bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BLOOD-BASED CARDIAC BIOMARKERS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: PRELIMINARY RESULTS
Authors: Shearon Jennifer , Rushing Baylie , Love Madeleine , Head Denise
Published: January 2025

Mixed findings regarding effects of physical activity on the brain in later adulthood motivate further research into mechanisms and moderators of potential effects. Cardiovascular health could be part of a mechanistic pathway and/or a moderator of physical activity effects. While there are myriad indicators of cardiovascular health, blood-based cardiac markers may prove particularly sensitive. One goal of this study was to investigate associations of two blood-based markers of cardiovascular health with physical activity/cardiorespiratory fitness. The second aim was to examine the moderating effect of cardiac biomarkers in associations of physical activity/fitness with neurotrophins, considered molecular mechanisms of physical activity effects, as well as with hippocampal volumes. Cognitively normal participants in the Knight ADRC Adult Children Study (n=56, ages 43-85) completed a blood draw for assessment of cardiac biomarkers (high sensitivity cardiac troponin T, N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide) and neurotrophins (brain-derived neurotrophic factor, insulin-like growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor). Composites were created for cardiac biomarkers and for neurotrophins. Participants completed a submaximal exercise test to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness and wore an actigraphy watch for seven days, from which a physical activity composite score was created. Hippocampal volumes were from the most recent MRI scan. Higher physical activity was associated with lower levels of cardiac biomarkers (p=0.03). There was no moderating effect of cardiac biomarkers on associations between physical activity and neurotrophin levels (p=0.74) or physical activity and hippocampal volumes (p=0.24). Blood-based cardiac biomarkers may be useful for considering mechanistic associations between physical activity and cardiovascular health in larger samples.
DECLINE IN EXERCISE IN OLD AGE: LONGITUDINAL EVIDENCE OF DISTANCE TO DEATH AND THE ROLE OF SELF-PERCEPTIONS OF AGING
Authors: Zhang Zheyuan , Wen Wan , Mejia Shannon
Published: January 2025

As individuals age, they are more likely to face health issues and physical mobility constraints associated with mortality, resulting in a decrease in engagement in physical activities during their later life stages. This decrease in activity can adversely impact their longevity and well-being. Self-perceptions of aging (SPA) constitute a crucial psychological resource for older adults. More positive SPAs have a protective effect against health decline and encourage the adoption of healthier behaviors. However, the impact of SPA on health behaviors towards the end of life, especially in moderating the relationship between the proximity to death and exercise engagement, remains insufficiently explored. This study used 10-year longitudinal data from deceased participants of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) (N=9,778, age range:62~117, 59% female). After excluding observations with missing data, a total of 12,027 observations were analyzed. Multilevel models showed that as older adults approached the end of life, their likelihood of engaging in physical activity decreased. However, positive SPA can mitigate this decline. These insights underscore the importance of SPA in health promotion interventions aimed at enhancing physical activity among older adults, offering strategies to increase exercise participation in their later years.
EFFECT OF EXERCISE OR MENTAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES ON INTRAINDIVIDUAL VARIABILITY OF COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE IN STROKE
Authors: Dimri Vrinda , Silva Nárlon Cássio Boa Sorte , Balbim Guilherme , Eng Janice , Liu-Ambrose Teresa
Published: January 2025

Stroke is associated with increased risk of cognitive impairment. Evidence has shown exercise to be a useful strategy for improving cognitive function in this population. Intraindividual variability (IIV), a sensitive measure of cognitive performance, is the within-person trial-to-trial variation in reaction time during cognitive tasks. Whether exercise training also improves IIV of cognitive performance in stroke is unknown. The study was a six-month single-blinded, 3-group parallel randomised controlled trial. Participants included community dwelling adults (N= 119, 38.7% female) with a history of stroke, aged above 55 years (mean= 70.71, SD= 8.59), able to walk 6 meters, and without dementia. Participants were randomly allocated to twice-weekly supervised classes of 1) exercise training (EX); (2) cognitive and social activities (ENRICH); or (3) a balance and tone (BAT; control). Residualised intraindividual standard deviation (rISD) was used as measure of IIV and computed using trial latencies of a computerised Stroop Task. IIV was assessed at baseline, 6-and-12 months. At 6-and-12 months, there was no significant reduction in IIV for all three groups. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the IIV scores of the EX and BAT (estimated mean difference= 0.30, SE= 0.53, p-value = 0.89) or ENRICH and BAT (estimated mean difference= 0.64, SE= 0.55, p-value = 0.40) groups. The findings suggest that a 6-month program of exercise or mental and social activities does not significantly impact IIV of cognitive performance in stroke. Further studies are required to determine if IIV can be improved using other types of exercise or cognitive training programs.
EFFECTS OF PHYSIO-FEEDBACK EXERCISE PROGRAM (PEER) ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Suarez Jethro Raphael , Park Joon-Hyuk , Xie Rui , Lafontant Kworweinski , Thiamwong Ladda
Published: January 2025

Adults aged 60 years and older are the most sedentary group in the United States. Low levels of physical activity (PA) and high levels of sedentary behavior (SB) increase the risk for developing diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate intervention strategies that help increase PA and decrease SB levels in older adults. This study was an 8-week, Physio-fEedback Exercise pRogram (PEER), aimed at improving PA levels and balance while reducing the fall risk of community-dwelling older adults by providing visual physio-feedback on balance and body composition, cognitive reframing to lower the fear of falling, and a peer-led group exercise. We conducted a preliminary analysis of 55 community-dwelling older adults aged 61 to 89 years (49 women, 6 men; mean age = 73.75 ± 7.28 years) in low-income settings to determine if the intervention influenced PA levels. Total PA levels were measured across 7 consecutive days using the ActiGraph GT9X Link wireless activity monitor at baseline and post-intervention for a control (n = 31) and intervention group (n = 24), and categorized as sedentary behavior (SB), light PA (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA). PA was compared between groups using Student’s t-test and Mann-Whitney U test, but significant differences were not found. However, the PEER group showed a decrease in total SB mean (208.64 min), increase in total LPA mean (89.99 min), and increase in total MVPA median (8.75 min) between baseline and post-intervention. The results show that PEER has the potential to impact PA levels, but more research is warranted.
EXPLORING BARRIERS AND FACILITATORS TO PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN EUROPEAN MIDLIFE AND OLDER ADULT SAMPLES
Authors: Broen Tiana , Aichele Stephen , Feliciano Leilani
Published: January 2025

Physical activity (PA) is an adaptable and accessible health-promoting behavior with wide-ranging benefits (e.g., reduced risk for diabetes, heart disease, and all-cause mortality). However, only 24.3% of U.S. adults meet current recommendations for PA (150 minutes of moderate-intensity PA and 2 days of muscle strengthening activity per week). It is therefore crucial to understand factors that may support increased engagement in PA. The current study used a random forest machine learning analysis (RFA) alongside a conventional parametric methodology (i.e., linear multiple regression) to evaluate the relative importance of 58 risk/protective factors for PA (moderate and strenuous activity) in a population-representative sample of middle-aged and older adults (N = 67,603; 56.1% women; ages 45-105y; 18 countries) from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE Wave 6). For both women and men, top predictors identified through RFA included variables related to socio-demographics (age, sex, education, country), physical and functional health (mobility, self-rated health, grip strength), as well as variables related to mental health (cognitive performance, depressive symptoms) and socio-relational engagement (caring for others outside of the home, social connectedness). Follow-up hierarchical regressions showed that key predictors accounted for 35% of variability in PA, with contributions as follows: socio-demographic (20%), health/mobility (12%), and cognitive and socio-relational (3%). Together, these results indicate that PA is influenced by multiple bio-psycho-social factors and suggest that future interventions to promote PA may benefit by considering such constellations.
MEASUREMENT OF EXERCISE SELF-REGULATORY EFFICACY IN OLDER US VETERANS WITH COPD
Authors: Bamonti Patricia , Wingood Mariana , Robinson Stephanie , Rose Grace , Moy Marilyn
Published: January 2025

Physical activity promotion and exercise are essential in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a life-limiting disease that causes dyspnea and fatigue. Exercise self-regulatory efficacy is an individual’s confidence to exercise despite barriers and is an essential component to increasing physical activity/exercise. Exercise Self-Regulatory Efficacy scale (Ex-SRES) was developed and initially validated to measure one underlying factor in a small sample of adults with COPD. Research is needed examining the psychometric properties of the scale with larger samples, utilizing objective measures of physical functioning, to further establish its psychometric properties. Secondary analyses were performed on baseline assessment of two cohorts of U.S. Veterans with COPD who participated in a physical activity intervention (n=191; age M =68±8; 97% male;93.2% White). The Ex-SRES asked how confident participants felt they could exercise given 16 unique barriers. Daily steps were assessed for 7-10 days, and exercise endurance was assessed via the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). The St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) assessed health-related quality of life and participants self-reported frequency of days walking for exercise/week. The Ex-SRES demonstrated reliability (Cronbach’s α =.94) and convergent validity: average steps/day (r=.22), 6-MWT distance (r=.25), SGRQ (r=-.20), and walking (r=.30) (p’s<.01). Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated acceptable fit of a unidimensional factor structure, χ2(458.07, p <.001; SRMR = 0.06; χ2/df = 4.4). Findings are consistent with prior research demonstrating a unidimensional factor structure. However, room for improved model fit is noted. Future research is needed exploring whether a multi-dimensional factor structure may improve fit.
THE ASSOCIATION OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND MORTALITY AMONG RECENTLY HOSPITALIZED OLDER ADULTS WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Burch Brittany , Resnick Barbara
Published: January 2025

Even though the period following hospitalization is a critical time for physical activity, recently hospitalized older adults with dementia spend 83.3% of their days sedentary. Filling a research gap, this study aims to test the hypothesis that greater amounts of physical activity at one month post discharge is associated with lower mortality over the first year post discharge. We obtained the variable of “physical activity one month post discharge” through application of the MotionWatch8 accelerometer for 24 hours between 30-60 days after hospital discharge. We obtained the variable of “mortality status over one year post discharge” through care partners’ report of participant death or alive status at 6 months and 1 year post hospital discharge. We performed simple logistic regression and multiple logistic regression, controlling for comorbidities, age, and cognitive status. Among 42 recently discharged older adults with dementia, we found that participants’ amount of time spent in physical activity one month post discharge was not statistically significantly associated with mortality within one year post discharge (Simple Logistic Regression: OR=.996, CI=.992,1.000; p=.053; Multiple Logistic Regression: OR=.996, CI=.992,1.001; p=.095). However, we did observe a strong trend. In particular, the data suggests that as a recently discharged person with dementia increases their time spent in physical activity by 10 daily minutes, the odds that they will die over the next year decreases by 4%. This demonstrates the critical importance of physical activity following hospital discharge among older adults with dementia and the need to test this association in a larger sample.
THE EFFECTS OF EXERCISE ON BRAIN FUNCTIONAL CONNECTIVITY IN ADULTS AGED 55–65 EXPOSED TO EXPERIMENTAL BED REST
Authors: Balbim Guilherme , Hsu Chun-Liang , Tai Daria , Duchesne Simon , Madden Kenneth , Liu-Ambrose Teresa
Published: January 2025

Bed rest can occur because of chronic conditions, injury, or hospitalization and initiate a downward spiral of deleterious changes in several body systems. Exercise is a countermeasure to many of these changes. However, its impact on middle-aged and older adults’ brain functional connectivity (FC) during bed rest remains unexplored. We examined the effects of exercise on brain resting-state FC in adults exposed to 14 days of experimental 6° head-down bed rest (HDBR). We conducted a non-blinded, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial with 23 healthy adults aged 55-65. Participants were randomized to either 14 days of HDBR (CON) or 14 days of HDBR with daily aerobic and strength exercise training (EX). At baseline and HDBR completion, participants underwent brain structural and resting-state functional magnetic resonance (MRI). Resting-state MRI preprocessing was performed using the FMRIPREP version 20.2.3. We extracted preprocessed resting-state time-series from a priori networks of interest based on Yeo’s 7-network parcellation. We conducted complete-case data analysis (NEX=11; NCON=8). Analysis of covariance explored EX effects on resting-state FC after controlling for baseline resting-state FC and baseline physical activity assessed by the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly. Changes in EX resting-state FC within- and between- the Visual, Sensorimotor, Dorsal Attention, Ventral Attention, Fronto-Executive, Frontoparietal, and Default Mode Networks were not statistically significant compared with CON (all ps > 0.05). Exposure to 14 days of experimental HDBR or 14 days of daily aerobic and strength exercise training in HDBR did not elicit changes in brain resting-state FC of healthy middle-aged and older adults.
USING QUALITATIVE METHODS TO CULTURALLY ADAPT A COMMUNITY-ENGAGED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INTERVENTION FOR LATINOS
Authors: Zlatar Zvinka , Lujan Lazaro Martinez , Greenwood-Hickman Mikael Anne , Cooper Julie , Acevedo Stefani Florez , Vargas Andrea-Paula , Rosenberg Dori
Published: January 2025

Hispanics/Latinos are at increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD), but culturally adapted interventions to prevent ADRD in this high-risk population are scarce. We aimed to develop a community-engaged physical activity (PA) intervention to lower ADRD risk among middle-aged and older Hispanic/Latino adults through qualitative feedback from a community advisory board (CAB) and pilot study participants. Ten Hispanic/Latino community members (average age = 67.2, 90% female, 90% Spanish-speaking) participated in a 3-week pre-post remote PA study. Participants received a Fitbit and two health coaching calls from a bilingual/bicultural health coach. Qualitative data were collected through two focus groups with pilot participants and two CAB meetings (seven members) to inform the culturally adapted intervention. Thematic analysis of transcribed and translated focus groups was conducted. Themes from notes taken at CAB meetings were also compiled. Focus group data themes highlighted that the intervention was well-received, with participants recognizing the cognitive benefits of PA engagement, the significance of prioritizing time to oneself, an increased sense of commitment, and identifying the Fitbit as an effective tool as facilitators. Barriers to engagement included life obligations, ingrained habits, adverse weather, and challenges related to physical and mental health factors. The CAB helped to design the study logo and recruitment materials while pilot participants identified a desire for group activities and face-to-face interaction with study staff. Participant and CAB feedback was instrumental in the cultural adaptation process to refine the intervention. Community-engaged approaches are crucial for ADRD prevention in high-risk Hispanic/Latino older adults.
FUNCTIONAL LIMITATIONS AND WELL-BEING THROUGHOUT THE ADULT LIFESPAN: THE ROLE OF PERCEIVED BURDENSOMENESS
Authors: Williams Claire , Dautovich Natalie
Published: January 2025

Functional limitations represent individuals’ difficulty with completing essential activities of daily living. Though functional limitations have been linked to poorer well-being outcomes, less is known about potential protective factors for well-being in the lived experience of functional limitations. This study aimed to examine the potential moderating effect of perceived burdensomeness on the association between functional limitations and life satisfaction, a common indicator of well-being, across the adult lifespan. The present study used archival data from 696 individuals who participated in the Midlife in the United States Refresher study. Participants’ perceived burdensomeness significantly moderated the association between functional limitation status and life satisfaction (B = 0.18, p =.0486) after controlling for gender identity (B = 0.003, p = 0.9461) and racial identity (B = 0.03, p = 0.0724). The negative association between functional limitations and life satisfaction was stronger for those with a higher degree of perceived burden. Interestingly, age did not emerge as a significant secondary moderator in this model. Therefore, it seems that the buffering effect of a low level of perceived burden may be salient across age groups. The current study provides support for the importance of perceived burdensomeness in the lived experience of functional limitations across the adult lifespan. In the future, clinicians should consider integrating mental health screeners in healthcare settings in order to identify at-risk individuals who are experiencing functional limitations, and potentially consider establishing preventative, education-based interventions concerning sleep in the experience of functional limitations.
LONGITUDINAL ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN LONELINESS AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMATOLOGY IN THE OLDEST-OLD
Authors: Lynch Morgan , Beam Christopher
Published: January 2025

Prior research suggests that loneliness is a precursor for depressive symptomatology (hereafter “depression”) in older adults (Cacioppo et al. 2010). Yet, whether their findings extend to the oldest-old is an open question. Moreover, recent work suggests that loneliness does not predict depression after accounting for trait-level components of each variable (Griffin et al., 2022). In the current study, we model five waves of loneliness and depression scores, measured two years apart, from 702 pairs of Swedish twins 80+ years of age from the Origin of Variances in the Oldest-Old study (OCTO). We use a Trait-State-Error (TSE) model to estimate trait, correlated time-specific, and uncorrelated time-specific components of loneliness and depression in the oldest-old. Lag-1 phenotypic correlations between loneliness and depression were small to moderate (rs:.23-.42). Univariate models were first compared; a State Error (SE) model best fit both variables. Model comparison tests indicated between-person differences (i.e., trait-like components) were not significant for either loneliness or depression. In a bivariate SE model, we found bidirectional cross-trait effects; depression positively predicted loneliness (b = 0.19, 95% CI [0.03, 0.46]), and loneliness negatively predicted depression after accounting for within-timepoint correlations (b = -0.33, 95% CI [-0.61, -0.09]). Within-variable autoregressive components were also significant; higher scores at the previous timepoint predicted an increase in loneliness (b = 0.91, 95% CI [0.84, 0.96]) and depression (b = 1.19, 95% CI [1.11, 1.27]). Findings suggest that in the oldest-old, loneliness does not presage depression as it does in young-old, alternatively, depression may precede loneliness.
MOMENTARY SOLITUDE AND WELL-BEING ACROSS ADULTHOOD: THE MODERATING ROLE OF TRAIT MINDFULNESS
Authors: Peng Xinyuan , Da Jiang  , Tse Dwight , Ho Yuen Wan , Lay Jennifer
Published: January 2025

Solitude (an objective state of being alone without social contact) evokes positive and negative experiences. People spend more time alone as they age. Little is known about factors influencing affective experiences in solitude. Trait mindfulness facilitates emotion regulation in various social contexts. The person-environment fit theory posits that individuals enjoy better well-being in environments aligning with their traits. Mindfulness emphasizes self-awareness and stress reduction, which seems consistent with the nature of solitude. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether trait mindfulness would moderate the relationship between solitude and affective well-being in a lifespan sample. An experience sampling study (N = 191; Mage = 51.49, SDage = 17.70, range = 19-93, 66% women) was conducted. Participants completed smartphone-based assessments measuring momentary social situations (in solitude vs. not) and affective experiences five times per day for seven consecutive days. High- and low-arousal positive (PA) and negative affect (NA) were assessed with nine items. Five facets of trait mindfulness were examined as moderators. Results revealed that mindfulness facets played protective roles in maintaining well-being in solitude. Higher levels of “describing” and “acting with awareness” weakened the negative association between solitude and high-arousal PA. A higher level of “nonreactivity to inner experiences” amplified the positive association between solitude and low-arousal PA. A higher level of “observing” weakened the positive association between solitude and low-arousal NA. Age did not moderate these relationships. These findings enhance understanding of affective well-being in solitude across adulthood by highlighting the roles of different facets of mindfulness.
PROMOTING PURPOSEFUL RETIREMENT IN NORTH DAKOTA AND SOUTH DAKOTA
Authors: Brown Leacey , Strommen Jane
Published: January 2025

A sense of purpose is correlated with a variety of outcomes in older age. Outcomes associated with purpose include mortality, longevity, psychological health, dementia/memory, physical health, and health promotion. Yet, many adults may not view older age and retirement as a time to live with purpose. As a result, educational programs are needed to help adults learn how they might incorporate purpose into their retirement planning. As the land-grant universities in their respective states, North Dakota State University and South Dakota State University are well positioned to fill this void. Both organizations are tasked with providing education and outreach on a variety of topics for individuals and families. For this reason, they came together to develop the Purposeful Retirement Book Club. This program was first piloted in 2020 and has been offered five times, reaching 81 adults. This poster will describe the value of including purpose in retirement planning, discuss evaluation results and lessons learn piloting the program, as well as strategies other organizations might use to implement this program in their community. Participants will also learn about the facilitator guide that was developed following the pilot of the program. This guide is available for anyone interested in offering the program.
ASSOCIATION OF SLEEP MEASURES WITH IMMUNE CELL PHENOTYPES IN THE FRAMINGHAM HEART STUDY
Authors: Ragab Ahmed , Chen Jiachen , Cao Yumeng , Doyle Margaret , Lunetta Kathryn , Murabito Joanne
Published: January 2025

Sleep plays a significant role in regulating immune functions. Disordered sleep is linked to higher risk of infection and chronic inflammation. The relationship between sleep and the immune system is reciprocal, with each influencing the other. Adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining a balanced immune response and overall health. The associations between sleep measures and comprehensive immune cell phenotypes have not been well studied. Among Framingham Heart Study (FHS) Offspring participants who participated in the Sleep Study (1996-1998) and had immune cell data, we investigated five different sleep measures, average weighted sleeping hours per week, apnea hypopnea index with 3% oxygen desaturation, self-reported snoring >3 times a week, percentage of sleep time with oxygen saturation below 90% (TST90%) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) in relation to fourteen immune cell phenotypes. At exam 7 (1998-2001) using flow cytometry immune cells were profiled including T cells, B cells, NK cells, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+CD28-CD27-, CD8+CD28-CD27-, CD4+ TEMRA, CD8+ TEMRA, CD4+/CD8+ ratio, CD4+(TN/TM), CD8+ (TN/TM), CD8+ Tc17/Treg ratio and CD4+ Th17/Treg ratio. Linear Mixed Effects models were used for analysis with adjustment for covariates. Among 199 participants (mean age 62 years, range 42 to 83 years, 51% female), CD8+ TEMRA and CD8+CD28-CD27- were significantly associated with ESS and TST90% after adjusting for age, sex, CMV status, time difference between exams, family relationships, sleep medications and cardiovascular risk factors (Beta Coeffs:0.05, -0.02; FDRs=0.03, 0.03) respectively. We conclude that CD8+ TEMRA and CD8+CD28-CD27- are associated with daytime sleepiness and sleep-related hypoxemia. Further investigation is justified.
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN SLEEP HYGIENE INDEX SCORE AND WHITE MATTER MICROSTRUCTURE
Authors: Weimar Lisa , Zhang Meina , Magnotta Vincent , Axelson Eric , Cochran Josh , Hopkins Lauren , Moon Chooza
Published: January 2025

Sleep complaints are common among older adults. Sleep hygiene refers to practices that promote adequate sleep and may represent an interventional target for improving sleep quality. Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease often exhibit white matter (WM) microstructure degenerations observable through diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). As people age, poor sleep quality can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and damage WM microstructures. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between sleep hygiene and the structural integrity of WM among older adults. Data was collected from 49 older adults (51% female) with mean age 70.4 years (SD = 6.50). Diffusion-weighted MRI sequences were acquired using a 3.0T scanner. Fractional anisotropy (FA) scalar maps were generated through FSL-DTIFIT, and the Johns Hopkins University-ICBM white matter atlas was utilized to assess FA values within WM tracts. Participants completed the Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI), which is a self-reported instrument. In this preliminary analysis, poorer sleep hygiene was associated with lower FA values in the bilateral cerebral peduncles and posterior limb internal capsules, right anterior limb internal capsule, and left uncinate fasciculus compared to those who have better sleep hygiene. This preliminary data suggests that among this small, homogenous sample poor sleep hygiene is associated with reduced WM integrity. Future studies should include larger samples, longitudinal designs, comprehensive sleep measures, and multimodal imaging methods to confirm these findings and identify the mechanisms underlying these associations.
DAILY SLEEP AND EMOTION INERTIA IN LATE LIFE
Authors: Zhou Zexi , Fingerman Karen
Published: January 2025

Emotion inertia, conceptualized as the extent to which specific emotional states persist over time, is a crucial aspect of emotion dynamics associated with psychological well-being. This study examines the associations between sleep and emotion inertia in older adults’ daily life. We used the ecological momentary assessment data over 5–6 days from the Daily Experiences and Well-being Study (N = 251, Mage = 73.7). Each morning, older adults indicated their sleep (i.e., duration, quality, disturbances) the prior night. At each three-hour assessment, they rated feelings of positive (e.g., loved, content) and negative (e.g., worried, lonely) emotion. They also reported depressive symptoms in the baseline interview. Multilevel models showed that higher sleep quality was associated with lower emotion inertia on days when older adults had lower averaged positive emotion or higher averaged negative emotion. In contrast, on days featuring higher averaged positive emotion or lower averaged negative emotion, high sleep quality was associated with increased emotion inertia. Furthermore, more overall hours of sleep predicted less emotion inertia across the study period only among older adults who had more depressive symptoms but not among those with fewer depressive symptoms. Findings suggest that good sleep may benefit older adults’ everyday emotional well-being by maintaining good mood on days characterized by favorable emotional states, and facilitating susceptibility to change in mood on days with less favorable emotional states. Results also underscore the heightened protective role of good sleep in older adults experiencing more depressive symptoms.
SUBJECTIVELY AND OBJECTIVELY ASSESSED SLEEP IN OLDER ADULTS WITH AND WITHOUT MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Lafontant Kworweinski , Brightman James , Suarez Jethro Raphael , Blount Amber , Fukuda David , Stout Jeffrey , Thiamwong Ladda
Published: January 2025

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has been proposed as a potential confounding factor when subjectively assessing sleep in older adults. However, it is unclear whether older adults with MCI are less accurate in self-reporting sleep than those without MCI. This cross-sectional investigation compared the mean absolute difference (MAD) between subjectively and objectively assessed sleep duration, efficiency, and latency among community-dwelling low-income older adults with MCI (n = 13, females = 11, age = 77.5 ± 7.83 years, BMI = 29.0 ± 4.29 kg/m2) and those without MCI (n = 77, females = 69, age = 73.8 ± 7.07 years, BMI = 30.6 ± 7.38 kg/m2). The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), wrist-worn actigraphy (GT9X Link, ActiGraph LLC, Pensacola, FL, USA) and the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale were used to assess subjective sleep, objective sleep, and MCI, respectively. A Kolmogorov-Smirnov test revealed that data were non-normally distributed, so Mann-Whitney U tests were used for between-group comparisons. There was a significant difference in sleep duration MAD between older adults with MCI (6.04 ± 2.22 hrs) and those without MCI (6.42 ± 1.47 hrs; p = 0.03). However, sleep efficiency and latency MAD were not significantly different between the groups. While older adults with MCI may be less accurate at recalling sleep duration, their ability to distinguish sleep duration from time spent in bed is comparable to that of older adults without MCI. Future research should include older adults with MCI when assessing specific subdomains of sleep quality subjectively.
THE ROLE OF SOCIAL SUPPORT IN SLEEP HEALTH FOLLOWING SPOUSAL LOSS: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY
Authors: Calfee Kristin , Lee Soomi
Published: January 2025

The loss of a spouse is consistently rated as one of the most stressful life events. Both spousal bereavement and divorce have been associated with poorer physical and mental health, including worsened sleep. However, the impact of spousal loss on sleep health may be mitigated by robust social support networks. This study utilizes a multidimensional measure of sleep health to examine its association with spousal loss, considering potential moderation by social support. 2,462 adults (Mage=66yrs) from the Midlife in the United States study provided longitudinal data at 2004-2005 and 2013-2016, 277 of whom lost a spouse to death or divorce between the two timepoints. A composite score of sleep regularity, satisfaction, alertness, efficiency, and duration was used to measure sleep health (higher=better). Social support was measured using Affectual Solidarity (AS), capturing both support and strain. General linear regression adjusted for sociodemographic covariates and depression was used to examine the association between spousal loss and sleep health, and the interaction between spousal loss and AS. Spousal loss was not a predictor of sleep health at follow-up. However, there was significant moderation by AS, such that the loss of a spouse was associated with worse sleep health for those who experienced a decrease in AS since the spousal loss (Slope=0.19, SE=.09, p=.03), but not for those who experienced an increase or no change in AS. Findings suggest that spousal loss may not necessarily degrade sleep health when social support is stronger. Future analyses will examine these associations separately by bereavement vs. divorce.
BARRIERS TO COMMUNITY FOOD RESOURCES AMONG OLDER ADULTS: PERCEPTIONS OF PROVIDERS AND OLDER ADULT STAKEHOLDERS
Authors: Groden Sheryl
Published: January 2025

Finding proper nutrition for individuals living in or near a food desert is of particular concern for older adults, many who experience chronic health problems. This qualitative study explores barriers and challenges in food accessibility for older adults in Flint, Michigan. Qualitative data was collected at four focus group sessions in early 2022. Two focus groups included 15 older adults, 65 years of age or older. They shared their experiences and challenges regarding food accessibility. The other focus groups included six professionals employed at agencies connected to food distribution. Based on responses from both groups, we revealed challenges to food access/distribution among older adults. Data analysis highlights gaps in communication and knowledge of community food provision as barriers to older adults accessing food. Community providers noted while Flint doesn’t have adequate grocery stores, the community was not short of community-provided meals. Despite numerous food assistance programs in the community, older adults were unaware of all food distribution options. They were also unaware of digital apps to find food distribution or the best pricing for goods at grocery stores. As non-profit agencies and businesses rely more on digital communication, written communication is often forgotten, leaving out many older adults. Other identified communication barriers included literacy issues, language barriers (growing Arabic and Spanish-speaking populations), and lack of overall knowledge on where to go for community food. Implications for addressing gaps in communication will help to address food access and nutrition security for older adults in marginalized communities such as Flint, MI.
FACILITATORS AND BARRIERS IN NAVIGATING COMMUNITY AND HEALTH CARE SYSTEM AMONG INFORMAL CAREGIVERS OF OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Kim Boah , Wister Andrew , Mitchell Barbara , Li Lun , Kadowaki Laura
Published: January 2025

Informal caregivers are fulfilling important support roles for older adults who tend to require a greater range of services while navigating these community and healthcare systems to fulfill their growing complex needs. Yet, there is sparse knowledge on the most significant facilitators and barriers to effective system navigation (SN) among caregivers. This paper aims to fill these gaps through an investigation of the key factors affecting SN difficulties among informal caregivers of older adults. The Behavioural-Ecological Framework of Healthcare Access and Navigation (BEAN) model is used to frame the study. Using the General Social Survey (GSS) on Caregiving and Care Receiving 2018, a total of 2,733 informal caregivers whose primary care receivers were aged 65 or older were analyzed. Hierarchical logistic regression showed that the probability of reporting SN difficulties was lower for caregivers with social capital/cohesion compared to those without social capital/cohesion. In comparison, the probability of reporting SN difficulties was higher among caregivers with caregiving supports and among caregivers whose care receivers use a higher amount of formal health services. Several sociodemographic covariates (e.g., sex, education level, self-rated stress) were also identified. Given the significance of the social capital and utilization factors, as well as several key covariates as facilitators/barriers in SN among informal caregivers, our findings support certain aspects of the BEAN model. To address the challenges and to fill the care gaps on SN among informal caregivers, there is a need to implement coordinated schemes and health policy for older adults and their caregivers.
GOALS OF CARE IN A MEDICAID HCBS PROGRAM: VARIATIONS BY RACE, ETHNICITY, AND DEMENTIA
Authors: Robison Julie , Elisha Victor , Kellett Kathy , Baker Kristin , Fortinsky Richard
Published: January 2025

Medicaid-funded home and community-based services (HCBS) for older adults aim to prolong independent living despite physical and cognitive disabilities. HCBS person-centered care plans ideally align services provided with recipients’ goals of care. Medicaid-eligible HCBS populations are racially and ethnically heterogenous, with multiple chronic conditions. This study aims to determine how living with dementia, and racial and ethnic group membership, are associated with meeting self-identified goals of care and person-centered outcomes based on their HCBS-related experiences. 148 ethnically diverse adults ages 65+ with and without dementia were interviewed 9-10 months after enrolling in Connecticut’s Medicaid HCBS waiver program about the goals they set at enrollment. Structured interviews were conducted in person or virtually, based on respondent preference. Assistant or proxy unpaid caregiver respondents participated when warranted. 90% of respondents said they had as much input as they wanted in setting their goals. 76% felt they had met their goal, including 49% doing better than they had expected, and 16% reporting changing their goal. 83% said that thinking about goals was helpful in planning future care and many had discussed their goals with another health care provider (45%) or friends and family (76%). Goal achievement was equally likely for people with dementia compared to people without dementia as well as between race and ethnicity groups. However other aspects differed both by dementia status and race/ethnicity. Examples of specific goals for various subgroups will be presented.
UNMET SERVICE NEEDS AND HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICE USE IN RURAL AND URBAN DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS
Authors: Miyawaki Christina , McClellan Angela , Russell David , Bouldin Erin
Published: January 2025

The lack of resources and services for caregivers of people with dementia (PWD) in rural areas in the U.S. has been well-documented. However, less research has explored the conditions of caregivers in urban areas. The purpose of this study was to identify the unmet caregiver service needs of urban caregivers of PWD, explore factors associated with their service use, and compare the outcomes with those of rural counterparts. Guided by Andersen’s theory of health service use, we interviewed 20 caregivers in rural Western North Carolina and 18 caregivers in urban Houston, Texas. Using the same interview guide, we inquired about their service needs and use, and contextual factors that facilitate their service use, and conducted a thematic analysis of the interviews. Interviews revealed that rural caregivers wished for more information and caregiver support whereas urban caregivers searched for information until they found satisfactory solutions. Rural caregivers expressed guilt about using services because they were limited and zero-sum while urban caregivers sought to assist their fellow caregivers through sharing available resources. Urban caregivers needed more culturally tailored services while rural caregivers’ cultural needs were more place-specific. Increasing options for online and virtual support groups and expanding the reach across the U.S. might address the unique concerns of rural caregivers. Developing ethnic-specific resources for their diverse population and PWD represents a priority among urban caregivers. Racially/ethnically diverse health professionals, including nurses and social workers with multi-linguistic skills, are needed to meet the needs of racially/ethnically diverse patients and caregivers in urban areas.
BEYOND PHYSICAL ABILITY: PROMOTING INCLUSION IN DEFINITIONS OF SUCCESSFUL AGING
Authors: Rule Payton , Willroth Emily
Published: January 2025

Physical function and the absence of disability have long been conceptualized as key components of successful aging in most frameworks. However, prior work in disability studies and psychology have suggested that physical functioning is not necessary for successful aging and that this conceptualization may be ableist in nature. Specifically, this definition implies that people with congenital disabilities are not able to age successfully and reinforces society’s view that able-bodied lives are better, happier, or more worthy than disabled people’s lives. This stands contrary to prior research demonstrating high engagement and wellbeing among individuals with disabilities. Moreover, this definition fails to acknowledge the role of inclusive environments (e.g., no stairs, wide doors/walkways) in promoting participation and successful aging. All these factors may lead to increased disability shame, stigma, and discrimination, which can decrease wellbeing, health, and longevity for people with disabilities. In this conceptual presentation, we draw from research in psychology, gerontology, and disability studies to suggest a broader and more inclusive definition of successful aging as continued engagement in activities one needs and wants to participate in. We describe how this definition promotes inclusion by acknowledging that participation can take many forms (e.g., through adaptive devices) and recognizing the power of the environment for promoting successful aging. In this way, we argue that this definition of successful aging takes the onus of functioning off the individual and places it on society to create inclusive environments, allowing all individuals the potential to age successfully, regardless of physical ability.
SYNTHESIZING LIFESTYLE MEDICINE AND SUCCESSFUL AGING: A PERFECT PAIRING FOR THEORIZING OPTIMAL AGING?
Authors: Undem Teri , Fuller Heather
Published: January 2025

Within gerontology, various theoretical perspectives on what it means to age successfully have emerged over recent decades (e.g. Rowe & Kahn, etc.) and garnered empirical support. Within medicine and related healthcare fields, research is prolific regarding engaging in healthy living in terms of physical health, mental health, and well-being. In recent years, a theoretical perspective of Lifestyle Medicine has emerged to describe the role of such lifestyle factors on health. The present work includes a scoping review of both literatures with the ultimate goal of determining overlaps and distinctions between theoretical concepts of successful aging and lifestyle medicine. We take a holistic approach to develop a model that identifies linkages between the principles of successful aging and lifestyle medicine. The resultant ‘Lifestyle Model of Optimal Aging’ merges the core pillars of Lifestyle Medicine (nutrition, physical activity, stress management, restorative sleep, social connection, and avoidance of risky substances) with the core principles of successful aging from the models put forth by Rowe and Kahn (1997) and expanded upon by Urtamo et.al., (2019). This new, holistic approach to exploring the linkages between the principles of LM and the essential components of successful aging highlights how proactive behavioral health strategies related to nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, and substances can foster optimal aging in cognitive and physical functioning and disease prevention, thereby potentially yielding more positive outcomes for aging well. Discussion explores how concepts underlying successful aging may be enhanced by incorporating a lifestyle medicine approach.
THEORETICAL ANALYSIS OF THE DISABLEMENT PROCESS MODEL IN THE CONTEXT OF VISION LOSS IN LATE LIFE
Authors: Suzuki Haruno , Wallhagen Margaret
Published: January 2025

Vision loss experienced by older adults is associated with poor biopsychosocial health, yet the mechanisms underpinning adjustment to this disability are poorly understood. One framework that may facilitate the exploration of the adjustment is the disablement process model (DPM) (Verbrugge & Jette, 1994), which describes how a chronic condition leads to disability. However, limited studies have evaluated the model’s applicability to older adults living with vision loss. This study critically appraises the theoretical assumptions of DPM for its applicability to studying vision loss acquired in late life. We utilized the criteria adapted from Chinn and Kramer (2011), which include 6-items of description of theory and 5-items of critical reflection. The central pathway of the DPM describes moving from pathology to impairments, functional limitations, and disability with intra- and extra-individual factors influencing the experience of disability. Definitions of each concept and subconcept are explicit yet general enough to use in various populations with disabilities, increasing the model’s generalizability. However, the magnitude of the effects of each subconcept on disability and health outcomes is unclear. Furthermore, it is based on a medical model of disability, focusing on preventing disability. It lacks the nuance of social models that include strengths and capacities, thus limiting its use in developing inclusive communities that reinforce intrinsic capability and extrinsic environmental supports, such as age-friendly community. The findings imply the necessity of modifying the model to improve its utility in exploring the lived experience of disability among older adults living with vision loss in late life.
TOPIC CLUSTERS OF SUCCESSFUL AGING STUDIES: RESULTS OF A TOPIC MODELING APPROACH
Authors: Kim Ha Neul , Freddolino Paul
Published: January 2025

Literature regarding successful aging reflects a wide variety of fields and perspectives. Given the range of definitions and approaches found in the published literature, it is important to investigate clusters of topics studied over time. This study aimed to show the change of topic clusters within successful aging studies. The study used topic modeling methodology to analyze vast amounts of abstract data. Among publications collected from Scopus (4,458) and Web of Science (5,187), 5,610 publications were analyzed. Topic clusters were analyzed in two ways: by a) division of time (1960s – 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, 2020s) and b) all years combined. In the 1960s – 1990s, 11 topic clusters ranging from health to emotional well-being emerged without any dominant domain. In the 2000s, two clusters related to social support and health appeared as major clusters. In the 2010s, one topic cluster that included words related to health and social participation was the biggest. In the 2020s, emotional health and social participation appeared again as one of the major clusters and health-related topics started to diverge into subgroups like physical health and mental health. In all years of publications combined, the major cluster involved words that are related to either health or social domains. Results revealed that successful aging has been studied in many fields using multidimensional perspectives. The dominant categories were health and social domains. These findings suggest interprofessional practice, an interdisciplinary approach in research, and multi-sector involvement in policy.