bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DISPROPORTIONATE INCARCERATION AFTER THE 1994 CRIME BILL AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN OLDER ADULTS RACIALIZED AS WHITE
Authors: Adkins-Jackson Paris , Gobaud Ariana , Kim Boeun , Ford Tiffany , Hill-Jarrett Tanisha , Tejera César Higgins , Barnes Lisa , Manly Jennifer
Published: December 2023

Structural racism may drive the constellation of determinants that increase racialized disparities in cognitive function. The 1994 Crime Bill is a decades-old federal policy that established an infrastructure in which local governments are incentivized to fund prisons, increase average prison time, and implement adverse policing quotas. Foundational research suggests structural racism via high-contact policing and incarceration for persons racialized as Black, is associated with anxiety and depressed mood among, influencing cognitive function. Minimal research explores whether the intended beneficiaries of structural racism, persons racialized as White, have truly benefitted. We used US county-level incarceration data to compute the Black-White difference in jail and prison population rates between 1995-2005. These data were averaged by decade and linked by county to individual-level cognitive data for participants racialized as White (>50 years) in the Health and Retirement Study (N=13,016). Cognitive performance and cognitive change over time was assessed using a 27-item global cognitive score from the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status for biannual years between 2006-20. A mixed effects model estimated the association of a one-unit change in county-level incarceration on cognitive performance. Greater 10-year Black-White disparities in the jail population were associated with greater cognitive performance among participants racialized as White one year later (b=0.13, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.25). Findings suggest structural racism via disproportionate high-contact policing and incarceration of persons racialized as Black is linked to better cognitive function for older adults racialized as White.
“YOU BECOME LESS OF A PERSON”: BEING UNNEEDED AND THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF LONELINESS IN LATER LIFE
Authors: Maulod Ad , Ravindran Malcolm , Chan Angelique
Published: December 2023

Loneliness is a significant public health concern among older persons and refers to the discrepancy between actual and desired forms of social connection. Loneliness is often characterized in terms of (i) lacking companionship, (ii) being left out and (iii) feeling isolated. In comparison, older persons’ experience of being unneeded is relatively underexamined as a construct of loneliness. Being unneeded connects to constrains in attaining social recognition and underpins the complex dynamics of social exchange practices. This study explores the relationship between being unneeded and loneliness in later life, focusing on the impact on one’s identity and ability to form connections with others. We conducted in-depth interviews with 44 older persons in Singapore with varying experiences of loneliness. Using a life-course perspective, participants narrated their experiences of loneliness across domains of family, friendships, work, and community. Loneliness, attributed to being unneeded, features more prominently in later life and pertains to perceived limited personal mastery, negative ageing perceptions, role-loss, life transitions and declines in health. Experiences of being unneeded is embedded in older persons’ beliefs that their self-worth and social recognition is tied to individual strive and diligence– an ideology of meritocracy that has been perpetuated by the Singapore state. Studies have shown how beliefs in meritocracy are associated with lowered likelihood of loneliness among older persons. The Singapore story indicates otherwise – loneliness prevails when older persons with declining resources struggle to find a place in a society which accords worth and recognition to one’s productivity and contribution to the nation.
LONELINESS AMONG OLDER FAMILY CAREGIVERS: A STUDY OF CAREGIVING INTENSITY, TYPE AND LOCATION BASED ON THE CLSA
Authors: Li Lun , Wister Andrew , Lee Yeonjung Lee , Kim Boah
Published: December 2023

Caring for family members during aging is a risk factor for loneliness among older caregivers (65 years and older). However, loneliness is less understood than other caregiving outcomes (e.g., burden, depression) in caregiving literature. This study aims to examine loneliness among older caregivers using the second wave of data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (2015 to 2018). Based on 6603 older caregivers, linear regression was conducted to examine the relationship between loneliness and caregiving intensity, caregiver type and care location, and ANCOVA was performed to examine the intersection of caregiving intensity and caregiver type, as well as caregiving intensity and care location. A higher level of loneliness is significantly associated with spousal caregivers (vs. non-spousal family caregivers), higher caregiving intensity (vs. lower caregiving intensity), and caregiving to someone living in another household or healthcare institution (vs. in the same household). In addition, spousal caregivers with higher caregiving intensity, and older caregivers to someone in healthcare institutions with higher caregiving intensity are two main risk groups for greater loneliness. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between loneliness and caregiving situations among older caregivers. Remarkably, more service programs are needed to support older caregiver who support loved ones in healthcare institutions.
SENSORY LOSS IN AGING: SPOTLIGHTING JUNIOR AND NEW GSA INVESTIGATORS IN THE SENSORY HEALTH SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP
Authors: Deal Jennifer , Whitson Heather
Published: December 2023

Our senses (hearing, vision, touch, taste, smell) are the means by which our brains perceive our environment, allowing us to engage and connect with our world. Recommendations for maintaining brain health and function with age include maintaining strong social connections and participating in intellectually stimulating mental and physical activities. However, our senses are what allow us to engage in these activities. Sensory loss is common in older adults, with over 2/3 of adults over age 55 experiencing loss in multiple senses. The goal of the Sensory Health Special Interest Group (SIG) is to foster collaboration and dissemination of research and clinical/educational resources for professionals interested in sensory health and the effects of sensory impairments on the overall health and well-being of older adults. This session will meet this goal by highlighting work that demonstrates the importance of sensory health with age conducted by outstanding Sensory Health SIG investigators who are early in their career path or who are new to GSA. We will start by discussing the importance of olfaction for mental health over time in older adults and vision for markers of neurodegeneration. We will then have three presentations that consider multiple risk factors, including sensory loss, for cognitive function. First, we will present on the moderation of the association between hearing loss and dementia by sleep. We will then present on the association between multisensory loss and cognitive test performance, and finally, how the inclusion of sensorimotor measures can improve prediction of subsequent neurodegeneration and cognitive impairment. This is a Sensory Health Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.
HOW GERONTOLOGY PROGRAMS ARE MEETING CHALLENGES IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Authors: Erickson Mary Ann
Published: December 2023

Population aging means that gerontology education is increasingly relevant for all students, yet trends in higher education create existential challenges for many gerontology programs, who may not attract robust number of applicants or majors. In this symposium, educators from five different gerontology programs will share their programs’ particular challenges as well as a wide variety of strategies they have used to meet these challenges. The first presentation will show how recent losses at Ithaca College, including the Aging Studies major and independent department status, also come with opportunities for collaboration with health science and public health programs. The second presentation will describe the University of North Carolina at Wilmington’s approach of combining undergraduate and graduate programs to attract and retain students after being placed on a “low-productivity list” in the not-too-distant past. The third presentation will share how a new Occupational Endorsement Certificate at the University of Alaska Anchorage took the place of the deactivated gerontology minor. Colleagues from the University of Massachusetts Boston will describe their efforts to enhance diversity and grow program enrollment across undergraduate and graduate programs. Finally, the fifth presentation will describe how increased demand for general education courses as well as funding dependent on undergraduate major enrollment created challenges at the University of South Florida. This is a Directors of Aging Centers Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.
LEANING INTO COLLABORATION AT ITHACA COLLEGE
Authors: Erickson Mary Ann , Bergman Elizabeth
Published: December 2023

Ithaca College is a private comprehensive college of about 6,000 students in upstate New York. Its Gerontology Institute (ICGI) was formed in 1992, with a major and a minor in Aging Studies added in 2001. Despite a high profile in the local community and in the field of gerontology, program evaluation consistently revealed important challenges including trouble promoting a gerontology major to high school seniors (especially important at a tuition-dependent school like Ithaca College) and credit-heavy health professions programs where advisors were reluctant to have students add a minor or double major. Institutional forces accelerated by the pandemic led to retrenchment in 2021, including the loss of the major as well as the ICGI being folded into a department of health sciences and public health. In this presentation, we share both details of past challenges as well as the ways in which we are moving forward with a more collaborative model focused on connections within the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance.
CHALLENGES TO UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE PROGRAMS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA
Authors: Dobbs Debra , Haley William , Sadeq Nasreen
Published: December 2023

The University of South Florida has more than 50,000 students. The School of Aging Studies first offered an MA in Gerontology in 1967. We currently offer many undergraduate General Education courses, two undergraduate majors, online graduate certificate and master’s programs, and a PhD in Aging Studies. Accountability and addressing university metrics and priorities have become an increasing requirement at USF and elsewhere. We have had great success in our General Education courses, consistently reaching over 5,000 students per year and producing high Student Credit Hour (SCH) numbers, an important metric. Recently, our programs experienced challenges with increased class sizes resulting from higher demand for our general education courses. In several cases, the number of course sections offered and the number of seats in each had doubled. Meeting these demands placed a strain on faculty, instructors, and graduate student assistants. We also face challenges as our university funding formula increasingly focuses on undergraduate major enrollment, and therefore we are focusing on innovative methods to recruit more students at the undergraduate, master’s, and PhD level. In this presentation, we will describe some of the strategies that have maximized our successes, and efforts to address challenges in sustaining larger numbers of degree seeking students in our programs. We will include data on SCH, grant funding, publications, citations, and program graduates per year which help us monitor our successes and areas needing improvement.
UNDERGRAD AND GRAD COMBINED PROGRAMS: FACILITATING RECRUITMENT THROUGH NEW PATHWAYS
Authors: Newsham Tina , Fugate-Whitlock Elizabeth
Published: December 2023

The University of North Carolina Wilmington was reclassified as an R2 institution in 2018. As such, additional focus has been placed on graduate programs and the generation of research. More recently, UNCW’s Chancellor Volety followed recommendations from faculty, staff, and students to seek to endorse the Age Friendly University principles. These two accomplishments create ideal conditions for growing the gerontology program, which had been on the low productivity list and considered for dissolution (as has happened with many programs around the country). To facilitate recruitment into the MS in Applied Gerontology, new pathways known as “4 + 1” or “combined programs” were created. By allowing qualified undergraduate students to take a portion of their coursework at the graduate level, students explore their interest in gerontology, become invested in gerontology education, and meet undergrad and graduate requirements simultaneously. Students are then able to complete their MS in Applied Gerontology in as little as one more year. Such programming has created a steady stream of students into the graduate program, which is no longer on the low productivity list. While this approach has many strengths, challenges exist that must be acknowledged. Marketing the program to a now very broad prospective student base requires finesse. For example, marketing that would appeal to an exercise science student may not be what speaks to a psychology student. These challenges also translate to the classroom. Although gerontology is an interdisciplinary field, career goals for students now vary even more widely as do their expectations and academic needs.
AGE-INCLUSIVE STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE LEARNING AND WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENTS IN U.S. HIGHER EDUCATION
Authors: Silverstein Nina , Bowen Lauren , Berg-Weger Marla
Published: December 2023

This symposium reports on recent research to develop informed strategies to expand age-friendly campus practices related to institutional functions our previous study identified as areas of high-need and broad-impact within an age-friendly campus environment: Teaching and Learning, Personnel, and Student Affairs. The current research aimed to identify barriers and opportunities for age inclusivity as experienced by older campus members (faculty, staff, and students); identify challenges and strategies for implementing age-friendly campus practices; and recommend practical strategies to expand and enhance age-friendly practices. To this end, we drew on data collected from several sources: open-ended responses to the Age-Friendly Inventory and Campus Climate Survey (ICCS) administered to a sample of 23 U.S. members of the Age-Friendly University (AFU) network; responses from 16 focus groups of faculty, administrators/staff, and students; and 18 experts on a nationally selected Delphi panel of experts in higher education. Based on the focus group data, we generated over 50 strategy recommendations within the academic functions that were then evaluated by the Delphi panelists to assess their efficacy, feasibility, likelihood of implementation, and perceived impact. Silverstein will provide an overview of the research objectives, Bowen will discuss what the open-ended responses revealed about perceptions of campus age-inclusivity, Lin and Xu will describe the study samples, Whitbourne will describe the results of the focus group analyses, and Montepare will discuss the final set of recommendations based on the Delphi panel analyses. Berg-Weger will serve as Discussant.
IDENTIFYING CHALLENGES FOR AGE-INCLUSIVE HIGHER EDUCATION: SURVEY RESPONSES BY FACULTY, STAFF, AND STUDENTS
Authors: Bowen Lauren
Published: December 2023

To ground and contextualize focus group discussions, potential challenges to age-inclusivity were identified from open-ended responses in a survey of faculty, staff, and students at 25 AFU institutions in the United States. First-level coding identified 2,368 responses that indicated participants’ perceptions of their campus’s efforts to be age-friendly across major function areas of higher education institutions; of these, many responses directly addressed key functions that the current study aims to address: 508 on Teaching and Learning; 260 on Student Affairs; 348 on Personnel. Second-level coding identified particular themes capturing common negative perceptions by faculty, staff, and students within each function area. For example, in teaching and learning, the four common complaints were that classroom practices and environments were not age-inclusive; that accessing appropriate academic support outside the classroom was difficult for older/nontraditional students; and that classes could do more to maximize the benefits of age diversity. As potential challenges to age-inclusivity in higher education, these themes provided the base structure of 8 focus group discussion guides tailored to function area and constituent group: Teaching and Learning (for faculty, staff, and students), Student Affairs (for faculty, staff, and students), and Personnel (for faculty and staff).
IDENTIFYING AGE-FRIENDLY CAMPUS STRATEGIES USING A DELPHI PANEL METHODOLOGY
Authors: Montepare Joann
Published: December 2023

This presentation will describe the results of a Delphi panel study of 18 experts in higher education who independently assessed age-friendly strategies in three core areas of institutional function: teaching and learning, personnel practices, and student affairs. To begin, experts evaluated the relative importance of 21 common challenges for advancing age inclusivity on U.S. campuses. They then assessed the extent to which 53 potential strategies were appropriate, feasible, and likely to be implemented by campus leaders. In the first round of evaluations, 3 of the 21 challenges were rated as not very important by some experts. On the second round of evaluations, experts assessed why these particular challenges were rated as such. During the first round of reviews, experts also indicated that while 8 strategies were feasible and appropriate to addressing challenges to age inclusivity, they were unlikely to be implemented on campuses. Thus, in the second round, experts were asked why this might have been the case by selecting 2 probable barriers from a list of barriers to adoption. Finally, experts rated the potential impact of all strategies for improving age inclusivity. That is, aside from feasibility or likelihood, the extent to which they thought the strategies could transform age-inclusive environments in higher education. In addition to describing which strategies were most highly recommended, insights will be presented about how the experts viewed various age-friendly challenges and the barriers that hold institutions back from taking up more age-inclusive practices to support older students, faculty, and staff.
DOWNWARD DEMENTIA TREND GOES INTO REVERSE IN ENGLAND AND WALES? ENGLISH LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF AGING 2002–2019
Authors: Chen Yuntao , Bandosz Piotr , Stoye George , Liu Yuyang , Lobanov-Rostovsky Sophia , French Eric , Liao Jing , Brunner Eric
Published: December 2023

Recent evidence suggests dementia incidence rates are declining in high-income countries. However, data for the trend after 2010 are scarce. We examined the temporal trend in England and Wales from 2002-2019, considering bias and non-linearity. We used population-based panel data linked to the mortality register across wave 1 (2002-2003) to wave 9 (2018-2019) of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Uniform standard criteria based on cognitive and functional impairment were used to ascertain incident dementia cases. Crude incidence rates were determined in seven overlapping initially dementia-free sub-cohorts followed over four years. We estimated the age- and sex-adjusted trend of dementia incidence with Cox and multi-state models. Restricted cubic splines allowed for potential non-linearity. 19 806 people were included in the study. Crude dementia incidence declined from 2002 to 2008 (8.7 to 7.4 per 1000 person-years), and increased from 2008 to 2019 (7.4 to 10.3 per 1000 person-years). Adjusting for age and sex, and accounting for missing dementia cases due to death, estimated dementia incidence declined by 28.8% from 2002 to 2008 (incidence rate ratio 0.71, 95% CI 0.58-0.88), and increased by 25.2% from 2008 to 2016 (incidence rate ratio 1.25, 1.03-1.54). The higher education group had a sharper decline of dementia incidence from 2002 to 2008, and a smaller increase after 2008. Dementia incidence may not be declining. There was a rebound after 2008 in England and Wales. If the upward dementia incidence trend continues, along with population ageing, the burden on health and social care may be large.
KNOWLEDGE OF GENDER-SPECIFIC TYPES OF CANCER AMONG OLDER LATINOS/AS
Authors: Carrion Iraida , Neelamegam Malinee , Estapé Tania , Estapé Jorge
Published: December 2023

Given the growing population of Latino/a immigrants 60 years and older and the current lack of relevant data, our study aimed to understand the knowledge of gender-specific types of cancer among older Latinos/as to ensure effective prevention, intervention, and cancer care. Using convenience sampling, 200 individuals identifying as Latino/a were surveyed in Tampa, Florida. Results indicate significant differences in men’s and women’s knowledge of breast cancer and prostate cancer preventative measures. The differences in cancer knowledge among older Latino/a men and women regarding the opposite gender are relevant when providing cancer education to older adults. Providing culturally and linguistically appropriate cancer care and education can help address decision-making, achieve equity, and improve cancer outcomes for older Latinos/as.
PREVALENCE OF MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AND DEMENTIA IN ADULTS WITH DIABETES
Authors: Zheng Yaguang , Qi Xiang , Zhu Zheng , Wu Bei
Published: December 2023

Diabetes is a risk factor for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia. However, there is limited evidence on the prevalence of MCI/dementia in individuals with diabetes using a nationally representative sample in the U.S.. We aimed to address this knowledge gap by using the nationally representative data from the 2018 Health and Retirement Study (HRS). The validated 27-point Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS) was used to assess MCI (TICS 7-12) and dementia (TICS <7). A total of 4192 (28.0%) out of 14,988 adults had self-reported diabetes. The mean age was 66.5±11.4 years, with White (64.5%) and Black (23.1%). Adults with diabetes had a higher prevalence of MCI than those without diabetes (19.9% vs. 14.8%; odds ratio [95% confidence interval] (OR[95%CI]): 1.47 [1.34, 1.61]) and higher prevalence of dementia (5.32% vs. 3.46%; OR[95%CI]: 1.68 [1.42, 1.99]). In those with diabetes, adults aged 65-75 years, and 75 years and older had a higher prevalence of MCI (OR[95%CI]: 1.13 [1.00, 1.27]; 2.36 [2.13, 2.61]) and dementia (OR[95%CI]: 1.60 [1.25, 2.06]; 5.071 [4.14, 6.21]) than those who aged 50-65 years. Black and other races had a higher risk of MCI (OR[95%CI]: 2.14 [1.94, 2.36]; 1.602 [1.41, 1.83]) and dementia (OR[95%CI]: 2.32 [1.93, 2.79]; 1.82[1.43, 2.31]) than White. Our study, using large-scale and nationally representative data, found that adults with diabetes had a higher prevalence of MCI/dementia than those without diabetes. Older adults and racial/ethnic minorities with diabetes need to gain further attention for disease management due to the higher prevalence of MCI/dementia.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT (K) AWARDS AT NIA: PROGRAMS, PEER REVIEW, AND SETTING YOU UP FOR SUCCESS
Authors: Kahana Shoshana , Kahana Shoshana
Published: December 2023

The National Institute on Aging (NIA), one of the 27 Institutes and Centers (ICs) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), leads the federal government in conducting and supporting research on aging and the health and well-being of older people. The growing investment in training, and specifically career development awards (K), has resulted in substantial growth at NIA. The purpose of this symposium is to provide an overview of the 1) various types of NIH career development awards and programs; 2) effective strategies for preparing strong career development award applications; and 3) NIA peer review process for career development awards. Providing information to attendees of the various career development awards, as well as the critical factors to understand in the process of the peer review process, can optimize future success.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT AWARDS AT NIA/NIH
Authors: Carranza Maria
Published: December 2023

NIA offers a variety of individual research career development (K) awards, which enable scientists to enhance their careers in biomedical research. Mentored career development (K) awards are effective tools at retaining investigators in research careers and contributing to their subsequent research success. Specifically, those who receive K awards are significantly more likely to have subsequent research publications and to apply for subsequent NIH research awards. In this presentation, Dr. Carranza will review different K programs offered at NIA, including those targeted at postdocs, early career faculty, and more senior faculty, as well as clinician-science focused awards.
PEER REVIEW PROCESS OF CAREER DEVELOPMENT AWARDS (K) APPLICATIONS AT NIA
Authors: Gianina Dumitrescu Ramona , Nakhai Bita
Published: December 2023

In this presentation, Dr. Dumitrescu will take you behind the scenes of what occurs in a peer review meeting of career development award (K) applications at NIA. Some of the mechanics of the peer review process will be discussed, including composition of study groups, general timelines, and how the results of the peer review process are communicated to applicants via Summary Statements. Attendees will understand how reviewers evaluate the 5 core domains that generate a final impact score, including the: 1) candidate’s qualifications; 2) the career development plan and career goals & objectives; 3) research plan; 4) mentor(s), collaborators & consultants; and 5) institutional environment & commitment to the candidate. Dr. Dumitrescu will help to de-mystify the peer review process in order help applicants leverage their respective applications for maximum success.
EFFECT OF LONG-TERM CALORIC RESTRICTION ON THE PACE OF BIOLOGICAL AGING IN HEALTHY ADULTS FROM THE CALERIE TRIAL
Authors: Belsky Daniel
Published: December 2023

The geroscience hypothesis proposes that therapy to slow or reverse molecular changes that occur with aging can delay or prevent multiple chronic diseases and extend healthy lifespan. Caloric restriction (CR), defined as lessening caloric intake without depriving essential nutrients, can change molecular processes associated with aging, including DNA methylation (DNAm), and increases healthy lifespan in multiple species. Here we report results of a post-hoc analysis of the influence of CR on DNAm measures of aging in blood samples from the Comprehensive Assessment of Long-term Effects of Reducing Intake of Energy (CALERIE) trial, a randomized controlled trial in which n=220 non-obese adults were randomized to 25% CR or ad libitum control diet for 2years. We found that CALERIE intervention slowed the pace of aging, as measured by the DunedinPACE DNAm clock, but did not lead to significant changes in PhenoAge- or GrimAge-clock-measured biological age. Treatment effects were small; changes in DunedinPACE suggest a ~3% slowing of the pace of aging. Nevertheless, this small effect may be substantive; in an independent study of older adults, 3% slower DunedinPACE is associated with a 15% lower risk of death. The finding that CR modified DunedinPACE in a randomized controlled trial supports the geroscience hypothesis, building on evidence from small and uncontrolled studies and contrasting with reports that biological aging may not be modifiable. Ultimately, a conclusive test of the geroscience hypothesis will require trials with long-term follow-up to establish effects of intervention on primary healthy-aging endpoints, including incidence of chronic disease and mortality.
EARLY-LIFE EXPOSURE TO THE GREAT DEPRESSION AND THE PACE OF BIOLOGICAL AGING
Authors: Schmitz Lauren
Published: December 2023

The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis proposes that insults to early-life development can result in increased risk for aging-related disease later in life. There is growing interest within gerontology in the potential role such early life exposures play in shaping processes of aging. However, causal research linking early-life exposures to processes of aging in later life is rare. Moreover, there are difficulties in distinguishing the impacts of exposures occurring at different stages of early life development. In this study, we build on a quasi-natural experiment design we developed that leverages state-year variation in economic shocks during the Great Depression to examine the causal effect of environmental exposure in early life on aging outcomes in the US Health and Retirement Study (HRS) (2022 PNAS). Our design allows us to distinguish effects of exposure during different periods of early life development – in-utero, in the first year of life, and later in childhood. In the present study, we apply this framework specifically to study impacts of early-life exposure to the Great Depression on pace of aging in later life. We measure pace of aging using repeated-measures longitudinal functional test and biomarker data and, in parallel, a single-timepoint blood-DNA methylation assessment of the DunedinPACE epigenetic clock through the 2016 HRS assessment wave. We further examine whether impacts of the Great Depression on the pace of aging translate into differences in morbidity and mortality through 2020.
DIVERSE WOMEN’S LIVES: THE STUDY OF BIO-PSYCHO-SOCIAL IMPACT ON DISABILITY WITH AGE
Authors: Harrison Tracie , Nagel Corey , Harrison Tracie
Published: December 2023

In this symposium we examine the extent to which psychosocial interventions might promote healthy aging among women with emotional, mobility, and sensory limitations. A growing literature explains the need for culturally tailored care for men and women with disabilities while also stressing the importance of accommodations when living in inaccessible environments. Creating positive social participation amongst diverse groups based on sex/gender with varying levels of function and types of limitations may require more thought and resources than society is willing to forfeit. In this symposium, we begin by examining these issues among people aging in Mexico with few environmental accommodations in place. Creating recognition for the needs of men compared to women who age into mobility limitations in Mexico begins with identifying their unique individual and environmental risks. Next, we examine the needs of women in acute and long-term care with schizophrenia related emotional limitations. Stigma and neglect may create an environmental barrier to healthy aging in the U.S among this population. Our next study examines how sleep duration and quality can impact levels of depression and fatigue for men and women with sensory limitations, drawing attention to the additive effects of emotional changes on functional limitations. Finally, Taylor’s group draws our attention to the work of creating social participation interventions for depression among African American women as they age with severe arthritic pain. We conclude by facilitating a discussion on social and cultural barriers for diverse women aging with functional limitations. This is a Women’s Issues Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.
THE LIFE COURSE PERSPECTIVES OF WOMEN AGING WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA: CONCERNS WITH HEALTHY AGING
Authors: Walker Veronica Garcia
Published: December 2023

Multiple semi-structured interviews were conducted between August 2021- June 2022 to obtain life course insights of women aging with schizophrenia (N=14). 2 (14%) identified as Hispanic; 5 (36%) as African American, 7 (50%) as non-Hispanic White. Findings: 1) Getting Old Has Made it Worse, indicating decrease in functioning related to aging 2); I Need Meds to Live a Healthier Life, indicating a need for access to health care to address age related health conditions; 3) I’m Afraid to Die, indicating worry expressed as death becomes more imminent; 4) Who’s Going to Help an Old Lady Like Me?, indicating a need for assistance to manage health conditions associated with aging. These findings support the need for experts that are considerate, have good communication, are genuine, and trustworthy in gerontology to provide important care for persons to ensure long, high quality lives for people with severe mental illness.
NACSD RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OLDER ADULT DISASTER PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND RECOVERY
Authors: Brown Lisa , Fisher Anna , Dosa David , Bell Sue Anne
Published: December 2023

This presentation shares the recommendations drafted by the National Advisory Committee on Seniors and Disasters (NACSD). This federal advisory committee provides advice and guidance to the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the HHS Secretary. The NACSD is comprised of seven non-federal members with expertise in geriatric disaster planning, preparedness, response, or recovery and ten federal (non-voting) members who are ex officio representatives from agencies within HHS and other Executive Branch departments. The voting members drafted recommendations intended to address the immediate and persistent challenges in public health emergency preparedness, response, and recovery affecting older adults in the United States. Numerous meetings with federal and non-federal subject matter experts from various disciplines were held to develop the recommendations. The NACSD was also tasked with evaluating issues and programs and providing findings, advice, and recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services to support and enhance all-hazards public health and medical preparedness, response, and recovery activities related to meeting the unique needs of older adults and their families across the entire spectrum of their wellbeing. The NACSD evaluated and provided input concerning the medical and public health needs of older adults related to preparation for, response to, and recovery from all-hazards emergencies; and may provide advice and consultation with respect to State emergency preparedness and response activities relating to older adults.
TREATMENT OF PAIN DURING THE ACUTE CARE STAY FOR PATIENTS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Boltz Marie
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this study was to describe pain among hospitalized patients living with dementia, the use of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment, and to compare treatments among those with and without pain. Data from the first 365 participants in the FFC-AC-EIT study was used. The mean age of participants was 83 (SD=5), the majority was female (65%) and White (67%). Controlling for treatment, between admission to discharge there was a significant decrease in pain from 36% having pain on admission to 31% at discharge (F=5.30, p=.02). At discharge 125 (30%) had pain and 8 (6%) of individuals with pain received no nonpharmacological or pharmacological treatments during the hospital stay. The most frequently used pharmacological intervention was acetaminophen (52%), then tramadol (8%). Comfort measures (49%), physical activity (46%), and communication (38%) were the most common nonpharmacologic approaches. Between those with and without pain there was no difference in use of pharmacologic interventions (F = .38, p =.54) and there was less use of nonpharmacological treatments for those with pain (F=10.24, p=.002). The majority of patients living with dementia were treated for pain, but an ongoing focus is needed to assure optimal pain management for all patients. More attention to use of and evaluation of effectiveness of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments alone or together are needed for hospitalized patients living with dementia.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH PARTICIPATION IN FUNCTION-FOCUSED CARE AMONG HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Kuzmik Ashley
Published: December 2023

Function focused care is an approach used to increase physical activity in hospitalized older adults living with dementia. This study tested the factors associated with participating in function focused care among patients living with dementia. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study using baseline data from the first 365 participants from the first 10 hospitals in the study entitled, Testing the Effectiveness of Function Focused Care for Acute Care Using the Evidence Integration Triangle. Structural equation modeling was used for model testing. The mean age of the participants was 83.2 (SD=8.0) and the majority were women (64%) and white (69%). Fifteen of the 27 hypothesized paths were significant and explained 25% of the variance in performance of function focused care. Cognition, quality of care interactions, behavioral and psychological symptoms associated with dementia, physical resilience, and pain were all indirectly associated with performance of function focused care through function and/or pain. Tethers, function, and quality of care interactions were all directly associated with function focused care. The x2 / df was 5.37, the normed fit index was .87 and the Root Mean Error Square of Approximation was .12. For hospitalized patients living with dementia the focus of care should be on treating pain and behavioral symptoms, decreasing tethers, and improving quality of care interactions so as to optimize resilience, function and participation in function focused care.
VIOLENCE, IDENTITY, BEHAVIORS, AND ACCESS: MECHANISMS ACCOUNTING FOR CHANGES IN HEALTH OVER TIME OF LGBTQ OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Fredriksen-Goldsen Karen , Jung Hailey , Hoy-Ellis Charles , Oswald Austin , Nelson Christi , Kim Hyun-Jun
Published: December 2023

As the population of older adults is growing in complexity and diversity, research has established health disparities by sexual and gender identity among older adults. While most research to date has been cross-sectional, this paper utilizes four-wave longitudinal data from Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging and Sexuality/Gender Study (NHAS) to understand the health and quality of life (QOL) of LGBTQ and sexual and gender diverse older adults over time. Mixed models were run to examine: (1) linear changes over time in health and QOL, controlling for background characteristics, (2) effects of key risk and protective factors on these changes, and (3) gender and age group interactions. Increases in violence, discrimination, identity stigma, adverse health behaviors and experiences (e.g., low physical activity, insufficient nutrition, and suicidal ideation), and decreased access to health and care services were related to poorer health, more cognitive and functional impairment, and lower QOL. Men (vs. women) and the Pride (vs. Silenced and Invisible) Generation were impacted to a greater degree by violence and discrimination, and the impacts of insufficient nutrition and suicidal ideation were also greater in the Pride Generation. Cognitive health of men and gender diverse individuals benefited more strongly from healthcare access. This longitudinal study provides important new findings regarding the mechanisms accounting for the accelerated decline in health and QOL over time in these diverse populations. This information is needed to develop tailored interventions that address these mechanisms as well as are responsive to variations among diverse ages, genders, and sexualities.
DEVELOPMENT OF MITOPHAGY-INDUCING SMALL MOLECULES AS THERAPEUTICS FOR AGING AND ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Authors: Andersen Julie
Published: December 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia in those over the age of 65. The underlying molecular basis for the disease remains elusive. Rather than simply viewing individual diseases in isolated silos, researchers have recently turned to study of the contribution of common age-related processes to age-related diseases. One such shared process is loss in mitochondrial function, normally maintained by clearance of defective mitochondria via mitophagy. Mitophagy slows with age and its pre-clinical and clinical elevation has been shown to slow various age-related conditions. An agent which has received considerable attention in this regard is the compound urolithin A (UA). Several labs, including our own, have recently reported neuroprotection in association with its administration in a variety of mouse AD models. As part of an independent small molecule screen carried out by the lab, we identified a second structurally-related compound we named ‘mitophagy inducing compound’ (MIC). Using C. elegans as an initial validation tool, we showed that both compounds significantly improve mitochondrial function, protect against neuronal cell loss in disease models, and extend lifespan of wildtype animals. These protective effects were found to be translatable to both in vitro and in vivo mammalian models. To identify potential drug targets, we next turned to Cellular Thermal Shift Assay (CETSA). Preliminary data from knockdown of identified targets suggest involvement of a mito-hormetic mechanism which acts to restore overall mitochondrial health. These studies may have important implications for understanding signaling events elicited by these compounds driving their disease-modulating effects.
NEURAL STATES ASSOCIATED WITH MOTIVATION AND REWARD MODULATE AGING IN DROSOPHILA
Authors: Pletcher Scott
Published: December 2023

Humans, scientists especially, like to believe that we are in control of our behaviors and that logical, rational thought is the driving force behind them. Even for the most conscious of actions, however, there are serious questions about whether this is true. Economists, for example, are well-versed in the notion that consumer behavior is irrational. Why? Psychologists attribute it to the complex evaluation of internal and external cues, which is often need-based but can be strongly influenced by perceived costs and benefits. Molecular neuroscience has gone a step further in recent years, often using simple model organisms, to provide a well-defined framework for dissecting the causes and consequences of motivated behaviors. Homeostatic needs are as influential in this process as are rewarding experiences, and I will discuss evidence that the neurons, neural circuits, and conserved signaling molecules that influence neural states associated with feeding, mating, danger in flies are also important modulators of healthy aging.
INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO ADDRESSING LONELINESS AND PROMOTING AGING IN COMMUNITY
Authors: Hou Su-I , Liu Li-Fan , Ma Carol
Published: December 2023

Research has shown that older adults who are lonely and socially isolated are at increased risk for various negative health outcomes. This symposium brings together leading experts across the globe in the fields of gerontology, public health, and social work to share innovative approaches to addressing loneliness and fostering connections. The symposium will begin with Dr. Ma from the National Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) to share the voice of seniors on digital inclusion for a healthy community in Singapore. Dr. Shapira from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel, and her research team will discuss a 7-session digital intervention to promote effective coping and alleviate depression and loneliness among older adults in Israel. The symposium will then examine community-based efforts, with Dr. Hou from The University of Central Florida (UCF) in the United States discussing the role of healthcare providers in screening and identifying loneliness and examining communication and comfortability in conducting loneliness screening among older patients. Lastly, Dr. Kuo from Chung-Shan Medical University (CSMU) will introduce the five domains of living a good life and how older adults responded to these topics to prepare themselves for better aging in the community. The presenters will discuss strategies for fostering community-based support networks to address community-dwelling older adults’ physical, social, and emotional needs. This global symposium will also examine the role of technology in supporting community-based efforts, including using virtual communication platforms, online resources, and digital tools to promote community engagement and connection. This is an International Comparisons of Healthy Aging Interest Group Sponsored Symposium. This is a collaborative symposium between the Aging Among Asians and International Comparisons of Healthy Aging Interest Groups.
KUAKINI COBRE CONTRIBUTIONS FROM LONG-LIVED OKINAWA PREFECTURE: THE FIRST BLUE ZONE
Authors: Willcox D Craig , Allsopp Richard , Suzuki Makoto , Shimabukuro Michio , Higa Moritake , Davy Philip , Willcox Bradley , Torigoe Trevor
Published: December 2023

The Okinawa-Hawaii connection has a long history. The first group of immigrants to Hawaii from Okinawa arrived in 1899, and descendants of these immigrants make up approximately 20% of the Kuakini Honolulu Heart Program (HHP) cohort. Research in Okinawa, and among the Okinawan community in Hawaii, has provided many insights into the subtle differences in lifestyle and genetics among these populations. In order to gain further insight into the lifestyle and genetic factors associated with healthy aging and longevity, the Kuakini COBRE has built a strong collaborative team of researchers from Okinawa and initiated a number of research projects, as well as cross-Pacific training opportunities for COBRE junior investigators (Research Project Leaders). This presentation will outline new insights into healthy aging and longevity that have been discovered through this collaborative relationship. Our findings highlight the intricate relationship between FOXO3 and telomere length change with age, and include the first validated longevity gene variant that shows an association with negligible loss of telomere length with age in humans. This finding reveals that reduced telomere attrition with age may be a key mechanism for the longevity-promoting effect of the FOXO3 genotype. This presentation will also discuss sex differences that play a role in how, and under what conditions, FOXO3 exerts its role in healthy aging. Finally, future collaborative projects involving mitochondrial health and aging will be introduced.