bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Marital Status and Gender on Financial Well-Being
Authors: Geng Jing
Published: December 2021

Research consistently documents gender differences in financial status in later life, and some also examine marital status in this regard. However, the subjective aspects of financial well-being are less well-explored, especially as this relates to both gender and marital status in the U.S. Using a gender-sensitive approach, this study examines the extent to which gender and marital status affect the financial well-being of older American adults. Different from previous studies that use only objective measures of financial well-being, this study also takes a subjective assessment in terms of financial satisfaction into account so that the role of marital status and gender in both objective measures and subjective assessments can be identified. This study uses the 2014 Health and Retirement Study and employs ordinary least squares regressions and ordinal logistic regression analyses. Examining those aged 65 and over, the sample varies from N=10,325 (financial well-being) to 4,280 (financial satisfaction). Differences in gender and marital statuses across all objective measures of financial well-being show up, with women being disadvantaged while the married (regardless of gender) being advantaged. Concerning financial satisfaction, being divorced and separated were negatively related to financial satisfaction for both men and women. These findings indicate that both marital status and gender are important indicators of financial well-being in later life.
Caring Again: Parent Caregivers for Their Wounded Adult Children Veterans
Authors: Nichols Linda , Zuber Jeffrey , Burns Robert , Martindale-Adams Jennifer
Published: December 2021

With military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan surviving what were previously fatal injuries, there is ongoing discussion about how to provide care for them and support their families. Parents frequently provide care for their unmarried, injured adult children, especially those returning with polytraumatic injuries, PTSD, or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Parents (n=160) of combat injured adult children who participated in a DoD-funded behavioral intervention study are described. Parents were mainly mothers, average age 60.2 years, with ages ranging from 45 to 79. The veterans had functional limitations, and only 9.2% were employed. Parents, on average, had been caregivers for 6.6 years and daily spent 7.7 hours providing care and 17.2 hours on duty, primarily focused on supervision and daily life management rather than physical care. Average caregiver burden score approached high and was related to veteran TBI diagnosis, aggressive behavior toward others, and functional limitations. Few parents (22.7%) worked full-time; 85.3% had decreased personal spending, 84.0% dipped into personal savings, and 58.9% reduced retirement saving. These findings are similar to those of aging parent caregivers of adult children with serious mental illness or developmental disabilities in amount of care provided to their adult children, their level of burden, financial and career cost to themselves, and concern about their future and their children’s future. As these parents and their adult children age, providing care and resources will present greater challenges for them, for the military and veteran care systems they rely on for support, and for society.
The Great Migration and the Urban-Rural Divide: Lonely Life Expectancy in China
Authors: Wang Xueqing , Raymo James
Published: December 2021

After decades of below replacement fertility, China is now experiencing rapid population aging and the lives of the growing older population are being shaped by massive social and economic change. Of particular importance, is the large-scale migration of working-age adults from rural areas to large cities in search of job opportunities. The departure of migrants from their rural hometowns has resulted in a large population of left-behind older men and women. This distinctively Chinese demographic phenomenon has spurred scholarly interest in the emotional well-being of this older left-behind population, but careful demographic description of aging, migration, grandparenting, and loneliness has yet to be conducted. We bridge this gap by describing the average remaining life spent lonely by older men and women in China. We use Sullivan’s method to calculate lonely life expectancy by urban/rural residence and by the migration status of adult children (as proxied by the presence or absence of coresiding children). We use data from the Harmonized version of the Chinese Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study and focus the analysis on adults aged 55-100. Preliminary results show that, at age 55, women on average spend 9% more of remaining life lonely than men and that rural men and women spend more of their remaining life lonely than their urban counterparts. We will extend these life table analyses by conducting multivariate analyses of the correlates of loneliness in urban and rural China to better understand the role of migration and grandparenting responsibilities.
Older Breast Cancer Survivors: Perspectives on Healthcare Encounters and Unmet Needs
Authors: Raveis Victoria , Nirenberg Anita , Liu Yumeng , Kwon Simona
Published: December 2021

Breast cancer treatment advances have lengthened the survivorship period. Limited attention has focused on the myriad issues breast cancer survivors experience related to their cancer and other health conditions as they age. Focus groups, conducted Fall 2019 – Spring 2020 with a diverse sample of breast cancer survivors from the New York metropolitan region (N=28) explored survivors’ healthcare encounters and goals, quality of life, survivorship lifestyle, other health conditions and risks, e.g. emergence of COVID-19. Participants were 40-82 years old (57% were 56 or older); racially diverse (57% White, 18% Black, 14% Hispanic, 11% Bi-racial); 32% were married/partnered and 57% were parents. Mean diagnosis age was 51. Treatments received included lumpectomy (64%), chemotherapy (57%), radiation (46%), hormonal therapy (39%), and single/bilateral mastectomy (36%). Survivors expressed the importance of restoring normality in their life and the necessity to be pro-active in ensuring their health issues were addressed in medical encounters. Person-centered care and clinician engagement was valued, but not routinely experienced. Survivors evaluated treatment options not just on being cancer-free, but on how it would impact their whole life. They expressed concerns about the future and anxiety over long-term survival. Long term survivors, recipients of early experimental and/or extensive treatments, worried about an emergence of long-delayed adverse health consequences and complications managing other health issues in the future, particularly as they grew older. COVID-19 raised additional health concerns, particularly among those with high risk health conditions due to prior cancer treatments; various self-mandated protective activities were integrated into their self-care practices.
Health Disparities Research With the National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Authors: Elliott Cerise , Jones Patricia , Jones Patricia
Published: December 2021

The National Institute on Aging has taken special efforts to support research endeavors that explore ways to address health disparities. For example, the NIA Health Disparities Research Framework was developed in 2015 to provide a visualization of priority areas in Aging Research. The Framework can help researchers assess advances and potential opportunities for stimulating and supporting rigorous methods to address health disparities in Aging Research among the phases of research. The goal of this symposium is to highlight the different resources and research opportunities that NIA offers to support aging researchers, centers, and institutions for health disparities-related research or programs. Dr. Ron Kohanski will present a concept piece on how laboratory animals might be leveraged to mimic the impact of early life disparities on aging over the life-course, based on research in the hallmarks of aging support by NIA’s Extramural Division of Aging Biology. Dr. Damali Martin will identify the different resources focused on health disparities related research within the Division of Neuroscience. Dr. Lyndon Joseph will discuss the different health disparities research opportunities that are available from the Division of Geriatrics and Clinical Geriatrics. Dr. Frank Bandiera will highlight the different resources and research opportunities that are available to address health disparities within the Division of Behavior and Social Research. These presentations, taken together, will provide important information that bolsters knowledge of resources and research opportunities to address health disparities over the lifecourse and in late life.
Dynamic Associations Between Lifestyle Factors and Positive and Negative Affect in Middle-Aged African Americans
Authors: Paxton Raheem , Bui Chuong , Allen Rebecca , Sazonov Edward
Published: December 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the dynamic association between lifestyle factors and both positive and negative effect in middle-aged African Americans. Methods: Study participants (N = 69, Mean age=51 years, 80% female) were recruited from two African American churches in the Deep South. Participants completed daily surveys on positive and negative effect, physical activity, sedentary behavior, diet quality, and sleep quality daily for up to 10-days. Mixed-effect models were used to examine associations between the variables of interest. Results: On days that participants were more active, they experienced higher mean positive effect (P = .015) and lower mean negative effect (P = .028) scores. Conversely, more time spent sitting in lagged models (i.e., T-1) was associated with higher mean negative effect (P = .001) and lower mean positive effect (P = .040) scores. In lagged models, better sleep quality was associated with higher positive effects (P = .007) scores but reported lower negative effects (P < .0001) scores on the same day. Lastly, on days where diet quality was higher, positive effect scores were higher (P < 0.05). Association between diet quality and positive effect was moderated by age (P = .025). Conclusion: The data suggest that same and previous day health behaviors may have a significant impact on the health and well-being of middle-aged African Americans. More research is needed to determine whether these behaviors can be targeted in real-time as a means of improving mental health outcomes in this population.
Intrinsic Capacity and Its Relationship With Life Space Area (INCREASE) in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Lee Jia Qi , Ding Yew Yoong , Tay Laura , Latib Aisyah , Ng Yee Sien
Published: December 2021

Intrinsic capacity (IC), defined as ‘the composite of all physical and mental capacities of an individual’, is of increasing interest in geriatrics as a potential multidimensional measure of health in older adults. According to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework, IC, through its interactions with environmental factors, determines a person’s participation in the community. However, there is lack of empirical evidence demonstrating this association. The primary aim of this study was to examine the association of IC with Life Space Area (LSA; a measure of participation) among community-dwelling older adults. The secondary aim was to determine whether age and gender modify this relationship. Cross sectional analysis was performed on data from the Individual Physical Proficiency Test for Seniors (IPPT-S) study conducted in the Northeastern region of Singapore. Standardized IC factor scores were calculated through confirmatory factor analysis using variables that represented the 5 IC domains. Association of IC with LSA and its effect modification by age and gender were examined with regression analyses. The study included 751 participants with mean age of 67.6 and mean LSA score of 88.6. IC showed a positive and significant association with LSA (B=6.33, P<0.001) and the effect remained significant even after controlling for potential confounders (B=4.76, P<0.001). Age and gender did not show significant modification on this relationship. Our findings support the empirical rigour of the ICF framework and provide guidance for healthcare providers who aim to enhance life space mobility and promote healthy aging in older adults.
Promoting Intergenerational Engagement Within the College Classroom: Faculty Training Needs
Authors: Hazzan Afeez , Heffernan Kristin , Dauenhauer Jason
Published: December 2021

As population aging accelerates worldwide, institutions of higher education are increasing efforts to focus on ways to meet the growing needs of older adult learners. Many institutions are addressing these needs by joining the Age-Friendly University (AFU) Global Network. Affiliated institutions are required to promote intergenerational learning to facilitate the reciprocal sharing of expertise between learners of all ages, including older adults. However, these institutions will need to provide instructors with the training to ensure that intergenerational engagement is being actively fostered in the classrooms. In this study, we examine the perspectives of faculty members who have opened their classrooms to older adult auditors. The research question was: What types of training do faculty recommend to promote intergenerational engagement in the classroom? In-depth face to face interviews were conducted with 27 faculty members. Qualitative content analysis of the data yielded the following four themes: 1) Provide accessible training to teach faculty their role 2) Educate faculty about the importance of becoming aware of generational time periods/context 3) Learn to approach auditors with a mindset that they are adults and have had careers/experiences, and 4) Train faculty on how to foster discussion. Overall, these findings point to a need for training that focus on intergenerational curricular design and multigenerational classroom management.
Kuakini HHP Center for Translational Research on Aging: An Introduction
Authors: Willcox Bradley , Masaki Kamal , Donlon Tim , Willcox Donald , Morris Brian , Allsopp Richard
Published: December 2021

Kuakini Medical Center (Kuakini) is establishing an interdisciplinary Hawai’i-based Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) for clinical and translational research on aging. - Specific Aim 1: Create a world class, innovative, interdisciplinary Center for Translational Research on Aging by building on the existing rare and valuable Kuakini Honolulu Heart Program (Kuakini HHP) and its related studies and research infrastructure. - Specific Aim 2: Advance the genomic, biological and clinical science of aging, and enhance the world class character of our Center, by enlisting accomplished senior scientists to mentor promising Hawaii-based new investigators in interdisciplinary aging research and career development. - Specific Aim 3: Elevate the capacity of our Center by: i) creating a state-of-the-art Clinical and Translational Core, and ii) collaborating with other Centers of Biomedical Research Excellence. This presentation will briefly introduce the Center and discuss its aims, research strategy, and future plans.
Maintaining Energy: A Potential Transformative Power to Adapt to the Challenges of Older Age?
Authors: Ehrenkranz Rebecca
Published: December 2021

Reduced energy is a hallmark feature of aging. Maintaining higher energy late in life may be a key adaptive strategy to the challenges that accompany older age and ultimately promote resilience. Perceived lack of energy is often construed as synonymous with fatigue, and energy and fatigue are frequently considered opposite aspects of the same phenomenon. However, evidence suggests that energy and fatigue have distinct underlying neurobiology. Further exploration of the energy/fatigue dichotomy is needed in community-dwelling older adults free of neuropathologies and clinically overt conditions. This symposium will first present clinical and epidemiologic justifications for operationalizing energy as a separate construct from fatigue and then will provide evidence on the underlying neurobiological correlates. Taken together, our results suggest perceived energy: a) overlaps with but is distinct from lower fatigability (Katz); b) may signal resilience against age-related declining mood and gait speed despite self-reported tiredness (Ehrenkranz); c) appear negatively influenced by Alzheimer’s neuropathology (Dougherty); and d) may reflect a distinct spatial distribution of brain functional connectivity (Hengenius). Thus, this symposium will explore energy as a mechanism related to yet distinct from fatigue and its implications for both healthy aging and neuropathological processes.
Reinventing Housing Care: Environmental Negotiations Made in Congregate Settings During COVID-19
Authors: Johnson Ian , Lewinson Terri
Published: December 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted an urgent reconsideration of space and place within congregate housing. Research has only underscored the need for health-promoting physical alterations to residential environments (Peters & Halleran, 2020), but also generated lasting questions about the relationships between congregate environments and their residents, visitors, and workforce —among them, what ways can environments be negotiated to reduce risk (Dosa et al., 2020)? How can environments enact care for formal caregivers (Chen & Chavalier, 2021)? Who might be challenged by this care which may question the dangers associated with proximity (Lynn, 2020)? This symposium focuses on the ways stakeholders within congregate housing observed, related to, and negotiated changes to space and place during the pandemic. Paper 1 presents an organizational case study investigating provider perspectives of how housing and healthcare responses to COVID have shaped palliative care with unhoused patients during the pandemic. Paper 2 highlights the collaborative work of a multi-sector coalition working to address timely needs of residents in low-income senior buildings. Paper 3 reflects on the formation of a cross-national senior housing network and the interdisciplinary exchange of best practices and policy recommendations that emerged. The collective findings of these papers challenge previous notions of care in congregate environments, illuminate how provider networks respond to crises and share emergent knowledge, and consider how institutional decisions about the pandemic have re-placed and re-spaced provider and patient experiences. This symposium offers observations and strategies that may assist in envisioning successful congregate care during COVID-19 and beyond.
The Enactment of Care: Lessons Learned From a Multisector Coalition Advocating for Those Living in Senior Housing
Authors: Perry Tam , Sanford Claudia , Archambault Dennis , Waktins Michele , Kilgore Zach , Appel Michael
Published: December 2021

This presentation explores how a coalition, Senior Housing Preservation-Detroit, considered and planned for “care” in senior buildings in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit was one of the American cities affected in the early days of the pandemic; the coalition pivoted its work in creative, collaborative ways which included understanding the rapidly changing context for those living in low-income senior buildings. Older minority adults have been shown to be disproportionally affected by COVID-19; the coalition successfully advocated for testing to be brought to senior buildings (and now vaccine distribution) and addressed mask distribution and food insecurity in several senior buildings (see Archambault, Sanford and Perry, 2020). Without the long-established partnerships, “care” could not have been as coordinated, multi-sector and trusted. The presentation will discuss lessons learned that can be applied to future challenges in supporting the well-being of residents as they negotiate their residential spaces.
Day and Night, Night and Day: Associations of Sleep and Activity Variability and Mortality
Authors: Benson Jade , Jauregui Elena , Lauderdale Diane
Published: December 2021

Self-reported sleep duration has been repeatedly found to predict mortality. Actigraphy has recently been added to population-based studies to provide more accurate sleep measures. Actigraphy sleep duration has not consistently predicted mortality, but actigraphy measures of sleep disruption measures are generally found to be predictive of mortality for older adults. A few studies have more fully used actigraphy data and constructed variables to summarize 24-hour activity patterns, which have also predicted mortality. In this study, we use a nationally representative study of Americans aged 61 – 91 to examine the associations between mortality and actigraphy-derived measures of variability, for both sleep and 24-hour activity patterns. We use 72-hour wrist actigraphy data from a substudy of the 2010/11 round of the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project (NSHAP) linked to the National Death Index (NDI) to establish 5-year mortality. Sleep variability was represented by sleep fragmentation and the standard deviation of wake and bed times. Intraday variability and between day (interday) variability described the 24-hour activity patterns. Cox proportional hazards models were adjusted for sociodemographic confounders and average daytime activity. In general, more variability was associated with increased death hazard for all measures. Fragmentation (HR: 1.04, 95% CI: [1.01, 1.07], p = 0.01), standard deviation of bedtimes (HR: 1.16, 95% CI: [1.02, 1.31], p = 0.02), and intraday variability (HR: 1.19, 95% CI: [0.98, 1.43], p = 0.07) showed the strongest associations. This study suggests that both consistent sleep and 24-hour activity patterns are associated with better prospective health.
Experience Design Studio for Social Connection of Older Adults
Authors: Der Ananian Cheryl , Mejía G Mauricio , Doebbeling Brad
Published: December 2021

Social isolation and loneliness are pressing health concerns in older adults, likely exacerbated by social distancing guidelines enacted during COVID-19. Creating effective interventions to address health issues is challenging. Design is an alternative approach to create innovative interventions and to test their preliminary potential. In the present case study, we describe the processes and outcomes of a four-week project in a graduate design studio. Students were asked to develop a prototype for an intervention using digital technologies to increase social connectedness among older adults. This was an interdisciplinary process guided by faculty with expertise in design (Mejía), healthcare redesign (Doebbeling), and gerontology (Der Ananian). In the first week, the faculty helped the students understand the design goals, the implications of social isolation and loneliness, and technology use in older adults. In the second week, students conducted user interviews. In the third week, students set the problem by defining a specific potential audience and context. They also prototyped two preliminary concepts using storyboards and received feedback from the faculty. In the last week, students presented refined prototypes with storyboards, user flows, and interface mockups. Student design ideas included an audio story-sharing app that facilitates conversations and new friendships, an assistance digital service for immigrant older adults that need support with language or cultural challenges, and an art and crafts subscription service with a sharing platform to connect older adults with similar interests. The students' design projects provided innovative technological approaches for improving social connections and could be used in future R&D.
The Experience of Health Care Workers Caring for Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Washington Tiffany , Lewinson Terri , Morgan Jennifer Craft
Published: December 2021

Older adults are at increased risk for COVID-19 illness, hospitalization, and mortality. Essential health care workers became the backbone of their care during the pandemic, and their experiences are worthy of discussion. This symposium will highlight the emotional impact of COVID-19 on health care workers, and their scope of practice in various health settings. Using data from a cross-sectional survey, presenter one will describe concerns and coping strategies among nursing home social workers during COVID-19. Next, presenter two will present findings on the emotional health and wellbeing of home care workers. Then, presenter three will describe the experience of the VA’s strike teams sent into 82 Florida nursing homes most impacted by COVID. Presenter four will describe findings from a qualitative study on emotional distress experienced by hospital-based medical directors, nurse practitioners, and other health care workers. Finally, presenter five will describe findings from a scope of practice among health care social workers study, with an emphasis on how policies in their respective settings impacted their work. Taken together, the presenters’ findings in this symposium have implications for practice and policy recommendations to improve the experience of health care workers during pandemics.
Late Working Life Patterns in Sweden
Authors: Öylü Gülin , Kelfve Susanne , Motel-Klingebiel Andreas
Published: December 2021

Late working life patterns differ across different social groups and birth cohorts. The mechanisms of these participation differences and role of working life policies can be understood better by using additional working life indicators and historical perspective. This paper investigates how late working life patterns of different age, gender, education groups and birth cohorts are structured in Sweden using participation, employment type, employment break and exit trajectories of different groups. Using Swedish National Registry Data, employment trajectories of the age groups of 60-68 of the birth cohorts 1930, 1935, 1940, 1945 and 1950 are followed. Results show that for all birth cohorts, participation is higher for younger age groups, men and higher educated; leaving the working life before 61 is more common among primary educated; changing employment type in late working life is observed more among higher educated men and usage of sickness compensation is higher among primary educated and women. However, the peak age that individuals exit, and experience employment breaks differs over the years. In addition, although higher educated individuals have lower shares in usage of unemployment and sickness compensation for all birth cohorts, the structure of benefits usage of the other education and gender groups change over the years. Overall, results give important insights how changes in working life policies affect working life patterns of different groups over the years.
Geriatrics Perspectives From Japan
Authors: Akishita Masahiro , Mochizuki Satoru
Published: December 2021

In 2025, Japan’s baby boomers will cross the threshold of 75 years of age; a phenomenon that has been referred to as “the 2025 crisis”, resulting in a significant burden on the healthcare system. To address this issue, the Japanese government is establishing the Integrated Community Care System, to provide comprehensive medical and long-term care services in each community. In cooperation with government and affiliated organizations, the Japan Geriatrics Society (JGS) has been working to develop the Integrated Community Care System. As a result of this effort, geriatric medicine is being integrated into the health care system through incentives for practitioners. For instance, medical facilities can be reimbursed if they perform comprehensive geriatric assessments (CGA) and CGA-based management/care. Additionally, home care medicine and polypharmacy are emerging issues of interest to the government. In this symposium, I will discuss how JGS has been trying to achieve “Aging in Place” in Japan.
Japan’s New Framework on Dementia Care
Authors: Toba Kenji
Published: December 2021

The number of people with dementia in Japan is ever-increasing. In 2020, 6 million people lived with dementia. The number is expected to increase to 9 million in 2040. This means that a person with dementia will be supported by three working people. To prepare for the big wave of dementia, Japan released the New Orange Plan in January 2015. In 2019, the Framework for Promoting Dementia Care was issued by the Japanese cabinet in which prevention and the opportunity for persons with dementia to age in place were set as the main goals. This framework requires all ministries to promote people’s awareness about individuals with cognitive impairment. The educational targets include taxi drivers, retail shop clerks, bankers, police, and people working in the criminal justice system. I will discuss the New Framework which has potential to assist the country in supporting people living with dementia.
Political Context and Political Participation Across the Lifespan in Africa
Authors: Dim Eugene , Schafer Markus
Published: December 2021

Gerontologists have long documented how age is associated with political participation. However, few studies have considered how macrocontextual factors shape participation across the life span. Moreover, very few studies have dealt with political engagement and aging in emerging democracies, including those in Africa. This study addresses those gaps, integrating the most recent three waves of Afrobarometer survey data (2011–2018) with country-level data from the freedom house (i.e. freedom index). Findings reveal that, at the individual level, an age gap widens for engagement in protests and shrinks for electoral and non-electoral political participation. When the political context is considered, however, we find that political freedom softens the drop-off of protest behavior at later ages. For electoral and non-electoral political participation, we find that freer countries lessen the expected growth in engagement across the life span. The study implies that political oppression shapes the links between age and political behaviour, but the processes seem different depending on whether they are engaging in risky (where the age gap widens) or non-risky (where the age gap shrinks) political forms of engagement.
Terrie Fox Wetle Award (2020): The Role of Home-Delivered Meals Programs in Improving Health and Promoting Community Independence for Older Adults
Authors: Thomas Kali
Published: December 2021

Dr. Terrie “Fox” Wetle is internationally recognized as a leader who conducts and advocates for multi-disciplinary and multi-method investigations centered on aging, public health and health care with direct implications for shaping policy and practice. This award lecture, given in Dr. Wetle’s name, will be presented by the 2020 award recipient, Kali Thomas, PhD. Dr. Thomas will present a line of multi-disciplinary and multi-method research focused on the impact of home-delivered meals as it relates to the health outcomes of homebound, food insecure older adults. Findings will include results from observational and intervention studies conducted at both the local and national levels. Examples of how this evidence has influenced policy and practice, including greater integration with healthcare, will be provided. The lecture will conclude with discussion about future opportunities for collaboration with community partners to measure and understand the impact of these vital social services on the lives of older adults.
Vincent Cristofalo “Rising Star”Award: DNA Methylation Landscapes in Aging
Authors: Levine Morgan
Published: December 2021

The epigenetic code can be thought of as the operating system of the cell. It controls the most basic and critical cellular processes including differentiation, replication, metabolism, and signaling. Yet, with age, the epigenetic landscape is remodeled, bringing about widespread consequences for cellular and tissue identity, integrity, and functioning. But, what if like computer programmers, we could discover how to recode or restore the original program? The revolutionary discoveries by Yamanaka and Takahashi suggests this may be possible. While early experiments showed that Yamanaka factors could be used to convert somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells, more recent work by us and others have shown that signatures of epigenetic aging are also wiped clean during this process. What’s more, epigenetic age reversal appears to take place early in the process and thus can be achieved without the cell _needing to dedifferentiate. Building off of this discovery, our lab is combining novel experiments and advanced bioinformatic techniques to decipher the epigenetic code and determine how it is remodeled during aging, development, and reprogramming. In our recent work, we have made advancements in mapping the epigenetic alterations observed in aging and linking them to both cellular processes and disease etiology. We have identified specific age changes in mouse and human cells that reflect mitotic history, cellular senescence, oxidative damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction. We have also demonstrated that these changes inform differences in organismal lifespan and/or disease etiology at the tissue level. Overall, this work has sweeping implications for our basic understanding of epigenetic aging and reprogramming, and will help provide the foundation for potent therapeutics that extend healthspan and lifespan.
Scholars for Life! Building Faculty and Community Connections on an Age-Friendly University Campus
Authors: June Andrea , Andreoletti Carrie
Published: December 2021

Central Connecticut State University’s Scholars for Life! supports the engagement of older learners in the community through faculty guest lectures. During the COVID-19 pandemic, participation in the virtual format frequently swelled to over 100 attendees, which is five times the number participating pre-pandemic. Moreover, faculty engagement increased. This presentation will share results of a study that used an Age-Friendly University (AFU) lens to explore this expanded connection to community members with the intention to build on its successful faculty-community engagement. 132 participants responded to the survey (M age = 69), mostly identifying as local retired alumni and community members. Participants reported high satisfaction with the lectures, connection to the university, interest in joining future travel abroad experiences, and utilizing campus resources when safe. Indeed, 84% are now aware of CCSU’s AFU status and 61% expressed interest in the 62+ course tuition waiver. Implications and future directions will be addressed.
Supporting Educational Needs of Older Adult Learners: Strategies for Virtual Transitioning and Student Engagement
Authors: Terhune Katherina , Conwell Sara , Danzo Amy , Graf Allyson , Kim Suk-Hee
Published: December 2021

The pandemic has revealed a multitude of challenges disproportionately impacting older adults, including older adult learners. Institutions of higher education are uniquely positioned to respond to various challenges using the guiding framework of the Age-Friendly University global initiative. This presentation highlights how preexisting university student support practices and services were adapted to provide older adult learners with guidance for navigating their educational needs during the pandemic. Specifically, it expands on strategies utilized by Adult Learner Programs and Services to effectively pivot to virtual services to support the advising and programming needs of older adult learners. Survey data identifying areas of interest for virtual programming for older adult students will be explored. Recommendations will be discussed for promoting effective transitioning to virtual support systems, preserving student engagement and intergenerational learning, and advocating for aging to remain central to university diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Challenges to Engage Low-Skilled Adults in Education and Training: An International Perspective
Authors: Shadovitz Sydney , Helsinger Abigail , Cummins Phyllis
Published: December 2021

The demand for adult education and training (AET) opportunities throughout the life course is substantial as labor markets often require workers to obtain advanced skills. AET opportunities are more often pursued by high-income and high-skilled workers than low-skilled or low-income workers. With the increased prominence of job automation and technological advances in the workforce, low-skilled workers are at risk for fewer opportunities within the labor market. These factors emphasize the importance of providing learning opportunities throughout the life course. In this mixed-methods study, we analyzed 2012/2014 data from the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) for the U.S., Canada, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden to compare participation rates in non-formal education (NFE) by high and low-skilled adults. Countries were selected based on qualitative findings that inform best practices. Additionally, to gain insights of policies and programs that promote NFE, international key informant interviews (n = 33) were conducted. AET policies and programs, along with barriers such as cost, motivation, and time, were explored with key informants. Findings include (1) aging and skills are negatively correlated in all nations of interest; (2) low-skilled adults are less likely to participate in NFE than their high-skilled counterparts; (3) low-skilled workers in Norway and the Netherlands are more likely to participate in NFE than their U.S. counterparts; and (4) NFE is often more acceptable to low-skilled adults due to previous negative experiences with formal education. Using these findings, we discuss successful AET programs in Nordic countries for overcoming barriers.
The Effect of Early Neighborhood Contexts on Cognitive Function in Midlife
Authors: Munoz Elizabeth , Yoon Heewon , Choi Jean , Pasquini Giancarlo , Allan Alexa , Sliwinski Martin , Scott Stacey
Published: December 2021

We evaluated associations between objective and subjective early-life neighborhood contexts and cognitive function at midlife. Study participants grew up in different addresses but resided in the same urban zip code at the time of data collection thus controlling for concurrent neighborhood contexts. Participants provided their home address when they were five-years-old and recalled their age-five neighborhood conditions (Mage= 40.59 (7.91); n = 130). Age-five addresses were geocoded and linked with harmonized longitudinal Census tract boundaries and variables. Predictive models with a self-reported neighborhood conditions score, an objective neighborhood deprivation indicator, and other sociodemographic covariates indicated that poorer age-five self-reported neighborhood conditions were significantly associated with lower baseline (Cohen’s d = -.24) and average daily (d = -.21) working memory performance. There were no associations with objective age-five neighborhoods. Results contribute to a growing literature on the role of psychosocial neighborhood contexts on cognition that may extend back to childhood neighborhoods.
Older Adults' Social Stress Profiles: A Cross-Country Comparison of the United States and Mexico
Authors: Wilson Stephanie , Marini Christina
Published: December 2021

Older adults face heightened risks for loneliness due to social isolation. Low-quality relationships also fuel loneliness. Because living arrangements and family norms differ between countries, cultural differences may arise in the stress of isolation, loneliness, and difficult relationships. To examine social stress profiles in the US and Mexico, HRS (N=17,878) and MHAS (N=15,001) participants rated their loneliness, whether they lived alone, and relationship quality with their spouse, children, and friends. Five latent classes emerged in both samples: lonely and isolated; lonely with poor relationships; moderately lonely with ambivalent relationships; moderately lonely and unhappily married; and low social stress. Lonely isolation was most common among Americans (23.4%), but least common among Mexicans (14.0%). The highest risks for loneliness coincided with living alone in the US, but with low-quality relationships in Mexico. Results reveal undercurrents of older adults’ social stress that were common to both countries, as well as important cultural differences.
Why Do People Divorce Late in Life? Swedish Gray Divorce Narratives
Authors: Öberg Peter , Bildtgard Torbjorn
Published: December 2021

Divorce rates for people 60+ has increased in many parts of the Western world in what has been described as a “grey divorce revolution”. In Sweden these divorce rates have more than doubled since the millennium. But why do people choose to divorce late in life and what is the impact of life phase typical transitions? Qualitative interviews with 37 Swedish men and women (aged 62-81) divorced after the age of 60 were collected, covering themes regarding the divorce process: motives for and experiences of divorce, and life as grey divorcee. The results by thematic analysis show that motives for divorcing earlier in the life-course, such as abuse, unfaithfulness and addiction are prevalent also among older people. However, they tend to be framed differently in later life and be integrated into divorce narratives informed by age. We identified four life phase typical narratives for divorce: 1) Lack of a common project for the third age. 2) Partners personality change due to age related disease. 3) Increased freedom after empty-nest allowing emancipation from a dominant partner. 4) A final romantic adventure as a form of rejuvenation. All these life-phase typical narratives are related to the third age as a time of self-fulfillment, where the partner can either be part of or an obstacle to that project. The results will be used to discuss current older cohorts’ views of family norms and later life from the perspective that current older cohorts participated in the divorce revolution in the 1970s as young adults.
Associations Between Actigraphy-Assessed Health Behaviors and Cognitive Performance in Older Adults
Authors: Laffer Alex , Hicks Hilary , Losinski Genna , Watts Amber
Published: December 2021

Lifestyle behaviors are important determinants of healthy brain aging. Research has not fully explored how sleep quality and physical activity may differentially influence specific domains of cognitive function. The present study aimed to estimate the relative influence of sleep quality and physical activity on cognitive performance in three domains in a sample of older adults. Older adults (ages 60-89, M = 74.74) without cognitive impairment (N= 160) wore an accelerometer for 7 days in a free-living environment. We used average vector magnitude counts per minute to measure total physical activity (TPA), and average wake after sleep onset (WASO) to measure sleep quality. We created cognitive composite scores (executive function, attention, and verbal memory) from neuropsychological data using confirmatory factor analysis. We regressed cognitive scores onto TPA and WASO with age and education entered as covariates. Higher amounts of physical activity and better sleep quality were associated with better executive function (R2 = 20.3%, F (4, 155) = 11.12, p < .001). Neither physical activity nor sleep quality was associated with verbal memory or attention. Results suggest that more physical activity and improved ability to stay asleep may benefit executive function, but not other cognitive domains. Future studies should clarify the interaction and mechanisms of action between health behaviors and cognitive performance in older adults.
Internet Use and Cognitive Functioning in Later Life: Focus on Asymmetric Effects and Contextual Factors
Authors: Kim Yijung , Han Sae Hwang
Published: December 2021

Despite the emerging literature linking information communicative technology (ICT) use and cognitive functioning in later life, whether the association varies as a function of social environment and birth cohort remain an open question. Using nine waves of panel data from the U.S. Health and Retirement Study (2002-2018), we examined within-person asymmetric effects of transitioning into and out of Internet use on cognitive functioning, and whether the associations vary depending on living arrangement and across birth cohorts. Results from the multilevel models indicated that transitioning into Internet use was associated with improved cognitive functioning at a given wave and decelerated cognitive decline over time. Similarly, ceasing to use the Internet was associated with worse cognitive functioning and accelerated cognitive decline. Further, such linkages between Internet use and cognitive functioning were moderated by living arrangement and birth cohort. The detrimental effect of ceasing Internet use was worse for those older adults who live alone. Transitioning into and out of Internet use was unrelated to changes in cognitive functioning among recent HRS cohorts, namely, the War Babies (b:1942-47) and Early Baby Boomers (b:1948-53). These findings highlight the interplay between technology, social environment, and cognitive functioning in later life. The salubrious effects of adopting an ICT technology, such as the Internet, as well as deleterious effects of ceasing to use such technology, underscores the importance of promoting digital literacy and access to ICT technologies among the older adult population.
Civic Participation Among Latinx and African American Older Adults, an Intersectionality Life-Course Perspective
Authors: Reyes Laurent
Published: December 2021

Older adults’ civic participation has received considerable attention, but most scholarship has focused on formal volunteerism and voting. The literature shows that rates of voting and volunteering have been consistently lower among African Americans and Latinx older adults compared to their White counterparts. However, little research has explored civic participation in the context of historical structures of inequality that exclude these populations from participating in formal civic activities and continue to do so today. In addition, other civic activities are going unrecognized. To understand civic participation through the lens of Latinx and African American older adults I draw from intersectional life course perspective to contextualize participants’ lived experiences across the life course and within historical and current socio-political space in which they live and participate. Study’s findings could improve conceptualizations and measurements of civic participation for future studies, and inform efforts to support civic participation among these populations.
Age-Friendly and LGBTQ2+ Friendly Community Initiatives in Canada: Preliminary Findings
Authors: Stinchcombe Arne , Whitehouse Emma , Wilson Kimberley
Published: December 2021

Age-Friendly Communities (AFC) initiatives are gaining momentum in Canada and around the globe with many communities making commitments to becoming age-friendly. Aging lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and two-spirit (LGBTQ2+) Canadians are a diverse subpopulation whose social histories and contexts may not have been considered in such initiatives. In response, many community-level organizations have created programs and supports for older LGBTQ2+ persons. Through a survey and environmental scan, we sought to identify and profile such initiatives. In addition, in-depth interviews were held with representatives from community groups to ascertain how community leaders construct and define communities that are both age and LGBTQ2+-inclusive. Participants were also asked to reflect on how their sense of community and support was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The findings indicated that many supports for LGBTQ2+ older adults emerged outside of formal AFC initiatives and in response to a perceived normativity among services for older adults.