bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FOOD DESERT RESIDENCE AND COGNITIVE TRAJECTORIES IN US OLDER POPULATION AGED 65 AND OLDER
Authors: Kim Boeun , Szanton Sarah L , Thorpe Roland , Adkins-Jackson Paris , Crews Deidra , Samuel Laura
Published: December 2023

A food desert is defined as a census tract with limited access to affordable and nutritious foods. Inequitable access to healthy food may contribute to disparities in cognitive health, but little is known about the role of food deserts in cognitive health. We examined association between living in food deserts and cognitive function in older adults 65 years and older. These analyses employed cohort design by linking the US Department of Agriculture 2010 Food Access Research Atlas data to 2011-2021 National Health and Aging Trends Study. Orientation, executive function, and memory were assessed annually. Food desert residence at baseline was determined if more than 500 or 33% residents within a census tract had low income and low access to healthy and affordable foods. Weighted mixed-effects models were fitted among 5270 community-dwelling older adults without dementia at baseline. Mean baseline age was 76.7 (±7.4) years and 10.7% participants (n = 659) lived in food deserts. Black and Hispanic people and individuals with lower educational attainment were more likely to live in food deserts. At the age of 80 years, individuals living in food deserts showed orientation and executive function scores that were -0.26 points (95% CI: -0.48, -0.03) and -0.13 points (95% CI: -024, -0.01) lower than their peers, respectively. Living in food deserts was also associated with 0.05 points faster annual decline (95% CI: -0.09, -0.01) in orientation. Residence in food deserts is associated with worse cognition in older age and could be a driver of disparities in cognitive health.
NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTERISTICS AND INEQUALITIES IN SENSORY HEALTH AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Goldman Alyssa , Pinto Jayant
Published: December 2023

Sensory function plays a crucial role in older adults’ navigation of the environment, maintenance of personal safety, and in quality of everyday life. The residential neighborhood context is a significant social determinant of later life health and health disparities, but it has been understudied with respect to sensory function. We consider that residential neighborhoods are key sites of social and economic resources, social engagement, and environmental stimulation that could influence sensory health and inequalities in sensory impairment. We use data from 2,251 older adults who were interviewed at Rounds 1 and 2 of the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project in a series of longitudinal random effects models that examine how self-reported and objectively measured neighborhood characteristics are associated with self-rated vision and hearing. We find that older adults who reside in census tracts with higher levels of concentrated disadvantage report significantly worse self-rated vision and hearing compared with older adults who live in areas with less concentrated disadvantage. Residing in a more densely populated tract, however, is associated with better self-rated hearing. Black and Hispanic older adults’ self-rated hearing benefits significantly more from living in a densely populated tract than does White older adults’ self-rated hearing. In cross-sectional models, higher perceptions of neighborhood safety and social ties are associated with better self-rated vision. Our findings prompt a more nuanced understanding of how the social environment affects sensory health and highlight sensory function as a potential underexplored pathway through which neighborhood characteristics shape health disparities in later life.
FROM MICRO TO MACRO: PSYCHOSOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL PREDICTORS OF COGNITIVE AGING ACROSS DAYS AND DECADES
Authors: Hamm Jeremy , Mogle Jacqueline
Published: December 2023

Healthier cognitive aging is multifactorial, shaped in part by modifiable psychosocial and behavioral predictors. Critically, these predictors exhibit day-to-day and year-to-year fluctuations that could be harnessed to promote better cognitive functioning with age. The present studies thus address short- and long-term differences in psychosocial (perceived control, relationship quality) and behavioral factors (light physical activity, muscle strength) as predictors of normative and non-normative cognitive aging. Cerino et al. use data from the National Study of Daily Experiences to demonstrate how daily perceptions of control over daily stressors relate to episodic memory and executive functioning across age. Jang and Mogle examine the association between daily appraisals of relationship quality and subjective cognitive decline as driven by daily stressful experiences. Hamm et al. use data from the Midlife in the United States Study to investigate how changes in light physical activity across 9-years predict changes in episodic memory and executive functioning beyond more vigorous forms of activity, particularly for older adults. Finally, McGrath et al. use 12-year data from the Health and Retirement Study to investigate a multidimensional measure of maximum voluntary muscle strength as an indicator of elevated cognitive impairment risk among older adults. This symposium thus integrates new research from deeply-phenotyped samples on psychosocial and behavioral factors implicated in cognitive aging and contributes to a more nuanced understanding of how healthier cognitive functioning across short (days) and long (decades) time spans is shaped by beliefs, social dynamics, and behaviors that are amenable to change across the adult lifespan.
NUDGING ATTITUDE CHANGE THROUGH EXPERIENCE: UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULAR INNOVATIONS
Authors: Carpenter Brian
Published: December 2023

Drawing students into gerontology and geriatrics remains a perennial challenge in light of negative stereotypes and ageism deeply entrenched in society. Nonetheless, instructors continue to forge ahead with curricular innovations designed to dismantle stereotypes, promote deeper understanding of the later stage of life, cultivate appreciation for the contributions of older adults, and entice students to consider further academic, extracurricular, and vocational opportunities in the field. This symposium brings together scholars and instructors who have implemented and evaluated course innovations with these goals in mind. The first presentation reviews findings from the Bringing Art to Life program that pairs teams of undergraduate students with persons with dementia attending an adult day services program and engaging in structured art therapy and reminiscence. The next presenter describes positive attitude change about aging among undergraduates in an advanced public health service-learning course. Next is a discussion of how health policy education has been successfully built into an undergraduate adult development and aging course. The fourth presentation summarizes results from a randomized educational intervention to undergraduate students to enhance death education and ensure more equitable access to quality end-of-life services and supports. The final presentation describes innovations in training MSTEM undergraduate students in aging. A Discussant will synthesize themes across presentations and engage session attendees to respond and share their own curricular experiences.
AN EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS TO PROMOTE AWARENESS OF END-OF-LIFE OPTIONS
Authors: O’Sullivan Kelly , Decker Autumn , Weaver Raven , Bolkan Cory
Published: December 2023

Most people, of all ages, do not engage in advance care planning or know about available end-of-life (EOL) choices, despite the personal and societal benefits in an aging society, highlighting the need for educational intervention and outreach. We implemented an online educational intervention to explore accurate understanding of medical-aid-in-dying (MAID; available in ten states) among college students (n=415; Mage=19.6±4.4 years). Pre-intervention, 66% of participants had heard of MAID and 63% supported or strongly supported MAID. Participants were randomized to three conditions: control, testimonial narrative, or testimonial video explaining reasons why individuals pursued MAID (there were no significant differences in opinion by condition). Post-intervention, those in an intervention group were significantly more likely be more supportive of MAID legislation (p=.005); there were no significant differences between narrative or video conditions. Content analysis of open-ended responses revealed the importance of bodily autonomy and having a choice in health care. Participants who expressed neutral or conflicted perceptions wanted to learn more about the law and were concerned about individuals’ mental health when considering MAID. Negative responses reflected concerns about abusing the law and religious-based concerns. More accurate information about MAID and its safeguards is needed. In particular, the undecided group could benefit from selective interventions to improve understanding of MAID and other EOL care options. Future work should focus on education and outreach to individuals, families, and providers about aging and mortality issues to ensure more equitable access to quality EOL services and supports for people across the life span.
DEFYING THE ODDS: EXCEPTIONAL HOME HEALTH AGENCIES SERVING HIGH PROPORTIONS OF BLACK PATIENTS
Authors: Fashaw-Walters Shekinah
Published: December 2023

Healthcare providers with the highest proportions of Black patients are typically assumed to be lower quality, whether they be hospitals, nursing homes, or primary care physicians. However, little research examines the providers that “defy these odds” and rise to the top of the quality ratings. Each year, Medicare home health provides skilled nursing and therapy services to over 3 million homebound older adults with physical and cognitive impairments, and compared to the general Medicare population, Medicare home health patients are more likely to identify as Black. This mixed-methods (QUANT-->QUAL) project uses an assets-based approach as well as the tenets of the Public Health Critical Race Praxis to understand home health providers that are generally assumed to be low-quality providers – that is those who have the highest proportions of Black patients – but instead are high quality providers. This study uses star ratings and the Post-Acute Care Public Use File for home health agencies to characterize and identify agencies with high quality care and a high proportion of Black patients. Publicly available data allows us to characterize the structures and outcomes of these unique home health agencies; while primary data collection (via case studies of exceptional agencies) will allow us to report on their unique processes of care. Data collection and analyses are currently underway and will be completed by May 2023. In 2019, 28% of home health agencies were identified as having high-quality with a high proportion of Black patients, we have selected three agencies for case studies.
WISDOM-RELATED EMOTION REGULATION RESOURCES EXPLAIN MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER ADULTS’ COVID-19-RELATED DISTRESS
Authors: Park Crystal , Kim Dahee , Russell Beth , Fendrich Michael
Published: December 2023

As the pandemic wrought wide-reaching disruption across the world, younger adults appeared to be faring more poorly than other adults. We hypothesized that younger adults might possess fewer emotion regulation resources and skills, accounting for their relatively high levels of distress. In data gathered from a national sample of 1258 adults, we examined how baseline resources (in mid-April, during initial peak infections) predicted distress (depression, anxiety, PTSD symptoms) five weeks later, when states began initial re-openings. Younger adults (18-35 years; n = 317; mean age = 29.2 years) reported greater distress and less social support, mindfulness, and emotion regulation skills than did middle aged (36-60 years; n = 513; mean age =51.7 years) and older adults (61-88 years; n =428; mean age = 70.1 years). Controlling for stress exposure, younger adults’ distress was predicted by impulsivity and lack of perceived strategies while middle-aged and older adults’ (lower) distress was predicted by acceptance of negative emotions and emotion regulation abilities; perceived social support was related to lower distress for all groups but mindfulness was unrelated. Results suggest that emotion regulation resources and skills are a promising prevention and intervention focus.
DECLINING HEALTH AND SENSE OF MASTERY CAN EXPLAIN THE INVERSE RELATION BETWEEN OLDER AGE AND WISDOM
Authors: Ardelt Monika , Jeste Dilip
Published: December 2023

Previous research found an inverse U-shaped association between age and three-dimensional wisdom with the apex in late midlife. What might explain the negative relation between age and wisdom during the later years of life? We investigated the impact of physical health and mastery, using data from the Successful AGing Evaluation (SAGE) study of 976 adults between the ages of 51 and 99 years (M = 77.23, SD = 12.18). Physical health tends to decline with advancing years and, therefore, might reduce older adults’ sense of mastery and control over their life. Ill health and feelings of diminished control, in turn, might lead older adults to focus on improving their health and regaining control and reduce their desire to comprehend the deeper truth about life (cognitive wisdom dimension), look at things from different perspectives (reflective wisdom dimension), and care about others (compassionate wisdom dimension). As expected, results showed that age correlated negatively with subjective health, wisdom, and mastery, while health, wisdom, and mastery were positively correlated. In multivariate regression analyses, age and ill health remained negatively related to mastery even after controlling for education, gender, and race and the positive association with wisdom. By contrast, the negative relations of age and ill health on wisdom became non-significant after mastery was entered into the model. If wisdom declines with age in the later years of life due to ill health that results in a perceived loss of mastery, enabling older adults to maintain their sense of control might offset this decline.
MAXWELL A. POLLACK AWARD FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO HEALTH AGING PRESENTATION AND LECTURE
Authors: Waldrop Deborah
Published: December 2023

The Maxwell A. Pollack Award for Contributions to Health Aging Lecture will feature an address by the 2022 Pollack Award recipient Nancy Morrow-Howell, MSW, PhD, FGSA, of Washington University in St. Louis. This session will also include the presentation of the 2023 Maxwell A. Pollack Award to recipient Bei Wu, PhD, FGSA, FAGHE of New York University. The Maxwell A. Pollack Award for Contributions to Healthy Aging Award recognizes instances of practice informed by research and analysis, research that has directly improved policy or practice, and distinction in bridging the worlds of research and practice.
FAMILY FUNCTIONING: BRIDGING THE RELATION BETWEEN GRANDFAMILY HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Authors: Mendoza Nancy , Lee Youjung
Published: December 2023

In research, it is important to utilize theories to ask and answer questions about a specific phenomenon. In grandfamily research, there is a need to utilize theory as a bridge to understanding the relationship between family functioning and grandfamily health and well-being. In this symposium, four presentations will discuss their work related to grandfamily well-being and how it was guided by theory. In Scott and Nadorff, Bowen’s Family Systems theory is used as a framework for examining the extent to which agreement on values and beliefs moderates the relation between intergenerational emotional closeness and well-being in the grandparent generation. Findings demonstrated that affectual solidarity rating and religious ideological differences between grandparents and grandchildren influenced grandparents’ well-being. Yancura & Barnett utilized the family life course framework in their study to examine how intergenerational conflict between the grandchildren’s parents and the caregiving grandparents predicted stress and depression in grandparent caregivers. Ye and Smith incorporated the family stress model that was developed by Conger and colleagues in their study. Findings suggested parenting practice profiles related differentially to the well-being of caregivers and the emotional and behavioral outcomes of the grandchildren. Musil, Jeanblanc, Zauszniewski, and Burant used McCubbin’s Resiliency Model of Family stress to examine how demographics, family demands, problem-solving/coping, resources, and situational appraisals affect depressive symptoms in grandmother caregivers. The inclusion of theory in these studies is significant. Without theory, study findings are nothing more than a pile of findings. Theory helps organize these findings in a meaningful way. This is a Grandparents as Caregivers Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.
GRANDMOTHER CAREGIVERS’ RESILIENCE, MINDFULNESS, AND RESOURCEFULNESS AND MCCUBBIN’S MODEL OF FAMILY STRESS
Authors: Musil Carol , Jeanblanc Alexandra , Zauszniewski Jaclene , Burant Christopher
Published: December 2023

Grandmothers raising grandchildren face numerous challenges that are reflected in their levels of depressive symptoms and perceived family functioning. Using McCubbin’s Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation, we examine how demographics, family demands (intra-family strains), mediators of problem-solving/coping (resilience, mindfulness and resourcefulness), resources (support) and situational appraisals (stress and reward) affect a) depressive symptoms and b) family functioning. Our participants were a nationwide sample of 300 American grandmothers raising grandchildren who participated in an online research study. Our regression model for general family functioning had an adjusted R2 of .44. Better self-appraisal of family functioning was significantly associated with younger participant age, identifying as white, higher levels of resourcefulness, fewer reported intra-family strains, more subjective social support and instrumental support. Situational appraisals, the problem solving/coping factors of resilience and mindfulness, employment status, and marital status did not significantly predict family functioning. Depressive symptoms, as measured by the CES-D scale, had an adjusted R2 of .46. Participants who were married, had fewer intra-family strains, higher levels of mindfulness and resilience, higher subjective support, and who appraised greater reward from caregiving to grandchildren had lower levels of depressive symptoms. There was no effect from caregiving stress, resourcefulness, employment status, or race. These analyses show the continued utility of McCubbin’s model, despite different patterns of predictors of family functioning and depressive symptoms. This further develops our prior work showing that resilience, mindfulness, and resourcefulness are correlated but independent theoretical constructs as they interact very differently with our two outcomes.
PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS AND NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASES IN OLDER SUB-SAHARA AFRICANS
Authors: Muruthi James , Adamek Margaret
Published: December 2023

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has the fastest-growing proportion of older individuals globally. Concurrently, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a growing burden in the SSA aging population. An essential step towards reducing NCDs is an enhanced understanding of the various diseases and discussing their psychosocial risk factors. This session will provide a unique depiction of the occurrence and measurements of NCDs and their associations with psychosocial factors in aging SSA adults. Dr. Muruthi and colleagues present the psychometric properties of a Swahili-translated Kessler 6 scale in aging Kenyans. Drs Nwakasi and Esiaka discuss HIV health information acquisition among older Nigerian women who are cancer survivors. Dr. Esiaka and colleagues discuss psychosocial determinants of early cancer detection and survivorship among older Nigerian men. Drs. Adamek and Dr. Kotecho will present information about the extent of depression among older adults in Sub-Saharan Africa and an understanding of the factors contributing to high rates of geriatric depression. Findings from this session will help elucidate our understanding of NCDs and related psychosocial factors, a necessary step for developing robust evidence-based interventions to reduce non-communicable diseases (and their effects) among aging people in SSA.
CAREGIVER ORAL HEALTH BELIEFS, CONVERSATIONS, AND ACCESS: FINDINGS FROM THE MOTIVATE AT HOME PROGRAM
Authors: Crittenden Jennifer , O’Connell Denise , Nelligan Labrini
Published: December 2023

The number of caregivers across the nation is growing. A three-way collaboration is examining their knowledge and attitudes related to the connection between oral health and overall health. Currently, little is known about caregiver oral health beliefs and how they relate to oral health care for older adult care recipients (CRs). Survey data from the MOTIVATE at Home program from 135 caregivers/care partners (CPs) across rural Maine were analyzed (age: M = 61 years, SD = 13, range= 25 to 85; 85.2% female). Care partners who felt they have a role in preventing tooth decay were more likely to report an oral health visit in the last year for their CR (M = .75, SD = .438; t(84)= -2.66, p=.009). Caregivers whose CR had not had dental care in the last year were less comfortable talking with dental providers (M = 1.50, SD = .632; t(92.84)= -3.01, p = .003), and non-dental health care providers (M = 1.53, SD =.754; t(94.06) = -2.42, p=.017) about oral health. For CRs who do not have a regular dentist, CPs were less comfortable in speaking with the CR about oral health care (M = 1.58, SD = .751; t(42.13) = -2.23; p=.031). These findings are currently informing the development of an educational intervention for CRs which will: Emphasize the importance of regular oral health visits; Improve understanding of the CP role in promoting oral health; Provide tools for conversations with a range of providers.
HOSPICE CLINICIANS’ WILLINGNESS TO BE PRESENT DURING MEDICAL AID IN DYING: A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF RATIONALES
Authors: Becker Todd , Cagle John , Cain Cindy , Kusmaul Nancy , Davitt Joan , Sacco Paul
Published: December 2023

Although clinician presence during medical aid in dying (MAID) may facilitate relief for patients, federal, state, and organizational policy discourage presence. Given the lack of direct examination, we aimed to describe hospice clinicians’ willingness to be present during MAID and categorize their rationales. This cross-sectional analysis used Qualtrics data collected from a convenience sample of 75 hospice clinicians. We recruited participants through hospice and palliative care membership associations for physicians, nurses, social workers, and chaplains. A quantitative item asked if participants would be willing to be present with a patient during MAID, given certain safeguards (yes, no, unsure). Participants explained their rationales in an open-ended probe. Erlingsson and Brysiewicz’s (2017) four-step content analysis was applied to open-ended rationales grouped under each previously tabulated quantitative response. The categories that we constructed for participants willing to be present (73%) reflected a commitment to patient-centered care, desire to attenuate potential medical complications, and professional responsibility despite personal discomfort. We interpreted responses from those unwilling to be present (16%) through categories of wholesale moral objections to MAID, moral objections specifically to one’s participation, and perceived incongruence between MAID and hospice care. We categorized the responses of participants who were unsure (11%) as either competing pressures or fears of personal and professional recourse. Although most participants were willing to be present during MAID, open-ended rationales revealed great nuance within each overarching quantitative response. Participants’ reported tensions with themselves, their profession, and society reflect a need for greater professional guidance and support as MAID legalization expands.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH STATUS AMONG SANDWICH AND NONSANDWICH CAREGIVERS BY RACE/ETHNICITY
Authors: Miyawaki Christina , Bouldin Erin
Published: December 2023

Sandwich caregivers are middle-aged adults who care for both a child and an older adult. Using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Caregiver Module in 50 jurisdictions from 2016-2021, we compared the prevalence of sandwich caregivers and their physical and mental health across racial/ethnic groups. We included 23,853 caregivers aged 45-64 years. Sandwich caregivers (N=2,486) were those who lived with a child (≤18 years) and provided care/assistance to a parent/grandparent with a long-term illness/disability during the past 30 days. The prevalence of sandwich caregiving varied by race/ethnicity, with 18.4% of non-Hispanic Asian, 14.5% of non-Hispanic Black, 11.5% of Hispanic, 10.2% of non-Hispanic White, and 9.5% of non-Hispanic other/multiracial respondents classified as sandwich caregivers. Prevalence ratios (PR) from log-binomial regression models adjusted for age, sex, hours of caregiving, and type of care were used to compare weighted estimates. Sandwich caregivers generally had similar physical health and better mental health compared to non-sandwich caregivers. Compared to non-sandwich caregivers from the same racial/ethnic background, Black sandwich caregivers had a significantly higher prevalence of excellent/very good/good health (PR=1.15) and lower frequent mental distress (PR=0.90), while Asian (PR=0.78) and White (PR=0.91) sandwich caregivers had a significantly lower prevalence of frequent mental distress. Some racial/ethnic groups of sandwich caregivers were in better physical and mental health than non-sandwich caregivers. This could reflect a need for a higher level of physical and mental health to take on a sandwich caregiving role. Caregiver supports should consider sandwich caregivers’ unique characteristics and their racial/ethnic backgrounds.
ADULTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF COGNITIVE DECLINE, DEMENTIA, AND ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE
Authors: Mehegan Laura , Rainville Chuck
Published: December 2023

A 2021 nationally representative survey fielded by AARP of adults aged 40 and older (N=3,022) showed that nearly six in ten (58%) believe that cognitive decline is inevitable, and two-thirds (66%) believe they will experience cognitive decline as they age. Nearly half (48%) think it is likely they will get dementia. As a follow up to this research, in 2022, AARP sponsored focus groups (N=31) and in-depth interviews (N=24) to further explore the perceptions of dementia and cognitive decline among individuals aged 40 and older. The main purpose of this research was to evaluate how Americans understand and communicate about dementia and cognitive decline. The results of this research showed personal experience played a greater role than age when it came to participants’ concern and understanding about cognitive decline. Worry about cognitive decline increased for those caring for a friend or family members with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Participants expressed feelings of inevitability of cognitive decline, but not dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Forgetfulness was mentioned by many participants as part of the aging process, but they were clear that dementia and Alzheimer’s disease were not inevitable and were not the same as age-related memory lapses. Normal, age-related changes in memory and cognitive function were not well-understood and neither was the distinction between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. The results from these studies suggest the general population needs information on cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease to better understand each and to raise awareness on the proactive steps needed for brain health
DATA AND INITIAL EVIDENCE: OCCUPATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND LATER-LIFE PHYSICAL AND COGNITIVE HEALTH
Authors: Carr Dawn
Published: December 2023

Research on aging is often based on evaluations of health and wellbeing once individuals have already reached later life. However, many of the problems observed are based on experiences that occurred during earlier phases of life. Adults spend approximately 1/3 of their time engaged in paid work, and consequently, occupational exposures are likely to play a critical role in shaping age-related changes over time. Occupational exposures are difficult to study because most studies only collect data on work environments at one point in time or only during the latest phases of one’s career. Further, much of the data on occupations is based on subjective experiences, or in association with a small subset of occupational categories. A linkage between the Health and Retirement Study Life History Module Survey (LHMS) and the recent introduction of a new data source measuring occupational characteristics based on the Department of Labor’s O*NET data now make it possible to comprehensively evaluate full life histories of work. This symposium provides an overview of this new dataset and how it was created, and provides initial evidence of the important role that occupational histories play in shaping early departure from work due to disability, mid-life metabolic disease risks, and later life cognitive function.
HOW SKIN TONE INFLUENCES RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN DISCRIMINATION AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG OLDER AFRICAN AMERICANS
Authors: Hamler Tyrone
Published: December 2023

Skin tone has been identified as an important factor for within-group health disparities. We examine the moderating role of skin tone in the relationship between discrimination, self-rated mental health, and serious psychological distress (SPD) and (b) whether moderated by gender. We used a subsample of African Americans aged 55+ (N = 837) from the National Survey of American Life. Mental health outcomes were SPD and self-rated mental health. Results indicate discrimination was associated with worse self-rated mental health and SPD in the total sample and among women. Skin tone moderated the association between discrimination and SPD among both genders. The effect of discrimination on mental health was stronger among darker-skinned respondents than lighter respondents. Gender-stratified analyses indicated skin tone moderated the association between discrimination and self-rated mental health for men but not women. The negative psychological effects associated with darker complexion indicate one mechanism linking discrimination and mental health.
INEQUITY IN SCHOOL ATTENDANCE IN THE JIM CROW SOUTH: IMPLICATIONS FOR BLACK–WHITE DISPARITIES IN COGNITIVE FUNCTION
Authors: Walsemann Katrina , Ureña Stephanie , Farina Mateo , Ailshire Jennifer
Published: December 2023

Education’s contribution to Black–White disparities in cognitive function remains unclear due to data limitations that capture systemic educational inequities in the Jim Crow South. We include differential rates of school attendance across race, years, and states in the Jim Crow South. We linked state-level data on school attendance from the 1919 to 1954 Biennial Surveys of Education to the HRS. Sample restricted to Black and White older adults who attended school in the Jim Crow South in the study period (n = 4,343). We examined total cognitive function, episodic memory, and working memory. Total years of schooling explained 28%–33% of the Black–White disparity in all three outcomes. Differential rates of school attendance explained 41%–55% of the Black–White disparity in these outcomes. Our study highlights the importance of using a more refined measure of schooling for understanding the education–cognitive health relationship.
PSYCHOSOCIAL CORRELATES OF PREVENTION, CARE, AND WELL-BEING AMONG OLDER WOMEN LIVING WITH HIV
Authors: Vu Thi , Rubtsova Anna
Published: December 2023

There are over 4.2 million older adults (ages 50+ years) living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) globally. Older women continue to make up a significant proportion of this population. Advances in antiretroviral therapy treatments have allowed HIV+ individuals to live longer, healthier lives. However, compared to all persons living with HIV, women have lower viral suppression rates and are less likely to be retained in care. While older women living with HIV (WLWH) face unique challenges with HIV prevention and care, such as caregiving responsibilities, gender discrimination, and ageism, there is a dearth of research focusing on their experiences. As the population of older WLWH continues to increase, understanding barriers and facilitators to HIV prevention and care among this population is a public health priority. This symposium will provide insight into psychosocial factors that influence HIV prevention, care, and well-being among older WLWH. Our first presentation highlights a qualitative study identifying sources of strength and concerns about aging with HIV among older women. Our second presentation examines social support networks and interpersonal strain in relation to loneliness among older WLWH. Our third presentation highlights the impact of patient-provider communication regarding HIV/AIDs on sexual health communication between older WLWH and their partners. Our fourth presentation examines mental health vulnerabilities and strengths of older WLWH during the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Discussant Dr. Anna Rubtsova will contextualize these findings and offer suggestions for future research to enhance well-being of older women across the continuum of HIV prevention and care.
PROLONGED DAILY FASTING TIMES ARE BEST WHEN COMBINED WITH CALORIE RESTRICTION FOR HEALTH AND SURVIVAL
Authors: de Cabo Rafael
Published: December 2023

Emerging new evidence highlights the importance of prolonged daily fasting periods for the health and survival benefits of calorie restriction (CR) and time-restricted feeding (TRF) in male mice; however, little is known about the impact of these feeding regimens in females. Using a carousel feeder system that enables controlling the duration, amount, and timing of food availability, we show that mice on CR had a robust physiological response and decreased progression of malignant neoplasms and severity of inflammatory diseases in the lung compared to TRF. CR is associated with a unique serum metabolomics signature in overnight-fasted animals compared to TRF. The systemic impact of CR and TRF regimens measured from covariation of serum metabolites with energetics and healthspan metrics indicates that daytime (rest-phase) feeding with prolonged fasting periods initiated late in life confers greater benefits when combined with an imposed lower energy intake.
EPIGENETIC MECHANISMS OF TISSUE AGING
Authors: Sen Payel
Published: December 2023

Epigenetic alterations are a hallmark of aging, affecting DNA and histone modifications, 3D genome structure, and gene expression. Our lab studies these changes in various tissues to understand their unique and shared characteristics. In this talk, I will focus on the skeletal muscle, which makes up ~40% of the body weight, contributes to ~30% of resting energy expenditure, and is affected by aging. Aging reduces muscle mass and strength, partly due to the reduced function of resident muscle stem cells (MuSCs). We used an integrative multi-omics approach to profile the transcriptome, epigenome, and 3D genome of MuSCs isolated from young, old, and geriatric mice and comprehensively understand why their regenerative potential diminishes with age. We found an elevated immune response and quiescence exit signature in MuSCs during aging and identified regulatory elements that contribute to these changes. By targeting these networks, we can potentially rejuvenate MuSC function. Overall, we show that the non-coding genome potentiates a functional drift in MuSCs, an otherwise non-immune cell to a more immune function.
TELE-SAVVY@HOME: PRODUCING AND TESTING A FULLY ASYNCHRONOUS ONLINE TELE-SAVVY PROGRAM
Authors: Epps Fayron , Clevenger Carolyn , Higgins Melinda , Hepburn Kenneth
Published: December 2023

Group-based psychoeducational programs like the Savvy Caregiver program and its synchronous/asynchronous online adaptation, Tele-Savvy, have demonstrated that the acquisition of skills, knowledge, and caregiving mastery can ameliorate caregiving stress and enhance the quality of life for persons living with dementia. Many factors, including the constant presence of care recipients, preclude caregivers attending such programs, including synchronous online programs, and limit programs’ accessibility and availability. This presentation describes the development of a fully asynchronous online Savvy program (Tele-Savvy@Home; TS@H) and the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the online program. TS@H employed online continuing education methods to present ~16 hours of content in 46 short interactive segments of 8-15 minutes each. TS@H pilot program participants had no interaction with other participants and didn’t engage with a live instructor. Pilot results provided preliminary confirmation of the pilot study’s primary and secondary hypotheses regarding positive benefits to caregivers and care recipients. Results from the 29 participants who completed the pilot program and provided follow-up data indicated the program produced moderate to large effects by end of study on enhancing caregiving mastery (d=0.645) and decreasing reported care recipient behavior (d=-0.834) and reduced caregiver reactivity to that behavior (d=-0.732). The program also produced small to moderate benefits (d = -0.25 to -0.49) in the areas of caregiver depression, anxiety, and burden. Caregivers reported the program helped them be less resentful of their caregiver role and to accept the changes in relationship dynamics with their person. These results will inform the next iteration of Tele-Savvy@Home.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO REST? A STUDY OF CAREGIVERS CARING FOR A PERSON WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Hahn Sarah
Published: December 2023

The number of informal caregivers caring for a person with dementia (PWD) has been increasing steadily over the past decade; more than 11 million Americans provide unpaid care as of 2022 (Alzheimer’s Association, 2022). The impact of caregiving is immense; caregivers risk having chronic health issues, poor emotional well-being, and physiological changes (Alzheimer’s Association, 2022). Respite care provides a temporary break for the caregiver, but is often underutilized (O’ Shea, et al., 2019). Research has found that the responsibilities of caregiving for a PWD, specifically the mental load, is a 24-hour, 7-day position that leaves little room for rest (Chew, et al., 2022). However, while there are several definitions of what rest and respite is in the gerontological literature (O’ Shea, et al., 2019), not much is known on the experiences and achievement of rest by caregivers of PWD. This study explored the concept of rest to caregivers of PWD by using phenomenological interviews to understand the meanings attributed to it. Findings indicated three superordinate themes: “roadblocks”, “the actuality”, and “the ideal”, as well as subsequent subthemes.
BUILDING STUDENTS’ CAREER SKILLS THROUGH AGE-FRIENDLY INTERGENERATIONAL CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
Authors: Farah Kimberly , Montepare Joann , Frazier Charlotte
Published: December 2023

Changing age demographics are reshaping societies and challenging institutions of higher education to consider how they can respond to age-diverse populations through new approaches to teaching, research, and community engagement. As well, institutions are facing a range of challenges as they look to respond to the contemporary needs of students who will be entering an age-diverse workforce. The pioneering Age-Friendly University (AFU) initiative, endorsed by GSA’s Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE), offers a framework within which institutions can begin to address these issues through more age-friendly programs, practices, and partnerships. Drawing on the AFU principle that advocates for promoting intergenerational learning, this presentation will describe several intergenerational classroom activities that have been developed to support students’ success in the workplace – including mock interview sessions, career roundtable discussions, research mentoring efforts, and Careers in Age Week activities. In addition to showing the value of intergenerational exchange to enhance students’ career readiness, these efforts demonstrate how older adults can serve as teaching allies and support the educational mission of higher education.
PREPARING STUDENTS FOR A MULTIGENERATIONAL WORKFORCE: PERSPECTIVES FROM OLDER WORKERS AND RETIREES
Authors: Graf Allyson , Nikzad-Terhune Katherina
Published: December 2023

Workforce diversity can be a major asset for personal, interpersonal, and economic development. Age diversity is prevalent with five generations currently represented in the workforce. Intergenerational tension is common, however, largely fueled by stereotypes centered on age and generation that can infiltrate all workplace processes. Working from the Age-Friendly University framework, our aim was to gather qualitative data to inform the development of a training program for college students, pairing information on age-related bias with opportunities for meaningful intergenerational exchange to mimic workplace interactions. We hosted three community-based focus groups with adults ranging from 60-69 years of age who were either currently employed or recently retired (N = 10) to discuss their intergenerational interactions in the workplace. Participants had an average of 41.06 years of work experience and worked across multiple industries, most commonly administrative work, food services, government, and healthcare. The most common theme reported was the dismissal of participants’ work experience by their younger colleagues, which some equated to a lack of respect due to their age, and others painted as a breakdown in communication. Technology was highlighted as exasperating intergenerational tensions. Participants also reported that younger colleagues often approached them for general life advice, which helped to reduce tensions. The willingness to see the value of older adults’ wisdom in general, but not specific to the work at hand, has implications for the content and structure of future career-readiness training programs. Recommendations for enhancing positive intergenerational exchanges and reducing generational tensions within the workplace will be discussed.
DIRECT OBSERVATION OF OLDER ADULTS VIDEO TELEMEDICINE CHALLENGES
Authors: Moo Lauren , Venegas Maria , Hawley Chelsea , McCullough Megan , Hung William
Published: December 2023

Video to home has the potential to increase access to clinical services for older adults that face barriers to in-person care and to specialty care such as mobility and transportation challenges. There is evidence that the digital divide has been increasing rather than shrinking for this population. Twenty older cognitively intact Veterans enrolled in Aim 1 of a study of video visits with clinical pharmacists and allowed the study team to observe them in their homes as they prepared for and attempted to connect for the virtual encounter. Technology challenges were encountered in more than 80%, including 60% that required assistance from the in-person study staff, despite these being highly motivated participants. We will share both quantitative and qualitative data regarding the nature of the challenges observed and discuss the implications for geriatric tech equity.
CREATING AN AGE-SAVVY WORKFORCE THROUGH GERONTOLOGICAL INTERNSHIPS
Authors: Karasik Rona , Donorfio Laura , Gugliucci Marilyn
Published: December 2023

The disconnect between age and work demographics is well-known. Less understood is how to create an age-savvy workforce prepared to meet the diverse needs of a rapidly aging population. To date, considerable research has focused on: (1) Are current and future professionals interested in working with older adults (e.g., King et al., 2013) (2) Does “exposing” current and future professionals to aging content increase their interest in working with older adults (e.g., Gutheil, et al, 2009); and (3) What impact do direct intergenerational experiences have on student attitudes and desires to work with older adults (e.g., Gorelik, et al., 2000)? The results of these studies are mixed, suggesting additional elements be considered, such as the quality and outcomes of the experience. This symposium considers the nature, role, and challenges of internship, practicum, and field work experiences from a range of perspectives. First, Dr. Laura Donorfio introduces the components of internships as they relate to workforce development. Next, Dr. Rona Karasik provides a faculty perspective on intergenerational internships. Third, Dr. Phyllis Greenberg and Jodi Danielson offer insight into the agency and preceptor perspective. Forth, Jessica VanderWerf presents a gerontology student’s perspective. Fifth, Camryn Hafner shares the perspective of a student from outside of gerontology – in this case, drama therapy. Finally, moderator and discussant Dr. Marilyn Gugliucci synthesizes the presentation findings and reflects on the promise of gerontological internships to develop professionals both within and outside of gerontology to best meet the demographic reality of the next 30 - 50 years.
GERONTOLOGY INTERNSHIPS, PRACTICUM, AND FIELD WORK FROM A FACULTY PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Karasik Rona
Published: December 2023

While internships, practicum, and field work tend to be viewed primarily as student and site focused, academic faculty are also important to an internship’s success. Faculty roles may include assisting students in selecting and applying for site placements, ensuring that students are a “good fit” and properly prepared for a particular setting, overseeing quality control and assessment, guiding students to reflect on and harvest their learning throughout their internship, and at times, serving as advocate, trouble-shooter and/or mediator (Karasik, Donorfio, & Greenberg, 2023). In addition to student-facing responsibilities, faculty are also often involved in curricular aspects of internships and similar experiences (e.g., setting program parameters, expectations, and student learning goals and objectives), as well employing internship outcomes to academic program assessment (Karasik, 2009). Internship faculty also serve as a liaison between the academic program and community partners. Developing and maintaining community partnerships requires a broad skill-set, including but not limited to knowledge of the local aging network, collegiality, diplomacy, cultural and self-awareness, flexibility, and effective communication. Honing and consistently applying these traits is also essential, as recent studies suggest that at least some community partners perceive faculty involvement in community-based learning to be uneven and/or deficient (e.g., Karasik, 2020; Karasik & Hafner, 2021). Given the many roles faculty play in regard to internships and similar experiences, this presentation explores gerontology-based internships from a faculty perspective and shares the reflections and insight of one faculty member who has served as a gerontology internship coordinator for close to 30 years.