bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INTEREST GROUP SESSION—GRANDPARENTS AS CAREGIVERS: GERONTOLOGICAL INTERVENTION SCIENCE: FOUR DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO GRANDFAMILY RESEARCH
Authors: Fruhauf Christine , Yancura Loriena , Hayslip Bert
Published: November 2019

For nearly three decades, the interest in custodial grandparents and their grandchildren has resulted in empirical studies from scholars addressing both the challenges and strengths often experienced by grandfamilies (i.e., grandparents and the grandchildren in their home). As the scholarship of intervention science increases in interest and as scholars continue to advance the field of knowledge with grandfamilies, it is important to share best-practices as we plan the future of gerontological intervention science. In this symposium, investigators with extensive experience researching custodial grandparents and in creating, testing, and refining interventions with grandfamilies will present theoretical, methodological, and practical lessons learned and empirical findings from their interventions. The first paper, by Musil and colleagues, will address a current online training program addressing resourcefulness with grandmothers. Second, Montoro-Rodriguez and Hayslip will discuss the use of the selective optimization with compensation model as applied to a goal-setting intervention with grandparents. The third paper by Fruhauf, Yancura and colleagues will address the progress and impact from the first two years of their intervention with grandparents, grandchildren, and service providers. The final paper, presented by Webster, Smith, and Infurna will focus on a dyadic intervention with grandparents and adolescent grandchildren as they seek to build social intelligence. Hayslip, the discussant, will integrate key points from these interventions while addressing considerations for future research as scholars embark on refining and testing their interventions related to grandparents raising grandchildren.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO SOCIAL ISOLATION AMONG OLDER RURAL RESIDENTS
Authors: Burton Cassandra Cantave
Published: November 2019

AARP research finds one-third of adults age 45 and older consider themselves lonely. Analysis from the National Survey of Adults Age 45-plus on Loneliness and Social Connections will be presented. Findings indicate that sixty-one percent of respondents who have never spoken to a neighbor are lonely, compared with 33 percent who have spoken to a neighbor. Individuals earning less than $25,000, caregivers and LGBTQ people are more likely to be lonely. Moreover, the structure of one’s community also plays an important role in predicting loneliness and was significantly related to a person feeling lonely.
EXAMINING RELIGIOUS DOUBT AND WELL-BEING OVER TIME
Authors: Patrick Julie Hicks , Bernstein Laura , Marello Madeline M , Moore Heather R
Published: November 2019

Drawing on seminal pieces in the field (e.g., Krause et al., 1999; Krause & Ellison, 2009) and our own work (e.g., Henrie & Patrick, 2014; Patrick & Henrie, 2015; 2016), we examine several aspects of religious doubt, including: 1) identifying a multidimensional measure, 2) replicating cotemporaneous associations among doubt and key well-being outcomes, 3) demonstrating the longitudinal stability of doubt over a 2-year period, and 4) examining whether doubt influences the stability or levels of well-being over a two-year period. Our factor analysis supports a 4-factor model of religious doubt, with stability over the 2-year period. Associations among religious doubt and well-being were consistent across multiple samples. Latent growth curve models showed that religious doubt and age significantly influence mean levels of well-being, although neither age nor doubt influenced the trajectory of change in well-being over the 2-year period. Future directions for design and analyses are discussed.
SPIRITUAL AND RELIGIOUS CHANGE IN LATER LIFE
Authors: Bengtson Vern , Silverstein Merril , Copping Samantha , Endacott Camille
Published: November 2019

How does religious and or spiritual engagement change with aging? Is there a “return to religion” among aging baby boomers these days? Some theories of aging posit an increase in spirituality toward the end of life, such as the psycho-developmental theories of James, Jung, Erickson, and Tornstam, while others emphasize continuity (no change). We explore this issue in a mixed-methods longitudinal study of older adults’ spiritual and religious trajectories. Data are from surveys with 981 baby boomer participants of the 45-year Longitudinal Study of Generations panel, and intensive interviews with 70 individuals 65-95 from a variety of religious and non-religious backgrounds. Results indicate complex trajectories of increase, decrease, and continuity as individuals move into their later years. We also detect a “return to religion” among baby boomers. We discuss these findings in terms of both life-course personality theories and social integration/support
SHARING ONE ANOTHER'S BURDENS: CONGREGATIONAL SUPPORT OF CAREGIVERS FOR PERSONS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Garrison Brianna
Published: November 2019

This presentation will discuss the findings and implications from a mixed-methods study examining the impact of support services for caregivers of persons living with Dementia in their faith community. Caregivers and persons living with dementia participating in religious activities report numerous psychosocial benefits. Faith communities are the primary social network for older adults, with 48% of older adults attending religious services at least once weekly. Results will highlight specific opportunities for local congregations to foster spiritual connection and meaningful engagement with caregivers of persons living with Dementia. Findings will also describe key considerations and pathways for social work practitioners, researchers, and religious leaders to better serve older adults in their communities by providing education and strengths-based interventions in the context of local congregations. These findings have the potential to increase the reach of such programs to diverse, underserved populations.
INTEREST GROUP SESSION—RESEARCH IN QUALITY OF CARE: LIVING IN AND LEAVING NURSING HOMES: THE FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO QUALITY OF LIFE, HEALTH, AND SAFETY OUTCOMES
Authors: Kusmaul Nancy , Bern-Klug Mercedes
Published: November 2019

Nursing homes house some of the most vulnerable older adults. They often have complex medical conditions and/or cognitive impairments that put them at risk for negative outcomes and poor quality of life. These outcomes can be altered through incorporating evidence-based practices aimed to improve care and residents’ life experiences. In this symposium we will explore factors that are shown to influence outcomes and quality of life for people that live in and are discharged from, long term care settings. Amy Roberts and colleagues will explore the influences of nursing home social service staff qualifications on residents’ discharge outcomes. Colleen Galambos and colleagues will present findings on advance directives and their impact on reducing potentially avoidable hospitalizations. Kelsey Simons and colleagues will discuss the potential for unmet needs for mental health services as part of nursing home care transitions, and will discuss a model of quality improvement that addresses this gap in care. Vivian Miller will present findings on the impact transportation access has on the ability of community-dwelling family members to visit and provide social support to their family member residents in long-term care. Finally, Nancy Kusmaul and Gretchen Tucker report the findings of their study comparing perceptions of nursing home residents, direct care staff, management, and families on the care practices that influence resident health and quality of life while they live in a long term care setting.
THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL WORKERS ON POST-ACUTE CARE DISCHARGE OUTCOMES
Authors: Roberts Amy Restorick , Roberts Amy Restorick , Bowblis John R , Smith Austin C
Published: November 2019

Background: Social service staff may play a key role in helping post-acute care patients in skilled nursing facilities return home, yet few studies quantify how social service staff contribute to better patient outcomes. Method: A quasi-experimental statistical approach, regression discontinuity, was used among newly-admitted, Medicare post-acute care patients (65+) to examine the relationship between higher qualifications of social service workers and various discharge outcomes. National data (2011-2015) were drawn from the Online Survey Certification and Reporting system, the Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reports, and the Minimum Data Set. Findings: Patients in facilities with a greater proportion of more qualified social service staff (qualified social workers vs. paraprofessionals) had better discharge outcomes. Post-acute care patients were more likely to be discharged home within 30 days, compared to being re-hospitalized or remaining in the facility. Conclusion: Policymakers and providers should support efforts to increase the qualifications of social service staff.
MINORITY AGING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Authors: Washington Tiffany R
Published: November 2019

Service-learning is the pedagogical approach of integrating classroom learning objectives with community-based experiences. In gerontology education, service-learning is one way educators can collaborate with their respective communities to expose students to topics in minority aging. This paper presentation describes students’ experiences in a service-learning gerontological social work course embedded in a university-community partnership that took students beyond the classroom and into the community to learn about minority aging. In-classroom topics included social injustices in aging, caregiving in African American families, culturally-tailored caregiving interventions, and health disparities. In the community, students conducted in-home visits engaging persons with dementia in a tailored activities, thus freeing caregivers to engage in self-care activities. Classroom and community experiences were connected through ongoing reflection, critical thinking, and problem solving activities. Survey data revealed students experienced increased gerontological self-efficacy and increased knowledge and attitudes about dementia. This study has implications for future course design around minority aging.
EDUCATION, GERONTOLOGY, AND MUSEUMS
Authors: Williams Ray
Published: November 2019

Many adult museum visitors welcome the invitation to make personal connections to works of art. Time for individual reflection and sharing with others may enable relationships to deepen and new insights to emerge. This presentation describes an approach to gallery teaching that honors the memories, associations, and emotions that visitors bring to their encounters with works of art. The approach has been particularly effective with groups of health care professionals, and as a reminder to docents of the powerful affective experiences that will naturally occur for some members of the public. Drawing on the experiences of collaborative networks of museum and medical educators, we outline the basis of rich opportunities for developing lifespan and gerontological educational projects in museums.
NETWORKING MUSEUMS, OLDER PEOPLE, AND COMMUNITIES: UNCOVERING AND SUSTAINING STRENGTHS IN AGING
Authors: Bonner Teresa
Published: November 2019

Museums, like other cultural institutions, are beginning to embrace a new role: facilitating creativity of older adults through education programs. A cohort of 20 American museums from Alaska to Puerto Rico are embarking on an ambitious two-year program, funded by Aroha Philanthropies, to develop successful creative aging programs in their communities. The cohort includes art museums, history centers, botanical gardens and a science museum. The group has received extensive training and technical assistance to build their capacity and awareness of needs and desires of older adults. The American Alliance of Museums (AAM), a partner in this initiative, is leading a deep dive into the potential of museums to enable older adults to learn, make and share the arts. With Aroha’s support, AAM has created a two-year position, the Aroha Senior Fellowship in Museums and Creative Aging to lead an exploration of how museums can deepen their engagement with creative aging.
KEEPING THINGS, BUT ONLY FOR A WHILE
Authors: Ekerdt David J
Published: November 2019

The life course is accomplished by material culture held as a convoy of possessions, but also sustained by public affordances and amenities that include the artifacts and artworks to be found in museums. In both places—household and museum—objects come and go, but there is mainly keeping. The difference lies in the capacity to keep things indefinitely: it is virtue for museums but a predicament for households of aging adults. Museums model ideals of permanence and responsibility toward things, ideals that, in the long run, households can only faintly attain. For older adults and for gerontologists, preservation is the wrong lesson to take away from the galleries. Rather, what we can learn there is how single, selected things can show, in a thoughtful way, an entire world of ideas and universe of meaning. No need to keep it all—and forever—but we can honor things while we can. ​
THE PORCHLIGHT PROJECT: COLLABORATING TO ENHANCE THE DEMENTIA CAPABILITY OF COMMUNITY-BASED VOLUNTEERS
Authors: Gaugler Joseph E , Bustamante Gabriela , Rosebush Christina , Schoonover Jeri , Jenkins Roxanne , Bauer Nicole , Beardsley Lisa , Rowe Laura
Published: November 2019

Public health efforts to address Alzheimer’ disease and related dementias (ADRD) are limited. Utilization of lay/peer intervention providers in the community to reach older persons and their families may offer a novel method to reach those in need. Such an approach may also serve as a fulcrum around which formal healthcare delivery and community-based LTSS are better integrated. This pragmatic trial, the Porchlight Project, aims to refine a multicomponent training approach for lay volunteers in Minnesota (i.e., Senior Companions) that enhances their capability to deliver dementia care and support to underserved older persons in need. This presentation will highlight the development and collaboration with Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota to refine and deliver a useful and feasible training program to enhance Senior Companions (n = 20) dementia care capability, as well as the potential and challenges of delivering a pragmatic trial of this type across the state of Minnesota.
INVOLVING FAMILY TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION IN PRIMARY CARE FOR PRIMARY CARE PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Wolff Jennifer L , Dy Sydney , Aufill Jennifer , Echavarria Diane , Boyd Cynthia , Roth David , Colburn Jessica , Sloan Danetta
Published: November 2019

Family caregivers are at the forefront of managing dementia but are not routinely included in discussions about prognosis and are often poorly prepared to engage in surrogate decision-making. Few interventions target advance care planning in primary care, which is where most persons with dementia are initially diagnosed and medically managed. SHARING CHOICES proactively engages family and support advance care planning in primary care by normalizing advance care planning discussions, clarifying the role of the family during interactions with primary care clinicians, providing ongoing access to a non-clinician trained to lead advance care planning conversations, facilitating registration for the patient portal enable and extending electronic interactions and information access to family caregivers, and providing education and resources about dementia for clinic staff. This presentation will discuss refinement of the SHARING CHOICES protocol and facilitators and challenges of executing a pragmatic trial of this type across two large primary care systems.
INTEREST GROUP SESSION—AGING AMONG ASIANS: RESEARCH METHODS IN AGING AMONG ASIANS
Authors: Li Wenjun , Balaswamy Shantha , Glicksman Allen
Published: November 2019

Asians are the largest and the fastest growing segment of the world population. Asian immigrants are the second largest immigrant population in the U.S. However, age-related social and health issues are understudied among late-life immigrant and the oldest old Asians. Little data exist to support public health promotion, policy studies and clinical practice in this population. To advance research into aging among Asians living in the U.S. and elsewhere in the world, sound methodologies can be adopted from those well-developed in other settings while novel methodologies are to be developed to meet the unique needs of Asian studies. This symposium brings together four abstracts that address a variety of common methodological issues in social and health studies among Asian older adults. The topics range from culturally and linguistically appropriate strategies for recruiting non-English speaking research participants, assessment of social isolation and transportation barriers using an ethnographical approach, development of a new culturally appropriate measure for successful aging among the oldest old Chinese in China, and evaluation of preventive healthcare use among faith-based first-generation Chinese immigrants using self-administered surveys in the U.S. These studies involve qualitative ethnographical analysis, mixed methods for instrument development, quantitative data analysis, use of geographic information systems and demography to plan participant recruitment, and use of staged community engagement to increase efficiency and representativeness of participant recruitment. Lessons learned from these studies are valuable to future studies on aging among Asians. This symposium is a collaborative effort of the GSA Aging Among Asians Interest Group.
APPROACHES TO RECRUITING NON-ENGLISH-SPEAKING LATE-LIFE CHINESE IMMIGRANTS FOR HEALTHY AGING STUDIES
Authors: Li Wenjun , Churchill Linda , Cheng Jie , Siden Rachel , Aguirre Annabella
Published: November 2019

Non-English Speaking late-life Chinese immigrants are hard to reach. We developed a staged, multi-facet, community-engaged approach to recruiting participants for aging research. We first used a direct mail campaign targeting neighborhoods with high concentrations of racial minorities, and sent mails to households with a possible Chinese family name. Invitational letter, interest survey and flyers are printed in traditional and simplified Chinese using large font. Flyers include a colorful graphic portraying diverse racial background. Prior to the mailing, we presented the study at senior centers, faith-based organizations, community centers and bingos that hosted higher rates of minority older adults. We posted study materials in Chinese language schools and Chinese “WeChat” groups. We also encouraged current participants to “tell a friend”. Chinese-English bilingual staff are trained and certified as recruiters. Within two months, over 50 participants from diverse neighborhoods are recruited. Our community-engaged, linguistically and culturally appropriate approach has been highly effective.
INTEREST GROUP SESSION—INDIGENOUS PEOPLES: REVEALING THE HEALTHY BRAIN INITIATIVE’S ROAD MAP FOR INDIAN COUNTRY: OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGEMENT
Authors: Holt Heidi , Winchester Blythe S
Published: November 2019

This landmark document, The Healthy Brain Initiative: Road Map for Indian Country, is the first-ever public health guide focused on dementia in American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. It is intended as a tool for leaders of the 573 federally recognized Indian tribes, as well as state-recognized tribes, to engage their communities in this important issue. Early in the development of the HBI Public Health Road Map for Dementia, CDC recognized strategies that may work for state and local public health agencies likely would need to be tailored by native communities due to culture and unique contexts. This Road Map for Indian Country (Road Map) can be used to support a dialogue within a Native community about how to promote wellness across the lifespan and best support older adults with dementia, their families, and caregivers. The panel will consist of 5 presenters and 1 discussant. Bill Benson, International Association of Indigenous Aging, will discuss the background and need for the project. Molly French, the Alzheimer’s Association, will describe the process used to create the Road Map. Heidi Holt, CDC, will describe the content and goals of the Road Map. Kelsey Donnellan, Association for State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), will present key Indian Country products and Messages that accompany the Road Map. Lisa McGuire will present relevant Behavioral Risk Factor Data, including data specific to the AI/AN population. The discussant will wrap up the panel and provide unique insights as to the use and future for this important document.
CONNECTING HEALTHY BRAINS AND HEALTHY HEARTS IN INDIAN COUNTRY
Authors: Donnellan Kelsey M
Published: November 2019

The release of the Healthy Brain Initiative Road Map for Indian Country inspired the International Association for Indigenous Aging (IA2), Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop health communication materials to promote heart health and brain health among states with American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities. IA2 engaged public health, tribal health, and brain health experts to inform the key messages and intended audiences. The final package includes two posters, one flyer, one provider guide, four radio public service announcements, and two short videos. Tribal health officials and state health are encouraged to distribute the resources through senior centers and inter-tribal organizations, healthcare facilities, administrative offices, tribal newspapers/radio stations, and as mailers to tribal members. The session will focus on how the resources raise awareness of and promote action on heart and brain health among AI/AN communities.
SIX MONTHS OF GEROFIT RESULTS IN MOBILITY IMPROVEMENTS IN OLDER VETERANS REGARDLESS OF BMI CLASSIFICATION
Authors: Addison Odessa , Giffuni Jamie , Serra Monica , Katzel Leslie
Published: November 2019

Older Veterans represent a unique population at high risk for mobility limitations. They are also more likely to be overweight or obese when compared to the general population. We sought to compare changes in mobility function across the obesity spectrum in older Gerofit participants at six different sites. Two-hundred and seventy Veterans (mean age: 74 years) completed six-months of Gerofit participation and mobility assessments at baseline, three and six months. Our assessments included gait-speed, six-minute walk distance, 30-second chair stands, and the eight foot up and go. When comparing weight groups, we found no significant interaction of weight and time, however we found clinically significant (P<0.02) improvements of 7-20% across all mobility measures. Six-months of Gerofit participation appears to be one way to improve mobility function in older Veterans across the weight spectrum.
MULTIMODAL PERSONALIZED CHRONOTHERAPY IMPROVES SLEEP IN ADULTS WITH MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT: A RANDOMIZED TRIAL
Authors: Falck Ryan S , Best John R , Davis Jennifer C , Chan Patrick , Backhouse Daniel , Landry Glenn J , Liu-Ambrose Teresa
Published: November 2019

Poor sleep is common among older adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and may contribute to their increased risk for dementia. Chronotherapy is a set of intervention strategies which can improve sleep quality by strengthening the entrainment of the biological clock to the solar light-dark cycle, and includes strategies such as: 1) bright light therapy (BLT); 2) physical activity (PA); and 3) good sleep hygiene. Thus, in this 24-week randomized controlled trial (RCT; NCT02926157), we aimed to examine the efficacy of a multimodal, personalized chronotherapy intervention to improve sleep quality among older adults with MCI. Ninety-six older adults (65+ years) with MCI were randomized to either: 1) a multimodal personalized chronotherapy group (INT); or 2) a waitlist-plus-education control group (CON). Participants allocated to the INT received four once-weekly, general sleep hygiene education classes, followed by 20 weeks of 1) individually-timed BLT; and 2) bi-weekly, individually-tailored PA counselling in conjunction with receiving a consumer-available PA tracker (Fitbit® FlexTM). We found a significant group x time interaction for objectively measured sleep fragmentation (5.01; p< 0.01) and also for Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score (p= 0.03), such that the INT: 1) maintained sleep fragmentation while CON worsened at 12 weeks (p< 0.01); and 2) had improved PSQI score compared to CON at both 12 weeks (p< 0.01) and 24 weeks (p= 0.04). Our results provide novel evidence that a multimodal personalized chronotherapy approach may promote both objective and subjective aspects of sleep quality in older adults with MCI.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A PEER-BASED INTERVENTION ON SOCIALLY ISOLATED OLDER CHINESE IMMIGRANTS IN CANADA
Authors: Lai Daniel, W L , Li Jia , Chan Liza , Li Celia , Ou Alison X
Published: November 2019

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a peer-based intervention in reducing older Chinese immigrants’ loneliness and social isolation to improve their psychosocial well-being. Method: A randomized controlled trial design was adopted. A sample of 60 community-dwelling older Chinese immigrants aged 65 and above were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n=30) and the control group (n=30). Intervention group participants received an eight-week peer support intervention. 25 volunteers aged 48 to 76 were recruited and trained to provide one-to-one peer support services through home visits and telephone. The services included multiple activities such as providing emotional support, assisting in problem-solving, and community resources sharing. Different types of activities were consecutively executed throughout the eight weeks in accordance with the service protocol. Standardized assessments including loneliness, social support, social participation, and other psychosocial outcomes such as life satisfaction, happiness, depression, and resilience at baseline and after intervention were measured. Results: After the intervention, as compared to control group participants, intervention group participants reported a significant decrease in loneliness, fewer barriers in social participation, and a significant increase in resilience. They also reported fewer depressive symptoms, increased life satisfaction, and happiness, but no such improvements were observed in the control group. Discussion: The study findings illustrate the need to further examine the use of peer-based interventions for both program effectiveness and delivery efficiency. In the era of population aging, baby boomers can be trained to take up more volunteer roles to serve older adults in distress via peer-based intervention approaches.
WEALTH AND HEALTH IN PREDICTING ELDERS’ SOCIAL CAPABILITIES IN CHINA: MEDIATING ROLE OF SOCIAL NETWORK
Authors: Zhang Yalu , Gao Qin , Zhai Fuhua , Anand Paul
Published: November 2019

Despite an established positive link between social wealth, health, and social capability among older adults, the effect and mechanisms among these factors are understudied. This paper uses the WHO Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE) data and a mediation analysis method, combing social capital theory and a social capabilities approach, to provide new evidence on the effects of financial resource, physical function, and cognitive function on the social capabilities of older adults (aged 55 and above) in China and the possible mediating role of social network in this relationship. The descriptive analysis results show that urban older adults (n=5,274), on average, had lower freedom of expression, lower sense of living safety, and less frequent community participation, while having better self-perceived health, higher physical and cognitive functions, more household income, and higher educational background than their rural peers (n=5,270). The Baron and Kenny’s mediation analysis results show that social networks accounted for a substantial proportion of the effects of wealth and health on social capabilities, but wealth and health still had strong, positive direct effects of its own. Higher mediating effects of social networks were found in the association between functions and social capabilities of freedom of expression (9.46%) and sense of safety (36.33%) among rural older adults. Results of this study urge for further social policies and intervention programs to enhance older adults’ social capabilities, including social cohesion, sense of trust and safety, physical and mental functioning, and subjective well-being.
MECHANISMS OF NEUROPROTECTION BY MTOR INHIBITORS
Authors: Galvan Veronica
Published: November 2019

The mammalian/mechanistic target-of-rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor rapamycin, that delays aging in mice, halts and even reverses memory deficits, and restores cerebral blood flow (CBF), neuronal activation, and neurovascular coupling in models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), cognitive dysfunction of atherosclerosis, and normative aging. Genetic reduction of TORC1 in neurons to levels similar to those achieved by rapamycin, promoted synaptic bouton remodeling, enhanced memory, and increased brain glucose metabolism. In AD mice, the restoration of CBF and neurovascular coupling by mTOR attenuation was dependent on the activation of both constitutive nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms, possibly due to stabilization of their mRNAs. The mechanisms by which mTOR attenuation preserves brain healthspan may be common to different models of age-associated neurological disease. We singled out (a) ablation of NOS activity, and (b) synaptic bouton loss as key mechanisms by which TOR drives brain aging and contributes to the pathogenesis of dementias modeled in mice.
TECHNOLOGY-BASED HOME MONITORING TO ASSESS AND IMPROVE THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Boot Walter R
Published: November 2019

Technology, including in-home sensors, monitoring systems, and wearables, holds great promise with respect to being able to help manage chronic conditions, improve older adults’ health, support their safety, prolong independence, and collect data for healthcare and research purposes. This symposium will introduce novel ways in which these systems are being deployed, and also important challenges to their implementation that could decrease their potential benefits. This technology will only be successful if it addresses key issues of adherence and privacy, and considers users’ preferences. The first talk in this session will explore the novel use of GPS-based wearable sensors to capture the concept of life-space mobility, a measure critically related to quality of life and independence. The next talk focuses on a mobile health cardiovascular system and smartphone application, and finds that such systems can successfully transmit meaningful mHealth data while maintaining reasonable protocol adherence. Next, issues of user preference are discussed, including the types of data older adults and their children are willing to share, and the tradeoffs between values of privacy and independence. The session will conclude with a talk on older adults’ attitudes toward privacy related to in-home monitoring, and individual difference predictors of privacy concerns. In sum, this session will provide an overview of the potential and pitfalls related to in-home sensors and monitoring systems for older adults, their formal and informal caregivers, and aging researchers.
USING GPS-BASED WEARABLE SENSORS TO CAPTURE LIFE-SPACE MOBILITY AMONG COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Chung Jane , Myers Orrin
Published: November 2019

Life-space mobility (LSM) is critical to quality of life among older adults. Due to the limitations of current mobility measures, GPS-based sensors are suggested as a potential tool that can collect high-resolution spatial and temporal data on mobility. We aimed to examine the feasibility of using a GPS watch to measure LSM among older adults. Participants were asked to use the device for 8 hours a day for three days. GPS data were analyzed with QGIS and SAS. GIS measures were used to characterize LSM. Participants walked 3.2km/day and moved 67km on average. Nearly all movements at home were < 0.8 m/s, indicating slower gait speed. GPS data suggest that community-dwelling older adults made active trips outside the home, but they were tightly tethered to their residential environments and spent most of their time at home. GPS-based sensors may be particularly beneficial to continuously monitor any changes in elderly mobility.
FRAMINGHAM HEART STUDY NOVEL EXAMINATION USING TECHNOLOGY IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING ADULTS
Authors: Murabito Joanne , Murabito Joanne M , Trinquart Ludovic , Benjamin Emelia J , Lin Honghuang , Spartano Nicole , Sardana Mayank , McManus David D
Published: November 2019

The electronic Framingham Heart Study (eFHS) is a mobile health cardiovascular monitoring system deployed at the current in-person exam. We developed a smartphone app which includes an electronic consent, health questionnaires, and integrates with a wireless blood pressure (BP) cuff and Apple Watch. We have deployed the app in 1927 FHS participants (mean age 52.8, range 32-80 years, 57% women, 7% multi-ethnic) who owned a compatible smartphone (iPhone or Android). We have observed high rates of initial survey adherence (85% completed baseline surveys). Preliminary results demonstrate about 76% of participants who transmit data from the Apple Watch continued to transmit data 12 weeks following enrollment. Our experience highlights the capacity of FHS participants to transmit meaningful mHealth data. We plan to identify factors associated with long-term use and to compare digital data to data collected in the Research Center to understand the value of this novel means of data collection.
AN UPDATE ON THE RETURN OF THE GERIATRICS ACADEMIC CAREER AWARDS PROGRAM
Authors: Waters Leland , Brennan Maura
Published: November 2019

The Health Resources and Services Administration recently announced a notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) for the Geriatrics Academic Career Award Program (GACA). The purpose of the GACA program is to support the career development of individual junior faculty in geriatrics as academic geriatrics specialists and to provide clinical training in geriatrics, including the training of interprofessional teams of health care professionals. The GACA program is a mentorship model where the awardee is guided through a faculty career development plan, with required project deliverables, over the course of four years. The GACA supported 222 junior faculty members between 1998 and 2006, when it was discontinued. This initial NOFO provides funding for up to 26 awardees in the schools of allopathic medicine, osteopathic medicine, nursing, social work, psychology, dentistry, pharmacy, and allied health. This presentation will provide an up-to-date overview of the program with awardee demographics and project deliverables.
INTEGRATING PRINCIPLES OF VALUE-BASED CARE THROUGH COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION PARTNERSHIPS
Authors: Berg-Weger Marla , Taylor Catherine
Published: November 2019

To develop programming consistent with value-based care principles, two GWEPs share strategies and policy implications when partnering with community-based organizations (CBO). Because the aims of value-based care – better patient outcomes and population health, reduced health care costs – cannot be achieved by changing medical practice alone, RI Geriatric Education Center (RIGEC) partners with multiple CBOs to deliver evidence-based patient education programming to empower patients/caregivers to take charge of their health. RIGEC will work directly with physician practices to bring education directly to their high-risk patient census. Saint Louis University CBO partners integrated geriatric assessment into routine care to identify geriatric syndromes. Introduction of protocols for Medicare Annual Wellness Visits, Cognitive Stimulation Therapy and exercise/strengthening enables CBOs to offer interventions. Value-based care is achieved by reducing costs as geriatric syndromes are identified earlier, enabling diagnosis, treatment, and management; improving patient outcomes and satisfaction; and strengthening provider competence in geriatric care.
WHAT IS LONELINESS: INSIGHTS FROM THE BBC LONELINESS EXPERIMENT
Authors: Victor Christina , Qualter Pamela , Barreto Manuela
Published: November 2019

Older peoples’ views on what defines loneliness are conspicuous by their absence. The BBC Loneliness Experiment included 3 free-text questions which aimed to address this gap in our knowledge. Participants were asked to define what loneliness meant to them; their understanding of the opposite of loneliness and if loneliness could be positive and why. There were 55,000 survey responses:12,000 aged 60+. The ‘top five’ loneliness definition were: having no one to talk to; feeling disconnected from the world; feeling left out; sadness and feeling misunderstood. The most common terms used to describe the opposite of loneliness were: being connected; contentment with social relationships; happiness; friendship and availability of people. Almost 50% reported that loneliness could be positive as did 16% of those who were often/always lonely with the reasons given for this including opportunities for personal growth, the enjoyment of being alone and knowledge that the feeling would pass
TALKING ABOUT LONELINESS
Authors: Thomas Michael
Published: November 2019

his paper draws on insights from a mixed methods study on temporal variations in loneliness among older people (aged 50 years plus) in England. The paper highlights alternative strategies available to participants in research interviews, including engaging with personal experience of loneliness or avoidant tactics such as digression, projection onto others or claiming ignorance of the topic. The data point towards complicating factors including a reluctance to disclose loneliness as a socially undesirable phenomenon, as well as difficulties in articulating the complexities of this topic. These considerations remind researchers of the need for reflection on the use of qualitative interviews when investigating loneliness and other difficult aspects of personal experience.
THE DAY-TO-DAY EXPERIENCES OF LATER-LIFE PROSOCIAL WORK: AN EXPERIENCE SAMPLING METHOD STUDY
Authors: Nakamura Jeanne , Tse Dwight C K , Mann Ajit , Graham Laura , Boeder Jordan , Finley Kelsey
Published: November 2019

As one form of productive aging, many older adults undertake significant prosocial activity. Alongside its contribution to the welfare of others, prosocial activity has been linked to a variety of positive outcomes for those undertaking it (e.g., higher life satisfaction). However, little is known about the impact of this activity on older adults’ day-to-day lives. We studied a national sample of about 150 older adults who give back to their communities on a regular basis in one of two ways: either by playing leadership roles in social-purpose organizations or as more traditional volunteer workers in such organizations. We employed the experience sampling method to describe and compare the experience of prosocial activity during a typical week for these two groups of highly engaged adults. While prosocial activity carries both costs and rewards, these show differences as well as similarities for the two groups. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
INTEREST GROUP SESSION—MEASUREMENT, STATISTICS, AND RESEARCH DESIGN: ANALYSIS OF DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPLEX SYSTEMS: UNDERSTANDING THE DYNAMICS OF AGING
Authors: Yang Xiao , Ram Nilam , Ram Nilam
Published: November 2019

Aging is the product of numerous dynamic processes that span multiple domains of functioning (e.g., biological, psychological, social), multiple levels of analysis, and multiple time-scales. Scientific inquiry in many fields has benefited from articulation and analysis of complex systems. This symposium brings together a collection of papers that illustrate how dynamical systems modeling is contributing to both theory and understanding of aging. Yang and colleagues apply Boolean network approach to intensive longitudinal data to identify sequences of emotion and behavior that lead to a stable equilibrium, and suggest how that information can be used to design interventions that push individuals toward a healthier equilibrium. Rector and colleagues illustrate use of dynamic indicators and multiscale entropy measures as indicators of resilience and explain how those measures may be used in prediction of physical recovery. Brick highlights how sequence mining methods can be used to identify commonalities and differences in dynamic change, and how those patterns characterize and distinguish groups with respect to aging trajectories. Moulder and colleagues demonstrate how latent maximum Lyapunov exponents can be used to study sensitivity of individuals’ developmental trajectories to initial conditions. Boker and colleagues provide a general overview of how dynamic models, including an adaptive equilibrium regulation model, distinguish resilience to acute versus chronic stressors and patterns of regulation. Together these papers highlight the value complex system thinking can add to our understanding and optimization of aging.
OPTIMIZING INDIVIDUALS’ DAILY FUNCTION: A BOOLEAN NETWORK APPROACH FOR IDENTIFYING INTERVENTION SEQUENCES
Authors: Yang Xiao , Yang Xiao , Ram Nilam , Conroy David , Pincus Aaron , Gerstorf Denis
Published: November 2019

Development and aging are the product of a process wherein an individuals’ functional components co-act to produce change. System dynamics can be described using a variety of methods. In this paper we illustrate how Boolean network methods may be used to describe the sequences of emotion and behavior states that lead to a stable equilibrium – e.g., healthy function; and the interventions needed to push an individual toward healthier equilibria. We applied Boolean network models to intensive longitudinal data obtained from 150 participants (age 18-89 years) to describe individuals’ on-going psychosocial dynamics and identify the specific social behaviors that may be driving them toward undesirable and/or desirable equilibria (e.g., high and low negative emotions). Results are discussed with respect to how they inform theory about developmental systems, and construction of interventions meant to guide individuals toward healthy aging.
RESILIENCE AND RECOVERY IN OLDER ADULTS: A COMPLEX SYSTEMS APPROACH
Authors: Rector Jerrald , Rector Jerrald , Rikkert Marcel G Olde , Melis René
Published: November 2019

In medicine, we still cannot objectively assess who will recover from health stressors imposed by disease or its treatment. If resilience, the dynamic ability to respond to and recover from health stressors, is considered as an emergent feature of a complex system, then methodology from complexity science may help us quantify the health-promoting features that support the recovery process. This presentation describes ongoing work aimed at empirically testing the concept and predictive value of resilience by examining the extent to which small-scale responses of bodily systems (i.e. heart rate, activity) to natural (micro)perturbations and indicators of loss of complexity are related to physical functioning and recovery throughout the journey of 120 geriatric inpatients. Dynamic indicators of resilience (variance, autocorrelation) and multiscale entropy measures were estimated from continuous heart rate and accelerometer data and compared to measures of patients’ physical functioning (e.g., ADLs, frailty) at admission, discharge and 3 months later.
AN ADAPTIVE EQUILIBRIUM REGULATION MODEL OF RESILIENCE
Authors: Boker Steve , Boker Steve , Bergeman Cindy
Published: November 2019

Adaptive equilibrium regulation (AER) models distinguish between the effects of acute versus chronic stressors as a system responds to changes in the environment. Acute stressors have a short time interval during which the stressor is present. Chronic stressors have an onset and may also have an offset, but the stress persists over a period of weeks, months or years. Resilience to an acute stressors may involve rapid self-regulation back to equilibrium without affecting the regulation process itself. Resilience to a chronic stressor may require the system to readapt itself so that regulation of the chronic stressor becomes more effective over time. We present a differential equation model that allows for adaptation of regulation in response to chronic stress and illustrate its use in intensive longitudinal burst data from the Notre Dame Study of Health and Wellbeing.
SEQUENCE MINING FOR COMPLEX PATTERN FINDING
Authors: Brick Tim
Published: November 2019

The processes of aging play out across multiple variables and multiple timescales, with patterns of daily, and weekly behavior that may be influenced by each other and by changes across the aging process. Further, many of these patterns do not fit neatly into the linear modeling approaches common in the field. Sequence mining, an approach from the data mining literature, provides a means of identifying commonalities and differences in these sequences in ways that can begin to handle the multivariate and multi-timescale nature of behaviors in aging. In this talk, I present an example of sequence mining to illustrate its ability to find arbitrarily complex patterns of behavior that characterize and distinguish groups and individuals.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN FAMILY TYPOLOGY AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN THE US? FINDINGS FROM THE PINE STUDY
Authors: Li Mengting , Guo Man , Stensland Meredith , Dong XinQi
Published: November 2019

A broad literature has explored racial and ethnic disadvantages in cognitive aging. Migration and acculturation created additional challenges on cognitive aging of minority older immigrants. Asian Americans are the fastest growing minority group in the United States. Chinese Americans constitute the largest segment of Asian Americans. Family is a core social value in Chinese culture. Less is known regarding the impact of family relationship on cognitive function for US Chinese older immigrants. Data were derived from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly (PINE), a community-engaged, population-based epidemiological study of 3,157 US Chinese older adults aged 60 and above in the greater Chicago area from 2011-2013. A typology approach is a useful tool to operationalize multifaceted family relationships. Our prior study used Latent Class Analysis to cluster family typologies, evaluating structural, associational, affectual, functional and normative aspects of family relationship. Cognitive function was evaluated by global cognition, episodic memory, executive function, working memory, and Chinese Mini-Mental State Examination (C-MMSE). Linear regression and quantile regression were used. The findings showed detached and commanding conflicted typologies were associated with lower global cognitive function compared with unobligated ambivalent typology. Wish respect to cognitive domains, detached, commanding conflicted, and tight-knit typologies were associated with lower episodic memory, working memory, and C-MMSE than unobligated ambivalent typology, respectively. Commanding conflicted typology, featured by high intergenerational conflicts, was associated with lowest cognitive function among all typologies. Health care professionals and social service providers should focus on older adults with commanding conflicted typology and prevent them from cognitive impairment.