bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FACTORS RELATED TO GENERATIVITY OF OLDER READING ALOUD VOLUNTEERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: REPRINTS STUDY
Authors: Takahashi Tomoya , Fujihira Kyoko , Sagara Tomoya , Fujita Koji , Suzuki Hiroyuki , Matsunaga Hiroko , Murayama Hiroshi , Fujiwara Yoshinori
Published: December 2023

Volunteer activities was hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study focused on generativity of older volunteers’ activities during the COVID-19 pandemic and examined the factors associated with one. A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted among 453 older adults belonging to REPRINTS, a volunteer picture book reading organization from October 2021 to January 2022. 404 respondents were obtained, and 277 respondents (mean age: 73.4, SD: 6.1, female: 91.2%) with no missing responses were included in the analysis. Analysis items were Revised Japanese Version of Generativity Scale (JGS-R) composed of 3 factors (generational interest, behavior and achievement), satisfaction and burden of activities, frequency of activities in the last month, Child Image Scale for Older Adults composed of 5 factors (protection, purity, self-centeredness, creativity and self-reliance), a shortened version of the Help Seeking Scale, physical and mental health (subjective health, TMIG-13, J-WHO-5), living conditions, gender, and age. Multiple regression analysis was used with each subscale score in JGS-R as the dependent variable and others as independent variables. The results showed there was a significant association between generational interest and image of creativity, desire for help, mental health, and social roles; between generational behavior and image of purity (-), creativity image, desire for help, resistance to help (-), and social roles; between generational achievement and desire for help, social roles, and gender (male), respectively. In conclusion, physical and mental health, image of the child, and desire for help were associated with older volunteers’ generativity even during the COVID-19 pandemic even during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
HURRICANE KATRINA’S LASTING IMPACT ON YOUNGER AND OLDER ADULTS: THE ROLE OF RELIGIOSITY AND POSTTRAUMATIC GROWTH
Authors: Cherry Katie , Friis Marlene , Bordes Piper , Simon Kennedy
Published: December 2023

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina devastated the U.S. Gulf Coast with catastrophic damage and substantial loss of life. In this study, we examined associations among psychosocial variables and mental health indicators in younger and older adults who lived in south Louisiana in August of 2005 when Katrina made landfall (M age = 51.7 years, SD = 13.03 years, age range: 32 to 78 years). All self-identified as African American / Black women. They were recruited through social media, flyers sent to churches and schools, and word of mouth referrals. On the first day of testing, participants completed sociodemographic, religiosity, and post-traumatic growth surveys and an adapted structured storm questionnaire (Cherry et al., 2011). On the second day of testing one week later, participants responded to open-ended questions on their Katrina experience, and they completed measures of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Correlation analyses revealed that age was inversely related to PTSD symptoms, which is compatible with an inoculation perspective on post-disaster psychological reactions. In addition, post-traumatic growth was positively correlated with religious beliefs and practices and religious coping, and negatively correlated with symptoms of PTSD and depression. Religious beliefs and practices were inversely correlated with PTSD symptoms and depression. Qualitative analyses of participants’ narrative responses indicated that some reflected on scripture and utilized prayer as a way to navigate their new lives in the years after Katrina. Implications of these data for understanding individual and community-level challenges in the years after exposure to devastating severe weather events are considered.
IN-PERSON AND TECHNOLOGY-BASED SOCIAL INTERACTION IN OLDER ADULTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC 2022
Authors: Peszka Jennifer , Goldberg Anne , Gess Peter , Mussallam Noura , Simpson Luke , Spradley Laura
Published: December 2023

Social support is an important factor in the health and well-being of older adults. Early COVID-19 lockdowns disrupted in-person social interactions but presumably increased technology-based social connection. This work examines social interactions during Spring of 2022 in older Arkansans with widely available vaccines and waning lockdowns to investigate current in-person and online social interactions. During Spring 2022, 603 older Arkansans (65+) (86.5% White, non-Hispanic, 65.9% women) completed the 20 question self-report automated survey (text or phone). Results indicated 27.6% continued to curtail in-person interactions significantly; however, 63% engaged in in-person social interactions outside their home more than once a week. Video chatting pre-pandemic was prevalent (40% video chatting multiple times a week); still, 20.6% never did. 22.8% reported increased video chatting during the pandemic, but surprisingly, 37.3% reported a decline. 70% felt socially connected during online interactions. Only 78% reported being satisfied with their social connection compared to 93% pre-pandemic. These findings suggest that while many have re-established in-person social interactions, around one-quarter of participants continue to curtail in-person interaction and report social connection dissatisfaction. Social technology alternatives were increased by about one quarter of participants and were reported to lead to feelings of social connection when used, and yet a decline in this usage was reported across 40% of these participants during the pandemic. These data support access to technology-based social interactions through expansion and improvement of older adult friendly virtual platforms and internet access which could help improve quality and quantity of social connection and reduce social isolation.
ACKNOWLEDGING ILLNESS WHEN LIFE IS “CUT SHORT”: INCREASED COMMUNION IN LEGACIES
Authors: Koch Mary Kate , Maggiore Sophia , Bylund Carma , Bluck Susan
Published: December 2023

Crafting a legacy is meaningful activity in later life (McAdams et al., 1993). Threat of dying affects how individuals frame their life legacy (Hunter, 2007). We argue feeling one’s life is being “cut short” may promote greater communion in legacies. Older individuals with cancer may, however, need to acknowledge their illness to create a communion-focused legacy. To assess being ‘cut short, we calculated expected years of life lost (EYLL): difference between participant age and average U.S. life expectancy for men and women (NCHS, 2022). EYLL and self-reported Acknowledgement of Illness were used to predict extent of communion shared in personal legacies. Participants were 204 older adults with cancer receiving outpatient palliative care (M=65.78 years, Range= 55-88 years, 65.69% women) who narrated their legacy during Dignity Therapy (Chochinov, 2005). Narratives were audio-recorded, transcribed and reliably (κ=.71–1) content-analyzed for communion themes (McAdams, 2001). Hierarchical regression analyses (adjusted for gender and cancer stage) examined EYLL, Illness Acknowledgement and their interaction. Interaction between EYLL and illness acknowledgment showed participants with more expected years to lose narrated more total communion but this was particularly true for those acknowledging they were terminally ill, F(7, 173)=2.42, p=.02. Overall, older adults with cancer appear to value communion as an important aspect of legacy. Note, however, that individuals whose life is ‘cut short’ were especially likely to weave communion into their legacy. This may indicate a need to cement their legacy during DT, given they have had less time to do so in daily life or formal documents.
GENERATIVITY, COGNITIVE REAPPRAISAL, AND OPTIMIZING SELF-ACCEPTANCE ACROSS MID LIFE AND OLD AGE
Authors: Nichols Madeline , Geldhof John , Stawski Robert
Published: December 2023

Midlife is an opportune time during which individuals can establish patterns of behavior (e.g., generativity) and self-regulatory processes (e.g., emotion regulation) that will optimize their psychological wellbeing and aging. We sought to test whether: 1.) generativity is directly associated with better self-acceptance, 2.) the effect of generativity is indirect and mediated by emotion regulation (i.e., cognitive reappraisal), and 3.) age moderates associations among generativity, cognitive reappraisal, and self-acceptance. Using data from the second and third waves of the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study (N=935, Mage=54.36, SD=11.05, Range = 34-83, 55.08% Female), results revealed that cognitive reappraisal (β= 0.07, p< .01) and older age (β= 0.06, p= .02) were associated with higher self-acceptance; however, generativity was not, and age did not predict generativity nor cognitive reappraisal. Generativity was associated with more frequent use of cognitive reappraisal (β= 0.16, p< .001), with cognitive reappraisal then significantly mediating the association between generativity and self-acceptance (Natural Indirect Effect= 0.02, SE= .01, p= .02). Age significantly interacted with generativity when predicting self-acceptance (β= 0.39, p= .02), such that the effect of generativity increased with age. These findings are important for reframing midlife as a critical developmental stage during which individuals can engage in behaviors and self-regulatory processes that optimize their self-acceptance throughout the aging process. As age did not moderate most associations, interventions could target generativity to promote effective emotion regulation and cognitive reappraisal to enhance self-acceptance across adulthood and into later life given its positive implications for wellbeing, health, and longevity.
THE ASSOCIATIONS OF OPIOID USE IN GUN-RELATED FATALITIES AMONG OLDER DECEDENTS IN FLORIDA
Authors: Suriaga Armiel , Tappen Ruth , Newman David
Published: December 2023

In 2020, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported the highest firearm deaths in the U.S. at 45, 222. Homicides and suicides accounted for most fatalities. However, the role of opioids in firearm-related deaths (FRD) among older adults was less explored. Our study aimed to investigate the associations between opioid use and FRD among people >65 years with opioids detected in their system at time of death. We used descriptive statistics to describe decedents’ characteristics using the 2021 Florida Department of Law Enforcement de-identified data. We used Pearson’s chi-square and logistic regression to examine the associations of opioids to FRD. All data were analyzed using Stata 17. A total of 1982 older decedents were included in the analysis. Age ranged from 65-100 years, mean 72.97 (SD=7.331). Three hundred thirty of 1982 deaths (16.65%) were gun-related; 121 of 330 (14.79%) had opioid involvement. More males (n=274) (83.03%) died than females; 316 (95.76%) were non-Hispanic whites, followed by black (n=10, 3.03%). Suicides accounted for most FRDs (n=330, or 90.91%), and homicide second (n=28 or 7.88%). The association between opioid use to FRD was statistically significant (p<.001). The odds of dying from FRD among older adults with any opioid use increased by .57 compared to those who never used any opioid, controlling for opioids combined with other substances, age, gender, and population density, OR=.57 (95% CI .41-.79). Our results have safety clinical implications as more older adults use opioids, e.g. for chronic pain, which calls for tailored interventions to protect older population.
AN EXAMINATION OF GENDER DIFFERENCES IN THE PERCEPTION OF ELDERSPEAK
Authors: Teply Abby , Schultz Hanna , Buchanan Jeffrey
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to examine how gender impacts perceptions of elderspeak. Participants (n = 81; ages 65-93) were presented with one of two vignettes set in an assisted living facility to simulate the experience of being a recipient of elderspeak. The vignettes were identical except that the gender of the nursing assistant (NA) differed across vignettes. After reading the vignette, participants were asked to rate their emotional reactions using an adapted version of the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (Watson et al., 1988) and rate their perceptions of the NA using the Emotional Tone Rating Scale (Williams et al., 2012). Because the goal of the study was to determine possible interactions between the gender of participants and the gender of the NA in the vignette, a two-way MANOVA was utilized. Results indicated a difference in positive and negative affect scores across vignette conditions. Specifically, there was evidence that participants reported lower positive affect and greater negative affect when elderspeak was used by a male NA compared to a female NA. Results suggest that both older men and women perceive elderspeak more negatively when it is used by a male compared to a female. However, elderspeak is not received well, regardless of who uses it, suggesting a need for a nursing assistant training curriculum focused on person-centered communication. Future research should include a more diverse sample in terms of ethnic identity, cultural background, sexual orientation, and gender identity to determine whether these results generalize to a larger population of older adults.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ANXIETY ABOUT AGING AND AGEISM TOWARD OLDER ADULTS AMONG KOREAN DENTAL HYGIENE WORKFORCE
Authors: Kwon Jenny , Hughes Michael , Vo Anh
Published: December 2023

Ageism toward older people is prevalent in Korean healthcare settings, where older adults are likely to encounter other age groups of people. However, not many studies took close attention to ageism in the dental hygiene field. Considering the increase in dental care demand among the older population, this study aims to investigate the level of ageism and the factors associated with ageism among Korean dental hygiene undergraduates and dental hygienists. Based on the convenience sampling strategy, a total of 146 online surveys were collected from July to September 2022 in Seoul and Daejeon, Korea. Aging anxiety, ageist attitude, intergenerational contact measures, demographic characteristics, and geriatric-related experiences of participants were asked. Higher scores indicate lower aging anxiety and higher ageism. The mean (±SD) age of participants was 24 (±6.05) years. The mean score of aging anxiety was 2.97 (±.52) out of 5 and the mean score of ageism was 2.10 (±.31) out of 7. In the multiple regression model, aging anxiety is significantly associated with ageism (β = −0.257, p < 0.001). Participants feeling more anxious about aging have a more ageist attitude toward older people. The results suggest that well-designed gerontological education and intergenerational programs are necessary. In the short term, these efforts will decrease the fear of aging among dental hygiene field workers. In the long term, these will help them have the right understanding of aging and a positive attitude toward older people which can affect the quality of dental care service.
CHALLENGING AGEISM IN PSYCHOLOGY EDUCATION: THE ROLE OF GEROPSYCHOLOGY COURSES AMONG PSYCHOLOGY STUDENTS
Authors: Kleissner Verena , Kuball Tim , Jahn Georg
Published: December 2023

Ageism includes negative attitudes, stereotyping, and discriminatory behavior toward older adults and is associated with negative consequences for health and well-being of the growing older population. In addition, ageism affects structural health care including psychological treatment of older individuals. Since educational interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing ageist prejudice and improving knowledge about older people, courses in gerontology taught as part of the psychology curriculum might help future psychologists to be better equipped to challenge ageism and to provide more effective and compassionate care to older adults. In the present study, we compared psychology students (n = 50) that chose courses in applied geropsychology with students of other specialization of choice (n = 26) on multiple scales including affective (attitudes), cognitive (stereotypes) and behavioral (discrimination) dimensions. Questionnaires were completed at the beginning and the end of one semester to conduct a within pre- and post-treatment assessment and analysis with a comparison group. Results showed that geropsychology students improved in self-reported knowledge about aging and older adults (d = 0.71). However, other tests did not show a statistically reliable improvement on the three assessed ageism dimensions within one semester. Findings implicate that gained knowledge about aging does not necessarily lower prejudice. In our discussion we highlight possible interventions targeting psychology students and reflect on methods to assess attitudes, stereotypes, and behavioral aspects of ageism in participants with high education level.
EVALUATION OF A PROVIDER-DRIVEN STRATEGY TO ENSURE AGE-FRIENDLY CARE
Authors: AlDossary Heba , Bender Anna , Pohnert Anne , Dolansky Mary
Published: December 2023

Implementation of evidence-based care requires innovation. The Age-Friendly Health Systems Questionnaire (AFHS-Q) is an example of a front-line innovation that increases efficiency of implementation by having the patient complete eight 4Ms questions while waiting for their visit. We evaluated the usability, acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of the AFHS-Q by surveying nurse practitioners (NPs) across a retail clinic system and found that the innovative practice-based tool was effective and feasible. The AFHS-Q kit was sent to over 1,100 retail clinic sites and an online survey was sent four weeks later to the 3,300 NPs at these sites to measure their experiences. NPs (N = 100) completed the survey and reported overall positive feedback (scale range 1-5) about the AFHS-Q relating to comfort of use (M = 4.18, SD = .99), usefulness (M = 3.97, SD = 1.10), acceptability (M = 4.12, SD = .83), and effort for use (M = 2.75, SD = 1.17). NP’s confidence in completing the 4Ms (before AFHS-Q: M = 3.92, SD = 1.90; after AFHS-Q: M = 4.18, SD = .97) and documenting the 4Ms (before AFHS-Q: M = 3.84, SD = .99; after AFHS-Q: M = 4.17, SD = .91) was significantly higher following AFHS-Q use (completion: t = 3.58, p < .001; documentation: t = 4.33, p < .001). NPs reported a significant reduction in time for visits after using the AFHS-Q. Participants also provided open ended feedback indicating the AFHS-Q was overall easy to use as well as highlighting areas for other improvement.
SELF-PERCEPTIONS OF AGING AS A PSYCHOLOGICAL RESOURCE FOR ENRICHMENT SEEKING
Authors: Washington Faith-Christina , Mejia Shannon , Wen Wan , Chin Jessie
Published: December 2023

In older adulthood, positive perceptions of one’s own aging can facilitate enrichment seeking–the underlying motivation to seek out new experiences and perform intellectually challenging activities–by diminishing and buffering reactions to perceived threats to one’s sense of self and perceived capabilities. In this study, we examined the extent to which self-perceptions of aging were associated with cognitive performance and affective experience while completing a series of challenging foraging tasks in the form of word puzzle games within the presence and absence of resources in the environment, such as a fireplace or an observing neurologist. The study employed a 2x2 within-person design (fireplace on vs. not; neurologist present vs. not) and took place within the home office of a home simulation environment. In each of the four conditions, 61 participants (age 50-82, 57% female) played the foraging task and then endorsed adjectives representing their feelings while playing that game. Multilevel models, which nested study stages within participants, showed individuals with higher self-perceptions of aging benefited significantly from both environmental manipulations, with the fireplace acting as environmental support and the observing neurologist raising the stakes of the task. However, despite providing additional motivation and being associated with stronger cognitive performance, the neurologist’s presence also provoked a higher negative affect response. The relationship between self-perceptions of aging and receptiveness to environmental resources merits further investigation to assess how certain environmental resources might act as a moderator of both cognition and affect.
BREAST CANCER SCREENING AMONG OLDER NON-HISPANIC CARIBBEAN BLACK WOMEN IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Narine Donnette , Yamashita Takashi
Published: December 2023

Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of the second leading cause of death—cancer, which impacts racial and ethnic groups differently. The mortality rate of breast cancer among Black women is 40% higher than that of non-Hispanic White women. Early detection is critical for improving survival rates and reducing health disparities by race and ethnicity over the life course. However, the heterogeneity (i.e., within-group differences) among Black women in the United States is often overlooked, and relatively little is known about specific sub-populations of Black women and breast cancer screening. Of those sub-populations, Afro-Caribbean women in the United States tend to have different demographic and cultural backgrounds (e.g., a higher % of immigrants), for example, from African/African American women. Thus, this study examined factors associated with breast cancer screening among non-Hispanic Caribbean Black women. Using seven waves (2011-2017) of the National Health Interview Surveys data, we analyzed a sample of non-Hispanic Caribbean Black women living in the United States (age 40-75 years; n = 552). The results of the binary logistic regression indicated that the years in the United States were positively associated with breast cancer screening in the past 12 months among non-Hispanic Caribbean Black women (odds-ratio = 1.39, standard-error = 0.15, p < 0.05), after adjusting for the selected covariates. However, age was not associated with breast cancer screening behaviors. Our findings support breast cancer prevention efforts specifically targeting middle-aged and older non-Hispanic Caribbean Black women who have newly immigrated to the United States.
PERSONALITY FACTORS AND ELEVATED DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AMONG MEXICAN ADULTS AGED 50 AND OLDER WITH PAIN
Authors: Navid Sarah , Gutierrez Sirena , Saenz Joseph , Antonietti Michael , Milani Sadaf
Published: December 2023

Older adults with pain are at risk for developing elevated depressive symptoms. Personality factors, including internal locus of control (LOC) and conscientiousness, have been associated with fewer depressive symptoms in older adults. Our objective was to examine LOC and conscientiousness as potential buffers of depressive symptoms among Mexican adults aged 50 and older with pain. We used data from the Mexican Health and Aging Study (2015-2018). We included participants who reported frequent pain at both waves (n=2,211). LOC and conscientiousness were measured continuously, with higher values indicating a more internal LOC or conscientious personality. We incorporated depressive symptoms from both waves to create a 4-level depressive symptoms variable: stable low/ no depression (< 5/< 5), recently remitted (5+/< 5), recent onset (< 5/5+), and stable high (5+/5+). We used multinomial logistic regression models to assess the association between personality and depressive symptoms, adjusting for sociodemographic variables. At baseline, participants (73.2% women) were on average 67.6 years old. A more internal LOC was associated with a lower risk of stable high depressive symptoms compared to those with stable low/no depression symptoms [Relative Risk Ratio: 0.82, 95% confidence interval: 0.72, 0.92). Both personality factors were not associated with recently remitted or recent onset depressive symptoms. In a sample of older adults with pain, those with a more internal LOC had decreased risk of experiencing stable high depressive symptoms. Internal LOC may alter the perception of pain. Interventions on orienting individuals to a higher internal LOC may be helpful in pain management by mitigating comorbid depressive symptoms.
ACTIVE USE OF ONLINE COMMUNITY REDUCES LONELINESS AMONG OLDER ADULTS THROUGH WEAK TIES FORMATION
Authors: Kim Nahyun , Katagiri Keiko
Published: December 2023

Online communities could aid older adults in expanding their social connections and developing weak ties, which may help alleviate their loneliness. However, research investigating the impact of online community participation on the formation of weak ties among older adults remains lacking. This study aimed to investigate 1) the relationship between active use of an online community designed for older adults and the formation of weak ties within the platform, and 2) the potential for these weak ties to alleviate loneliness among members. The online community platform for older adults allowed users to post diary entries and photos, join interest-based communities, and organize virtual and in-person events. An online survey was conducted among members aged 60 to 79 years (N=862). The survey measured active use, weak ties (measured by the number of mutual followers), and loneliness. Path analysis showed that active engagement in the online community was positively associated with the formation of weak ties, which, in turn, were negatively associated with loneliness. Thus, older adults who frequently posted own content and participated in community activities were more likely to form many weak ties in the platform, and these weak ties may help reduce their loneliness. However, this study only examined online community use, meaning that further research is needed to explore the relationship between general social networking services use and weak ties, as well as examine the context of the passive use of these services.
EFFECTIVENESS OF TELEDELIVERED BEHAVIORAL ACTIVATION AND MINDFULNESS INTERVENTIONS IN REDUCING LONELINESS
Authors: Jiang Da , Yeung Dannii , Choi Namkee , Ho Rainbow Tin Hung , Kwok Jojo Yan Yan , Song Youqiang , Warner Lisa M , Chou Kee Lee
Published: December 2023

Loneliness is one of the most prevalent mental health problems in older adults, especially among those who live alone and are digitally excluded. The phenomenon has become more conspicuous during the COVID-19 pandemic because of the constraints on physical contact and travel. In this three-armed randomized controlled trial, we examined the effectiveness of two telephone-delivered loneliness interventions (i.e., behavioral activation [Tele-BA], mindfulness [Tele-MF]) against a telephone-delivered active control group (i.e., befriending [Tele-BF]) in reducing loneliness, based on the behavioral theory of depression and monitor acceptance theory. We trained retirees as lay counselors to deliver the interventions to enhance the scalability and sustainability of the interventions. Older adults who lived alone and under the poverty line in Hong Kong, did not have Internet at home, and felt lonely were randomly assigned to one of the three groups (N = 1045, Mage = 76.59, SDage = 7.83, 78% female). Participants in each group received two 30-minute weekly intervention sessions for four weeks. They completed assessments at the baseline (T1), four weeks (T2) and six months (T3) following the intervention, respectively. Compared with their counterparts in the Tele-BF group, participants in the Tele-BA and Tele-MF groups reported lower levels of loneliness and perceived stress and higher levels of psychological well-being and perceived social support at T2 and T3. These findings provide scientific understandings on the effectiveness of Tele-BA and Tele-MF interventions for reducing loneliness among older adults in Hong Kong, and demonstrate the feasibility of conducting lay counselor-delivered telephone-based interventions for older adults.
FEELING YOU BELONG: THE EFFECTS OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ON WELL-BEING IN LATER LIFE
Authors: Briggs Emily , Smith Jacqui
Published: December 2023

The area where someone lives is an important, yet neglected, contextual factor for the health of older adults. Previous literature suggests that an individual may develop an attachment to their neighborhood through a feeling of “rootedness,” which may contribute to feelings of belonging (Connerly & Marans, 1985). This sense of belonging is an essential component of harmonious communities with actively engaged residents. Together, feeling that you belong (perceived social cohesion) and active engagement in a community may be related to a higher overall sense of subjective well-being. Perceived social cohesion within a neighborhood also influences an individual’s level of community engagement. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), this study investigates the impact of perceived social cohesion and community engagement on subjective well-being. The sample (N=5581, Mean Age (SD)= 68.34 (10.35), Range 50-98 years) included participants from the 2018 wave of data collection, who completed the Psychosocial Leave Behind Questionnaire. Multiple regression revealed that community engagement (β=.19, p=<.001) and social cohesion (β =.26, p=<.001) significantly predicted life satisfaction (R2=.096). These relationships remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, and years of education (Adj R2=.111, p<.001). These results suggest a sense of belonging may be more predictive than actual engagement on subjective well-being, this finding also interacts with age. Future work in this area should investigate the other possible influences that impact perceived feelings of belonging.
IMPACT OF DIGITAL AND SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT ON QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG RURAL OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Kim Jeehoon , Hearn Gesine , Hall Anna
Published: December 2023

Objectives

In the current digitalized society, digital and social engagement are important elements in the well-being of older adults. This study examines how different types of digital and social engagement are associated with different aspects of quality of life among rural healthy older adults.

Methods

Older adults without cognitive impairments, residing in the community in Southeast Idaho (n=154) participated in the ‘Aging in Idaho study’ in 2018. Internet use for communication, instrumental purposes, and health information searches were measured. Informal and formal social participation were measured. Five aspects of quality of life (QOL) were measured using the WHOQOL-BREF. Multiple regression analyses were performed.

Results

Well-educated (M=16 years) rural older adults used the Internet for various purposes, actively engaged in social activities, and reported higher level of QOL for overall and life environment (e.g., M=4.6, Range=1-5). Internet use for communication was positively associated with QOL general health (β=.20, P <.05). Online health information search was negatively associated with QOL general health (β= -.42, P <.05). Informal social participation was positively associated with QOL overall (β=.17, P <.05), psychological health (β=.13, P <.05), and life environment (β=.20, P <.05). Formal social participation was positively associated with QOL social relationships (β=.16, P <.05).

Discussion

Digital and social engagement relate in distinct ways with different aspects of QOL. Older adults perceived QOL to be better when they actively adopted digital technology whereas maintaining social engagement well in the community. Promoting digital engagement which enables to facilitate social engagement in later life will be discussed.
RELIGIOSITY/SPIRITUALITY PROMOTES POSITIVE WELL-BEING FOR MIDDLE-AGED ADULTS IN THE CONTEXT OF MONTHLY ADVERSITY
Authors: Dey Nutifafa , Infurna Frank , Grimm Kevin
Published: December 2023

Religiosity/Spirituality (R/S) are long established in aging research to protect against adversity and promote positive development. However, little about this is known regarding whether and which components of R/S (interpersonal and intrapersonal) in the context of longitudinal research in middle-aged adults. Using data from an intensive longitudinal study of 362 middle-aged adults (ages 50–65) assessed monthly over a period of two years, we applied multilevel models to examine whether R/S at the between- and within-person levels are a protective resource against the detrimental effects of monthly adversity on psychological well-being. Reporting more R/S at monthly assessments (within-person) where adversity was reported was associated with reporting fewer depressive symptoms and negative affect, but was not protective for the outcomes of life satisfaction and positive affect. Considered separately, the two domains of R/S protected against adversity’s impact across each of the outcomes. Reporting more between-person levels of intrapersonal R/S (mapping strongly onto spirituality) did not protect against adversity, but instead exacerbated the detrimental effects of adversity on each outcome. The effects observed here imply that on monthly occasions where individuals report more R/S, this will lead to less of a negative impact of monthly adversity on each outcome. Also, at the between-person level, individuals who, on average, report more involvement in R/S will show less detrimental effects of monthly adversity on each outcome; yet this may not be true for intrapersonal R/S. We further elaborate R/S’s protection and offer some explanations for why between-person changes in intrapersonal R/S exacerbates adversity.
REMOTE COMPASSION- AND EMPATHY-BASED INTERVENTION TARGETING LONELINESS AND STRESS IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Patapoff Molly , Jester Dylan , Mausbach Brent , Palmer Barton , Glorioso Danielle
Published: December 2023

Loneliness and chronic stress are prevalent issues for older adults in the United States and have been linked to decrements in mental and physical health. Prior research has suggested that increasing compassion and empathy may reduce loneliness and chronic stress in older individuals. The present study is an efficacy pilot of a remote empathy- and compassion-based intervention targeting loneliness and chronic stress in older adults, consisting of a 6-week control and 6-week intervention period. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to compare changes in ratings and biomarkers over the 12-week period from baseline to completion of the intervention. Bonferroni-adjusted post-hoc analyses were conducted to compare changes during control and intervention periods. The full sample consisted of 43 older adults (Mean Age=76.9 years, SD=7.5), and 12 completed additional biomarker assessments. Over the 12-week period, there were significant decreases in loneliness (p=.001) and perceived stress (p=.03). Post-hoc analyses found that perceived stress significantly decreased during the intervention period (Mdifference=1.59, p=.04), but not the control period. Loneliness significantly decreased during the control period (Mdifference=2.44, p=.003) and stayed lower during the intervention period. Preliminary results revealed reduced inflammation as well as improvements in sleep quality and variability over the 12-week period. These results support the efficacy of a remote empathy- and compassion-based intervention at reducing loneliness and stress in older adults. Further investigation in a larger sample is needed to verify whether changes in biomarkers are clinically meaningful.
SELF-NEGLECT IN OLDER ADULTS: CONVERSATIONS ABOUT SOCIAL CONNECTION, MEANING AND PURPOSE, AND INTERVENTIONS
Authors: Burnett Jason , Hoyumpa Garielle , Kotwal Ashwin , Ayieko Sylvia , Perissinotto Carla
Published: December 2023

Social isolation and loneliness are pervasive health threatening conditions increasing the morbidity and mortality of older adults worldwide. Older adults experiencing self-neglect (SN) represent some of the most isolated and socially disconnected members of our communities living with high morbidity and mortality risks. We know very little about the interplay of SN, social isolation, loneliness, and related factors that could inform scalable social interventions for this population. We completed mixed methods structured conversations with N=10 older adults with Adult Protective Services validated SN, focusing on social isolation, loneliness, meaning and purpose, and intervention approaches. The average age was 77 years, 50% African American, 66% male, 83% lived alone with an average of 4 medical conditions. On standardized assessments, 66% reported high ability to engage in social activities, but all were socially isolated, with limited mobility. Eighty-three percent reported moderate to high loneliness, 50% with generalized anxiety and 17% with depression. Only 33% lacked meaning and purpose in their lives. The conversations suggest higher rates of depression. Loneliness was linked to living in limited life spaces and few meaningful and quality social interactions reflecting loss and personal impairments. Meaning and purpose was maintained through spirituality. All participants were willing to be engaged meaningfully and socially, in the future, by someone new to their life, in-person or via telephone, to increase social connection. These preliminary findings suggest that low-cost social connection interventions are acceptable options for improving the social lives and possibly the health of isolated and lonely older adults experiencing SN.
THE GENERATIONAL COMPARISONS OF SOCIAL NETWORK SITE USE SUBTYPES AND ITS ASSOCIATIONS WITH SELF-ESTEEM
Authors: Choi Bomi , Park Hayoung , Song Si Young , Kang Miseon
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to identify subtypes of Social Network Service (SNS) use that affect self-esteem by applying a person-centered approach. The study also aimed to compare the SNS use subtypes and their associations with self-esteem between young and middle-aged adults in Korea. The sample included 2,572 young adults (18-44 years old) and 1,790 middle-aged adults (45-64 years old) drawn from the Korea Media Panel, a nationally representative dataset. Self-esteem was measured by the sum of ten questions from Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale. Four indicators of SNS use (e.g., “How often do you check other people’s posts (feed)?”) were used to perform a 3-step Latent Profile Analysis, which accounts for classification errors. The results of the Latent Profile Analysis showed 5 and 4 subtypes of SNS use for young and middle-aged adults, respectively, depending on the frequency of active and passive usage. Overlapping subtypes include ‘passive-low’, ‘active-low’, ‘moderate’, and ‘high-active’ users. Young adults had one distinct subtype with a very high frequency of passive usage (checking others’ posts and liking them) but a very low frequency of active usage (sharing content with others). The results also revealed that those with more frequent use in both active and passive use showed the lowest self-esteem in both young and middle-aged groups. This study supports previous findings suggesting that frequent SNS use has negative impacts on self-esteem, even for middle-aged adults. Based on these results, digital literacy programs for middle-aged adults should cover healthy ways to use SNS.
THE IMPACT OF THE PROGRAM OF ALL-INCLUSIVE CARE FOR THE ELDERLY (PACE) CLOSURE ON SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS
Authors: Dabrowski Barbara , Punke Elizabeth , Teply Abby , Richardson Katy , McKibbin Christine , Carrico Catherine
Published: December 2023

Social isolation and loneliness are public health problems seen in late adulthood that are associated with health risks (e.g., premature mortality, depression, and suicidality) and these issues are even more common among older adults with chronic illnesses (Nicholson, 2012). The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) was developed to serve medical and behavioral needs and provide opportunities for social engagement for older adults with chronic illnesses. Budget cuts shut down Wyoming’s PACE program. This study aimed to (1) examine the impact of this closure on social isolation and loneliness, (2) identify how individuals have adapted to the loss of services that address social isolation, and (3) identify needs and preferences for future intervention to address social isolation. A concurrent mixed-methods design was used to examine these aims. Participants (n = 12; M = 74 years old, SD = 9.5) were predominantly White (n = 8, 66%), female (n = 6, 50%), and lived alone (n = 6, 50%). Caregivers of participants (n = 5; M = 63 years old, SD = 11) were predominantly Hispanic, Latino, or of Spanish origin (n = 3, 60%), female (n = 4, 80%), and lived with a partner (n = 4, 80%). Four central themes emerged: social isolation, emotional concerns, transportation loss, and care loss. Data showed decreases in social support and increases in loneliness. Results suggest programs like PACE greatly benefit older adults. Future directions may include developing community-based interventions to address service needs and social isolation concerns in Wyoming.
UNDERSTANDING LONELINESS PATTERNS AMONG WIDOWED OLDER ADULTS OVER TIME AND THE PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF SOCIAL SUPPORT
Authors: Lee Gina , Russell Daniel
Published: December 2023

The present study aimed to investigate loneliness among widowed and non-widowed older adults. Additionally, the study sought to identify classes with different loneliness patterns among widowed older adults over time and to determine social resources that impact loneliness patterns after spousal loss. Data from the Health and Retirement Study were utilized to compare loneliness levels between widowed (n = 137) and non-widowed (n = 2,361). Those who were married at T1 (2008/2010), widowed at T2 (2012/2014), and remained widowed at T3 (2016/2018) were defined as widowed. T-tests were conducted to compare loneliness between the two groups, revealing that widowed individuals reported significantly higher levels of loneliness at T2 only. Using growth mixture models, three distinct loneliness patterns were identified among widowed individuals: Group 1, displaying mid-level loneliness at T1 and increasing over time (n=32); Group 2, exhibiting the lowest loneliness at T1 and leveling off (n=88); and Group 3, experiencing the highest loneliness at T1 and decreasing over time (n=17). Finally, analysis of variance tests were conducted to determine whether social support and engagement as measured at T1 differed among the three identified groups. Results indicated that social support from friends and children was significantly higher among group 2 compared to the other two groups. This study provides evidence of the protective effect of social support before widowhood on the psychological well-being of older adults after spousal loss. The findings may have implications for the development of interventions aimed at supporting widowed older adults during this difficult period of transition.
A CONCEPT ANALYSIS OF SHARED DECISION MAKING FOR OLDER PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA IN ACUTE CARE HOSPITALS
Authors: Saito Taeko , Masaki Harue
Published: December 2023

Background

Dementia patients often have comorbidities like Diabetes Mellitus, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease that require patient decision-making about care, despite the challenges in judgment that stem from dementia. The study aimed to determine what Shared Decision-making is for older patients with dementia in acute care hospitals.

Methods

The study used the Hybrid Model of concept analysis method. This comprises a theoretical phase, a fieldwork phase, and an analytical phase. In the initial phase, the concept is selected. The fieldwork phase collects qualitative data to further analyze the selected concept. The third phase analyzes the empirical observations and writes up the findings. We searched Pub-Med, CINAHL, and PsycINFO for the keywords: “shared decision-making” and “patients with dementia.”

Results

We identified 14 articles that gave rise to over 100 codes. We defined shared decision-making for older patients with dementia in acute care hospitals as “The older person with dementia can be involved in collaborative activities in the care network, including delegation of authority as active decision-making. Open-minded communication based on person-centered care can be the foundation for considering feasible options. Clarify the role of family caregivers and identify decision-making participants in the care network to view the best alternative for the patient’s subsequent life”.

Conclusions

We developed a working definition of shared decision-making for patients with dementia. We clarified critical elements of the decision-making process, like based as person-centered care, open-minded communication, and collaborative decision-making activities between the person and the care network members, including delegation of authority.
COLLABORATION IN CARING FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH DEMENTIA LIVING IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES
Authors: Thaitrong Phatt , Douglas Joy , Knol Linda L , Ellis Amy , Noh Hyunjin , Sanchez Shena
Published: December 2023

Current evidence calls for an interdisciplinary, team approach to caring for older adults with dementia. Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are interdisciplinary team members who play an important role in nutrition and dementia care. Our study explored how RDNs collaborate with licensed healthcare providers and direct care staff to provide nutrition care for older adults with dementia living in long-term care (LTC) facilities. RDNs who work with residents with dementia in the U.S. (n = 18) were recruited to participate in one of five focus groups, where they described the various disciplines they collaborate with. Focus groups were led by a trained moderator using a semi-structured interview guide, transcribed verbatim, and audited by the research team for accuracy. Transcripts underwent descriptive content analyses using NVivo© software. Descriptive content analyses revealed the following diverse groups who work collaboratively with RDNs: 1) nursing staff, 2) foodservice staff, 3) therapists, 4) physicians, and 5) other non-clinical staff, including activities staff and nursing home administrators. Additionally, RDNs reported they worked closely with residents’ family members and resident members of the food committee. In conclusion, in LTC settings, RDNs collaborate with various groups, encompassing clinical, non-clinical, and even residents/family to care for older adults with dementia. However, collaboration is not limited to clinical staff. To provide optimal nutrition care for older adults with dementia, it is important to recognize the value of collaborating with both clinical and non-clinical stakeholders to meet resident needs.