bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRICS PROGRAMS: OBSERVATIONS FROM THE US DATABASE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA
Authors: Staley Mark , Masters Julie
Published: January 2025

Since its inception in 2022, the United States Gerontology and Geriatrics programs database developed and housed on the University of Nebraska-Omaha (UNO) Department of Gerontology website serves as a repository of educational programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and medical fellowship levels. Established to provide an easily accessible tally of programming and a resource for students, faculty, and professionals, the database is also intended to promote gerontological and geriatric programs across the U.S. Over time, the database has expanded to include Research Institutes, Nurse Practitioner programs, Medical Fellowships, Social Work programs, and designations including Age Friendly Universities (AFU) and Program of Merit (POM). With growth, the database is reviewed for accuracy, additions, and deletions. A troubling trend, however, has been the pausing and/or elimination of once healthy programs. In addition to presenting an overview of these observations (e.g., number of programs, changes), this session explores reasons for closure and what lessons can be learned for those still in operation.
DESPITE OUR BEST EFFORTS, THEY AREN’T BUYING WHAT WE’RE SELLING: RAISING HARD QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR FUTURE
Authors: Masters Julie
Published: January 2025

In the 1970s, funding from the Older Americans Act was made available to establish gerontology programs at universities and colleges in anticipation of a growing aging population. The baby boom that led to early education programs and the building of schools and training of teachers was the driver behind visionaries who knew these same people would one day benefit from gerontological insights. Fast forward to 2024: 12,000 people are turning sixty-five each day. The long-expected demographic shift is here. The workforce to support the aging population, however, has fallen short, with demand outpacing supply in the public and private sectors. Nonetheless, many of the educational programs designed to prepare a well-prepared and sufficient workforce are struggling amidst a backdrop of academic budget cuts, revenue shortfalls, and the perennial issue of inadequate student/practitioner interest (Gurwitz, 2023). Hard questions must be asked if gerontological and geriatric education is to have a strong and sustainable future. This session poses several of these questions, examining such issues as branding (e.g., Gerontology Vs. Aging Studies), stand-alone and integrated delivery of educational programs, alliances (e.g., academic, community, corporate), preparation and credentialing (e.g., degrees, micro-credentialing, internships, practicum, on-the-job training), and career value (e.g., job types, status, compensation). The session concludes with the question, if not gerontology and geriatrics, who will be the champion for older adults?
EXTANT RESEARCH USING THE NATIONAL SURVEY OF OLDER AMERICANS ACT PARTICIPANTS: A SCOPING REVIEW
Authors: Okolie Tochukwu , Menne Heather
Published: January 2025

Since 2003, the National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants (NSOAAP) has been collected annually for programs funded by Title III of the Older Americans Act (OAA). Covering six program modules including case management, congregate meals, home-delivered meals, homemaker, transportation, and family caregiver support, the NSOAAP data provides rich information for uncovering important issues pertaining to older adults and caregivers who utilize these services. Regardless of its promising content for advancing aging studies in the United States, there is a dearth of scholarly literature that has utilized this data source. Hence, this scoping review sought to map out extant peer-reviewed empirical articles that used data from the NSOAAP. Eight databases were searched with no time restriction, resulting in 42 citations. Two duplicate citations were resolved, leaving 40 articles for the initial title and abstract review. Additional three citations were identified through online searches and reference list review. After the title and abstract review, 33 articles were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. This study and its findings are based on 10 peer-reviewed empirical studies. Findings from the review showed that while there is a dearth in overall empirical studies using the NSOAAP, case management, homemaker, and transportation were the least studied. Caregiver services and congregate meal services were analyzed in 4 studies and home-delivered meals in 3 studies. This scoping review highlights the need for more research to understand the impact of the OAA service as measured through the NSOAAP across time.
HOW WELL DO INSTITUTIONALIZED ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT UNPAID CAREGIVERS MATCH THE EXPERIENCES OF HOME CARE CLIENTS?
Authors: Funk Laura , Kuryk Kaitlyn , Spring Lauren , Keefe Janice
Published: January 2025

Despite efforts to acknowledge diversity among unpaid caregivers, research, advocacy, practice and policy tends to be based in, and to reproduce, normative expectations and assumptions about who provides unpaid care and what this support looks like. The objective of this analysis is to generate unique insights into unpaid caregiving by exploring the situations of older adults receiving publicly funded home care and their experiences of accessing unpaid support. The analysis draws on case study interviews with twelve home care clients, their unpaid caregiver, home care aide and case coordinator, conducted at three points in time, before and after the Covid-19 pandemic (129 interviews). Analysis indicated only one participant had access to a caregiver that aligned with normative conceptualizations. Rather, situations arose in which: a) family members grappled with physical or mental health challenges limiting their participation in care (sometimes meaning the client is themselves a caregiver, or the caregiver is also receiving home care services); b) caregivers facing burnout sought to delimit their participation in care; c) family members’ participation was limited by older adults’ reluctance to accept their help; d) caregivers were largely unavailable, unreliable, or peripheral; or e) client’s unpaid support networks were diffuse without a clearly identifiable ‘caregiver.’ Findings are used to nuance and problematize normative assumptions about caregivers. Discussion highlights the need for research, policy and programs related to unpaid caregiving to better reflect the lived realities of unpaid support for older adults and often overlooked sources of diversity in caregiver circumstances and roles.
HCBS CARE COORDINATION AND BACKUP CARE PLANS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN KANSAS
Authors: LaPierre Tracey , Wendel-Hummell Carrie , Babitzke Jennifer , Sullivan Darcy , Olds Danielle
Published: January 2025

Backup care plans are a requirement of Medicaid-funded Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), but research on the effectiveness of backup care plans is lacking. The COVID-19 pandemic posed a prolonged emergency situation in which HCBS recipients may have needed to utilize their backup care plans. Data about experiences with HCBS services during the pandemic in Kansas came from 100 surveys of HCBS service recipients and 70 in-depth interviews with service recipients, direct support workers, family caregivers, and providers. One-third of HCBS recipients reported not having a backup care plan. Of those that had a backup care plan, less than half agreed that their plan prepared them for the pandemic. Yet, this was a time of great need for back up care, as participants widely reported increased difficulty finding and retaining direct support workers, as well as periods when their workers or caregivers were unavailable due to quarantine and other pandemic factors. 39% of service recipients reported going without care for 2 weeks or more, largely due to not having a primary or backup worker. In interviews, study participants reported that the quality of backup care plans and care coordination declined with the introduction of managed care in Kansas, with care coordination undergoing additional strain during the pandemic. These findings point to a need to better engage HCBS stakeholders in the development of backup care plans, update them more frequently, and ensure they are appropriate for long-term emergencies.
EFFECT OF SEMAGLUTIDE ON PHYSICAL FUNCTION, BODY COMPOSITION, AND BIOMARKERS OF AGING IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Cortes Tiffany , Robbins Ronna , Serra Monica , Espinoza Sara , Musi Nicolas , Barrus Hannah , Brown Kevin , Campos Annalis
Published: January 2025

Insulin resistance and obesity are associated with sarcopenia and functional decline, but these important outcomes are not usually considered when choosing medications for diabetes or body weight management. Semaglutide is a GLP1 receptor agonist that typically results in average reductions in hemoglobin A1c of 1.5% and weight loss of 12%. The aims of this project are to (1) determine if semaglutide can improve physical function and muscle mass in older adults with prediabetes or diabetes and (2) elucidate whether these changes are associated with changes in inflammatory and age-related biomarkers in blood, adipose, and skeletal muscle. To accomplish these aims, we are conducting a 20-week open label, randomized trial with older adults with prediabetes or diabetes and who are overweight or obese. As of March 2024, we have enrolled 20 older adults, 50% women, with an average (standard deviation) age of 76.7 (4.7) years, BMI 32.9 (3.9) kg/m2, and hemoglobin A1c 6.0 (0.4) %. Participants are randomized 1:1 to receive either semaglutide 1mg plus lifestyle counseling or lifestyle counseling only for 20 weeks. Measures of physical function (6 minute walk, short physical performance battery, and grip strength), body composition (lean and fat mass via DXA), and aging biomarkers (IL6, TNFα, and CRP) are obtained at baseline and at end of study. We hypothesize that this study will provide insight on the role of GLP1 receptor agonists in overweight and obese adults with prediabetes or diabetes on important clinical outcomes beyond glycemic control. This study will be completed May 2024.
SUBJECTIVE COGNITIVE DECLINE: FINE MOTOR DUAL-TASK OUTCOMES AND CHANGES IN CEREBRAL OXYGENATION
Authors: Salzman Talia , Kapilan Kaya , Tobón Diana , Fraser Sarah
Published: January 2025

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) describes individuals who report cognitive complaints but perform normally on neuropsychological assessments. While the trajectory between SCD and objective cognitive impairments remains unclear, cognitive complaints are an important diagnostic criterion for mild cognitive impairment and dementia. An alternate method to measure cognitive function is dual-tasking. Dual-tasks, composed of a cognitive and motor component, may be more sensitive at detecting early cognitive declines and when paired with neuroimaging, capture changes in brain function. This study recruited older adults (70.0 ± 6.6 years) with SCD (n=24) and controls (n=18) who completed a working memory and finger tapping dual-task. In addition to completing a neuropsychological battery, finger tapping accuracy, cognitive response accuracy, and prefrontal cortex activity using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) were measured. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to compare each variable across cognitive status (SCD, controls) and condition (single, dual-task). Findings revealed no differences in global cognition between the SCD and control group (p=.588). Despite this, greater prefrontal cortex activation was observed in the SCD group compared to the controls during the dual-task condition (p=.016). Cognitive and motor performance were worse in both groups as measured by lower tapping accuracy (p=.041) and response accuracy (p <.001) during the dual- compared to single task condition. Dual-tasks may be more sensitive than neuropsychological tests at detecting subtle changes in cognitive function between SCD and controls. Additional studies are needed to determine whether dual-task brain activity can complement existing measures of SCD to better identify older adults at risk of cognitive declines.
RECENT INNOVATIONS, CHALLENGES, AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEER PROGRAMS TO ADDRESS LONELINESS IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Kotwal Ashwin , Hough Katrina , Meier Diane , Tha Soe Han , Singh Nandini , Fuller Shannon , Myers Janet , Perissinotto Carla
Published: January 2025

Peer interventions which pair individuals of similar age or life experience are rapidly expanding to address the growing public health challenge of loneliness and social isolation among diverse older adults. We examined COVID-19 pandemic-era innovations, ongoing challenges, and future opportunities for growth across six peer programs across California. We conducted 65 qualitative interviews (August 2023 - March 2024) with current and former older adult clients (n=24), peer specialists (n=12), program leaders (n=12), and policy and thought-leader stakeholders (n=18). We identified two major innovations. First, programs developed flexible, multi-modal support across in-person, virtual, phone, and group activities which extended reach to older adults experiencing functional limitations, technological barriers, or unique social needs. Second, programs elevated peer roles on behavioral health teams and developed new partnerships with city and community-based programs. Primary challenges include uncertainty on how to balance hybrid programming, the reduced availability of volunteers, and reduced state funding since the pandemic. Stakeholders identified recent Medicaid reimbursement for peer services as promising for financial sustainability, and the potential for peers to address loneliness among several high-risk groups (unhoused, subsidized housing, homebound, dementia, caregivers, immigrants, and LGBTQ). However, peers need clear training, delineation of roles from other team members (social work, community health workers), and efforts to prevent “peer drift” or deviating from core elements of the program with new responsibilities. In conclusion, innovations in peer programs point to growing potential to address loneliness and social isolation among high-risk older adults, but programs require support in navigating financial, training, and infrastructure needs.
HEALTH SYSTEM ADOPTION OF COMMUNITY-BASED EXERCISE FOR OLDER ADULTS TO ADDRESS LONELINESS AND SOCIAL ISOLATION
Authors: Mays Allison , Lawton Alexander , Mandujano Melissa , Martinez Leilani , Guevara Nathalie , Vickburg Jonathan , Rosen Sonja
Published: January 2025

Transitioning the delivery of evidence-based programs (EBPs) for older adults from research to community-based settings potentially alters programs’ reach. We compared the demographics of our research participants to our referred community participants after the program’s adoption by Cedars-Sinai, Community Health Improvement (CHI). Research participants enrolled in Falls Prevention EBPs reported decreased levels of loneliness and social isolation and were referred by physicians, social workers, and pharmacists using an order in the electronic medical record (EMR). Clinicians referred 1355 in-person participants (July 2017-March 2020) and 283 virtual (April 2020- May 2021). Enrolled research participants (in-person (n=382) /virtual (n=214)) had an average age of 76.6 / 76.5 years; were 83.4% / 82.5 % female; and non-Hispanic white 42 % / 70.4%; and non-Hispanic Black 43.5% / 8.2%. CHI retained the relationship with the non-profit partner who ran the study’s EBPs and the EMR order remained active and received 391 referrals (July 2021 – March 2024). Referred patients had an average age of 79.5 years, 79.3% female, 59.5% non-Hispanic white, 21.5% Black, 8.2% Hispanic, 5.9% Asian, 3.1% Other; 68.5% had Medicare and 31.7% Medicare Advantage. Referral orders were associated with diagnoses for preventative visits (18.7%), falls (15.6%), and cognitive changes (13.6%). Compared to research participants, community referrals included those with cognitive impairment, were older, more male, and more racially diverse than virtual study participants. Community implementation of EBPs may reach a more diverse population than research participants and successful transition of programs can be facilitated through preserving prior community partnerships and referral pathways.
STIGMA AND AGEISM IN THE GERIATRIC EDUCATION CONTEXT: USING PATIENT-CENTERED CARE APPROACHES
Authors: Schumacher John , Finn Laura
Published: January 2025

Healthcare professionals remain ill-prepared to meet the unique needs of the aging population. Yet, implementing effective geriatrics educational programming remains challenging across health care disciplines due to low participation rates and uptake. Persistent stigma, ageism, and stereotypes endemic to healthcare, and society at large, contribute to the devaluing of geriatrics content reducing the potential for effective and equitable care for older adults. Geriatric educators are challenged to address the ingrained stigma and ageism among both their learners and healthcare organizations. However, re-imagining geriatrics education to be anchored in a patient-centered care approach, addressing specific, concrete patient needs, has been shown to reduce ageist attitudes and behaviors in the healthcare workforce. Participating in intergenerational activities has also shown a positive impact on health care provider attitudes toward older patients. Furthermore, prioritizing preventive medicine and public health throughout the life course also effectively contributes to postponing the onset of disease and disability among patients. Implementing these basic educational approaches is a pathway to achieving the goal of improved outcomes for patients of all ages.
REFRAMING INTEGRATION OF GERIATRICS PRINCIPLES: A STEALTH APPROACH
Authors: Cauble Christina , Rosenstein Benjamin , Cooney Alissa
Published: January 2025

Most healthcare professionals do not receive specific training in geriatrics despite caring for an overwhelmingly large proportion of older adults throughout their careers. While educational programs that feed into geriatrics as a specialty are sometimes more open to adapting curricula to incorporate geriatrics principles, utilizing a stealth geriatrics education approach can help to successfully integrate geriatric principles for a wider range of learning experiences. This session explores how geriatrics educators can integrate basic geriatrics principles into training and learning experiences in a variety of settings for learners who may not intend to specialize in geriatrics. Many health education programs don’t teach robustly on geriatrics principles and struggle to fit additional dedicated time for geriatrics within their curriculum, even though the majority of healthcare workers will at some point provide care to older adults. This segment will examine successful examples of stealthy integration of geriatrics principles into health education for learners regardless of their expectation to further specialize in geriatrics. Educational examples of integrating stealth geriatrics principles include; ‘geriatricizing’ a family medicine case study, a dementia didactic experience for medical students, and an emergency department scenario geared towards integrating stealth geriatrics into bedside nursing, resident, and staff education. Attendees will be encouraged to reframe ways to continue incorporating stealth geriatrics into other educational settings.
THE GLOBAL PRIDE STUDY: TRANSFORMATIONS IN SEXUALITY, GENDER, AND AGE IN LATER LIFE
Authors: Fredriksen-Goldsen Karen
Published: January 2025

Transformations in sexuality and gender are changing the context of global aging. The Global Pride Network and Study, involving over 50 scholars worldwide, aims to comprehensively address health and well-being in sexual and gender diverse populations, covering quality of life, physical and mental health, and economic and social well-being. This symposium will highlight the international development and implementation of the Global Pride Study across six world regions, sharing knowledge, experiences, and collaborations in studying sexuality, gender and age as they relate to well-being and health, as well as the impact of COVID-19 across diverse global communities. Fredriksen-Goldsen and colleagues will begin by presenting the project goals, international research collaborations to develop and distribute a pilot survey across global regions, and cross-cultural adaptations of research methods necessary for the implementation of multi-faceted and multi-level research strategies. Next, Oswald and colleagues will present a video of international collaborators as they evaluate the state of sexuality and gender research and policy across the globe. The gaps in the existing knowledge base and future research directions will be discussed. The final presentation, delivered by Hughes and colleagues, will present quantitative findings from the global survey of one country, Australia, investigating loneliness across the lifespan and its interaction with other life experiences. This groundbreaking symposium will contribute to advancing research addressing sexuality, gender, aging, longevity, and well-being globally, contributing to international dialogue on reframing these constructs and presenting next steps and best practices learned through this highly innovative and collaborative research process. Rainbow Research Group Interest Group Sponsored Symposium
LONELINESS AMONG SEXUAL AND GENDER DIVERSE PEOPLE IN AUSTRALIA: AN AGE-BASED ANALYSIS
Authors: Hughes Mark , Fredriksen-Goldsen Karen
Published: January 2025

Despite recent equality reforms, there remain significant mental health disparities between sexual and gender diverse (SGD) Australians and the general population. Multiple studies have reported higher levels of loneliness among SGD people, particularly among transgender and nonbinary people. One factor related to loneliness that is much debated is age with some studies suggesting older people are more at risk and others finding contradictory evidence, including among SGD people. To examine age-based loneliness trends among different groups of SGD people, we analyzed Australian data (n = 284) from the Global Pride Study to examine how key individual and social variables differ by age and the extent they predict loneliness (measured by the 3-item Loneliness Scale). Through regression analysis, we identified that gender and sexual orientation did not appear as predictors of loneliness. However, being younger did emerge as a predictor of a higher level of loneliness, as did lower levels of social support and resilience. Past experiences of SGD discrimination and victimization and a greater number of functional limitations also predicted higher levels of loneliness. Given recent reforms, one might expect younger SGD people to be faring better than older people on social and wellbeing indicators such as loneliness. However, this study provides some support to prior research indicating many older SGD people have developed considerable resilience across the lifespan and strengthened support systems later in life in a way that may ameliorate loneliness.
VETERANS WITH CAREGIVERS UNDER AGE 25: IMPORTANT DISTINCTIONS FOR RESEARCH, POLICY, AND PRACTICE
Authors: Kalvesmaki Andrea , Garcia-Davis Sandra , Bouldin Erin , Trivedi Ranak , Leykum Luci , Dang Stuti
Published: January 2025

“Young caregivers” are those aged 25 or less. Up to 5 million young caregivers under the age of 18 provide secondary care for an aging adult, which doubles if including those up to age 25. However, these caregivers are underrecognized in research and as such, may have many unmet needs, along with their care recipients. This project represents a secondary analysis of the HERO CARE survey in which we collected information on up to three additional caregivers supporting the Veterans in our study. Our goal was to identify Veterans with caregivers under the age of 25 and compared differences in socio-demographic characteristics and unmet needs to Veterans with caregivers over the age of 25, and Veterans without caregivers using chi-square and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests. One hundred and fifty-four respondents indicated they had at least one caregiver younger than 25. Preliminary findings showed that, compared to both Veterans without a caregiver (n=2574) and those with caregivers older than 25 years (n=4027), Veterans with caregivers younger than age 25 tended to have lower education, have medication insecurity, food insecurity, low health literacy, transportation problems, have more unmet needs with daily activities, and be Black or Hispanic (p’s<0.05). Findings suggest that the presence of a young caregiver may reflect greater social vulnerability for Veterans, and future research should focus on the risk of young caregivers for poor mental health, physical health, educational and economic outcomes.
CULTIVATING BELONGINGNESS: IN TEMPORARY SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR OLDER MALE VETERANS IN CALGARY, CANADA
Authors: Walsh Christine
Published: January 2025

Veterans are two to three times more likely to experience homelessness compared to the general population, with an estimated 2,400 – 10,000+ homeless veterans in Canada. Veterans tend to be older, male, and more likely to cite an illness or medical condition as a contributing factor to their homelessness, than their non-veteran counterparts and thus have distinctly different needs. As part of the Aging in the Right Place (AIRP) partnership, a tri-city multi-methods study, we sought to understand the housing and support needs of older male military veterans (age 50+) living in a congregate temporary supportive housing program (a tiny home barracks), identified as a promising practice, in Calgary, Canada. In this presentation we draw on in-depth qualitative key informant interviews with service providers (n=5) and photovoice interviews with older shelter residents (n=10) to understand the shelter needs of older homeless veterans. Interviews were transcribed, managed with NVivo 1.6.1, and team-based flexible coding was employed on the interviews to determine older male veterans’ shelter needs. Thematic analysis of service provider interviews identified key features to promote AIRP included: program specific challenges and strengths and contexts, while eligibility and systemic barriers were noted as impediments to AIRP. Residents highlighted: autonomy and belonging, community and connection, ageism, routine and daily rhythm, safety, recognition, and the built environment as key to their (in)ability to AIRP in this promising practice. In this presentation we contextualize the study findings and offer recommendations for shelter and services designed to assist older housing insecure veterans to AIRP.
PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCHER PERSPECTIVES OF THE SUMMER RESEARCH INSTITUTE AND TRAINING NEEDS
Authors: Thierry Amy
Published: January 2025

Over 30 public health early career researchers have participated in the Alzheimer’s Association Interdisciplinary Summer Research Institute (AA-ISRI) across the first three years of the program. During the week spent at AA-ISRI, public health participants attend a variety of sessions, including both full group sessions and track-specific sessions; receive mentoring from peers and expert faculty; and refine their research proposals. Public health track participants gain a greater understanding of the public health dimensions of dementia and its impact on communities and learn about the public health approaches to addressing dementia. The ultimate hope of the public health track of the AA-ISRI is that participants will depart having formed long-term connections and the tools needed to advance their research careers. During this presentation, AA-ISRI public health alum Dr. Amy Thierry will describe the experience of AA-ISRI as a participant, including the highlights and helpfulness of the didactic sessions offered at the program, the mentoring and networking opportunities that were available, and the impact that AA-ISRI had on the short-term long-term career trajectory and research. Since the AA-ISRI, Dr. Thierry has cultivated scholarly collaborations with members of her program cohort and has connected with AA-ISRI mentors and Alzheimer’s Association staff. Using the grant writing skills learned at the AA-ISRI, she has been awarded an NIH/NIA Loan Repayment Award for her project using Health and Retirement Study data to examine how neighborhood characteristics, structural stressors, and inflammation contribute to trajectories of cognitive function among racially/ethnically diverse US older adults across varying geographic contexts.
AGING IN A GOOD WAY THROUGH THE EYES OF ALASKA NATIVE ELDERS: RESULTS FROM A 16-YEAR CBPR STUDY
Authors: Lewis Jordan , Thompson Lena , Kim Steffi
Published: January 2025

Predominantly Western-based biomedical models of successful aging have been used to research, understand, and explain successful aging among diverse populations. The presenters on this symposium have been exploring successful aging from an Alaska Native perspective or what it means to reach “Eldership,” or age in a good way, in urban and rural communities across the State of Alaska. This symposium will present findings from a 16-year study on Alaska Native successful aging. To learn about aging well among Alaska Natives, we have conducted 162 interviews with community-nominated Elders representing 21 Alaska Native communities in five regions of Alaska. Our team asked Alaska Native Elders what it means to them to age in a good way, what supports them to age where and how they want, and what they want younger people to know about aging in a good way. Dr. Jordan P. Lewis will provide an introductory overview of the 16-year study and share the element of emotional health and generativity. Dr. Steffi Kim will discuss the role of community engagement in successful aging for rural and urban Alaska Native Elders followed by Dr. Lena Thompson discussing the role of spirituality and Native ways of life as supporting their ability to meaningfully age. Dr. Maja Pedersen will discuss the role of physical health, including Indigenous approaches to staying active and aging in a good way. The symposium will conclude with a discussion on the interrelated nature of these themes and how attendees can apply these lessons to their own lives.
DISSECTING THE HETEROGENEITY OF SENESCENCE: PROFILING PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SENESCENT STATES USING SINGLE-CELL AND SPATIAL TRANSCRIPTOMICS
Authors: Neretti Nicola
Published: January 2025

Cellular senescence is a state of irreversible cell cycle arrest, contributing to age-associated tissue function decline due to the accumulation of senescent cells. The Senescence Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP), a collection of signaling molecules and growth factors secreted by these cells, plays a significant role in the sterile inflammation seen in aging tissues. Recent studies, both in vivo and in vitro, have demonstrated that senescence is a heterogeneous phenotype, varying based on cell type, induction method, and duration of senescence. An important aspect of this heterogeneity is the distinction between primary and secondary senescence; primary senescent cells can induce nearby cells into a secondary senescent state, which shares some markers with primary senescence but differs significantly in others, such as the SASP. In this study, we explore the evolution of primary and secondary senescence over time by profiling individual cells during the early stages of senescence establishment using single-cell transcriptomics. We have developed an AI/ML methodology capable of classifying cells into primary and various forms of secondary senescence. This methodology is compared with existing methods like SenMayo and SenSig, and applied to time-course scRNA-seq data to determine the proportion of cells in different senescent states. Additionally, we present findings on the identification of senescent cells in vivo using spatial transcriptomics to study the aging mouse liver.
LONGITUDINAL TRAJECTORIES OF CAREGIVING BENEFITS AMONG FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Ping Yongjing , Lim-Soh Jeremy , Østbye Truls , Malhotra Rahul
Published: January 2025

Although caregiving is often associated with burden, family caregivers can gain benefits – such as satisfaction, increased self-worth, and improved outlook towards life – from caregiving, which are linked with better care-recipient and caregiver outcomes. Acknowledging the dynamic nature of caregiving, many studies have investigated longitudinal patterns of caregiving burden, but studies on trajectories of caregiving benefits are limited. Furthermore, understanding the heterogeneity in trajectories of caregiving benefits will help identify risk factors linked with trajectories indicating low benefits or protective factors linked with high benefits over time. We conducted group-based trajectory modelling on longitudinal data – gathered at four time points, at six-to-twelve-month intervals – on caregiving benefits (short Positive Aspects of Caregiving scale) from 274 family caregivers of older adults in Singapore. We identified three relatively stable trajectory groups – “fulfilled” (14%, highest benefits), “satisfied” (64%, second highest benefits), and “dissatisfied” (22%, lowest benefits). Relative to caregivers in the “fulfilled” group, those cohabiting with their care-recipients were less likely to be in the “satisfied” group, those more prepared for caregiving or supported by experienced migrant domestic workers were less likely to be in the “dissatisfied” group, and those caring for care-recipients with more behavioral impairments were more likely to be in the “dissatisfied” group. Our findings provide evidence for heterogeneity in trajectories of caregiving benefits, indicate that many caregivers maintain relatively high caregiving benefits over time, and suggest that preparing migrant domestic workers and family caregivers for their caregiving role may contribute towards higher caregiving benefits over time.
COGNITIVE AGING AMONG OLDER LATINOS IN THE US, MEXICO, AND BRAZIL
Authors: Angel Jacqueline , Andrade Flávia , Angel Jacqueline
Published: January 2025

Amidst rapid demographic transitions in the Americas, where dementia prevalence is poised to double by 2050, this symposium offers a crucial exploration of cognitive health in the Americas. Leveraging data from Brazil, Mexico, and the US, it emphasizes understanding measurement, contextual factors, diversity of experiences, and associated costs in addressing this pressing global challenge. Cantu et al. scrutinize how gender influences cognitive assessments in older adults in the US and Mexico, unveiling potential biases in reporting and underscoring the need for accurate diagnosis. Exploring cultural resources among very old Mexican American immigrants, Kim and Silverstein shed light on their impact on psychological and cognitive well-being, highlighting the role of cultural context in shaping health outcomes and offering insights into protective factors against cognitive decline. Estimating the economic impact of dementia, Mudrazija et al. assess lost wages, medical care spending, and unpaid care costs for African American and Latino adults in the US and their caregivers, projecting these costs through 2060. García-Chanes and Lopez-Ortega characterize the sample of older adults in Mexico living with dementia in 2016 and the specific sources of social and economic support they receive. Lastly, Chen et al. examine the association between Internet use and cognitive health among Brazilian older adults, suggesting the potential of technology in promoting cognitive well-being and stressing the importance of innovative approaches in enhancing cognitive health outcomes. By synthesizing diverse perspectives and data sources, this symposium offers invaluable insights for developing targeted interventions and policies to address the challenges posed by dementia.
THE LONG REACH OF SOCIAL RELATIONS: GENDER AND THE SES-HEALTH LINK
Authors: Antonucci Toni , Brauer Simon , Cho Joonyoung , Ghose Urmimala , Ajrouch Kristine
Published: January 2025

Accumulated evidence demonstrates a strong relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and health. We use longitudinal data over a period of 25 years to examine whether education (an established indicator of SES) predicts baseline health (i.e., intercept at W1) and its temporal change (i.e., slope from W1 through W3) in middle-aged and older adults. We further explore the long reach of social relations by testing whether social relations, particularly of parents with children (at W1), mediate and/or moderate the education–health link. The data are drawn from a regionally representative sample of adults (aged 40–93) in the Detroit area, USA. All analyses are stratified by gender (W1 N=males: 330; females: 468). A series of structural equation models were performed. For females, those with higher education had better health in W1. Their health declined across time and at the same rate as those with lower-education. Further, relationship quality did not mediate or moderate these relationships. Among males, those with higher education had better health in W1. Notably, the health of men with lower-education who had a child with whom they confided and those with higher education had similar health at wave 1. Findings indicate that the health of lower-educated men in the presence of key social supports parallels the advantaged health status of men with higher levels of education earlier in life but diverges later in life. These findings suggest that relationships with children may be a protective factor for the health of men in the lower socioeconomic strata.
A COMMUNITY-ENGAGED APPROACH TO CULTURAL ADAPTATION OF BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS: ENGAGING LATINOS IN RESEARCH
Authors: Quiñones-Cordero Maria , Sörensen Silvia , Hepburn Kenneth , Heffner Kathi
Published: January 2025

Latinos are 1.5 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) than non-Hispanic white Americans. Latinos also have the highest prevalence of caring for a loved one with ADRD. They spend more time in caregiving-related activities, have limited social support and access to quality dementia care, and have significantly worse physical and mental health. The paucity of culturally congruent interventions to improve Latino ADRD caregivers’ psychological well-being continues to perpetuate poorer outcomes and disparities among Latino caregivers. While several effective psychoeducation and skill-building caregiver programs have been developed, these interventions lack representation of Latino caregivers. Thus, culturally attuned adaptations and implementation of available interventions for Latinos are needed to address this critical gap. This study engaged community-dwelling older Latinos, including Latino caregivers, and Latino community organization leaders, to collaborate in cultural adaptation of the Tele-Savvy program and clinical trial design. Employing community-engaged approaches, we combined a staged cultural adaptation framework and a locally developed training program to engage Latinos in caregiving research. Nine Latino community members served on a community advisory board (CAB). Members first engaged in a training program to develop knowledge about ADRD and skills in conducting research and cultural adaptation. Following the training, members engaged in cultural adaptation of Tele-Savvy and the design of a future clinical trial to test the adapted intervention with Latino ADRD caregivers. We will discuss preliminary findings from the cultural adaptation work with CAB members and future directions to inform the testing of the adapted Tele-Savvy and its refinement.
AGE-FRIENDLY RESEARCH: EDUCATION AND TOOLS TO ENHANCE INCLUSION OF OLDER ADULTS IN RESEARCH
Authors: Lindauer Allison , De Lima Bryanna , Eckstrom Elizabeth
Published: January 2025

Many common diseases disproportionately affect older adults but research studies under-represent older adults due to recruitment and retention barriers. Geriatric research specialists have designed frameworks and tools to address these challenges but these are not widely disseminated. Based on these frameworks and tools, our team designed an Age Friendly Research synchronous, interactive 6-session webinar series and seven Age-Friendly research tools for research team members at our institution. We recruited 40 research-level employees to participate in the webinar series from October to November 2022 and 21 to pilot test the tools. Webinar participants completed pre- and post-program surveys and post-webinar session surveys in REDCap. Participants who pilot tested the tools completed up to 4 monthly REDCap surveys. Surveys included quantitative (e.g., Likert scale, dichotomous, and 10-point ratings) and open-ended responses related to strengths, limitations, areas for improvement, and intention to implement newly learned information. Webinar participants expressed positive feedback stating they would likely use what they learned and recommend to others. Strengths of the webinar were practical tips, useful tools, and real-world examples. However, more information on industry-sponsored trials was requested. The most utilized tools were the communication guide and Age-Friendly research checklist. Participants appreciated the ease of use, webinar training, and supportive teams for tool implementation but identified lack of time and age-appropriate study populations as key barriers. Overall, the webinar and tools were well-received by participants. Sharing the webinar and tools with others could lead to more Age-Friendly research and improve the experience for researchers and older adults alike.
THE ROLE OF SOCIAL DISCONNECTION AND THE NEIGHBORHOOD EXPOSOME IN COGNITIVE DECLINE AMONG BLACK AMERICANS
Authors: Nguyen Ann , Qin Weidi , Taylor Harry
Published: January 2025

The aims of this study were to 1) identify cognitive status trajectories among middle-aged and older Black adults; 2) determine whether baseline loneliness, social isolation, and neighborhood characteristics predicted cognitive status trajectories; and 3) determine whether neighborhood characteristics modified the association between loneliness, social isolation, and cognitive status trajectories. Data for the study came from Black participants aged 51+ in the Health and Retirement Study (N=1791). Cognitive status was measured using the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status; loneliness was measured using the modified UCLA Loneliness Scale. Social isolation from extended family, children, and friends were measured using indicators of network size, contact, and social support for each social group. Neighborhood physical disadvantage and social cohesion were each assessed using a 4-item scale. Group-based trajectory analysis was used. The results indicated that there were four distinct cognitive status trajectories—very low and declining, low and declining, moderate and stable, and high and stable. Higher loneliness scores were predictive of membership in the low and declining trajectory rather than the high and stable trajectory. A significant interaction between neighborhood physical disadvantage and loneliness indicated that the association between loneliness and membership in the low and declining trajectory was weaker among participants who lived in neighborhoods with high levels of physical disadvantage than participant who lived in neighborhoods with low levels of physical disadvantage. These findings have implications for practice with older Black adults and suggest that practitioners should consider the role of loneliness and the neighborhood environment.
SOCIAL JET LAG: SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC DETERMINANTS AND HEALTH IMPLICATIONS IN MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Skoblow Hanamori , Tracy Eunjin , Kim Eunjung , Meinertz Naomi , Nyang’au Getrude , Gilligan Megan
Published: January 2025

Social jet lag is characterized by inconsistent sleep patterns between weekdays and weekends and arises from a misalignment between biological rhythms and social schedules, posing significant health risks. However, the sociodemographic determinants and health implications of social jet lag among middle-aged and older adults are unclear. In the current study, we examined cross-sectional associations between social jet lag, sociodemographic characteristics, and key mental, physical, and cognitive health outcomes. Among adults ages 50–83 (M = 68.22; SD = 7.85) in the 2018 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (N = 667; 62% women), approximately 49% of respondents experienced social jet lag. Bivariate correlations indicated that social jet lag was related to older age (r = –.35, p <.001), Hispanic ethnicity (r =.13, p =.001), and current employment (r =.31, p <.001), but not gender (p =.99) or education (p =.12). Results of multivariate regressions, controlling for the above sociodemographic determinants, indicated that greater social jet lag was associated with higher depressive symptoms (β = 0.14, p <.001, R-squared =.10) and lower cognitive performance (β = –0.08, p =.04, R-squared =.24). Social jet lag was not significantly associated with body mass index (p =.36), number of chronic conditions (p =.59), or self-rated memory (p =.72). These findings point to the importance of a regular sleep schedule as a modifiable behavior that may promote better mental and cognitive health in midlife and beyond.
HEALTHY BRAIN AGING: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
Authors: Sixsmith Andrew
Published: January 2025

Dementia and cognitive decline are amongst the greatest challenges of modern times and have a major impact on individuals, families, and society. Although there are currently no effective treatments or cures for dementia-related conditions, there is huge scope for preventative measures to improve brain health as people grow older. By developing and implementing real-world solutions that address known modifiable risk-factors, the decline of cognitive health and the onset of dementia may be delayed or prevented. With the right combination of policies, services and changes in health-related behaviours, it may be possible to expand the healthspan of people, where most people can live healthier, active lives as they grow older. Our interdisciplinary symposium comprises four papers that examine the challenges and opportunities for brain health and healthy aging. Sylvain Moreno a discusses heterogeneity in neurocognitive aging, challenging the predominantly linear view of cognitive decline with age. Holland and colleagues draw on a Delphi consensus study to explore opportunities for developing Interventions for cognitive frailty, the potential to delay, prevent or reverse cognitive frailty, and how people with lived experience can contribute to clinical and research expertise, White, Sixsmith and Fang explore the role of community-based organisations in supporting healthy aging, focusing on practical strategies for mobilizing community assets and resources to promote healthy aging. Boot, Dilanchian and Kalantari examine the role of technologies to support healthy brain aging, particularly the potential of extended reality technologies to support older people with and without cognitive impairments.