in rates across states. MA had the highest rates of depression, the greatest differences in rates, and access to the most mental health providers. RI had the highest community rates for poor physical and mental health, and the highest percentage of residents age 85+. Understanding the distribution of community rates makes disparities evident, and may help practitioners and policymakers to allocate resources to areas of highest need. Research funded by the Tufts Health Plan Foundation.
Unmet Needs and Behavioral Expressions: The Perspective of Individuals with Mild to Moderate Dementia
Authors: Minyo Morgan , Judge Katherine
Published: December 2020

Research examining the illness experience from the perspective of individuals with dementia (IWDs) has gained increased attention. Previous studies suggest many IWDs experience unmet needs and behaviors that can impact their well-being. Most research has assessed these constructs using caregiver proxy-reports, resulting in underestimation of the amount and type of unmet needs. Additionally, no published studies have assessed self-reported behavioral expressions. As part of a larger study conducted in a memory care unit, the current pilot study examined the reliability of these measures along with examining how IWD’s experienced unmet needs, behaviors, and behavioral distress. Results found that individuals with mild to moderate dementia (n=12) were able to provide reliable self-report data about their own unmet needs (∝=.96), unmet need-related distress (∝=.98), and behavioral expressions (∝=.91). Nearly all participants identified at least one unmet need (74.8%). The highest reported unmet needs concerned health information (75.0%) and findings/arranging services (41.7%). The least reported unmet needs concerned daily living activities (16.7%) and legal/financial services (33.2%). The highest unmet needs related-distress concerned emotional support (41.7%) and the least distressing concerned daily living activities (16.7%). The most frequently reported behaviors included agitation (66.7%) and complaining/criticizing things (58.3%) while the least reported behaviors were refusing to be left alone (8.3%) and yelling/swearing (8.3%). The highest behavioral distress reported was agitation (58.3%) while the least was wandering (8.3%). Discussion will highlight how these results fit within current literature, recommendations for future research in exploring these constructs using self-report methodology, and how well-being outcomes may be impacted.
Together, We Can Make This Place Our Home: Civic Engagement Among Asian Immigrants
Authors: Bui Cindy , Kim Kyungmin , Song Qian , Jang Yuri
Published: December 2020

Civic engagement is an important dimension of age-friendly communities but has been understudied among Asian immigrant groups. While research has attributed greater civic engagement among immigrants to acculturation factors, the influence of acculturation may be conditioned upon Asian immigrants’ social network and place attachment to their city. We used data from the Asian American Quality of Life survey to analyze civic engagement activity (e.g., City council meeting, voting in a City election) among a diverse sample of middle-aged and older Asian immigrants in Austin, Texas (N = 994). 34.5% of the sample had participated in at least one civic engagement activity in the past 12 months. We examined how such civic engagement is associated with acculturation factors, and further examined whether one’s friend network and perception of their city moderated the association. We found that number of years lived in the U.S., familiarity with mainstream American culture, and number of friends in one’s social network were positively related to civic engagement activity. Furthermore, we found that the association between years lived in the U.S. and civic engagement was more pronounced for immigrants with larger friend networks; the association between familiarity with American culture and civic engagement was more pronounced for immigrants with more positive perceptions of the city. These findings highlight that acculturation may not operate alone in civic engagement among Asian immigrants. Rather, it may also be important to create opportunities for Asian immigrants to feel connected to their community and build meaningful friend networks to encourage civic engagement.
Protein Kinase C Downregulation upon Rapamycin Treatment Attenuates Neuroinflammation and Mitochondrial Disease
Authors: Grillo Anthony , Bitto Alessandro , Kaeberlein Matt
Published: December 2020

Mitochondrial dysfunction causes many poorly understood diseases, such as Leigh Syndrome, that are often caused by dysfunctions in proteins involved in the electron transport chain. My lab previously reported mTOR is pathologically involved in the neurodegenerative phenotype and premature death of mice missing the Complex I subunit Ndufs4 (Ndufs4-/- mice). We discovered treatment with rapamycin extends lifespan, reduces neuroinflammation, and attenuates the neurodegenerative phenotype in these mice, although the mechanisms remain unclear. Rapamycin-treated Ndufs4-/- mice exhibited decreased activation of the mTORC1 pathway. It also deactivated the mTORC2 pathway. We observed that phosphorylation of the canonical protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms (PKC-α, -β, and -γ) decreased more than any other kinases, leading us to hypothesize its deactivation contributes to the observed lifespan extension. To test this, we treated Ndufs4-/- mice with three different PKC inhibitors: the pan-PKC inhibitors GO6983 and GF109203X, and the PKC-β specific inhibitor ruboxistaurin. Similar to rapamycin, all three drugs were able to significantly delay the onset of neurological symptoms (i.e. clasping) and increase survival. We also observed that PKC-β inhibition reduced skin inflammation to suppress the hair loss phenotype displayed by Ndufs4-/- mice at weaning. We further discovered PKC-β inhibition reduces neuroinflammation by deactivating the NF-kB inflammatory pathway. These results suggest that mTORC2 may play a critical role in the etiology of mitochondrial diseases such as Leigh Syndrome.
Cognitive frailty in relation to adverse health outcomes independent of multimorbidity in Chinese older adults
Authors: Liu Zuyun , Chen Chen , Park Juyoung , Wu Chenkai , Xue Qian-Li , Agogo George , Han Ling , Wu Zunyou
Published: December 2020

Cognitive frailty was proposed in 2013 by an (I.A.N.A./I.A.G.G.) international consensus group; however, little is known about its status and associations with adverse health outcomes in China. The objectives of this study were to evaluate: 1) the associations of cognitive frailty with various health outcomes including disability, hospitalization, and death; 2) whether the associations differed by multimorbidity in Chinese older adults. We included 5113 Chinese older adults (aged 60+ years) who had baseline (2011 wave) cognition and physical frailty assessments and follow-up for 4 years from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. We found that about 16.0% had cognitive impairment; 6.7% had physical frailty; and 1.6% met criteria for cognitive frailty (having both cognitive impairment and physical frailty). Both cognitive impairment (odds ratios (ORs) range: 1.41 to 2.11) and physical frailty (ORs range: 1.51 to 2.43) were independently associated with basic activities of daily living (BADL), instrumental ADL (IADL), mobility disability, hospitalization, and death among participants without that corresponding outcome at baseline, even after accounting for covariates. Relative to participants who had normal cognition and were nonfrail, those with cognitive frailty had the highest risk for IADL disability (OR=3.40, 95% CI, 1.23–9.40) and death (OR=3.89, 95% CI, 2.25–6.47). We did not find significant interaction effects between cognitive frailty and multimorbidity (P for interactions>0.05). Overall, cognitive frailty was associated with disability and death, independent of multimorbidity. This highlights the importance of assessing cognitive frailty in the community to promote primary and secondary preventions for healthy aging.
Trajectories in health in late midlife: disparities persist across racial/ethnic groups in US
Authors: Doza Adit , Summers Gail Jensen , Tarraf Wassim
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Recent research has revealed that during late midlife, Hispanics experience a lower mortality relative to non-Hispanic Whites (Whites), whereas non-Hispanic Blacks (Blacks) experience a higher mortality relative to Whites. Much less is known about whether there are also racial/ethnic disparities in patterns of how overall health changes during this period, and if so, whether personal lifestyle or economic characteristics that can explain it. We examine these important issues. Methods: Longitudinal and nationally representative data on adults ages 50-64 from the Health and Retirement Study are used for our analysis. Latent class discrete time and growth curve modeling are implemented to identify different types of “trajectories” in self-rated health and mortality across racial/ethnic groups and three distinct time periods, 1998-2004, 2004-2010, and 2010-2016. Additionally, multinomial logit models are estimated to determine whether Hispanics or Blacks experience different trajectory profiles than Whites do, and how different characteristics at baseline affect one’s own trajectory. Results: We identify five types of trajectories: “Poor-Health with Rapid Mortality,” “Sustained Poor-Health,” “Moderate-Health Back and Forth,” “Good-Health with Rapid Mortality,” and “Sustained Good-Health.” These specific types persist even after controlling for multiple health determinants. Discussion: We find significant and persistent differences across racial/ethnic groups in how health changes during late midlife. After controlling for a wide range of health determinants, Blacks and Hispanics are less likely than Whites to experience “Sustained Good-Health” and more likely to experience “Sustained Poor-Health” across all three time periods. Blacks are also consistently more likely to experience “Poor-Health with Rapid Mortality.”
Brain Resilience: The Effect of White Matter Disease on Brain Networks in Cognitively Normal Older Adults
Authors: Neyland Blake , Hugenschmidt Christina , Lockhart Samuel , Baker Laura , Craft Suzanne , Laurienti Paul , Kritchevsky Stephen
Published: December 2020

Brain pathologies are increasingly understood to confer mobility risk, but the malleability of functional brain networks may be a mechanism for mobility reserve. In particular, white matter hyperintensities (WMH) are strongly associated with mobility and alter functional network connectivity. To assess the potential role of brain networks as a mechanism of mobility reserve, 116 participants with MRI from the Brain Networks and Mobility Function (B-NET) were categorized into 4 groups based on median splits of SPPB scores and WMH burden: Expected Healthy (EH: low WMH, SPPB>10, N=45), Expected Impaired (EI: high WMH, SPPB10, N=24), Unexpected Impaired (EI: low WMH, SPPB<10, N=10) and Unexpected Unhealthy (UH: low WMH, SPPB<10, N=37). Functional brain networks were calculated using graph theory methods and white matter hyperintensities were quantified with the Lesion Segmentation Toolbox (LST) in SPM12. Somatomotor cortex community structure (SMC-CS) was similar between UH and EH with both having higher consistency than EI and UI. However, UH displayed a unique increase in second-order connections between the motor cortex and the anterior cingulate. It is possible that this increase in connections is a signal of higher reserve or resilience in UH participants and may indicate a mechanism of compensation in regards to mobility function and advanced WMH burden. These data suggest functional brain networks may be a mechanism for mobility resilience in older adults at mobility risk due to WMH burden.
Emotional Complexity In Daily Life: On The Role Of Emotional Dynamics, Age, & Culture
Authors: Choi Yoonseok , Lay Jennifer , Lu Minjie , Fung Helene , Hoppmann Christiane
Published: December 2020

Emotional complexity is a construct that has attracted significant interest in the aging literature. It often refers to two aspects — the co-occurrence of positive and negative emotions and emotion differentiation (experiencing emotions with specificity). Emotional complexity is thought to increase with aging. However, recent research points to inconsistent results showing a positive relationship between age and emotional complexity, non-significant associations and even negative relationships. The present study seeks to address this inconsistency in findings by examining three possible sources: 1) different indicators of emotional complexity, 2) age differences in emotional dynamics (individual differences in means & variability of momentary positive & negative emotions), and 3) differences in cultural backgrounds. Community-dwelling adults from Vancouver (96 older adults, 51 young adults; 56% of Asian heritage, 30% of Caucasian heritage, and others 14%) and in Hong Kong (56 older adults, 59 young adults; 100% Asian heritage) completed approximately 30 ecological momentary assessments over a 10-day period assessing their current emotional experiences. When the mean and variability of emotional experiences were controlled for, most emotional complexity measures showed a negative relationship with age indicating that older adults displayed lower emotional complexity compared to young adults. This pattern was consistent across participants of Asian and Caucasian heritage. Additional analyses will explore the link between different emotional complexity measures and well-being indicators. Our findings point to the need to provide a more nuanced perspective on the correlates and consequences of emotional complexity in old age.
Forecasting Individual Aging Trajectories and Survival with an Interpretable Network Model
Authors: Farrell Spencer , Mitnitski Arnold , Rockwood Kenneth , Rutenberg Andrew
Published: December 2020

We have built a computational model of individual aging trajectories of health and survival, containing physical, functional, and biological variables, conditioned on demographic, lifestyle, and medical background information. We combine techniques of modern machine learning with a network approach, where the health variables are coupled by an interaction network within a stochastic dynamical system. The resulting model is scalable to large longitudinal data sets, is predictive of individual high-dimensional health trajectories and survival, and infers an interpretable network of interactions between the health variables. The interaction network gives us the ability to identify which interactions between variables are used by the model, demonstrating that realistic physiological connections are inferred. We use English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA) data to train our model and show that it performs better than standard linear models for health outcomes and survival, while also revealing the relevant interactions. Our model can be used to generate synthetic individuals that age realistically from input data at baseline, as well as the ability to probe future aging outcomes given an arbitrary initial health state.
The Role of Measurements Tools in the Association between Loneliness and Cognitive Decline
Authors: Cheon Ji Hyang
Published: December 2020

Previous findings on the association between loneliness and cognitive decline are mixed, with some studies indicating a significant association and others finding no statistical relationship. Since studies have used various inequivalent measurement tools, this might explain inconsistent findings on the relationship between loneliness and cognitive decline. This systematic review aims to 1) summarize the relationship between loneliness and cognitive decline and 2) examine whether the association varies depending on the measurement tools. This review’s inclusion criteria were studies with key terms loneliness as a predictor and global cognitive function as an outcome, peer-reviewed articles, written in English, involving community-dwelling older adults of ages 65 and older, and published since August 2013. Six out of ten studies showed that the relationship between loneliness and cognitive decline was statistically significant. Three reciprocal studies found that cognitive decline was a predictor of loneliness. Those studies that had nonsignificant findings used a single question to measure loneliness. Studies using the 23 item MMSE also reported non-significant association, whereas those using the 30 item MMSE had significant results. The findings indicate a bidirectional relationship derived from the studies with inconsistent results and the reciprocal studies and the potential role of measurement tools on the association’s change. This poster will conclude with the research implication that a systematic review of reciprocal studies is needed to clarify the bidirectional relationship of variables. Comparison studies of various measurement tools are needed to confirm the role of measurement tools on the result.
Acceptance Commitment Therapy Intervention for Custodial Grandfamilies
Authors: Faulhaber Manuela E , Zarling Amie , Lee Jeongeun
Published: December 2020

Millions of American children under the age of 18 are being cared for by their grandparents and without the presence of the biological parents. The number of custodial grandfamilies has significantly increased over the last five years. Recent studies have shown that custodial grandparents (CPGs) are often facing specific challenges in life, such as lower emotional well-being, higher parenting burden and stress related to this unique situation. Despite these findings, few interventions take a strengths based approach to improve their mental health and resilience. We describe our efforts to address these issues by proposing intervention anchored in the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), emphasizing the importance of acceptance of challenging circumstances outside of one’s control and promoting resilience among participants. The program consists of a web based ACT program with online coaching meetings, six common core sessions and six separate sessions for each age group over a time period of six months. This program is unique in the sense that it utilizes both individual and group session techniques to facilitate the learning process. Main active ingredients of this program are to promote effective coping strategies, to reduce parenting stress among grandparents and to increase life skills (i.e., decision-making, proactivity) among grandchildren. We are hypothesizing that participating in the ACT program will help CGPs to improve self-efficacy, emotional well-being, higher self-confidence, social competence, lower depressive symptoms, and parenting distress, thereby leading to positive outcomes such as improved mental health and higher resilience.
Age Differences in Preferences for Fear-Enhancing Versus Fear-Reducing News in a Global Pandemic
Authors: Villalba Anthony , Stanley Jennifer , Turner Jennifer , Vale Michael
Published: December 2020

Older adults (OA) prefer positive over negative information in a lab setting, compared to young adults (i.e., positivity effects; YA). The extent to which OA avoid negative events or information relevant for their health and safety is not clear. We first investigated age differences in preferences for fear-enhancing versus fear-reducing news articles during the Ebola Outbreak of 2014. We built upon this pilot study to further investigate this research question during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, 164 YA (18-30 years) and 171 OA (60-80 years) responded to an online survey about their preferences, feelings, and behaviors related to the COVID-19 pandemic across 13-days during the initial peak of the pandemic in the United States. Both YA and OA preferred to read positive over negative news about the coronavirus, but OA were even more likely than YA to prefer the positive news article. No age differences in the fear of contraction were found, but OA engaged in more health-protective behaviors compared to YA. Additionally, media engagement was related to fear for both age groups, with social media engagement, specifically, emerging as a key moderating factor for protective behavior change. Although OA may not fear or seek out negative information related to a health concern; they still engage in more protective health behaviors compared to YA. In this study, positivity effects are shown to exist within a health-related event, but OA appeared to still attend to enough negative information about COVID-19 to avoid impairing their health protective behaviors.
Daily Affective Experiences across the Lifespan during the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Jiang Da , Liu Shuang
Published: December 2020

Objectives Older adults are considered one of the most vulnerable groups to COVID-19. However, previous studies on emotion and aging have found that older adults report better well-being than younger adults in global survey and daily report. To better understand older adults’ well-being during the COVID-19 outbreak, we examined age differences in daily affective experiences in this study. Method A total of participants from mainland China aged 18 to 85 were recruited to participate in the 14-day daily diary study, after a pretest. Their trait affect and demographic information were measured in the pretest. Their daily affect and stress levels were measured in the daily assessments. Results We found that older adults reported a higher level of low arousal positive affect (e.g., calm) and lower levels of high arousal negative affect (HAN; e.g., anxiety), low arousal negative affect (LAN; e.g., dullness), and perceived stress related to COVID-19 in daily life, compared to younger adults. Discussion These results provide initial evidence of daily affective well-being across different age groups in adulthood during the COVID-19 outbreak. Such information is important for developing interventions to promote better well-being during the COVID-19 outbreak.