bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Married or Partnered Adults’ Self-Perceptions of Aging in Later Life: The Context of Gender
Authors: Kim Yijung , Kim Kyungmin , Neupert Shevaun , Boerner Kathrin
Published: December 2020

Marriage or other types of partnerships are consequential for health in later life, but its association to self-perceptions of aging remains a relatively unexplored area of research. This study used three waves of panel data from the Health and Retirement Study (N = 4,315) to examine how changes in the health status and relationship quality over time contribute to self-perceptions of aging for married/partnered men and women. Multilevel models showed that women demonstrated more positive self-perceptions of aging than men, but there was no gender difference in how self-perceptions of aging became more negative over time. The findings on the main and moderating effects of health and relationship quality give evidence that changes across time, as well as average differences in individual characteristics, may affect self-perceptions of married/partnered men and women differently. The context in which gender shapes key aspects of life contributes to self-perceptions of aging in later life.
Functions of Real-Life Conversational Time Travel in the Context of Healthy Aging
Authors: Demiray Burcu , Luo Minxia , Martin Mike
Published: December 2020

Using smartphone sensing in real life, we examined conversational time travel (i.e., talking about the personal past versus future), its functions and relation with positive affect (i.e., laughing behavior). We used the Electronically Activated Recorder (audio recorder that periodically records snippets of ambient sounds and speech) and collected a random sample of over 30,000 sound snippets (30 seconds long) from 61 young and 48 healthy older adults across four days. We transcribed and manually coded participants’ speech. Multilevel models conducted in R showed that individuals tended to talk about their past with more social functions (e.g., give advice), whereas talked about their future for more directive purposes (e.g., planning). Age group differences were minimal. We also found that individuals laughed two times more while talking about their past than their future. Results are discussed in relation to the functions of mental/conversational time travel in the context of healthy aging.
Stress, Trauma, and Resilience Among U.S. Asian Older Adults: Findings From the Rutgers Asian RCMAR
Authors: Dong XinQi , Simon Melissa , Wu Bei
Published: December 2020

U.S. Asians are the fastest growing group of older adults in the nation, increasing by 68% from 2000-2018. However, research on the psychological wellbeing of this population is limited. Drawing on the research of Rutgers Asian RCMAR Scientists, this symposium will address the impacts of stress, trauma and resilience on the psychological wellbeing of diverse groups of U.S. Asian older adults. Session 1 will assess the prevalence of psychological distress among older LGBT and non-LGBT U.S. Asian older adults, and the role of discrimination in medical care and intimate violence on psychological distress. Session 2 will take a mixed-methods approach to examining caregiver burden and depressive symptoms of Chinese American spouses and adult-children who provided care for their spouse or parents with dementia. Session 3 will explore the risk and protective factors for the mental health of sexual minority U.S. Asian older adults using data from the Research Program on Genes, Environment and Health. Session 4 will identify different patterns of coping repertoires of older immigrants, based on a combination of individual, family, and community coping resources, and the optimal coping repertoire that is associated with the best psychological outcomes. In summation, this symposium describes the psychological wellbeing of diverse groups of U.S. Asian older adults, including sexual minority, caregiver and immigrant groups. The symposium addresses both risk factors and the protective factors and coping mechanisms that mediate and mitigate psychological wellbeing and aims to inform interventions to improve psychological wellbeing outcomes in U.S. Asian older adults.
Discrete Emotion Networks Across the Lifespan: Implications for Well-Being
Authors: Barlow Meaghan , Mauss Iris
Published: December 2020

Research examining the age-related trajectories and consequences of emotional complexity has largely lumped emotions into broad categories. The present study utilized network analyses to quantify the co-occurrence of discrete emotions and their associations with well-being across the lifespan in a sample of 156 females (aged 23-79). Participants completed assessments of 8 emotions (i.e., sad, angry, anxious, lonely, happy, excited, proud, and calm) for 16 days, and completed measures of psychological and physical well-being at a 4-month follow-up. While certain emotions were found to co-occur at similar rates across the lifespan (e.g. sad-anxious), other emotion pairs become more (e.g. sad-calm) or less (e.g. sad-angry) frequent with age. Additionally, specific emotion pairs were differentially associated with indicators of well-being across the lifespan, while controlling for mean levels of these emotions. These findings point to the importance of considering the co-occurrence of distinct emotions and potential pathways towards successful aging.
The Critical Help-Seeking Role of Family, Friends, and Neighbors in the Lives of Elder Abuse Victims
Authors: Stum Marlene , Burnes David
Published: December 2020

Elder abuse prevention and intervention is a complex puzzle. We focus on examining the typically invisible role, experience, and impact of nonabusing family, friends, and neighbors, or “concerned persons” in stopping elder abuse. Given the reality that most elder abuse goes unreported and unaddressed, it seems essential to understand if and how concerned persons can play a role in help-seeking for older victims, and to also understand the needs and issues faced by concerned persons as a consequence. First. Breckman presents evidence of the significant distress concerned person’s experience from knowing about elder abuse and trying to assist victims, and shares experience developing and implementing the first Elder Abuse Helpline for Concerned Persons in the U.S. Second, Fraga Dominguez et.al. present an important international perspective highlighting findings about concerned persons as users of a UK elder abuse helpline, their profile, the impact of helping, and variables relating to help-seeking. Third, Stum shares findings from a qualitative study of elder family financial exploitation related to what concerned family members were trying to accomplish by getting involved (motivating goals) and the resulting continuum of outcomes. Fourth, Kilaberia also explores the help-seeking experiences of concerned family members in elder family financial exploitation situations, specifically the range of tasks involved, and the impacts on the concerned family member’s individual health and well- The discussion led by Burnes will focus on understanding contributions of the research presented given the current state of the field, and offer suggestions for future research and intervention directions.
The Interplay of Seniority and Superiority Toward Perceived Employability of Older Workers Through a Cultural Lens
Authors: Cheng Clio Y M , Lou Vivian
Published: December 2020

Background: Hong Kong will become a super-aged society comprising more than 21% of its citizens aged 65 or above by 2024. With longer life expectancy and better health conditions of the elderly, the mentality of embracing “hidden gems” - older workers was under the spotlight. Extended working life provided a golden chance for employers and/or human resources (HR) personnel to manage this demographic change. Sau Po Centre on Ageing was commissioned to initiate a study in 2017 to 2018 on how employers and/or HR personnel perceived employability of older workers in Hong Kong, and to consolidate good practices of elder-friendly employment. Methods: Aiming to garner opinions from a wide variety of employers and/or HR personnel, 33 in-depth interviews were conducted with participants from various industries and company sizes, including both large corporations and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Among the participants, nearly half (n=15) possessed managerial position, other including employers (n=1), directors (n=6), officers (n=8) and others (n=3). Among these companies, 19 did not have any mandatory retirement age policies, while seven had their retirement age set as 60 years old, and another seven set their retirement age at aged 65. Results: Participants tended to link seniority, in terms of both chronological age and loyalty, with superiority, affecting their perceived employability of older workers. This study has multi-level implications on a multi-generational age-inclusive workforce management strategy on recruitment, retainment and retraining. Suggestions on good practices of an age-inclusive and age-diverse workforce were also made at individual, corporation and societal level.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation of the Tailored Activity Program for Brazilian Portuguese
Authors: Novielli Marcia
Published: December 2020

Brazil lacks an Occupational Therapy methodology of action, justifying the cross-cultural adaptation of TAP. Objectives were to adapt TAP reference materials to the Brazilian culture and evaluation of the applicability of the Portuguese version by perceptions of Occupational Therapists (OT) and family caregivers. The methodology used translation, back translation, evaluation of semantic, idiomatic, conceptual and cultural equivalences and pre-test of materials for production in Portuguese. The OT applied the translated version and evaluated its applicability. Caregivers evaluated the social impact of the adapted program. The cross-cultural adaptation process adapted the entire materials program to Portuguese culture. The OT perception is a need to include one session to guide caregivers and to modify the cognitive assessment used. The caregivers pointed out that TAP helps them in understanding and caring for the elderly with dementia. The TAP-BR has been adapted to the Brazilian culture. Part of a symposium sponsored by the Behavioral Interventions for Older Adults Interest Group.
Understanding Health Concerns of Older Adults: Health Personality, Health Activation, and Well-Being
Authors: Martin Peter
Published: December 2020

Individuals display different levels of concern about their health. These overall concerns may be a result of health personality dispositions based on the five-factor model of personality. They include health neuroticism, health extraversion, health openness, health agreeableness, and health conscientiousness. Furthermore, whether older adults take active care of their health and how they view their overall physical and emotional well-being may depend on these health personality dispositions. This symposium sheds light on the association between health personality, resilience, activation, and well-being. The first presentation provides an overview of our health personality conceptual model and summarizes measurement properties of the Health Personality Assessment. The second presentation highlights demographic differences in health personality. Gender, age, marital status, and regional differences in health personality are reported. The third presentation links health personality with levels of health activation and resilience. Direct and indirect effects of health personality on resilience and health activation are presented. Finally, we highlight results about the relationship of health personality with physical and emotional well-being in later life. All five health personality dispositions directly related to physical and mental health. Our discussion emphasizes practical implications for health practitioners and outlines future research on health personality and outcomes.
Demographic Differences in Health Personality
Authors: Cone Nicholas
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to explore demographic differences in health personality. Data consisted of 3,907 participants, 65 years and older. Multivariate analysis of variance with post-hoc testing revealed that women had higher health neuroticism scores than men, but men had higher health extraversion scores than women. Those married reported higher health agreeableness than those not married and young-old participants had higher health extraversion and health openness compared to other age groups. Regional differences included Midwest participants reporting higher health openness but lower health conscientiousness scores when compared to participants from other regions. There were also significant interactions. For example, individuals from geographic areas with predominately White Midwest residents were significantly higher on health neuroticism when compared to Northwest, South, and West regions. The results are helpful for healthcare providers who can tailor intervention approaches to specific populations.
Health Personality, Physical and Emotional Well-Being
Authors: Arieli Rotem
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to identify paths from health personality to outcomes of physical and emotional health. Data included 3,907 participants, 65 and older. Latent path models conducted in Mplus resulted in several significant pathways. Health neuroticism, health extraversion, and health openness negatively predicted both outcomes of physical and emotional health significantly. This negative association indicates an inverse relationship, meaning the more worried older adults were about their health, the lower their self-rating of physical and emotional health. Health agreeableness was negatively predictive of physical health, but not emotional health. Health conscientiousness had a significant positive association with both physical and emotional health, indicating that the more conscientious participants were about their health, the better their physical and emotional health. This study’s findings can be translated to targeted intervention programs for emotional and physical health outcomes benefiting older adults.
Understanding Mental Health, Vulnerabilities, and Coping in Older Koreans and Older Korean Americans
Authors: Park Nan Sook , Chiriboga David , Yee Barbara
Published: December 2020

Although significant progress has been made in understanding mental health issues, racial/ethnic minorities are disadvantaged in terms of knowledge, attitude/stigma toward mental illness, and access to treatment. Older Koreans and Korean Americans are high-risk groups with great prevalence of stigma and limited access to mental services. The two groups share similarities as well as differences. For example, Older Korean Americans, a first-generation immigrant group, tend to share traditional values and beliefs with older Koreans. However, differences in social and cultural contexts, availability of social networks and resources, and access to health care systems present unique challenges and strategies. The purpose of this symposium is to enhance the understanding of critical issues in mental health among older Koreans and Korean Americans and identify challenges and strategies to promote mental health and well-being. Five studies conducted in Korea and the US will explore a variety of personal, social, and cultural factors related with mental health, based on quantitative and qualitative approaches. The diverse topics cover the mediating role of self-esteem in the relationship of stigma to emotional well-being, the effect of stress and coping on well-being, loneliness and negative family interactions, the relationship of life stressors and social capital on mental distress among older Korean Americans compared with other older Asian Americans, and community leaders’ attitude toward depression. The issues of vulnerabilities and resources will be discussed from the cultural perspectives as well as implications for future research and practice.
The Relationship Between Experiences of Daily Events and Sleep Duration in Adulthood
Authors: Lee Sun Ah , Joo Susanna , Chai Hye Won , Jun Hey Jung , Almeida David
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to examine how stressors and positive events are related to sleep duration in daily life and whether these associations differed by age. The second wave of National Study of Daily Experiences of Midlife in the United States study was used (N=1,851). Reports of daily events was coded as two categorical variables indicating experiences of concurrent and previous-day daily events: experiencing both stressors and positive events, only stressors, only positive events, and neither (reference). Results from multilevel analysis showed that experiencing an event, either a stressor or a positive event, was associated with shorter amount of sleep the same day compared to a non-event day. In particular, sleep duration was shorter when individuals experienced stressors compared to when they only reported positive events the same day. There were no age differences in these associations. Findings suggest that stressors exert a stronger influence on daily sleep than positive events.
When Stress Gets on Your Nerves: Associations Among Stress Severity, Sleep, and Headache in Daily Life
Authors: Joo Susanna , Lee Sun Ah , Chai Hye Won , Jun Hey Jung , Almeida David
Published: December 2020

The present study aims to examine whether duration of sleep moderates the relationship between daily stressor severity and headache severity and test age differences in these associations. We used the second wave of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study and its subproject, the National Study of Daily Experiences (N=1,590). Stress severity was measured based on the respondents’ perception of reported stressors, and headache severity was indicative of subjective rating of the symptom. Multilevel analysis results showed significant interaction effects between concurrent-day stressor severity and duration of sleep. Specifically, stressor severity was associated with more severe headache when people slept for shorter amount of time the same day. There were no differences by age in these associations. These results suggest that shorter-than-usual sleep may aggravate the intensity of headache on stressful days in daily life.
Classification of Mental Health among Korean Vietnam War Veterans: A Latent Profile Analysis
Authors: Lee Hyunyup , Aldwin Carolyn , Kang Sungrok , Ku Xyle
Published: December 2020

We investigated the dimensional structure of mental health among aging Korean Veterans using latent profile analysis (LPA) on posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSD), late onset stress symptomology (LOSS), and psychosocial well-being (PWB). The Korean Vietnam War Veterans Study consists of 367 men (Mage=72, SD=2.66). LPA identified five classes of mental health as best fitting the data. Most men were in the normal (38%) and moderate distress (31%) groups, while smaller proportions were in the low affect (13%) and severe distress (7%) groups. The resilient group (12%) had low PTSD, medium LOSS, and high PWB, and were highest on optimism, positive appraisals of military service, and social support. Negative and positive aspects of mental health outcomes were on separate dimensions rather than on a single bipolar dimension. Service providers should attempt to both reduce Veterans’ negative psychological symptoms and increase psychosocial well-being. Part of a symposium sponsored by the Aging Veterans: Effects of Military Service across the Life Course Interest Group.
Inequalities in Trends in Healthy and Disability-Free Life Expectancies: A Systematic Review
Authors: Spiers Gemma , Beyer Fiona , Craig Dawn , Hanratty Barbara , Jagger Carol
Published: December 2020

To update previous reviews, we searched Medline, Embase, Scopus and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) website for studies and reports published after 2016 that describe trends in healthy life expectancy, active life expectancy or disability-free life expectancy (DFLE) in the UK and other OECD high-income countries. We focus here on studies reporting inequalities by socioeconomic position (SEP) in these trends. There was mixed evidence of educational and area-level deprivation inequalities in trends in DFLE, with four studies indicating that educational inequalities were widening in European countries. No studies were identified that examined inequalities in disability-free life expectancy trends in the UK. All studies were based on cross-sectional data from multiple time points or longitudinal panel studies. We discuss the size of inequalities in DFLE between SEP groups and the limitations of previous studies.
Identifying Gaps in Knowledge and Barriers to Utilization of Hospice and End-of-Life Care Services
Authors: Kaye Lenard , Silver Nicholas , Hutchison Carli , Wihry David
Published: December 2020

Hospice and end-of-life (HEOL) services have traditionally been underutilized, especially in rural areas. A community assessment, performed in eastern Maine, sheds light on the extent to which public and health care professional attitudes and knowledge explain HEOL service access and utilization levels. Structured surveys were distributed in the fall of 2019 targeting community residents (18 years and older) and hospice/health care professionals. Residents (n=213) displayed significant levels of ignorance concerning the purpose and availability of HEOL services. Although a range of HEOL services were rated as highly important, residents were unable to confirm their actual availability. Overall, one in every two residents did not know if particular HEOL services existed locally (ranging from a low of 27% that were unsure whether grief support services were available to 67% unaware of the presence of a community hospice house). Hospice/health professionals (n=22) were aligned in their belief that the public did not have a clear understanding of the intent of HEOL services. Interestingly, community residents lacked equivalent measures of confidence in the HEOL knowledge levels of health care professionals. Significant barriers to the timely utilization of HEOL services included: stigma/fear, lack of education as to the purpose of these services, financial barriers to access, and scarcity of selected HEOL services. For both respondent groups, the top ranking suggestions for increasing HEOL services utilization were earlier discussions between providers and patients concerning the need for such services and increased public and professional education around death and dying.
Creative Aging Collaborations: New Directions in Solving Critical Societal Aging and Health Problems
Authors: Dunlap Jamie , Horner Steven , Richmond-Cullen Catherine
Published: December 2020

From the grassroots development of creative aging research to broad base community collaborations that address the issues of today and tomorrow, this presentation will illustrate how state departments of aging and state arts agencies can combine to partnership with research universities to demonstrate the efficacy of the arts to mediate problems of loneliness, isolation and caregiver stress. This case study will show how resources can be expanded and effective practices established through community based research to find ways to build healthy and engaging communities that serve to break down the barriers of isolation and promote social networks.
Underrepresentation of Adults and Older Adults With Disabilities in Behavioral Clinical Trials: A Scoping Review
Authors: Stark Susan , Keglovits Marian , Tello Sandra Espín
Published: December 2020

A lack of evidence-based interventions for people aging with long-term physical disabilities exists. To examine the exclusion of people with disabilities in behavioral clinical trials, a scoping review was conducted. ClinicalTrials.gov was searched for interventional behavioral studies from the United States completed from 2008–2018, with results focused on adults (18–64) and older adults (65+). In total, 158 clinical trials were included. In 129 articles, health conditions were excluded 697 times. Seventy-one clinical trials excluded at least one health condition with strong justification, 11 with poor justification, and 115 without justification. There is strong evidence that people with disabilities are excluded from behavioral clinical trials, often without justification. To help close this gap, our presentation will discuss how translational research strategies, focused on adapting existing EB behavioral trials, can be used to increase the availability of interventions that address the needs of individuals aging with and into long-term disabilities. Part of a symposium sponsored by the Lifelong Disabilities Interest Group.
Leveraging Opportunities to Advance the Potential of Technology to Support Independence and Aging in Place
Authors: Mitzner Tracy
Published: December 2020

Technology holds great potential to support those aging with and into disability. Research and development efforts in the aging space (aging into disability) have traditionally focused on improving health conditions, whereas those in the disability space (aging with disability) have primarily focused on supporting activity and participation. Bridging these perspectives and approaches adds rich context to guide the development and evaluation of technology interventions. Examples of technology interventions that support activity and participation and thereby improve health outcomes for adults aging with mobility disabilities show the need for bridging. The Telewellness research study used videoconferencing to deliver an evidence-based tai chi intervention to small groups. The Digital Assistant study explored the potential of the Amazon Echo to support controlling the home environment, engaging in physical activity, interacting with others, and managing health. Both projects offer credence to the value of supporting adults aging-in-place with wide range of capabilities and limitations. Part of a symposium sponsored by the Lifelong Disabilities Interest Group.
Laughter and Short-Term Blood Pressure Reactivity in Spousal Support Interactions
Authors: Monin Joan , Tomlinson Jennifer , Feeney Brooke
Published: December 2020

Individual effects of laughter in reducing stress are well-documented. However, no research has examined dyadic associations between laughter and blood pressure in spousal support interactions. This study examined the hypotheses that individual and shared laughter would be associated with lower blood pressure and distress during a support interaction for both the “support-seeker” and the “support-provider”. Two hundred and seventy-one older adult couples were video-recorded and their blood pressure was monitored during a baseline, a discussion about the support-seeker’s greatest fear related to aging, and while playing a game in the laboratory. Both spouses reported their distress after the support interaction. Laughter was coded by trained observers. According to the Actor Partner Interdependence Models, the more the support-seeker laughed, the lower the support-provider’s systolic blood pressure was during the support interaction (partner effect). Also, laughter was associated with less distress for both spouses during the support interaction (actor effects). Part of a symposium sponsored by Dyadic Research on Health and Illness Across the Adult Lifespan Interest Group.
Cancer Survivor Perspectives on Text Messages in a Technology-Based Physical Activity Intervention
Authors: Gell Nancy , Vatovec Christine
Published: December 2020

Messaging through mobile apps and texts are a common feature of technology-based physical activity interventions. We aimed to examine perspectives of mid-life and older cancer survivors on message content, timing, and two-way communication. We conducted qualitative interviews with 14 participants (Mean 59.9 years, Range 52-79) who completed a remotely delivered intervention that included text messages to support physical activity. After transcription, the interviews were coded and analyzed thematically using inductive, directed content analysis. Themes related to content preferences included personalization, accountability, perspective on the ‘bigger picture,’ and acknowledgement of PA-related achievements. Random timing for receipt was considered acceptable whereas interest in responding to messages was highly variable. Older cancer survivors’ preferences for highly personalized messages are an important consideration in designing technology-based physical activity interventions. A combination of accountability, relation to personal factors, and acknowledgement of goal attainment need to be considered in efforts to scale interventions. Part of a symposium sponsored by the Cancer and Aging Interest Group.
An Introduction to the Adherence Promotion With Person-Centered Technology Project
Authors: Dieciuc Michael , Carr Dawn , He Zhe , Chakraborty Shayok , Charness Neil , Lustria Mia , Singh Ankita , Boot Walter
Published: December 2020

The massive potential of cognitive training and longitudinal cognitive assessment to detect and prevent age-related cognitive decline and dementia will not be realized unless individuals are willing and able to engage with these protocols for an extended period of time. Unfortunately, similar to other health behaviors, adherence to home-based assessment and training is frequently poor. Addressing the gap between potential and realized benefits is an urgent goal as the population ages. APPT investigates these and related issues within samples of older adults with and without cognitive impairment. Ultimately, two randomized controlled trials will test whether an adaptive, tailored, and integrated technology-based adherence support system can boost adherence, with the ultimate goal being the early detection and treatment of age-related cognitive decline and dementia. Initial algorithm development and application to existing datasets will be presented that will inform the design of a smart reminder system that will later be assessed.
Gerontology at the Intersection of Religion and Families: Honoring the Legacy of Vern Bengtson
Authors: Bishop Alex , Silverstein Merril , Ardelt Monika
Published: December 2020

The topic of religion and spirituality in later life has received intermittent but regular attention in the field of social and behavioral gerontology over the past few decades. To the extent that religion and spirituality have been linked to better health, improved well-being, and harmonious family functioning has renewed interest in this area of scholarly inquiry. Along with these positive outcomes, religion has also been examined as the basis for family conflict, as well in terms of its inverse in the transmission of secularity across generations. This symposium will communicate empirical results, theoretical insights, and conceptual developments inspired by the career contributions of Dr. Vern Bengtson, whose landmark studies have enriched the field of gerontology in the areas of intergenerational solidarity, spirituality in later life, the transmission of religion across generations, and life-course approaches to the study of family relationships. Five eminent scholars whose work touches on these areas will be represented in this symposium. The paper by Linda George compares intergenerational religious socialization and moral development. The paper by Robert Taylor and Linda Chatters examines the role of supportive church and family networks among older African-Americans. The paper by Ellen Idler addresses aging and religious in a context of secularization. The paper by Andy Achenbaum considers spiritual dimensions of friendship and meanings of aging. The paper by Merril Silverstein integrates intergenerational and temporal continuity in religious practice and identity. The discussant Monika Ardelt has contributed important scholarly work in the areas of religion, spirituality, and wisdom in later life. Religion, Spirituality and Aging Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.
Individual Differences in Caregiving: Application of a Stress Process Model
Authors: Haley William , Elayoubi Joanne
Published: December 2020

Stress process models propose individual differences in caregiver outcomes depending on background characteristics and primary caregiving stressors, and resilience factors including stress appraisals, and internal and external resources. This paper will examine individual differences in the effects of the transition to caregiving on indicators of well-being and biomarkers of inflammation. Completed analyses show that, contrary to previous findings from cross-sectional studies, changes in well-being after caregiving generally do not differ by caregiver race, gender, age, or relationship category (spouse, adult child, others). Additional analyses examine the relationship of primary caregiving stressors (e.g. ADL and behavioral problems), stress appraisals (e.g., perceived stressfulness of ADL and IADL problems, perceived benefits of caregiving), and personality with changes in well-being and inflammation after the transition to caregiving. The lack of differences on most biomarker measures suggests that caregivers show substantial resilience in the face of significant, chronic caregiving stress.
Using Video Telehealth to Support Family Caregivers of People With Dementia
Authors: Sussman Joleen , Moo Lauren , Karel Michele
Published: December 2020

In 2030, predictions indicate that dementia will affect 75 million people worldwide and increase to 132 million by 2050. Persons’ with dementia (PWD) associated behavioral changes are highly correlated with caregiver burden. Caregivers of PWD commonly report concerns regarding personal and home safety, meaningful activities, advance care planning, and evaluation and diagnosis of dementia of the PWD. Further, caregivers’ emotional response to PWD challenging behavior has greater influence than the actual behavior on decisions to place PWD in a nursing home. Caregiver intervention reduces behavioral and psychological symptoms in the PWD, the caregiver’s emotional distress from these symptoms, and cost to healthcare systems. Yet, one in four dementia caregivers are not receiving dementia support services. Difficulty attending in person clinic-based appointments may be one barrier to caregivers engaging in treatment. This symposium highlights telehealth approaches, by various disciplines (Geriatrician, Neurologist, Geriatric Psychiatric, Geropsychologist, and Occupational Therapist), across urban and rural settings to address caregiver needs and improved access to care. The first presentation will focus on education of rural caregivers of PWD and increased connection to services (Sussman et al). The second presentation will focus on Video to home dementia visits for caregivers (Gately & Moo). The third study will focus on rural tele dementia caregiver support groups and effects on caregiver burden (Rossi et al). The final study will describe co-occurring caregiver and PWD telehealth groups (Thielke & Fredrickson).
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Risk and Protective Factors of Dementia and CIND in the United States
Authors: Ferdows Nasim , Aranda Maria
Published: December 2020

Recent population-based studies have shown declines in dementia prevalence in high-income countries, suggesting that improved population cardiovascular health and rising levels of education in the past 25 year were associated with reduction of dementia risks. However, in the US, there are variations in educational attainment, prevalence and management of chronic diseases, and behaviors associated with poor cardiovascular health among racial and ethnic groups. We performed a retrospective analysis of 3,495 older individuals (65+) in 2016 who participated in Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP) subsample of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), to examine racial/ethnic differences in risk and protective factors associated with dementia and cognitive impairment. Linking HCAP to HRS, we traced individuals back to 2000 and created a longitudinal data of HCAP population (2000-2016). We found that racial/ethnic differences in risk and in protective factors throughout the life-course were associated with racial and ethnic disparities in dementia prevalence.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in High-Quality Home Health Use Among Persons With Dementia
Authors: Fashaw Shekinah , Thomas Kali
Published: December 2020

Prior research suggests minorities and racially-diverse neighborhoods have decreased access to high-quality hospitals, physicians, and nursing homes. It is not clear how this varies for persons with dementia (PWD) and home health agencies (HHAs). With the Medicare enrollment file, linked to the home health OASIS, the American Community Survey, and Home Health Compare, we examine the influence of individual’s race/ethnicity, as well as the racial/ethnic composition of neighborhoods, on the likelihood of high quality HHA use among PWD in 2016. Minority PWD receiving home health are significantly less likely to use high-quality HHAs than their white counterparts (33% vs 39%, respectively). PWD using HHA in predominantly minority neighborhoods are less likely to use high-quality HHAs compared to PWD in predominantly white neighborhoods (31% vs 40%, respectively). This study is the first to examine racial disparities in the use of HH for PWD. Policy and practice implications will be discussed.
Facing Fear Through Making Connections as We Age
Authors: Knight Becky , Noah Amanda , Bowland Sharon
Published: December 2020

Older residents often experience disruption in family relationships and social networks due to isolation once they move into public housing communities. While the need for social contact continues, the opportunity may diminish. Older African-American women living in one housing community attempted to cope with their personal safety fears through social isolation (Bowland, 2015). Women in the study (N = 25) were survivors of one or more forms of interpersonal trauma, including childhood abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence. In contrast, a few women in the same sample spontaneously formed social networks within the community. This qualitative investigation will examine how the women adapted to an isolating and unsafe environment by developing social connections. As a social determinant of health, developing healthy social networks inside a housing community can reduce fear and improve well-being and quality of life for low-income older residents who are aging-in-place.
Could Practices of Remembrance Reduce Social Isolation in Late Life? Ethnographic Evidence From Poland and Detroit
Authors: Robbins Jessica
Published: December 2020

Because social isolation can have negative effects on older adults’ wellbeing, programs that reduce social isolation have potential to improve older adults’ wellbeing. One presumed aspect of these programs’ significance is the social connection occurring through the programs themselves. However, drawing on ethnographic data collected in Poland and Detroit, this presentation argues that practices of remembrance, in which older adults connect with deceased kin and loved ones, may offer possibilities for reducing social isolation. In Poland, older adults engage in practices of storytelling in which they remember deceased kin and lost homes and homelands. In Detroit, Michigan, older African Americans who garden remember their deceased kin and friends through the practice of gardening itself. This presentation presents a cross-cultural analysis of how older adults’ practices of remembrance may offer opportunities to reduce social isolation—even for older adults who live alone—by connecting to meaningful relations, times, and places.
Examining Meaningful Engagement Among Assisted Living Residents With Dementia
Authors: Kemp Candace , Bender Alexis , Burgess Elisabeth , Ciofi Joy , Epps Fayron , Morgan Jennifer , Perkins Molly
Published: December 2020

Across care setting, lack of meaningful activity is identified by persons living with dementia and their care partners as a persistent and significant unmet care need. Here, we examine the opportunities for and experiences with meaningful engagement among assisted living residents with dementia using data from our 5-year NIA-funded qualitative study (R01AG062310). Guided by grounded theory method, the study involves in-depth interviews, participant observation, and resident record review collected over a one-year period in four diverse assisted living communities. Analysis of these data shows a range of engagement opportunities and experiences within and across care communities and point to the influence of resident (e.g. cognitive and physical function, interests, relationships), care partner (e.g., dementia knowledge, strategies, availability), and care community (e.g., size, location, resources) factors. We conclude by offering suggestions for policy and practice and for future research aimed at improving the quality of life of persons living with dementia.
Dementia Care Across Long-Term Settings: Similar but Not Equal
Authors: Zimmerman Sheryl , Kistler Christine , Scott Jessica , Ward Kimberly , Zeigler Robin , Sullivan Louise , Tomlinson Sarah
Published: December 2020

Nursing homes and assisted living (AL) communities are similar but not equal, and addressing the needs of residents with dementia differs across settings. It is important to appreciate that both settings are complex adaptive systems; as such, care intended to have widespread impact must be mindful of stakeholders, understand existing practices, and be pragmatic. This session will present an evidence-based program developed in nursing homes – Mouth Care Without a Battle, which teaches staff to provide daily, personalized mouth care to persons with cognitive and physical impairment – and considerations relevant for implementation in AL. Using data from more than 2,000 AL trainees and also AL administrators, supervisors, residents, family members, and trainers, it will situate findings in the context of implementation science and the NIH Stage Model, thereby making them applicable to any dementia care practice regardless its focus and the setting in which it is to be used.
Age Differences in Elder Abuse Harm and Effective Services Offered by Adult Protective Services
Authors: Liu Pi-Ju , Hass Zachary , Conrad Karen , Stratton Sara , Conrad Kendon
Published: December 2020

In this study, abuse, exploitation, and neglect (ANE) harm was measured by type of abuse using standardized items from the Identification, Services, and Outcomes (ISO) Matrix before Adult Protective Services (APS) interventions (pretest) and after APS interventions (posttest). Change scores from 1,472 older adults (average age 78-year-old; 57% female) and 591 younger adults (average age 53-year-old; 46% female) served by APS during the six months showed reduction of harm using posttest minus pretest. Nonetheless, older adult’s financial abuse harm (pretest=2.2, posttest=1.5) was higher than younger adults’ (pretest=1.5, posttest=1.2), while young adults scored higher in harm on all other types of abuse. Effective interventions differ by age group and by type of abuse, and will be discussed in detail. Results demonstrate the importance to consider vulnerable adult’s age and the etiology of abuse before implementing the services needed to effectively address ANE harm.
Understanding Practice Through Research
Authors: Stratton Sara , Liu Pi-Ju (Marian) , Conrad Kendon , Hass Zachary
Published: December 2020

Substantiation of abuse, neglect, and exploitation (ANE) data collected during the Identification, Services, and Outcomes (ISO) Matrix pilot included some outlier scores warranting further investigation. To examine outliers and other unexpected findings in greater detail, we completed case reviews and caseworker interviews to explore why outlier cases did not follow the expected patterns of substantiation decisions. Cases were selected on a random basis from those with self-neglect outlier scores. Several factors were found to have contributed to the extreme scores in all three categories of confirmed, inconclusive, and unfounded abuse. In this study, no valid ISO Matrix scores were found that contradicted the substantiation decision. Instead, analysis revealed that most of the errors occurred: 1) in application of the intended procedures showing need for further training, and 2) some needed changes to the procedures of the ISO Matrix based on feedback from caseworkers.
The Self as Subject and Object: Reflections on Being a Double Agent of Aging
Authors: Clark Phillip
Published: December 2020

Being both a gerontologist and an older adult places one in a double narrative: one is the scientific story and academic life of research and education, the other is the personal experience of living through this phase of life. These two narratives become intertwined in a way that both enriches and poses challenges. This paper explores what being a “double agent of aging” means as an individual and a scholar, and offers some insights for the field of gerontology. These implications include: (1) the growing importance of values and life wisdom, (2) health behavior hypocrisy, and (3) the experience of ageing and marginalization. The implications for the field of gerontology include: (1) valuing the voices of older adults in our research and teaching, (2) being more active in confronting ageism in our own institutions, and (3) acknowledging the limitations of studying aging as a younger adult.
An International Perspective: The Role of Transportation in Supporting Community Mobility Needs of Older Adults
Authors: Dickerson Anne , Vrkljan Brenda
Published: December 2020

This international symposium brings together leading scholars in occupational therapy research whose shared aim is to support community mobility in older adulthood. in this session, five groups of researchers will share their collective and individual research outcomes supporting continued community mobility of older adults, especially when driving is no longer an option. The first presentation will be their collective international, cross sectional study of 247 older adults from seven countries. This study compared community destinations, methods of transportation and factors that influence community mobility. Each presentation that follows will highlight unique studies with the overarching goal of improving mobility options for older adults to “age in place of choice.” Our discussant will summarize the potential for expanding this research by engaging the audience through interactive questions, as to where local and global opportunities for innovations that support community mobility will be raised.
An International Comparison of the Community Mobility Patterns of Older Adults
Authors: Swanepoel Lizette , Gelinas Isabelle , Mazer Barbara
Published: December 2020

Community mobility in older adults is important for maintaining health, quality of life and social participation. Globally, older adults who are non-drivers, access their community through various modes of transport to maintain community mobility. This international cross-sectional cohort study (n=246) explored the mobility patterns of older adults and examined their access to out-of-home activities and health related quality of life in seven countries. Quality of life was determined using EQ-5D-5L and was generally high among all participants. Findings from the study indicate that a complex myriad of factors influence safe transport mobility in older adults. Results suggested that inclement weather and place of residence negatively impacted access to out-of-home activities, yet these factors but did not increase use of public transport. Given the complexity of transportation use and mobility patterns in older adults, an individualised approach may be necessary to keep older adults connected to their out-of-home activities.