bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CONFLICTING IMAGES OF AGING IN JAPAN: WHY DON’T PEOPLE WISH TO CELEBRATE THEIR 100TH BIRTHDAY?
Authors: Yasumoto Saori , Nakagawa Takeshi , Masui Yukie , Gondo Yasuyuki
Published: January 2025

Japan is a country known for its longevity. While people practice customs to celebrate old age, negative stereotypes and discrimination against older people exist as well. This presentation discusses how people perceive aging and longevity in a society where such conflictive images exist. The research on the perception of aging is essential because it impacts older people’s physical and psychological well-being; however, culturally sensitive research to understand why people perceive aging as such is limited. In this presentation, we introduce the research results from surveys: 1) on age stereotypes conducted by targeting 1,000 people aged between 30 and 75, 2) on wish to live 100 years old by targeting 550 people aged between 77 and 81, and 3) on the longevity aspiration by targeting 33,500 people aged between 20 and 69. We found that people in Japan tend to be pessimistic about becoming old and living a long life. The most common reason was, “I do not want to cause trouble to other people.” Studies conducted outside Japan often indicate that sickness and functional decline make people see aging negatively. In Japan, the socially constructed value of “people become a burden on others due to nursing care” creates a negative image of old age. The number of centenarians is expanding in Japan, whereas people have a negative image of living longer. For us to age happily, there is an urgent need to create a culture where receiving care is not a burden to others.
STRUCTURAL AGEISM AND PRODUCTIVE ACTIVITIES: IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH EQUITY RESEARCH
Authors: Gonzales Ernest , Whetung Cliff , Lee Jane , Gordon Stacey , Green Natalie
Published: January 2025

Ageism is structural: hostility, incivility, and discrimination crosscut socio-ecological domains from intrapersonal beliefs and behaviors to interpersonal dynamics in everyday interactions within the workplace, neighborhood, and in health care settings. Ageism also intersects with minoritized identities that often result in experiences of racism and sexism, and elevates the risk for worse health outcomes. This presentation is informed by structural ageism in the productive aging framework (Morrow-Howell & Gonzales, 2023) and has three main goals: first, we apply an intersectional lens to examine the relationships of discrimination in the workplace, everyday interactions, and neighborhoods with health and retirement among a diverse sample (Hispanics, Blacks, and Whites) in the United States. This goal primarily focuses on employment contexts. The second goal is to reveal risk and protective factors that mediate the relationship between discrimination and cognitive health among Indigenous, Hispanic, Blacks, and Whites in the United States. Here, we examine the unique contribution of civic engagement. Finally, we will share our latest research on ageism in the family and health – with an emphasis on informal caregiving. Across these studies, productive activities are our organizing principle – employment, civic engagement, and caregiving – to examine risk and protective factors with health. Data primarily come from the Health and Retirement Study (2006-2020) with longitudinal analyses that informed goals 1 and 2 above; the third goal is informed by critical reflections in geriatric care management and social work practice. We conclude with implications for future research, namely recruiting diverse samples, experimental and intervention research.
ESPO AND NIA’S BUTLER WILLIAMS PROGRAM: RESOURCES AND SUPPORTS TO CULTIVATE THE FORTITUDE FACTOR
Authors: Hughes Jaime , Hu Rita , Jones Patricia
Published: January 2025

Aging research, education, and practice all continue to expand in their diversity across methods, scope, and reach. Navigating a career in any of one of these sectors requires many elements of fortitude – curiosity, discipline, collaboration, creativity, and resilience. The Gerontological Society of America’s Emerging Scholar and Professional Organization (ESPO) has long collaborated with the National Institute on Aging to support students, trainees, and emerging professionals in their scientific and professional development. The Butler Williams Scholars Program, hosted by the NIA’s Office of Special Populations, is an annual immersive program for advanced postdoctoral fellows and early career faculty. For many attendees, participating in this program is an opportunity to engage with Program Officers, exchange ideas among colleagues with diverse training and interests, and develop a national network of scientific and professional collaborators. This symposium features work by past Butler Williams participants, including reflections on how GSA and NIA have each helped to shape professional and research trajectories. Specifically, Dr. Matos-Moreno will discuss ongoing work around kinship structures in different migratory scenarios. Dr. Hughes will discuss a portfolio of interdisciplinary research focused on the scale and spread of health promotion programs for older adults. Dr. Dotson will discuss a career composed of diverse funding mechanisms and initiatives to promote healthy lifestyles and optimize brain health. The session will close with remarks by staff from NIA’s Office of Special Populations and other program areas.
USING DATA TO DRIVE POLICY: AN EXAMPLE OF A STATE–UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP TO ADVANCE AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES
Authors: Degenholtz Howard , Albert Steven , Kastner Keri , Mentch Heather , Hancock Kevin , Szymanski Gabrielle , Lampenfeld Nathan
Published: January 2025

The Pennsylvania Department on Aging (PDA) is developing a “Master Plan for Older Adults” called “Aging Our Way.” The plan will help guide policies and programs for the next 10 years. Agency leadership turned to the University of Pittsburgh to conduct a statewide needs assessment survey as part of a broad stakeholder engagement process that involved community meetings in all 67 counties. The University conducted a statewide telephone survey drawing on the Age-Friendly Community model. A sample of adults age 60 and older was stratified into eight regions to assure that the entire state was represented. To reach non-English speaking adults and disabled adults who might not respond by telephone, a web-based version of the survey was developed and translated into Chinese, Spanish and Russian and distributed via email to stakeholder groups. Paper versions in were mailed to community-based organizations to reach individuals who were not able to access the internet. The telephone survey results (n=900) were weighted to match the 2021 American Community Survey. The web-based survey results (n=6950) are reported separately. Findings were presented to the Long-Term Care Council, a stakeholder group that is convened by the PDA to advise on policy. The Council was formed into several subcommittees that addressed different policy topics (e.g., housing, transportation). The draft report developed by the Council was shared with the University team to develop objectives that could be measured by repeating the survey. The overall collaboration between the University and the PDA led to a strong, empirically based report.
USING THE PLATFORM OF A NATIONAL CENTER TO INTEGRATE RESEARCH, PRACTICE, AND POLICY: CEAL@UNC
Authors: Zimmerman Sheryl
Published: January 2025

The intent of research is to inform practice and policy to benefit society. Unfortunately, just as academic units are often siloed, so too are organizations constituting the three-legged stool of research, practice, and policy that must work together toward the greater good. One strategy to promote the intersection of the three is the platform of a national center, such as the Center for Excellence in Assisted Living (CEAL). Assisted living is the largest provider of residential long-term care in the nation, the importance of which was recognized in 2001 by the US Senate Special Committee on Aging and led to the development of CEAL to promote quality in assisted living. For 20 years, CEAL thrived as a unique collaborative of diverse national organizations, and in 2023 joined with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (CEAL@UNC) to expand capacity to develop evidence, bolster the workforce, and promote the adoption of evidence-based practices and policies. CEAL@UNC is exploring and implementing new avenues to bring together individuals and organizations representing different constituencies (e.g., the development of national consumer, practice, policy, and research cores), and capitalizing on its broad representation to inform efforts at numerous levels, including the federal government. This session will discuss the evolution of CEAL to CEAL@UNC, the process of strategic planning and priority setting, and strategies to become a consolidated voice for the intersection of research, practice, and policy – all of which are relevant for topics other than assisted living.
FEASIBILITY AND ACCEPTABILITY OF A VIRTUAL EXERCISE PROGRAM IN OLDER ADULTS WITH PREDIABETES
Authors: Starr Kathryn Porter , Boucher Nathan , Nicklas Barbara
Published: January 2025

Older adults undergo a decline in muscle mass by 30% between ages 50–70, resulting in increased risk of injury and even death, all of which can be prevented and managed with resistance training. Sarcopenia, aging-induced muscle loss, underscores resistance training’s critical role in muscle mass and function preservation. Despite the well-established benefits of resistance training, most older adults don’t meet this exercise threshold: only 19.3% of adults aged 65-74, and < 15% of older adults aged ≥75 report meeting the CDC guideline of performing moderate/high intensity muscle strengthening involving all major muscle groups on ≥2 days per week. Through a NIA-funded SBIR grant (R44AG076087) Vivo, a commercially based, virtual, live, and interactive exercise program, partnered with Duke University to examine the feasibility and acceptability of Vivo in older adults with prediabetes. In addition to building strength, the evidence-based program also incorporates dual task exercises to work on cognition, executive function, and processing speed. Sessions took place over zoom and were 45 minutes twice a week. This symposium provides an overview of Vivo, the feasibility study, perspective of a small business dedicated to improving the lives of older adults and a Vivo member. Both quantitative and qualitative program data on feasibility and acceptability for improving physical and psychosocial outcomes will be presented. Based on these initial findings, we believe Vivo shows great potential for reaching individuals with chronic illnesses who would benefit from adding strength training to their routines in a safe and accessible environment.
FEASIBILITY AND ACCEPTABILITY OF A VIRTUAL EXERCISE PROGRAM IN OLDER ADULTS WITH PREDIABETES
Authors: Starr Kathryn Porter , Kemp Elizabeth , Levitan Eric , Boucher Nathan
Published: January 2025

Through metabolic and physiological changes, aging and insulin resistance precipitate impaired physical function and its progression to type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Further, individuals with T2DM have increased risk for functional disability and mobility limitation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of Vivo, a commercially available virtual exercise program, for older adults at risk of developing T2DM. A priori criteria for feasibility and acceptability were defined as ≥80% of participants would be retained, ≥80% would attend all 24 classes and ≥90% of the program would be delivered as designed. In this 12-week single arm feasibility study, 28 older adults (69±6 years; 58% female; and 73% non-Hispanic white) with prediabetes were recruited. Out of the 28 individuals enrolled, 22 (79%) successfully completed the 12-week intervention. The results revealed a 27% increase in upper body strength (30-sec arm curl), a 13.5% increase in lower body strength (30-sec chair stand), and a 33% improvement in endurance (2-minute knee raise). Furthermore, the mean change in the 30-second chair stands was 2.0±2.2, with 14 participants increasing by ≥2 stands. Of the 22 participants who completed the intervention, 85% attended all 24 classes. Finally, intervention fidelity was assessed using a 9-item checklist with four focus areas; intervention delivery, workout intensity, safety, and participation and engagement. The intervention was delivered with 96% fidelity across three Vivo trainers. Study findings illustrate that online, live virtual exercise programs that provide tailored programming are highly feasible and acceptable and result in meaningful functional improvements.
THE IMPLEMENTATION AND RESULTS OF AN INNOVATIVE VIRTUAL EXERCISE PROGRAMS FOR OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Levitan Eric , Kemp Elizabeth , Starr Kathryn Porter
Published: January 2025

Aging increases the risk of developing sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass, strength, and function. Sarcopenia, in turn, increases one’s susceptibility to chronic illnesses, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, arthritis, and dementia, the leading causes of morbidity, mortality, and escalating healthcare expenses in the US. Strength training is a highly effective exercise intervention that reverses age-related muscle loss in older adults2 and restores overall strength and functional abilities. Vivo is an evidence-based program designed using the principle of science of exercise and aging, integrating stretching, balance, cognitive and resistance exercises in a safe, engaging way for older adults. Vivo addresses barriers to strength training through its easy-to-use virtual platform, knowledgeable trainers, engaging social experience and individualized programming that is tailored to meet the participant’s goals and capabilities. Over the past year, Vivo has partnered with several academic centers and community-based organizations to implement virtual exercise programs for older adults. Results from these partnerships show functional improvements and high program satisfaction. This presentation will discuss the steps taken to partner with academic centers and community-based organizations and share quantitative and qualitative outcomes from those partnerships. These results support the results seen in the NIH feasibility study and more importantly, reinforce the growing body of evidence that strength training is an effective strategy to regain muscle strength and improve functional abilities.
FORTIFYING THE FUTURE OF GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRICS IN HIGHER ED: PART I—HARD QUESTIONS
Authors: Karasik Rona , Masters Julie , Gugliucci Marilyn
Published: January 2025

Academic programs in gerontology and geriatrics are again facing an uncertain future. Despite the much touted increase in older adults in the US and subsequent demand for an age-savvy workforce, many gerontology and geriatrics programs are struggling to attract enrollments sufficient to survive, much less thrive. At the same time, unprecedented budget woes and declining public support throughout higher education are driving deep cuts across academic programs and disciplines. Yet, for students whose passion is to work in the field of aging as a clinician, researcher, or provider, having programming available is a necessity. This symposium examines the current state of educational programs in gerontology and geriatrics and raises essential questions to consider in order to fortify their future. First, Mark Staley and Julie Masters address the question “What is happening to gerontology programs?” and present an updated census of gerontology programs in the US, highlighting the financial health of academic institutions where programs have closed, paused, or folded into other disciplines. Second, Rona Karasik identifies research and practice trends in Gerontology & Geriatrics Education journal submissions that seek to answer the question “Why don’t students choose to go into gerontology or geriatrics?” Third, Isaac Boateng, Mark Staley, and Jessica VanderWerf share current gerontology students’ perspectives regarding “Why DO students choose gerontology?” Fourth, Julie Masters poses challenging questions that must be considered when devising strategies for a strong and sustainable future for gerontology education. Finally, discussant Marilyn Gugliucci will facilitate a conversation on the state of gerontology and geriatrics education.
A NEW LOOK AT AN OLD PROBLEM: AN EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE ON BARRIERS TO GROWING AN AGE-SAVVY WORKFORCE
Authors: Karasik Rona
Published: January 2025

The future sustainability of gerontology and geriatrics programs has been the subject of concern well before Gerontology & Geriatrics Education (G&GE) was established in 1980, and remains a persistent theme in the journal today. Dwindling financial support for gerontology programs has also been an issue since before the journal’s inception (Wittels, 1981), as was the much anticipated and now present shift in age demographics and its accompanying need to educate a sufficient, age-savvy workforce. In other words, none of these problems are new. Despite innovative curricula and the burgeoning number of older adults, the question remains steadfast: “Why don’t more students choose to go into gerontology or geriatrics?” Moreover, what can be done to attract more students as the need for aging professionals continues to increase and enrollments in gerontology and geriatrics programs decline? The current presentation explores trends in the work submitted to Gerontology & Geriatrics Education, the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE)’s official journal, that seek to: (a) identify reasons why students do not choose gerontology (e.g., ageism, prestige, pay differentials); (b) evaluate novel strategies to address this disinterest (e.g., intergenerational programs, Ageism First Aid); and (c) endeavor to secure the future for gerontology and geriatrics educational programs (e.g., outreach to general education, community partnerships) amid the context of sweeping budget cuts throughout higher education.
FLIPPING THE SCRIPT: WHY DO STUDENTS CHOOSE GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRICS?
Authors: Boateng Isaac Asirifi , Staley Mark , VanderWerf Jess
Published: January 2025

Much of the literature on workforce shortages and low enrollments in gerontology and geriatrics education focuses on the barriers - essentially “why don’t students choose to go into gerontology”? This presentation reframes the question to instead consider why gerontology and geriatrics students DO choose the field? Three student perspectives - an undergraduate pre-med certificate student, a master’s student in Gerontology, and a doctoral student in aging studies offer insight into the factors drawing them to gerontology and geriatrics. In addition to sharing their personal journeys, they also share what they have learned from their gerontology classmates and peers at institutions across the United States.
PREPARING NORTH CAROLINA’S HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES WORKFORCE: CURRENT CHALLENGES AND THE PATH FORWARD
Authors: Basrai Zavera , Yoon Caroline , Scales Kezia , Farnham Trish , Carson Erin , Boucher Nathan
Published: January 2025

Older adults and people living with disabilities receive home- and community-based services (HCBS) from approximately 113,000 often poorly paid and inadequately supported direct service workers in North Carolina (NC). The demand for these workers is increasing rapidly, with NC projected to add almost 23,000 new direct care jobs from 2020 to 2030. The Medicaid-funded Workforce Engagement with Care workers to Assist, Recognize, and Educate (WECARE) project aims to modernize NC’s direct care training and credentialing (TC) to increase the pipeline of workers, build career pathways, elevate their skills and recognition, and improve job quality and retention using Collective Impact (CI). CI utilizes the following essential elements in creating and sustaining diverse collaborations: a common agenda, shared measurement, mutually reinforcing activities, continuous communication, and “backbone” support (dedicated coordination team). Informed by extensive desk research, five listening sessions with HCBS workers, support recipients, and family caregivers, and 113 formal engagements with state and non-profit agency leaders and regulatory bodies, WECARE’s state-wide landscape analysis revealed: lack of consistency and flexibility in TC requirements; limited portability of credentials; limited person-specific training; minimal funding incentives for professional development; and the need for an expanded core competency set, including planning, self-care, cultural humility and role delineation. To address these challenges, WECARE’s recommendations include adopting a core competency set for DSWs established through creating a unified multi-level DSW certification framework, strengthening career ladders and lattices within HCBS to support retention, and creating an online portal to house training, credentials, experience and other information that supports worker mobility.
THE INCORPORATING NUTRITION, VESTS, EDUCATION, AND STRENGTH TRAINING IN BONE HEALTH RANDOMIZED TRIAL RESULTS
Authors: Beavers Kristen , Beavers Daniel , Fanning Jason , Lenchik Leon , Nicklas Barbara , Weaver Ashley
Published: January 2025

Intentional weight loss (WL) in older adults is associated with bone loss, increasing risk of fracture. As skeletal tissue is responsive to mechanical stress, replacing lost weight externally may be an innovative way to minimize WL-associated bone loss in this population. The main goal of the Incorporating Nutrition, Vests, Education, and Strength Training (INVEST) in Bone health trial (NCT04076618) is to examine the effect of 12-months of weighted vest use during intentional WL on several indicators of bone health, as compared to WL alone and WL plus traditional strength training exercise. Herein we report intervention process measure data, including weight change (%), self-reported weighted vest wear-time (hours/day), lost weight added to the weighted vest (%), and strength training adherence (% sessions attended; days/week). A total of 150 older adults were randomized, with 133 (89%) completing the trial. Average age was 66.4±4.6 years and the majority were white (69%) women (75%) with a body mass index of 33.6±3.3 kg/m2. 12-month WL by group was 9.4±6.7%, 9.0±4.7%, 11.3±6.0% for WL alone, WL+weighted vest, and WL+strength training, respectively. Self-reported weighted vest wear-time over 12-months was 7.1±1.5 hours/day, with 81.8±22.8% of lost weight replaced in the vest. Participants assigned to WL+strength training attended 75.2±13.0% of classes, averaging 2.2±0.4 sessions attended/week over 12-months. Intervention process measure data from the INVEST in Bone Health trial suggest significant and similar WL in each group, with good adherence to the weighted vest and exercise prescriptions. This presentation will also show treatment effects on select measures of musculoskeletal health.
NOVEL MODALITIES FOR UNCOVERING BRAIN MECHANISMS UNDERLYING COGNITIVE AND MOTOR FUNCTIONS
Authors: Fraser Sarah , Rosso Andrea , Liu-Ambrose Teresa
Published: January 2025

It is now well-established that age-related declines in cognitive and motor functions co-occur and that shared neural resources are involved. However, details of these neural resources are still largely unknown, limiting development of effective prevention and intervention strategies. This symposium aims to answer: What can neuroimaging tell us about subjective cognitive decline and what changes in gait and mitochondrial function are associated with changes in the brain? How does dopamine alter these associations and help promote resilience in the brain? A series of recent studies using neuroimaging technologies aimed to answer these questions and provide new information on neural resources: (1) Salzman et al. will share their work using functional near infra-red spectroscopy (fNIRS) and dual-task tapping to explore cerebral oxygenation differences in older adults with and without subjective cognitive decline; (2) Rosso et al. explored if neural inefficiency or compensation measured by fNIRS during dual-task walking was influenced by dopamine binding using Positron Emission Tomography (PET); (3) Rosano et al. employed PET to explore associations between dopaminergic binding and gait speed changes when transitioning to an uneven surface; and finally (4) Tian et al. examined the relationship between skeletal muscle mitochondrial function via MR Spectroscopy and longitudinal brain structural changes via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and DTI data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study on Aging. Each of these studies contributes to the evidence base on neuroimaging correlates of cognitive and motor function and helps us to understand what factors foster resilience and maintenance of these functions with age.
RELATION OF PREFRONTAL CORTEX FUNCTION WITH DUAL-TASK GAIT DEPENDS ON POSTDORSAL CAUDATE DOPAMINE
Authors: Rosso Andrea , Baillargeon Emma , Huppert Theodore , Bohnen Nicholaas , Chahine Lana , Rosano Caterina
Published: January 2025

In older adults, the extent of PFC activation during challenged walking may be indicative of either compensation (if performance is maintained) or of neural inefficiencies (if performance declines). Dopamine neurotransmission in the basal ganglia is a determinant of motor automaticity and could therefore be a driver of compensatory vs inefficient PFC activity. We tested whether associations of change in PFC activation measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy with change in gait speed from single- to dual-task (alternate letter of the alphabet) walking over 15 meters differed by dopamine binding in a cohort of older adults (n=87, age=73±5 years, 67% women, gait speed=1.06±0.81 m/s). Dopamine neurotransmission was measured by dihydrotetrabenazine ([11C]DTBZ) positron emission tomography in the postcommissural caudate, which is highly connected to the dorsolateral PFC. Linear regression analyses assessed multiplicative interactions between PFC activation and [11C]DTBZ binding (above/below median) adjusted for age and gender with gait speed change as the dependent variable. Greater PFC activation was non-significantly related to greater decline in gait speed during dual-task. There was a significant interaction (p=0.05) between [11C]DTBZ in the postcommissural caudate and PFC function such that for those with higher dopamine binding, there was no association between PFC activation and gait speed change (beta=-0.002, p=0.8) but in those with lower dopamine, greater increase in PFC activation was associated with greater decline in gait speed from single- to dual-task walking (beta=-0.03, p=0.02). Higher PFC activation among those with lower dopamine binding may be indicative of neural inefficiencies that result in poor dual-task performance.
PRESIDENTIAL SYMPOSIUM: EMBRACING OPPORTUNITIES AND CONFRONTING CHALLENGES IN GLOBAL AGING RESEARCH
Authors: Ailshire Jennifer
Published: January 2025

This BSS Presidential Symposium highlights the promise and potential of global studies of older adults to bring new insights to our understanding of the aging process in an ever changing and increasingly diverse world. The Symposium brings together scholars from Gerontology, Sociology, and Economics to highlight the multidisciplinary perspectives on aging in a global context. Jinkook Lee will provide an overview of what we can learn from cross-national comparisons of aging populations and how we can use evolving data resources to address the challenges of aging populations around the world. Three empirical presentations follow from Yaun Zhang, Mateo Farina, and Nekehia Quashie, with different perspectives on how to use global aging surveys to advance our understanding of the social determinants of cognitive health across diverse country contexts. These presentations, which focus on education, early life conditions, and family relationships span countries from Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the United Kingdom as well as the United States. The session also highlights the value of using harmonized studies of aging across different countries to demonstrate how inequality differs across contexts and identify the drivers of disparities in cognitive health and dementia risk. By integrating diverse disciplinary perspectives and utilizing harmonized studies, this Symposium will demonstrate how researchers can use cross-national comparative research to examine questions that can inform efforts to enhance the well-being of older adults worldwide and address the multifaceted challenges posed by global aging.
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT AND LATER-LIFE COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN HIGH- AND MIDDLE-INCOME COUNTRIES
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Yu Xuexin , Cho Tsai-Chin , Zhang Pengyuan (Kelvin) , Langa Kenneth , Weir David , Gross Alden , Kobayashi Lindsay
Published: January 2025

The rising number of dementia cases worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), underscores the need to identify social policies that promote cognitive health of older adults in LMICs and reduce global dementia burden. Many studies have found that educational attainment is associated with better cognitive function. However, these findings are mostly from Western high-income countries where the social and historical contexts of education differ from LMICs. In this research, we aim to evaluate the importance of educational attainment for later-life cognitive function in various social and geographic settings. Using data from the US Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and its sister studies in England, Mexico, China, and India and each study’s respective Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP) (n = 14,978, 2016–2019), we compared later-life global cognitive function across countries, examined educational differences in cognitive function within each country, and evaluated the potential impact of improving educational attainment in LMICs on reducing differences in later-life cognitive function between LMICs and high-income countries. In Mexico, China, and India, the general cognitive function score was approximately one standard deviation of HRS-HCAP scores lower compared to the US and England, paralleling patterns of educational attainment across countries. Higher educational attainment was consistently associated with better cognitive function across countries. Differences in educational attainment explained ~50%–90% of observed differences in cognitive function across countries. Our results underscore the importance of education to promote cognitive health. Continual improvement of educational attainment in LMICs may yield significant payoffs in later-life cognitive health.
A STEPPED-CARE SOCIAL AND MENTAL HEALTH ENGAGEMENT INTERVENTION FOR OLDER ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES CLIENTS
Authors: Burnett Jason , Wasik Sophia , Hernandez-Tejada Melba , Acierno Ron
Published: January 2025

Adult Protective Services (APS) clients are commonly characterized as socially isolated and depressed, and recently, lonely. The only evidence-based interventions for this population target depression and none have focused on social isolation and loneliness (SIL). This study is the first to provide a formal assessment of loneliness in a large sample of APS clients and the first to test an intervention to address SIL in this population. Our study uses a randomized waitlist control design to test whether an intergenerational stepped-care social and mental health engagement approach reduces SIL and increases the likelihood of depression treatment for N = 200 older adult APS clients across Texas. We paired one pre-professional health student or criminal justice student (students) with each client to engage in 8 weekly friendly phone calls. The primary intervention targets are SIL and the secondary targets are depression treatment and reduction. At the end of each call students complete a brief mental health screen to assess for higher-level mental health treatment needs. If mental health needs were detected, participants were offered to be contacted by the UTHealth Trauma and Resilience Center. Prior to participant engagement, students received training on empathy-based communication, abuse, neglect, and exploitation and addressing objective or subjective indications of suicidal ideation. To date, we have enrolled 65 participants. In the intervention group, among those needing higher level mental health treatment, 73% agreed to being contacted. In this session we discuss preliminary findings on SIL and depression, and review intervention successes, challenges, solutions, and student perspectives.
SENSORY LOSS IN AGING: SPOTLIGHTING JUNIOR INVESTIGATORS AND NEW DIRECTIONS IN THE SENSORY HEALTH INTEREST GROUP
Authors: Deal Jennifer , Mahoney Jeannette , Ehrlich Joshua
Published: January 2025

Our senses (hearing, vision, touch, taste, smell) are the means by which our brains perceive our environment, allowing us to engage and connect with our world. Recommendations for maintaining health and function with age include maintaining strong social connections and participating in intellectually stimulating mental and physical activities. However, our senses are what allow us to engage in these activities. Sensory loss is common in older adults, with over 2/3 of adults over age 55 experiencing loss in multiple senses. The goal of the Sensory Health Special Interest Group (SIG) is to foster collaboration and dissemination of research and clinical/educational resources for professionals interested in sensory health and the effects of sensory impairments on the overall health and well-being of older adults. This session will meet this goal by highlighting work that demonstrates the importance of sensory health with age conducted by outstanding Sensory Health SIG investigators who are early in their career path or new to the interest group leadership. As part of this symposium, we will discuss the impact of age-related hearing loss on functional brain connectivity, physical activity and disability. We will also discuss how olfaction is related to coronary heart disease and conclude with a discussion on multisensory integration and mobility. Sensory Health Interest Group Sponsored Symposium
THE ASSOCIATION OF POOR OLFACTION WITH RISK OF CORONARY HEART DISEASE: THE ARIC NEUROCOGNITIVE STUDY
Authors: Chamberlin Keran , Li Chenxi , Kucharska-Newton Anna , Luo Zhehui , Reeves Mathew , Shrestha Srishti , Couper David , Chen Honglei
Published: January 2025

Poor olfaction may be associated with cardiovascular health in older adults, but empirical evidence is limited. We evaluated the association of olfactory status with risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) among 5142 participants free of CHD from the ARIC Neurocognitive Study (75.4±5.1 years, 62.9% female, and 23.9% Black participants). Olfaction was assessed in 2011-2013 using the 12-item Sniffin’ Sticks odor identification test, and defined as good (score 11-12), moderate (9-10), and poor (0-8). At-risk participants were followed from baseline to the date of the first outcome of interest, death, last contact, or December 31, 2020, whichever occurred first. We used the discrete-time sub-distribution hazard model to estimate the cumulative incidence of CHD across olfaction groups and adjusted risk ratio (aRR), accounting for covariates, attrition, and the competing risk of death. After up to 9.6 years of follow-up, we identified 280 (5.4%) incident CHD events. Compared with good olfaction, poor olfaction was associated with a higher CHD risk during the first 6 years of follow-up, though the strength of the association gradually attenuated from aRR of 2.05 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02, 4.48) at 2-year follow-up to 1.58 (1.12, 2.34) at 6-year. After 6 years of follow-up, the association continued to diminish until it reached the aRR of 1.07 (0.77, 1.43) at 9.6-year follow-up. Our study suggests that poor olfaction is associated with an elevated CHD risk in older adults, but the association may be lost with extended follow-up.
HEARING LOSS, HEARING AIDS, AND CHANGE IN FUNCTIONAL STATUS: THE ATHEROSCLEROSIS RISK IN COMMUNITIES (ARIC) STUDY
Authors: Amezcua Pablo Martinez , Assi Sahar , Twardzik Erica , Reed Nicholas , Scow Laura , Kucharska-Newton Anna , Windham B Gwen , Palta Priya
Published: January 2025

Hearing loss is common among older adults and is linked to poor physical function, but whether hearing aid use may slow physical function declines remains unknown. We investigated the association between hearing loss and functional status in older adults and modifying effects of hearing aid use. We used data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) cohort study to examine cross-sectional (2016-2017) and longitudinal relationships (2016-2022) after adjustment for sociodemographic and health-related characteristics. Hearing loss (none, mild, moderate/severe) was based on the better-hearing ear’s pure tone average at speech frequencies. Hearing aid use was self-reported. Participants self-reported (any difficulty, regardless of level, vs. none) difficulties with activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and heavier tasks (lifting heavy objects, kneeling, going up stairs without stopping). Cross-sectionally, among 3,142 community-dwelling older adults (mean age=79, 58% female, 21% Black), moderate or greater hearing loss was associated with increased difficulties in ADLs (odds ratio [OR]=1.27, 95% CI 1.02, 1.58), IADLs (OR=1.34, 95% CI 1.05, 1.71), and heavier tasks (OR=1.29, 95% CI 1.04, 1.62) relative to no hearing loss. Longitudinally, over an average follow-up of 1.9 years, moderate or greater hearing loss was associated with higher odds of reporting any functional difficulty (OR=1.14, 95% CI 1.05, 1.24). Hearing aid use did not modify the associations. These findings emphasize the importance of hearing loss, its adverse effects on physical function in aging populations, and the need for comprehensive interventions beyond hearing aids for adults with hearing loss.
OLDER ADULTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA AND INFLAMMATORY MARKERS OF AGING
Authors: Leutwyler Heather , Chui M K Kirsten , Schneider Kevin , LaHue Sara , Furman David , Newman John
Published: January 2025

Schizophrenia is associated with accelerated aging, evidenced by earlier onset of aging-related diseases such as hypertension and geriatric syndromes. Inflammaging is a state of dysfunctional systemic chronic inflammation that accelerates a negative feedback loop with other biological aging mechanisms and increases risk for aging-related chronic diseases. Inflammaging is driven in part by discrete cellular and molecular processes such as the accumulation of senescent cells and their resulting pro-inflammatory senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). We report the results of a cross-sectional analysis from older adults with schizophrenia (OAS) to describe the relationships between health and inflammaging biomarkers. We analyzed plasma from 24 OAS (mean age 59.5). Neurocognition was assessed with the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery and schizophrenia symptoms with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Physical health was assessed via the physical function subscore of SF-12. We obtained quantitative measurements of 112 cytokines and other factors using the Millipore Milliplex platform (Eve Technologies). We also derived from these data composite measurements of SASP via lists published by Diniz et al. (11 components), SenMayo (35 components) and the Translational Geroscience Network (36 components). Specific inflammatory cytokines (eotaxin, IL-1α, IL-1β, and IFNα) were associated with worse cognition and physical health, while no significant associations were observed with SASP composite scores. These results suggest that specific pathways of inflammaging, which may be driven by biological mechanisms other than cellular senescence, associate with important clinical outcomes in OAS. Larger studies could better characterize aging mechanisms that contribute to inflammaging in the accelerated aging state of OAS.
CO-CREATING A VIRTUAL REALITY PROGRAM WITH PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA IN LONG-TERM CARE
Authors: Hung Lillian , Mortenson Ben , Lim Angelica , Boger Jennifer , Wong Joey , Wallsworth Christine , Mann Jim , Wong Lily
Published: January 2025

People living with dementia in long-term care (LTC) are a diverse group with varied physical and cognitive abilities and backgrounds. Previous research has shown that virtual reality experiences can bring joy and foster the health and well-being of people living with dementia. A tailored approach based on cultural preferences, needs, abilities, disabilities, and contextual limitations is needed to foster practical implementation, uptake, and sustainability. This qualitative study harnessed the experiential knowledge of people with dementia, care partners and frontline staff to co-build a novel Virtual Reality Program in two Canadian LTC homes. We conducted focus groups and interviews with 10 residents living with dementia, 10 family care partners and 12 staff to explore their preferences on the video content and delivery methods. We also explored participants’ experiences in the co-creation process. Our interdisciplinary team, including people with dementia and family partners, researchers, clinicians, and trainees, analyzed the data thematically. We identified four themes: 1) Significance of culturally relevant and diverse videos to address heterogeneous population, 2) Acknowledgement of residents’ autonomy and choice in the co-creation process, 3) Feelings of satisfaction and motivation through contributing and learning, and 4) Appreciation of a respectful co-design environment. The results offer useful insights to inform future directions in co-designing safe and accessible virtual programs with people living with dementia in LTC research.
SPEED IN GERIATRICS EDUCATION: IDENTIFYING AND IMPLEMENTING MICROLEARNING TO INCREASE EFFICIENCY AND RETENTION
Authors: Henricks Evan , Gangupantula Pratima
Published: January 2025

This session aims to explore what microlearning is and how it can be utilized by geriatrics educators to reinforce and incorporate age-friendly health elements across the spectrum of learners. Microlearning is obtaining knowledge or skills via small units and is increasingly endorsed by health professions educators as a means of facilitating learning, training, and continuing education. The positive impact of microlearning on learner knowledge and confidence has been shown. Microlearning can be integrated with mobile learning (M-Learning) to create learning material that is quick, interactive, and easily accessible from a mobile device. This is in contrast to electronic learning (E-learning) which allows online access to traditional resources like textbooks, journals, and lectures, but is in-depth, cumbersome, and may lack open access. This session will explore examples of situations which utilize various microlearning modalities for geriatrics education, such as social media platforms, podcasts, mobile applications, and point of care websites. M-learning utilization will be shown by exploring usage data from a point of care website. This session will further explore advantages and disadvantages of microlearning platforms and methods of incorporating the platforms into more traditional learning methods. Broadening educator knowledge of microlearning tools will enable them to utilize a variety of teaching modalities and reinforce geriatrics curricula for learners. It also provides learners with resources to utilize independently when future knowledge gaps are identified.
LEVERAGING SOURCES TO ENHANCE INTERPROFESSIONAL GERIATRIC EDUCATION
Authors: Tucker-Roghi Gina , Cooney Alissa , Moone Rajean , Cauble Christina
Published: January 2025

Geriatrics is a highly interdisciplinary field, and methods to enhance geriatric education need to be equally interdisciplinary. A critical step is identifying, engaging, and mobilizing a wide array of stakeholders and educational resources to enhance geriatrics integration across various medical disciplines. This session will delve into methodologies used for discovering stakeholders in geriatrics within a local institution and the community at large, emphasizing the creation of collaborative networks that promote geriatrics principles in educational and clinical settings. Participants will explore the experiences of geriatricians and interprofessional geriatrics specialists at academic institutions leveraging their knowledge and resources at their institutions and local communities. This session aims to provide insights into effective strategies for recognizing and collaborating with contributors to geriatric care, even those who may not see themselves as specialists. We will explore how geriatric educational leaders can reduce stigma and utilize stealth and speed to maximize local resources and age-friendly initiatives.Through engaging with and mobilizing a diverse network of stakeholders, educators can foster a more robust integration of geriatric principles, ensuring that healthcare professionals across specialties are well-prepared to meet the unique needs of the aging population. The session will offer actionable steps for attendees to engage with institutional and community stakeholders, turning them into vital sources of geriatric expertise and fostering a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to geriatric education and practice.
THE HERO CARE SURVEY: MEASURING THE UNMET NEEDS OF AMERICAN MILITARY VETERANS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS
Authors: Dang Stuti , Trivedi Ranak , Leykum Luci
Published: January 2025

Success in delaying long term institutional care (LTIC) depends on identifying unmet needs of Veteran-caregiver dyads and creating strategies to adequately support those needs. This symposium aims to enhance the understanding of the needs of Veterans and caregivers at high LTIC risk, to inform better planning of services and policy for Veterans and their caregivers. Our interdisciplinary group of researchers will use data from our prospective HERO CARE survey, fielded to 20,000 community-dwelling high-need, high-risk Veterans and their caregivers, to report on the epidemiology of their needs over time. We will review the survey’s socio-ecological framework; summarize survey responses from Veterans and caregivers (Dang, Chair), followed by an overview of the VA-funded Elizabeth Dole National Center for Veteran and Caregiver Research (EDCoE), under whose umbrella this survey was conducted. (Co-chair-Trivedi). We will describe unmet needs stratified by LTIC risk and compare racial/ethnic differences in the prevalence of unmet needs. (Garcia) The next speaker will describe the process of analysis of HERO CARE caregivers’ self-perceived preparedness for caregiving, awareness of resources and desire to institutionalize. (Desir) We will then describe key characteristics and preliminary findings for Veterans who report having a caregiver younger than age 25, an often-overlooked demographic of caregivers. (Kalvesmaki) Our last speaker will report on unmet needs and physical and emotional health of caregivers as they transition to survivors after the death of their care-recipient. (Bouldin) Finally, the discussant will synthesize the presentations and potential policy implications of the findings. (Leykum)