bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AGE AND COGNITIVE ABILITY AS PREDICTORS OF EMOTION REGULATION STRATEGY USE
Authors: Growney Claire , English Tammy
Published: December 2022

Emotion regulation (ER) is viewed as a cognitively demanding process and involves selecting and implementing specific strategies in support of one’s emotional goals. Older adults are theorized to maintain emotional wellbeing by selecting ER strategies that are consistent with their available resources, which may involve engaging more with lower-arousal stimuli and less with higher-arousal stimuli, especially when cognitive resources are limited. The aim of this study was to examine relationships between age, cognitive ability, and use of different types of ER strategies. Participants (N = 287) aged 25-85 (M = 54.33, SD = 17.19) completed assessments of cognitive ability from the NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery. In a laboratory task, participants viewed a series of film clips eliciting low-arousal emotions (sadness, contentment) and high-arousal emotions (disgust, amusement) under instructions to regulate pro-hedonically using any available strategy. They reported their use of disengagement (e.g., distraction, suppression), engagement (e.g., perspective-taking, awareness), and positive-focus strategies (e.g., savoring, positive reappraisal). Results from multilevel models revealed that with low-arousal stimuli, age was associated with higher engagement and lower disengagement, regardless of fluid cognitive ability. With high-arousal stimuli, a fluid cognition X age interaction indicated that there was an age-related increase in engagement among individuals with higher fluid cognitive ability, but not lower fluid cognitive ability. Findings support the idea that older adults tend to engage with emotional stimuli, which may aid with processing and support emotional memory for future regulation attempts. Fluid cognitive ability may be an important resource supporting older adults’ engagement with high-arousal stimuli.
FACTOR ANALYSIS OF CORNELL SCALE FOR DEPRESSION IN DEMENTIA AMONG ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENTS
Authors: McPherson Rachel , Resnick Barbara
Published: December 2022

The Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD) was developed to measure depressive symptoms among older adults with dementia. The psychometric qualities of the CSDD have been inconsistent regarding the factor structure, with some studies showing a four-factor model and others a five-factor model. The purpose of this study was to test the factor structure of the CSDD as a measure of depression among a sample of assisted living residents. It was hypothesized that a four-factor version of the CSDD would provide a better fit than a five-factor version of the CSDD. The present study used baseline data from the Function-Focused Care for Assisted Living Using the Evidence Integration Triangle (FFC-AL-EIT) intervention study. A total of 511 residents from 85 assisted living facilities were included in the analyses. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to examine the factor structure and a chi-square difference test was conducted to compare model fit. Three items were removed from both models due to small factor loadings. The chi-square difference test indicated that the five-factor model fit the data significantly better (χ2 = 796.08, ∆χ2= 22.86, ∆df = 4, p < .001) than the four-factor model, although both the five-factor and four-factor models produced very poor model fits. These findings may be due to the fact that the CSDD relies on information from caregivers, and the measure might benefit from including observational signs of depression. Future work should examine other factors or items that belong in a depression measure among assisted living residents.
UNDERSTANDING THE NEEDS AND FUTURE OF OLDER BLACK AND HISPANIC WORKERS IMPACTED BY COVID-19
Authors: Jason Kendra
Published: December 2022

COVID-19 infection and associated deaths are unequally distributed, as 78.5% of decedents are adults over 65 years of age; and Hispanics accounted for 24.2% of deaths. Black people account for 30% of infections and 18.7% of deaths, although they represent only 12.5% of the population. Older Black and Hispanic adults are in “Double Jeopardy” with their experiences shaped by racism and ageism, thus, putting them at higher risk for exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, and poor health outcomes. Centering the intersections of race, age, and socioeconomic status and utilizing a scoping review (N=55), this study identifies the four primary risks faced by Black and Hispanic adults that help explain disparate COVID-19 work outcomes: (1) being an essential worker, (2) type of work performed, (3) workplace risks; and (4) community and geographic risk factors. This study also (1) explores the impacts of COVID-19 influence work participation, and (2) identifies processes linking ageism, racism, health, and employment situations in shaping the health and work-ability of older working adults. This research centers populations in which COVID-19 has had the most devastating financial impact: Black and Hispanic workers, Black women, and low-wage workers. This study increases our understanding of older Black and Hispanic adults lived experiences of managing COVID-19 – information that is critical for planning intervention and support services to ameliorate impact of the disease on Older Black and Hispanic adults; and informs policy and practice for economic recovery from the pandemic for other marginalized populations.
EXPLORING AGE AND RACE DIFFERENCES IN THE REPORT OF ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES AMONG WOMEN AGING IN CUSTODY
Authors: Bishop Alex , Stolfa Claire
Published: December 2022

Survey data for this study was collected from N = 544 women, aged 18 and older (M = 39.03; SD = 10.32), under correctional custody in Oklahoma. Participants reported an average of M = 4.94; SD = 2.94 childhood adversities. Chi-square analyses revealed that age was associated with the proportion of women who experienced parental divorce (χ(2, N = 525) = 8.03, p < .05., lived with a substance abuser (χ(1, N = 528) = 7.14, p < .05), lived with a mentally ill household member (χ(2, N = 524) = 15.04, p < .05) and lived with household member who went to prison (χ = (2, N = 528) = 18.99, p < .001). Race was also associated with the proportion of participants who reported experiencing a household member go to prison (χ(1, N = 538, = 15.92, p < .001). Furthermore, race was associated with the proportion of women who reported not feeling loved by family (χ(1, N = 525), = 4.87, p < .05), being physical hurt or injured by a parent (χ(2, 525) = 8.01 p < .05), and being verbally insulted or humiliated (χ = 7.38 (1, N = 537, p < .01). Results suggest that age and race are associated with the self-disclosure of past childhood adversities among women in custody. This has implications relative to how clinicians such as social workers, counselors, and psychiatrists provide rehabilitative services and programs to women-of-color aging under correctional control.
SEXUAL ACTIVITY OF OLDER ADULTS: WE’RE ASKING THE WRONG QUESTIONS
Authors: Steckenrider Janie
Published: December 2022

Sexual activity of older adults is an under researched area as most surveys on sexual behavior end at age 60 reflecting the myth that older adults are not sexually active. Only recently has survey data asked specifically about sexual activity of those ages 60 to 95. Their consensus is over half of males and a third of females over 70 are sexually active. Most striking is the current body of research almost exclusively defines sexual activity measured as partnered sexual behaviors of intercourse, fondling, kissing, touching. Given the reality for many older adults lacking an active sex partner due to death, sexual dysfunction, or serious illness, the aim of this study was to determine if the right survey questions are being asked for older adults. Seven major surveys, underlying most current research, were analyzed regarding solitary sex (masturbation) compared to partnered sex. Results of this study found extensive questioning about aspects of partnered sex including pleasure, satisfaction, pain, relationship status, sexual functioning, anxiety, individual sexual acts, etc. compared to only two questions about masturbation, both only about frequency. The psychological and physiological benefits of sexual activity, both partnered and solo sex, are well documented and correlate with higher life satisfaction for older adults. Sexual activity needs to be redefined to also include solitary sex and this begins by asking the right questions. This study has implications for the need to bring a broader perspective in promoting a healthy sex life among older adults, defined both as partnered and solitary sex.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN VIOLENT CRIME INCIDENT PROXIMITY AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN OLDER AFRICAN AMERICANS
Authors: Tan Genesis , Gimenez-Santana Alejandro , Osiecka Zuzanna , Esiaka Darlingtina , Fausto Bernadette , Gluck Mark
Published: December 2022

Research on Area Deprivation Index (ADI) suggests that the built environment and neighborhood stressors (e.g., violent crime incidents) play a role in later-life cognitive function. However, most of the research linking ADI and cognitive function was conducted on majority White American samples. Further, while ADI is useful in facilitating efficient integration of social determinants of health (SDOH) into models of cognitive aging, it does not account for the impact of micro-level measures of neighborhood stressors on cognitive function. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to determine whether violent crime incident proximity (VCIP) contributes to later-life cognitive function above and beyond ADI in older African Americans. Participants (N=147; M= 68.34) from an ongoing study, Pathways to Healthy Aging in African Americans—a Rutgers University-Newark community partnership fostered over 16 years of community engagement, health education, and public service—responded to measures of cognitive ability, SDOH, and demographic details. The results show that VCIP is a trending predictor of cognitive performance, when adjusting for age, gender, education, depression, and ADI. The result aligns with our hypothesis that individuals living in areas with greater VCIP will have poorer performance on cognitive tasks. Our findings suggest that for African Americans in an urban setting, hyper-local VCIP appears to be more useful at capturing the impact of neighborhood disadvantage on cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease risk. Therefore, for later-life cognitive health in African Americans, it is important to consider micro-level measures of neighborhood stressors such as VCIP.
COGNITIVE AGING IN THE SHADOW OF THE CLOSET: THE EFFECTS OF IDENTITY CONCEALMENT AND DISCRIMINATION
Authors: Hanes Douglas , Clousten Sean
Published: December 2022

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people tend to experience poorer cognitive health as they age; discrimination and identity concealment are common LGB experiences that carry emotional, health, and cognitive tolls. Previous research utilized data on research participants in same-sex relationships (SSR) to successfully identify a subset of LGB people and analyze their aging experiences. The present study relied on one situation in which identity concealment was legally mandated: military service. Until 2011, LGB people were banned from participating in military service in the U.S., leading to either concealment or institutionalized discrimination (i.e., discharge) for most LGB servicepeople. Using Health and Retirement Study (HRS; 1998–2016) data, this project analyzed the combined effects of veteran status and SSR on cognitive performance. Using multilevel longitudinal modelling, we found that while non-SSR veterans had higher mean scores than non-SSR civilian participants (the reference group), SSR civilians and veterans both had mean scores lower than the reference (SSR: β=-0.514, p=0.031; SSR+veteran (β=-1.065 p=0.081). These results may be limited due to the low number of SSR+veteran participants (n = 28). Nevertheless, these results suggest the potential for using veteran status among LGB people to study the health effects of identity concealment and discrimination on aging.
SUBJECTIVE SOCIAL STATUS MODERATES BACK PAIN AND MENTAL HEALTH: A LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS OF OLDER MEN
Authors: Mu Christina , Jester Dylan , Cawthon Peggy , Stone Katie , Lane Nancy , Lee Soomi
Published: December 2022

Objectives. This study tested the longitudinal relationship between back pain and mental health and examined the moderating role of subjective social status (SSS). Method. Community-dwelling older men from the MrOS Study provided four study visits of data collected between 2000-2016 (15,975 observations nested within 5,979 participants). Back pain frequency and severity were assessed at visits 1-4. General mental health was measured at each visit by the 12-item Short Form Survey Mental Component Score (SF-12 MCS; higher scores representing better mental health). National and community SSS were assessed at visits 1 and 3 with the MacArthur Scale. Growth curve models tested longitudinal within-person change associations after accounting for the repeated measures within each person. Age was used as the primary time variable. Results. At baseline, those with higher back pain-frequency/severity reported lower SF-12 MCS. After accounting for this between-person difference, there were bidirectional within-person associations between back pain frequency/severity and SF-12 MCS. On follow-up visits when back pain frequency/severity increased from baseline, participants reported lower SF-12 MCS (p<.001). On follow-up visits when SF-12 MCS decreased from baseline, participants also reported higher back pain frequency/severity (p<.001). Higher national and community SSS at baseline and having increases or consistently higher SSS over time attenuated the negative relationships between back pain frequency/severity and SF-12 MCS. Results were consistent after controlling for an extensive list of baseline health covariates and pain medications. Discussion. These findings highlight how self-perceived social status may buffer the relationship between greater back pain frequency/severity and lower mental health.
RURAL ADULTS' BEHAVIOR CHANGES DURING COVID-19: A LATENT CLASS ANALYSIS
Authors: Killian Tim , Garrison Betsy
Published: December 2022

The advent of the SARS-CoV-2 virus necessitated behavior changes for most older adults. Changes were largely associated with voluntary or enforced compliance with social distancing policies. Whereas the value of social distancing for mitigating the spread of the dangerous SARS-CoV-2 virus is not the subject of serious debate among public health advocates, policies that encouraged or enforced social distancing have been met with skepticism in the general public. Understanding patterns in behavior changes may be helpful to public health professionals and policymakers who develop health communication and revised guidelines in the efforts to contain the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 and future public health infections. Our study examined patterns in behavior changes. This study had two aims. First, using survey responses from 661 adults living in rural areas about changes they made to 20 different behaviors, we identified four classes of behavior changes: (1) non-social distancers (10.7%), (2) social distancers (54.0%), (3) social distancers making civic exceptions (24.0%), and (4) social distancers making religious exceptions (11.3%). Second, polytomous logistic regression was used to predict the probability of membership in those latent patterns of behavior change. Predictor variables included demographic variables (i.e., age, sex, and race) and variables theoretically predicted to covary with patterns of behavior change (i.e., social trust, self-assessment of health, experience of pain, and depressive symptoms). This study provides insight into behavior changes during the outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that may be used by practitioners to understand variations in how people responded to the outbreak.
SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG OLDER ADULTS NEW TO LONG-TERM SERVICES AND SUPPORT
Authors: Osokpo Onome , Hirschman Karen , Huang Liming , Naylor Mary
Published: December 2022

The number of older adults requiring long-term services and support (LTSS) is increasing. Social determinants of health (SDoH)─underlying economic, social, and structural factors─fundamentally shape people’s health including quality of life (QoL). However, the influences of SDoH factors on QoL are relatively unexplored among older adults new to LTSS. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between SDoH factors and overall QoL ratings among older adults new to LTSS using data from a prospective NIA funded longitudinal study of change in health related QoL in this population. QoL was measured using a single item: “How would you rate your overall quality of life at the present time?” (1- Poor to 5- Excellent). SDoH variables included years of education, marital status, food security, spirituality, social isolation, financial resources, and social support measures. A full multivariable regression analysis was performed adjusting for age, sex, cognitive status, functional status, physical and emotional health, and LTSS type. Among the 470 participants, 71% were female, 51% were white, 20% were married, and the average age was 81 years (+/- 8 years). Having adequate financial resources to pay for health care needs (p <.0001) was positively associated with QoL. No other SDoH factors were significant. Access to resources to meet health care needs is critically important in promoting the quality of life of older adults especially at the start of LTSS. Implications for future research and policy will be discussed.
“MISERY LOVES COMPANY”: THE OTHER SIDE OF COVID-19 FOR SPOUSAL CAREGIVERS
Authors: Geng Jing , Calasanti Toni , Giles Sadie
Published: December 2022

Gerontologists have voiced much concern about the potential for the pandemic to create social isolation risks for older people, especially older caregivers, for whom the lockdown cut off many sources of support. This presentation is based on a national study of older same-sex and heterosexual people who care for their spouses with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The qualitative, interview-based research began before the pandemic, and we were able to ask caregivers about their experiences during this public health crisis. Drawing on a total of 48 interviews, this presentation documents the surprising finding that, although caregivers discussed some challenges, they found much to say about the positive aspects of the lockdown and continued restrictions, including not having to rush for appointments or social engagements and being less frustrated with their care receivers as a result. They also described instances of greater social connection rather than less through the use of technology. In addition, some caregivers found that being with their care receiver all day gave them greater insights into disease progression and how to manage it, as well as greater intimacy. Finally, the phrase “misery loves company” was used to convey that the pandemic provided a situation wherein other people also were restricted in ways that some caregivers had been prior to the pandemic; as a result they felt others had more of an appreciation of what their lives had been like.
PROTEIN CONSUMPTION SINCE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AMONG DIFFERENT RACES
Authors: Monroe-Lord Lillie , Ardakani Azam , Spechler Lily
Published: December 2022

Covid-19 has changed individuals eating behavior. This study examines how protein consumption changed since Covid-19 pandemic. This is a cross-sectional study design with a total of 10,035 adults aged 40-100 years old surveyed through Qualtrics by dietary screening tool. The protein consumption was questioned by “How often do you eat chicken or turkey?” and “How often do you eat not-fried fish or seafood?”. Pre and since pandemic responses were compared by Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Participants were 57% female, 43% male, 75% White, 14% African American, %7 Asian, and 4% Hispanic. According to the analysis, chicken, or turkey (p <.001) and fish or seafood (p <.001) consumption significantly reduced since Covid-19 pandemic. Chicken or turkey consumption reduced significantly among African American (p < .01), White (p < .01), and Hispanic (p < .05) participants while this reduction was not significant among Asians. Moreover, Fish or seafood consumption also significantly reduced among African American (p < .05) and White participants (p < .01), while did not change among Asians and Hispanics. In conclusion, since Covid-19 pandemic, protein consumption significantly reduced among some races (i.e., African American and White) while changed at a lower grade (i.e., Hispanic), or remained unchanged (i.e., Asian) among other races. It could be justified by considering that foods with high amount of protein and especially fish or seafood is part of the eating culture of some races. Reduction in protein consumption resulted from changes in the daily routine of people and financial instability resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic.
OPTIMAL AGING AND SATISFACTION WITH SOCIAL SUPPORT DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Lee Hye Soo , Choun Soyoung , Kurth Maria , Igarashi Heidi , Lee Dylan , Aldwin Carolyn
Published: December 2022

Social support is important for optimal aging, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when older adults are at risk of social isolation and its attendant health problems. Providing support may be especially protective of health outcomes. We examined whether actual received, provided, and satisfaction with support were related to optimal aging early in the pandemic (April-May, 2020). Survey participants (N=238) were on average 71.2 years old (SD=7.3), 73% female, 92.6% White, and highly educated (48% with post-graduate degrees). Optimal aging (Aldwin & Igarashi, 2016) was indicated by a latent variable of health outcomes, including depressive symptoms, cognitive lapses, and physical symptoms. Nearly all older adults (90+%) reported receiving or providing actual support from or to at least one family member or friend. We investigated the associations between age, summed social support, satisfaction with support, and health outcomes, controlling for chronic illnesses. Two SEM models were estimated for received support and provided support, respectively. After trimming non-significant paths, both models had acceptable fits (CFI > .90, RMSEA < .08, SRMR < .08). Age and chronic illnesses had negative associations with health outcomes, but neither received nor provided social support was significant. However, satisfaction with both received and provided support were significant and independently associated with optimal aging in both models. Thus, isolation levels in this sample were surprisingly low, as indicated by high levels of social support received and provided. However, only the quality of (or satisfaction with) support was important for optimal aging during this unique and shared stressful experience.
AGE DIFFERENCES IN SELF-CONTINUITY REMAIN ROBUST IN RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Lu Yi , Löckenhoff Corinna
Published: December 2022

Self-continuity, the perceived connectedness to one’s past and future selves, predicts well-being and tends to be higher among older adults (Rutt & Löckenhoff, 2016). Self-continuity is also susceptible to major life changes (Sani, 2008). The pandemic brought dramatic changes in multiple life domains, especially for older adults who experienced higher rates of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality and may have been more likely to restrict their behavior as a result. This study examined whether age differences in self-continuity remained robust in response to the pandemic using representative U.S. survey data. Pre-pandemic data (Fall 2016, N = 230, aged 18 – 87, M = 50.85, SD = 16.40, 47.83% female, 67.83% white) and mid-pandemic data (Summer 2020, N = 230, aged 18 – 88, M = 50.20, SD = 19.49, 48.27% female, 64.78% white) were demographically matched using propensity scores. Participants rated their self-continuity one, five, and ten years into the past and future. Multi-level modeling examined the effects of age, temporal distance (in years), temporal direction (past vs. future), and assessment time (pre- vs. mid-pandemic) on self-continuity. Consistent with prior research, self-continuity was lower for more distant intervals, especially for the past. An interaction between temporal direction and assessment time indicated that future self-continuity was lower mid-pandemic than pre-pandemic. Across samples, however, advanced age was associated with higher self-continuity and the size of this effect did not vary by assessment time. Overall, findings suggest that even though future self-continuity decreased during the pandemic, existing age effects remained robust to this disruption.
COPING AND UNCERTAINTY IN THE CONTEXT OF COVID-19: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PARTNERED AND UNPARTNERED OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Tate Ashley , Marini Christina , Nah Suyoung , Martire Lynn
Published: December 2022

The initial conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic made it such that individuals—especially older adults—experienced uncertainty about their own health/well-being, as well as that of their loved ones and communities. The current study examined how older adults’ social context shaped their well-being (i.e., anxiety, depressive symptoms, and sleep quality) early in the pandemic. Specifically, we tested whether there were differences in uncertainty, communal coping, and well-being among partnered individuals who indicated that their partner was their primary source of emotional support during the pandemic versus un-partnered individuals who indicated another social tie as their primary source of emotional support. Data were collected between May and August 2020 from 101 older adults (Mage = 80.63, SD = 8.96). Correlational analyses showed that uncertainty about one’s own health/well-being was positively associated with anxiety (p < .05) and communal coping (i.e., viewing the pandemic as a stressful period that will be worked through together) was negatively associated with depressive symptoms (p = .001) and anxiety (p < .01). Results from independent samples t-tests showed that, on average, partnered older adults reported fewer depressive symptoms (p < .05), less uncertainty about their own health/well-being (p < .05), and higher communal coping (p < .001) compared to un-partnered older adults. Unexpectedly, no group differences were found for anxiety or sleep quality. Results suggest the unique benefit of having a partner as an emotional support confidant in the context of the pandemic, perhaps because older adults were largely confined to their homes during lockdown.
“ADAPTING TO A NEW REALITY”: OLDER ADULTS’ EXPERIENCES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Oshana Jodie , Guzzardo Mariana , Todorova Irina
Published: December 2022

Older adults were uniquely affected during the COVID-19 pandemic, given that they were most at risk of serious complications and death if infected. Numerous preventative measures were abruptly mandated, including stay at home orders and social distancing that led to social isolation. Given this context, the aim of this qualitative study is to explore the lived experiences, perceived challenges, and mechanisms for resilience of older adults during the first wave of the pandemic. Our sample (n=50), derived from a larger international study with data from 15 countries, includes individuals 60 or older in Puerto Rico and mainland United States. Following thematic analysis of responses from an online survey, three themes were identified: resilience through reflection and adaptation, resilience through critique of systemic problems and injustices, and resilience through reaffirmation of values. Findings support various recommendations for improving support to older adults in future crises.
ARE OLDER ADULTS ABLE TO DRAW UPON PRIOR EXPERIENCES WHEN COPING WITH THE NOVEL COVID-19 STRESSOR?
Authors: Kurth Maria , Igarashi Heidi , Lee Hye Soo , Choun Soyoung , Aldwin Carolyn
Published: December 2022

Despite higher physiological vulnerability to stress, older adults may accumulate resources through prior experiences that can promote resilience (Aldwin & Igarashi, 2016). During the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults drew on prior experiences and resources to cope (McKinlay et al., 2021; Herron et al., 2021), although these events were typically not specified. Some found vulnerability due to prior trauma (Galica et al., 2021). We examined whether older adults drew upon specific experiences or more general resilience resources in coping with this novel stressor. Data were collected using an online survey from April 28-May 4, 2020 from 235 older adults in Oregon (Mage = 71.35, SD = 7.39; 74% female; 92% White). We examined open-ended responses from a question that asked whether prior experiences influenced how they were dealing with the COVID-19 situation. Nearly 2/3 provided valid responses (n=144). After inductive open coding, preliminary consolidation resulted in three broad categories: past experiences (74%), resources (19%), and both (8%). The most common prior experiences were illness (n = 20) and work (n = 19). Some (n=10) reported specific coping strategies learned during prior stressful experiences. Resources include personal characteristics (e.g., being “introverted” or “resilient”), financial (“financially secure”) and social resources (“loving spouse”). Five reported experiences that made COVID-19 more difficult (“PTSD/anxiety prior to COVID-19 makes this even worse”). Although 1/3 of the sample could not draw upon a prior experience in coping with this novel stressor, many older participants could utilize their lived experience when coping with problems during the COVID-19 pandemic.
CHANGES IN LIFE SATISFACTION DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF JAPANESE ADULTS
Authors: Nakagawa Takeshi , Noguchi Taiji , Komatsu Ayane , Okahashi Sayaka , Saito Tami
Published: December 2022

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has exerted a major impact on daily life. Despite older adults being at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, research has indicated that older adults experienced the same or even higher levels of well-being during the early phase of the pandemic than younger adults. To investigate adverse long-term effects, we examined how individuals’ well-being changed during the first year of the pandemic. A total of 5,281 Japanese adults aged 15—89 years participated in an online survey in February 2020 (before the first state of emergency) and were followed up in March 2021 (during the second state of emergency; follow-up rate 54.7%). Well-being was assessed as a one-item indicator of life satisfaction, with a range of 0－10. Counterintuitively, results of a latent change score model demonstrated that life satisfaction increased over time (unstandardized coefficient of 1.17, SE = 0.16, standardized coefficient of 0.58). Individuals aged 64 years and below, with low levels of education, living alone, and perceiving worse health and economic status showed less increase in life satisfaction. In an additional analysis, those more concerned about the pandemic at follow-up displayed less increase. The findings suggest that most people did not exhibit a decrease in life satisfaction during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, certain individuals could be vulnerable to the outbreak due to the lack of resources. Researchers should better understand the factors that drive the resilience of older adults in the face of adversity.
IMPROVING SERVICES TO LGBTQ+ OLDER ADULTS: NEEDS OF MICHIGAN LONG-TERM CARE PROVIDERS
Authors: Hughes Anne , Keilman Linda , Kattari Leo
Published: December 2022

Long term care (LTC) providers need information about providing competent care to LGBTQ+ older adults. Providers who are not educated can inadvertently provide biased care. Our research identified preferences for education among providers of LTC services in Michigan (MI). In this descriptive cross sectional study we used an online survey to collect data from MI facilities (N= 429). Survey items included facility characteristics, diversity training history, perceived need for training on LGBTQ+ older adults, barriers to training, interest in additional training on LGBTQ+ older adults and LTC, and training preferences. Results were obtained from 71 facilities. Thirty-seven percent of responses came from direct care workers, 63% from administrators. There was good support for diversity training, with 24% stating diversity training was “somewhat important” and 74% stating it was “very important”. A majority (63%) had had some diversity training in the past year. Most (72%) endorsed the need and desire for more training on LGBTQ+ aging. More content on transgender older adults and concerns such as room assignments, dementia, and use of pronouns were identified. Barriers to training included: cost, availability of trainers with the appropriate expertise, ability to reach large numbers of employees, staff turnover, bias and ignorance among staff and residents, and need to provide rationale for this type of training. Most endorsed a mixed type of training and a training length between 1 and 3 hours. Diversity training is critical to LTC and needs to be expanded to include needs of the aging LGBTQ+ community.
LONG-TERM POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Aldwin Carolyn , Choun Soyoung , Kurth Maria , Lee Hye Soo , Lee Dylan , Igarashi Heidi
Published: December 2022

Despite their greater physiological vulnerability, community-residing older adults have shown surprising psychological resilience, at least at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a handful of reports suggest that older adults’ well-being has decreased after a few months, although others have suggested a recovery after a year (Schlomann et al., 2021). The purpose of this study was to examine change in change from baseline (April-May, 2020) to a 13- month follow-up (June, 2021). We analyzed data from 162 older adults with complete data at both time points. Mean age at baseline was 72, SD = 7.6, range = 51-96; 71% were female, 13% were minorities; 74% were married, 71% retired, and most (85%) had at least a BA. Linear modelling showed that there were only marginal increases in the number of problems across time (B = .25, p = .08), but their severity did not increase. There were no significant changes in depression, anxiety, loneliness or physical symptoms over this time period. The modest increase in problems may have been offset by an end to being in lockdown and an increase in social contacts which doubled over this time period, B = 1.65, p <.001). More troubling was that self-reported resilience decreased, B = -.92, p < .01), as did the ability to perceive positives in this situation, B = -2.46, p < .01), and self-reported cognitive problems increased, B=.67, p < .01). Thus, the results showed decidedly mixed effects, suggesting individual differences in long-term adaptation to COVID.
HOW CAREGIVERS AND OLDER US VETERANS MANAGED SOCIAL ISOLATION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Haverhals Leah , Ayele Roman , Lum Hillary
Published: December 2022

To protect themselves from contracting the SARS-CoV-2 virus, many older adults managing multiple medical conditions experienced increased social isolation. The objective of our qualitative research study was to describe how older Veterans receiving care from the United States (US) Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system, and their caregivers, managed increased social isolation during the pandemic. We recruited Veterans and their caregivers residing in rural and urban areas who received care from either a tele-palliative care or a tele-geriatrics clinic connected to one VA Medical Center, inviting them to participate in phone interviews. From May-September 2021, we interviewed N=23 participants (n=9 Veterans and n=14) caregivers. We applied a deductive and inductive approach to thematic analysis to analyze interview data. Findings revealed that while caregivers experienced increased anxiety, which they attributed to pandemic-related changes, they also expressed solidarity in that others were experiencing similar stressors. Many caregivers and Veterans shared experiences of increased loneliness, which some found difficult to manage as communication with their social networks was sparse. At the same time, the pandemic made them value relationships with others more than before. Some Veterans noted they kept busy with hobbies and did not feel much loneliness despite increased isolation. Caregivers caring for Veterans with dementia stated they experienced confusion about their narrower social networks because they could not remember reasons why they were not regularly spending time with them. Findings demonstrate the need to identify strategies and policies to better support caregivers and older Veterans during times of crisis.
FLINT INTERGENERATIONAL LIVING EXPERIENCE
Authors: Blackwood Jennifer , Yost Elizabeth
Published: December 2022

Previous studies indicate that students who have a formative experience with an older adult, in a personal or professional setting, are more likely to choose to work in geriatrics. With a growing population of older adults, the need for empathetic health professionals who desire to work in geriatrics is needed. In Fall, 2021 four graduate students (2 physical therapy, 2 occupational therapy) moved into a senior housing community in Flint, Michigan. From that moment, the Flint Intergenerational Living Experience (FILE) began. The purpose of FILE is to mold these students into empathetic future health professionals who choose to work in geriatrics within their careers. These four twenty-something year-olds live, learn, study, eat, and share life with their senior neighbors with the hope of gaining a better understanding of aging issues of older adults who chose to remain in Flint. In exchange for completing service hours, the FILE students live in an apartment complex rent-free. This presentation will describe the activities performed, outcomes achieved, and perceptions of the FILE program after one-year of being in the program. Based on data gathered within the first year of the program, activities that impacted the personal growth of the students to understand the impact of aging in an urban setting will be described. The influence of loss (e.g. death, physical abilities) and the framework of rehabilitation needs of the urban dwelling older adults will be discussed. Lastly, strengths and weaknesses of this lived experience will be presented.
LONGITUDINAL ASSOCIATION BETWEEN HOSPITALIZATION AND TRANSFER TO RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITIES AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Amini Reza , Sidhu Amat
Published: December 2022

Dementia increases the risk of post-hospitalization transfer to residential care facilities (RCF), increasing mortality risk. The risk of falling is significantly higher among people with dementia, leading to more hospital admissions (HA). This study examines the association between HA and transferring to RCF controlling for dementia and falling. This secondary data analysis used nine years of data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (2011-2019) with 2,548 participants (each wave). Transfer to RCF was measured based on the residency status, HA and history of falling by survey questions, and dementia (probable, possible, no dementia) by combining Clock Drawing Test, word recall test, and previous dementia diagnosis. Falling increased the risk of transition to RCF by 31%; however, this association was not statistically significant. Dementia was a significant predictor for transition to RCF (Odds Ratio (OR)=3.889). Transferring to RCF was significantly associated with HA (OR=1.835); after including falling, OR increased to 2.067, showing falling moderates this association. Including dementia into the model dropped HA’s OR to 1.620. The interaction between falling and dementia showed that frequent HA could increase the risk of transition to RCF by 61%. Probable dementia plus a history of falling can increase the risk of transition to RCF by 22 times and 14 times for those cases of probable dementia without a history of falling. These results may reflect the necessity of screening for the risk of falling and dementia among community-dwelling older adults to prevent falling, hence, frequent HA and ultimately transition to RCF.
ADVANCING LATE-LIFE TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE EDUCATION: DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF AN EDUCATIONAL PODCAST
Authors: Weiskittle Rachel , Baird Lola , Bashian Hannah , Kaiser Anica Pless , O'Malley Kelly , Etchin Anna , Moye Jennifer
Published: December 2022

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may emerge or reemerge in the context of life-threatening illness, retirement, and life review, leading to complications in disease management and end-of-life care. Symptoms of PTSD in later life can be misattributed or overlooked by healthcare professionals, caregivers, and the older adults experiencing PTSD themselves. The “Talking Later” podcast was developed as an accessible educational product to improve recognition and trauma-informed responses to late-life PTSD. Each of the ten episodes had distinct goals and content objectives, which were identified through problem identification and needs assessment by a multidisciplinary team of geriatric clinicians. In the first three months of its publication in November 2021, the podcast has been downloaded by 1,473 unique listeners across 19 countries. The podcast was evaluated via feedback survey (N=39). Approximately 97% of respondents reported the episodes as engaging and informational. 87% stated that no more than general knowledge of PTSD was required to enjoy the podcast. Qualitative analysis of open-ended feedback items found that participants were interested in learning about additional comorbidities and diversity issues related to late-life trauma reengagement. The present poster will additionally describe ongoing efforts to address these and other feedback responses with the ongoing development of a second season of the podcast.
SELF-RATED ORAL HEALTH SATISFACTION AMONG OLDER ADULTS RECEIVING ONE HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICE
Authors: Chamut Steffany , Boroumand Shahdokht
Published: December 2022

Objective

To assess self-rated oral health (OH) satisfaction among recipients of the home and community-based services (HCBS) administered by the Administration on Aging.

Methods

This cross-sectional study is representative of the national population of the 2014 National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants (NSOAAP), and analyzed baseline OH data from community-dwelling adults (n= 3,995) age 60 and older covering case-management, congregate-meals, home-delivered-meals, homemaker-services, and transportation.

Results

Among the 3,995 participants, 35% received only one HCBS, the majority being age 75-84 (42%), females (67%), Non-Hispanic Whites (72%), and living in urban areas (53%). About 54% reported having a dental visit in the last twelve months, 30% were not satisfied with their OH, and 45% reported having 4-6 medical conditions. Congregate-meals (67%), home-delivered-meals (23%), and transportation (6%) were the most services provided (n=1,130). Being not satisfied with general health (OR=4.44, CI95=2.81-7.00) p<.0001, experiencing difficulties with three or more activities of daily living (ADLs) (OR=2.06, CI95=1.15-3.70) p= 0.0149, and not having a dental visit in the last twelve months (OR=1.66, CI95=1.06-2.59) p= 0.0248 were the strongest indicators negatively associated for not being satisfied with OH among HCBS participants.

Conclusion

Oral diseases and oral microbiota are known to be precursors of dementia, Alzheimer’s, multiple systemic diseases (i.e. diabetes), and mortality. Understanding OH issues among HCBS recipients could refine policies that focus on improving functional status with person-centered services, and help identify opportunities to revamp older adults’ oral and systemic health, promote healthy aging and longevity allowing them to continue living independently at home.
SPIRITUAL RESILIENCE? THE ROLE OF RELIGIOSITY IN BUFFERING THE EFFECT OF NEIGHBORHOOD DISORDER ON COGNITIVE DECLINE
Authors: Lee Haena , Choi Yeon Jin , Jung Jong Hyun
Published: December 2022

Living in neighborhoods with high levels of disorder and danger can induce psychological distress and compromise cognitive function. However, not all individuals who live in difficult life circumstances have poor health outcomes. Research on resilience shows that some older adults maintain healthy profiles despite adversity, but this has not been tested with respect to cognitive aging. In this paper, we focus on religiosity–religious belief and attendance–as a source of resilience and how it can reverse or reduce cognitive risks in later life that result from long-term exposure to neighborhood disorder. We used 2006-2016 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to investigate how religiosity moderates the relationship between neighborhood disorder and cognitive decline. We assessed trajectories of cognitive functioning using the Telephone Inventory for Cognitive Status. We measured neighborhood disorder and neighborhood unsafety using the 2006/2008 HRS interviewer observation data and Housing data. We found that individuals living with higher levels of neighborhood disorder had lower cognitive functioning at baseline. The disorder effect was mitigated by religious belief—for instance, poor neighborhood conditions were negatively associated with cognitive function only for those with lower religious belief. The protective effect of religious belief was more pronounced among older Black women. This is consistent with prior literature that spirituality serves as a protective factor in the African American community, especially among women, for triumphing over adversity and lack of secular resources over the life course.
ADVANCE DIRECTIVES: SOLO AGERS RISK OF BECOMING "UNBEFRIENDED"
Authors: Parekh Rupal , Adams Kathryn Betts , Schuman Donna
Published: December 2022

Solo agers are an at-risk population of almost 14 million older U.S. adults currently living alone (Administration for Community Living, 2018). Having been independent for most of their lives they often enter older age unprepared for declining health. Even though the numbers of solo agers are rapidly increasing with the aging of the Baby Boomer generation, research remains scant on this population (Colby & Ortman, 2014). A mounting concern facing solo agers is finding themselves “unbefriended” (i.e., having no one to act as health care proxy in the event of incapacitation due to a medical crisis). The risk of unbefriended status emphasizes the critical importance of advance care planning; however, many solo agers have no advance directives and factors influencing advance care planning in this group are unclear. In this mixed-methods study, we examined factors influencing advance care planning among solo agers. Survey data were collected from 467 members of a Facebook group for self-identified “elder orphans,” six of whom subsequently participated in qualitative interviews. Among these solo agers, 55% indicated they had advance directives. Hierarchical logistic regression results indicated financial and overall wellbeing predicted having advance directives; however, perceived health risk did not. An interpretive phenomenological analysis of data from six in-depth interviews revealed emergent themes of fears of the future and reluctance to plan for end of life despite acknowledging health risks. Findings can inform policies to meet the growing needs of solo agers who may be at elevated risk of becoming unbefriended.