bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ADAPTING A NOVEL BEHAVIORAL TEST TO SCREEN FOR PRECLINICAL ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE IN PRIMARY CARE
Authors: Schaefer Sydney , Fauth Elizabeth , Hooyman Andrew , Love Jill
Published: January 2025

Most early dementia cases are missed in primary care, due partly to subjective screening (i.e., self-reported concerns, clinician observation). Objective tests (e.g., Mini-Mental Status Exam) are valid but take too long for widespread use in primary care. Extensive research on our qBEANS behavioral test supports that it is sensitive and specific to Alzheimer’s disease pathology, and is prognostic of cognitive and functional decline. This timed test engages motor learning, visuospatial memory, and executive function, involving six trials of 15 repetitions in which patients spoon raw kidney beans to small plastic cups in a sequence; no technology or wearable sensors are required. However, the current version is too long for primary care adoption (~7 minutes). The purpose of this study was to identify the minimum number of trials needed for reliability relative to the original longer version. Forty-eight non-demented participants (mean±SD age: 75.4±7.0 years; 77% female) completed the original version while the duration of each repetition was also recorded. Our reliability threshold was an intraclass correlation (ICC) >0.75. Results indicated that the most reliable shorter version involved only three full (15-repetition) trials (mean completion time = 232 seconds, or 3.85 minutes), 48% faster than the original version (ICC=0.85). While this shorter version is reliable, future work will determine if it is acceptable in primary care settings when administered by medical assistants during the rooming process. Findings also warrant further development of qBEANS as a direct-to-consumer product, given its low cost and ease of administration.
ACTIVOT: PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF AN INTERVENTION TO IMPROVE HEALTH-PROMOTING DAILY ACTIVITY
Authors: Klinedinst Tara , Hollman Nicholas , Ciro Carrie , Kendzor Darla
Published: January 2025

Nearly half of older adults in the U.S. have multiple chronic conditions in addition to functional limitations that restrict health-promoting daily activity (e.g., sleep, medication-taking, physical activity). We tested an innovative combination of behavioral activation and occupational therapy techniques to improve performance of meaningful, healthy activity. The ActivOT intervention was delivered by occupational therapists in 10 weekly sessions in participant homes. The primary outcome is performance of health-promoting daily activity, measured by the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) at baseline, 10-weeks, and 22-weeks. We report outcome data from 17 participants who were randomized to ActivOT or brief education (n=9 Tx, n=8 Control). On average, participants were 73.0 years old (SD=6.9), majority female (n=13), and White (n=1 Black, n=1 Hispanic/Latino). They had an average of 3.9 chronic conditions (SD=1.4), and 1.9 functional limitations (SD=1.7). The average COPM performance score (out of 10) at baseline was similar for the ActivOT group (M=3.6, SD=1.6) and control group (M=3.3, SD=1.1). At 10-week follow-up, the ActivOT group average increased to 7.0 (SD=1.7) and further increased to 7.2 (SD=1.0) at 22-weeks. In comparison, the control group average increased to 5.9 (SD=2.0) at 10-weeks, then decreased to 5.0 (SD=2.2) at 22-weeks. Further, 89% percent of the ActivOT group reported clinically significant improvements on the COPM (MCID=3). Results show an initial increase in both groups, but the increases are only maintained in the ActivOT group. This study is in progress (aiming for n=40) but shows promise for improving performance of health-promoting daily activity in a difficult-to-treat population.
ATTITUDINAL DISTINCTIONS OF SOLO SEX ENGAGERS AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Steckenrider Janie
Published: January 2025

Solo sex gets little attention in the research on sexual activity of older adults as most studies frame definitions around partnered sexual behaviors. This does not reflect the reality of many older adults who lack active sexual partners due to death, dysfunction, or serious illness. When solo sex is included in studies, they rarely go beyond frequency. The aim of this study was to determine how sexually active older adults view solo sex, its importance, and attitude distinctions between solo sex engagers and non-engagers through survey research with a sample over age 60 (N=556). The majority (58%) of older adults engage in solo sex with men more likely (67%) than women (53%). As expected, solo sex engagers are twice as likely to use sexual toys and to be interested in using them if they currently do not. More solo sex engagers (70%) view orgasms as being extremely/very important for a good sexual experience than non-engagers (55%). Positive sexual outlooks correlate with solo sex as 80% of engagers anticipate an unlimited number of future orgasms compared to 65% of non-engagers. The most striking attitude distinction is 72% of engagers believe solo sex can be “great sex” compared to only 39% of non-engagers. Solo sex has psychological and physiological benefits for older adults and this study demonstrates solo sex correlates with positive sexual attitudes. The findings of this study highlight the need for further attention to the importance of solo sex for older adults and how it relates to positive sexual health.
BUFFERING EFFECT OF MARRIAGE ON DAILY WORK STRESS–INFLAMMATION LINK: LONGITUDINAL ANALYSIS OF THE MIDUS STUDY
Authors: Park Jeongmin , Almeida David , Santos-Lozada Alexis
Published: January 2025

Aims

This study investigates how frequency of daily work stress predicts inflammation, measured by C-reactive protein levels (CRP), in employed middle-aged and older adults. It explores Relationship Buffering Hypothesis by assessing how marital status and quality of marital relationships moderate this stress-inflammation link. Additionally, it examines role of age and gender. Based on Socio-Emotional Selectivity Theory, we hypothesize that relationship buffering will be greater for older workers.

Methods

Data were from Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) waves 2 and 3, samples include 314 employed individuals over 40 (at wave 3), participating in both National Study of Daily Experiences and Biomarker projects. CRP was measured during laboratory visits, whereas daily work stress was computed as the mean of 8-day diary responses of binary stress events at workplace ranging from 0 (not work stressors) to 1 (work stressors every day).

Results

Linear regression revealed that frequent daily work stress predicts higher CRP a decade later, controlling for initial CRP, age, gender, education, and race (B = 4.49, p < 0.01). Marital status (B = -8.35, p < 0.01) and relationship quality among married individuals (B = -1.41, p < 0.05) moderated this relationship. No significant three-way interactions with age or gender were found. Conclusions: The daily work stress-inflammation link varied by status and relationship quality of marriage. Specifically, non-married individuals and those experiencing lower relationship quality within marriage showed a heightened stress-inflammation link, underscoring the protective role of strong marital relationships against stress-induced inflammation, in alignment with the Relationship Buffering Hypothesis.
COMMUNITY-LEVEL SOCIAL CAPITAL AND ALL-CAUSE MORTALITY IN JAPAN: FINDINGS FROM THE ADACHI COHORT STUDY
Authors: Murayama Hiroshi , Sugiyama Mika , Inagaki Hiroki , Ura Chiaki , Miyamae Fumiko , Edahiro Ayako , Okamura Tsuyoshi , Awata Shuichi
Published: January 2025

Community-level social capital is known to be associated with various health outcomes, but its impact on mortality is not fully understood. This study examined the association between community-level social capital and all-cause mortality among community-dwelling older Japanese people. The baseline data was obtained from a questionnaire survey for all 132,005 residents aged ≥65 years without long-term care insurance certification in Adachi Ward of the Tokyo metropolitan area in 2015 (75,358 valid responses; mean age 73.8 years; 45.0% males). We measured two aspects of social capital: neighborhood cohesion (trust, attachment, and a sense of belonging) and neighborhood network (neighborly ties). We stratified these into high, medium, and low categories. For community-level social capital, we calculated the proportion of those with high and medium neighborhood cohesion and neighborhood network by 262 administrative areas in Adachi. The study protocol was approved by the IRB. A sex-stratified multilevel survival analysis (average follow-up of 1,656 days), after adjusting for both individual-level and community-level covariates, showed that community-level neighborhood cohesion was negatively associated with all-cause mortality in men (hazard ratios: 0.92 [0.84-1.00] for the highest quintile and 0.91 [0.82-0.99] for the second, compared to the lowest), but not in women. These suggest that for men, who typically have fewer social networks and support systems than women, the benefits of living in a cohesive community may be life-extending. This supports the notion that interventions aimed at enhancing community social capital could be a strategic component in public health efforts to reduce mortality risks, particularly among older men.
A FIRST LOOK AT THE HEALTHY AGING INITIATIVE: YEAR ONE RESULTS
Authors: Gilfix Talia , Quigley Molly , Andrews Heather , Cappon Davide , Syme Maggie , Pascual-Leone Alvaro
Published: January 2025

The Healthy Aging Initiative (HAI) is a Boston-based longitudinal observational study assessing functional ability and well-being in 55+ adults residing in independent-living senior communities. Participants undergo assessments to evaluate modifiable risk factors for disability and dementia: mobility, cognition, strength, functional status, lifestyle factors, and mental wellness. Timely feedback/results are provided to empower meaningful changes. To gain insight into factors impacting functional ability, all participants’ data through Year 1 (N=173) were aggregated and key modifiable risk factors analyzed, revealing compelling trends across age groups and sex. Trends included sex differences among participants aged 80-84 years in the memory domain (Males 29% impaired (n=14); Females 13% impaired (n=24)). However, in the 85-89 age group these differences were no longer observed (Males 42% impaired (n=12); Females 39% impaired (n=23)), suggesting older women may “catch up” in impairment by their late 80’s. In mobility, females with high fall risk nearly doubled from age 75-79 to 80-84 (33% (n=18) to 63% (n=30)), while males in these age groups had the opposite effect (56% (n=9) to 27% (n=22)), indicating males who remain agile until the age of 80 may delay mobility decline. In lifestyle factors, it’s important to look at a domain from multiple perspectives. For instance, 68% of participants (n=132) report following recommended exercise guidelines, while 52% also report spending at least 6 hours sitting daily (n=101). Full results will be presented. As HAI expands and participants repeat assessments annually, critical insights may be obtained, creating a blueprint for translational clinical research in healthy ageing.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SOCIAL CAPITAL AND SUCCESSFUL AGING AMONG EMPTY NESTERS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: Chang Hui , Wang Zhi-wen
Published: January 2025

Aims

To determine the mediating and chain mediating roles of a sense of coherence and health-promoting lifestyle between social capital and successful aging among empty nesters to explain the internal mechanisms underlying the relationship.

Methods

A total of 452 community-based empty nesters were included using convenience sampling. Empty nesters were surveyed using the Successful Ageing Scale, Social Capital Scale, Sense of Coherence Scale, and Chinese version of the Health-Promotion Lifestyle Scale-II. Descriptive analyses and correlation analyses were conducted using SPSS25.0. Mplus 8.3 was employed to perform chain mediation analyses. For this study, we followed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guideline.

Results

There was a positive correlation between social capital, a sense of coherence, a health-promoting lifestyle, and successful aging. Social capital has a direct positive effect on successful aging. Sense of coherence and health-promoting lifestyles partially mediate the relationship between social capital and successful aging. The sense of coherence and health-promoting lifestyles also have a chain mediating effect.

Conclusion

The quality of aging for empty nesters can be improved from the perspective of social capital. Effective measures can also be taken to improve the sense of coherence so that they can maintain a healthy lifestyle and thus achieve successful aging.
INTERACTIONS OF SOCIOECONOMIC AND ETHNORACIAL FACTORS SHAPING FORMAL AND INFORMAL VOLUNTEERISM IN LATER LIFE
Authors: Lai Patrick Ho Lam
Published: January 2025

Building upon previous research that identifies socioeconomic status (SES) as a pivotal factor in explaining lower volunteer rates among ethnoracial minorities in later life, this study extends our understanding by examining the interactions between SES and ethnoracial identities on their formal and informal volunteerism. By doing so, the research informs aging service practitioners and policymakers about the distinct responsiveness of different ethnoracial groups to their educational and family income levels and how these, in turn, relate to their propensity for volunteer work. By utilizing 2019 and 2021 Current Population Surveys data, this research estimates bivariate probit models for formal (e.g., through organizations) and informal volunteerism (e.g., doing favors to neighbors), including moderation with education and family income. The findings reveal that older Hispanic adults have 0.907 times or older Black adults have 0.983 times the likelihood of engaging in formal volunteer activities compared to older Asian adults, with this association becoming statistically significant upon a decrement of one educational level or family income level. Besides, older Black adults show 0.928 times the odds of engaging in informal volunteerism in comparison to Asian counterparts, with this finding being statistically significant upon a decrease in one family income level. These outcomes suggest that Asian older adults exhibit greater sensitivity to income and educational variations associated with formal and informal volunteer engagements. This research emphasizes the need to understand cultural sensitivity for lower volunteerism among older Asian adults for more inclusive aging services and policies.
FRAMEWORK-BASED EVALUATION OF MOBILE HEALTH APPS FOR OLDER ADULTS: IMPLICATIONS FOR TECHNOLOGY-ENABLED SELF-CARE
Authors: Nambisan Priya , Kapoor Akshat , Kreps Gary , Dangeti Reshma Sahithi
Published: January 2025

The rapidly growing older adult population which is burdened with multiple chronic conditions (MCC) and declining physical and mental functionality, portends opportunities for developing better technologies to cater to their self-care support needs. However, it is not clear whether the current set of health apps targeted at older adults are suitable, or whether they fulfill their health and self-care support needs of older adults with MCC. We conducted a systematic review using the PRISMA method and also used a theoretical framework to evaluate currently available health apps for older adults. Many studies that review apps merely review their features, however, to get a more in-depth and nuanced understanding of whether the apps are meeting the needs of older adults, we utilize a needs-based theoretical framework. This framework was specifically developed to assess the needs of this population group, and the technological elements that could be leveraged for meeting their health needs. The framework delineates seven needs of older adults in the context of technology applications: 1) prevention focus; 2) comprehensiveness; 3) education and training for self-care; 4) community and home-based care; 5) social and emotional support; 6) privacy and security; and 7) positive experiences. Our results indicate that many apps in the market do not fulfill the needs of older adults with MCC. Our systematic review did not yield even a single comprehensive app for older adults with MCC which covered all the needs comprising the framework, thus highlighting the digital exclusion of this population and their needs for support.
GOING OUTDOORS AND COMPUTER USE PREDICT CHANGES IN SELF-RATED CHEERFULNESS OF OLDER ADULTS OVER 10 YEARS
Authors: Tu Yufang , O’Connor Melissa , Grace Rachel
Published: January 2025

Positive affect decreases mortality risks and enhances wellness and longevity among older adults. Research indicates that adopting digital technology increases social inclusion among older individuals while going outdoors may benefit physical and psychological health. The current study explored whether the frequency of going outside and computer ownership/use relate to changes in older adults’ cheerfulness over ten years. Data from the first 11 waves (2011-2021) from the National Health and Aging Trends (NHATS) Study were used. The study included 35,687 participants at baseline. Self-rated cheerfulness on a 5-point scale was measured. Longitudinal multilevel modeling was conducted with the frequency of going outside of home as a time-variant predictor (5-point scale) and computer ownership as a time-invariant predictor (yes/no). Covariates included sex, age groups, education level, and self-rated health. Interactions between time and go-out frequency, and time and computer ownership/use were also examined. The effect of go-out frequency on cheerfulness depends on different time points within (Estimate within=-0.01, p=0.002) and across individuals over time (Estimate between= -0.01, p=0.008). The trajectory of cheerfulness for individuals without computer use did not change over time (p=0.810). However, the cheerfulness of those with computer use did change over time (p=0.023). This study found that the go-out frequency and computer ownership/use predict changes in and improve older adults’ cheerfulness over ten years, beyond demographic and health factors. This suggests the potential to include outdoor activities and computer adoption in efforts to promote healthy aging.
MOBILE APP-BASED SURVEY DEPLOYMENT PATTERNS AND LONGITUDINAL ENGAGEMENT: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Authors: Zhang Yuankai , Rong Jian , Wang Xuzhi , Schramm Eric , Pathiravasan Chathurangi , Trinquart Ludovic , Liu Chunyu , Murabito Joanne
Published: January 2025

Smartphone apps are increasingly used to collect digital survey data. Limited evidence is available on effective strategies to improve response rates especially among older adults. We conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT, NCT04752657) embedded in the electronic Framingham Heart Study (eFHS) to test the effect of administering half of smartphone surveys every 2 weeks (experimental group) compared to administering all surveys every 4 weeks (control group) on participant response rate over 32 weeks. In all, 492 participants (mean age 73 years, 58% women, 16% non-White) were randomized. The primary outcome was the proportion of surveys returned per participant assessed longitudinally across four periods (baseline to week 8, week 8 to 16, week 16 to 24, week 24 to 32). We used mixed-effect regression models with random intercept to compare the mean proportions between groups across the 4 periods, adjusting for age (≤75 versus >75 years) and phone type (Android versus iPhone) that were used to stratify randomization. We observed significant effect modification by time (P-value=0.003), indicating that the difference in response rates between the two groups increased over time. The response rates decreased over time in both groups, but less so in the experimental group with a 7% point difference in the last period. The mean outcome decreased from 85% to 66% in the experimental group, and from 85% to 59% in the control group across the four time periods. This RCT demonstrated that the survey deployment patterns impacted the response rates over 32 weeks among older adults.
OLDER DRIVER REPORTS OF EXPERIENCE WITH SENSORS IN VEHICLES TO RECORD DRIVING BEHAVIOR
Authors: Jackson Kelley , Tappen Ruth , Newman David , Jang Jinwoo , Furht Borko , Yang KwangSoo , Rosselli Mónica , Villar Michelle
Published: January 2025

In a 5-year study of the degree to which changes in driving behavior herald a change in cognition, participants were asked to evaluate the telematic and video sensors (both driver facing and forward facing) installed in their vehicles in terms of any distraction or other concerns the sensors may have created. Both an 8-item survey and open-ended questions were asked of study participants every three months for the duration of their enrollment (three years). The questions concerned acceptability of sensors in one’s vehicle including the aesthetics, source of distraction and potential for invasion of privacy. Mean overall rating of acceptability of the sensors was 3.5 out of a possible high score of 5. This rating was 3.5 at baseline, increased to 3.7 at the end of 6 months [t(110)=1.09, p=.004]. and was maintained over time. Of some interest is that there were no statistically significant differences in acceptability ratings by gender, race, ethnicity, age or education. A general inductive approach was employed to code the qualitative responses. The majority were concerned with the wires connecting sensors to power sources, both their visibility and tendency to loosen over time, creating both aesthetic and operational concerns as well as a tripping hazard for some. These were addressed early in the study to the satisfaction of most participants. The size of both the sensors and wires was mentioned a number of times and several participants suggested using smaller, wireless sensors if possible. Overall, most participants quickly acclimated to having sensors in their vehicles.
PRELIMINARY FEASIBILITY OF AN MHEALTH INTERVENTION FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH SERIOUS MEDICAL ILLNESS AND CAREGIVERS
Authors: Llaneza Danielle , Kozlov Elissa
Published: January 2025

Managing serious illness is often distressing and time-consuming for older adults and their caregivers. Up to 70% of adults with serious illness have symptoms of anxiety. Additionally, patients with high symptom burden and anxiety heavily impact family caregivers, which nearly 8 million older adults in the U.S. rely on for assistance. Mindfulness Therapy (MT) is a promising, non-pharmacological technique with proven efficacy and effectiveness in managing stress and anxiety in diverse populations. Mindfulness Coach is an mhealth delivered mindfulness therapy intervention developed by the Veterans Affairs National Center. The objective of this study is to report the preliminary feasibility of an eight-week trial of mHealth-delivered mindfulness therapy to alleviate anxiety and stress symptoms in this population. Thirty-one older adults with serious medical illness or their caregivers were recruited to participate in this study. After receiving an orientation to using the app, participants were instructed to complete two levels per week to learn about and practice mindfulness skills. At the end of the eight weeks, the Mindfulness Coach participant users ranged from zero minutes to 1154 minutes with an average use of 173.4 minutes. Additionally, changes in anxiety levels were also observed. This study offers preliminary evidence that an mHealth mindfulness app is being utilized by older adults with a serious medical illness or their caregivers to learn mindfulness skills to help manage the stress and anxiety associated with living with a serious medical condition.
USEFULNESS OF PATIENT-GENERATED HEALTH DATA BY DEPRESSION AND FRAILTY IN OLDER ADULTS WITH LUNG CANCER SURGERY
Authors: Choi Mona , Kim Yesol , Cho Hyeonmi , Kim Yeonju
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to identify the perceived usefulness of patient-generated health data (PGHD) according to depression and frailty in older adults with lung cancer surgery. This cross-sectional study recruited patients aged 65 and over who were diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent lung resection at a tertiary hospital in the Republic of Korea. Depression was measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale-10; frailty was assessed using the Korean FRAIL version and categorized into robust, prefrail, and frail. The perceived usefulness of PGHD was measured through 37 items from seven domains. Data were analyzed through one-way ANOVA, correlation, and linear regression analyses using the SPSS program. Among 132 participants, the average age was 71.79±5.20 years, with 53% men. The average depression score was 4.18±4.15 out of 30, and more than half were classified as robust (60.6%), 34.8% as prefrail, and 4.5% as frail. The higher the level of depression, the greater the perceived usefulness of Medication-related Factors (MF) among PGHD was identified (p=.028). Participants who were prefrail perceived the usefulness of Physical and Mental Well-being Factors (PMWF) (p=.015) and MF (p=.001) among PGHD to be higher compared to those who were robust. A higher perceived usefulness of PGHD was significantly associated with being prefrail (p=.032), older age (p=.017), and higher life satisfaction (p=.039). Our findings indicated that understanding the levels of depression and frailty in older adults after lung cancer surgery may help healthcare providers identify the perceived usefulness of PGHD and facilitate its application in research.
A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES PRACTITIONERS RESPONDING TO CASES OF ELDER ABUSE AND SELF-NEGLECT
Authors: MacNeil Andie , Salvo Erin , Burnes David
Published: January 2025

Adult Protective Services (APS) practitioners play a critical role in supporting older adults experiencing elder abuse and self-neglect (EASN), however, very little research has examined their experiences, from their perspectives. The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of APS practitioners responding to allegations of EASN. Using a descriptive phenomenological qualitative methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with APS practitioners (n = 14) from the state of Maine. To enhance trustworthiness, two independent assessors analyzed transcript data to code transcripts into themes. Two domains, each with various subthemes, were identified: (1) rewarding elements of role and (2) challenging aspects of role. The findings of this study emphasize how APS practitioners are motivated by their capacity to help elicit positive change in the lives of their clients and support the well-being of older adults experiencing EASN. However, APS practitioners must navigate numerous challenges and barriers in their role, including time constraints, high and complex caseloads, limited resources, and broader misconceptions on APS. These findings highlight the importance of addressing these stressors to support the well-being of APS practitioners, which, in turn, can help support the vulnerable older adults they serve.
ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES PROFESSIONALS WITH CLIENTS AND FAMILIES AT THE END OF LIFE: CHALLENGES AND SUPPORT NEEDS
Authors: Xue Wei- Lin , Ernst Joy
Published: January 2025

This study examines the experiences of Adult Protective Services (APS) workers confronting elder mistreatment at the end of life, a period of heightened vulnerability and increased abuse risk. While previous research highlights the necessity of multifaceted strategies to tackle elder abuse, the specific challenges faced by APS professionals in these critical circumstances remain underexplored. The research team conducted seven focus groups and one individual interview with APS workers and those closely associated with them. The 36 participants, including social workers, nurses, and other allied professionals, provided information on the types of elder abuse encountered, challenges or barriers in serving these clients, and the personal or professional effects these cases have on them. The qualitative analysis revealed that caregiver neglect and financial exploitation are the most frequent forms of abuse, along with self-neglect, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. APS professionals face significant challenges such as balancing client self-determination, navigating family issues, accessing adequate care levels, addressing service refusal, and coping with a lack of services. The personal and professional impacts on APS workers include heightened empathy, trauma from client deaths, and a noted lack of preparation for such events. The workers also identified the need for increased interagency collaboration, organizational support, mental, and emotional support, and peer support to assist APS workers in dealing with clients at the end of life. These insights aim to guide the enhancement of strategies and policies to better support APS workers as they work with clients and families at the end of life.
IMPACT OF A POLICY CHANGE ON ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES CASE VOLUME AND SERVICES IN CALIFORNIA
Authors: Gassoumis Zachary , Thayer Erin , Yonashiro-Cho Jeanine
Published: January 2025

The adult protective services (APS) system in the U.S. investigates and provides services to older adults and younger adults with a disability or vulnerability who are experiencing abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or financial exploitation. APS systems are undergoing shifts in their scope and nature of services, due to national movements toward program standardization, population aging, and changing population dynamics. California recently implemented a policy change, effective January 2022, that expanded APS services to all adults age 60 and older (reduced from 65) and expanded self-neglect to include individuals experiencing homelessness. We analyzed publicly available APS records from October 2019 through October 2023, using segmented linear regression on month-level data to assess the impact of this policy on overall APS case volume, number of APS clients aged 60-64, and clients referred to or receiving housing services. Following the January 2022 implementation, there was an increase in the growth of overall APS cases over time (b=103.9, p=.015) but no significant increase in the level. Among clients aged 60-64, there was a significant increase in both level and growth of cases over time, jumping from roughly 375 to 550 monthly cases immediately following the policy implementation and growing to 800 cases by October 2023. Similar results were seen for housing services, with significant increases in the growth of cases over time (b=10.2, p=.005). This growth in volume and service type has implications for programmatic refinements and for better understanding resource needs in the light of national discussions on APS standardization and scope of services.
PROVIDING ALLEGED VICTIMS AND PERPETRATORS WITH CASE MANAGEMENT TO PREVENT FUTURE CARETAKER NEGLECT
Authors: Tuft Samantha , Ejaz Farida , Reynolds Courtney , Bibbo Jessica
Published: January 2025

Caretaker neglect is the second most common type of adult abuse nationwide, including Utah, where 74% of cases resulted in an ‘inconclusive’ disposition in FY 23. Practitioners from Utah Adult Protective Services (APS) are collaborating with researchers in an ongoing study to offer four months of telephone-based case management to alleged victims and perpetrators when APS closes their case as ‘inconclusive’. The goal is to prevent future reports of caretaker neglect. The study uses a four-month, pre-post design. Care coordinators interview study participants, develop and modify individualized care plans, and make referrals to services throughout the study. Preliminary data from 18 alleged victims shows their average age is 64 (range 18-59), 50% are female, and 28% live in rural areas. They experienced a significant reduction in depressive symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire – 2 during the study (p =.038). Data from 9 alleged perpetrators shows that their average age is 60 years (range 43-70), 78% are female, and 11% live in rural areas; their depression scores did not decline significantly, but trended downwards over time. Discussion will focus on the value of providing case management services to improve psychosocial outcomes, such as depression. Implications for practice and policy include the value of multidisciplinary collaborations to develop interventions to potentially prevent future reports of caretaker neglect, and, perhaps, other forms of abuse, neglect or exploitation.
INTERGENERATIONAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE SENIOR TO SENIOR DINNER DANCE PROGRAM
Authors: Lee Youjung , McGinley Jacqueline
Published: January 2025

Intergenerational engagement is a universal human development process that helps older adults’ successful aging (Krzeczkowska et al., 2021) and children’s optimal development (McAlister et al., 2019). As part of an age-friendly initiative in a small city in New York State, an intergenerational engagement program (Senior to Senior Dinner Dance) involved a multi-year partnership between community agencies, including a local Office for Aging, university, high school, senior center, and church. As part of this partnership, a community dance was held in 2022 and 2023, where high school students and older adults participated in a variety of intergenerational activities. Findings from a process evaluation of this interorganizational initiative (e.g., focus groups with six community partners; surveys with 56 older adults), using a thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006), revealed: (a) social cohesion included mutual trust amongst community stakeholders; (b) social capital was achieved by leveraging existing resources with collective goals; and (c) intergenerational engagement was promoted through the equal status, common goals, and interorganizational cooperation of participants, in addition to sanctions and support from organizers. Findings from this study highlight important lessons for those, particularly those in communities with limited resources, who wish to develop and sustain intergenerational programs. Lessons learned include the importance of mutual trust among community partners, the utilization of existing resources, and the necessity of buy-in from upper administration in each agency. Lastly, intergenerational activities (e.g., dining, dancing) can promote initial positive contact between distinct age cohorts, which may help to advance larger age-friendly initiatives.
PARTICIPANT EVALUATION OF 4MS EDUCATION DELIVERED BY AGE-FRIENDLY CARE, PA USING PROJECT ECHO: 2020–2023
Authors: Berish Diane , Knecht-Fredo Jennifer , Husser Erica , Fick Donna , Boltz Marie , Sabol Jacqueline , Garrow George , Houge Angela
Published: January 2025

Older adults, the largest segment of the US rural population, face significant disparities in health and healthcare compared to their non-rural peers. They have limited access to healthcare and social services for prevention, management, and treatment of chronic conditions. Age-Friendly Care, PA, a collaboration of Primary Health Network, the largest Federally Qualified Health Center in Pennsylvania, and Penn State Nese College of Nursing, aims to bring reliable, high-quality, age-friendly care to all older adults living in rural PA. Sponsored by HRSA through its Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program, Age-Friendly Care, PA utilizes the Project ECHO (Extension for Community Health Outcomes), all-teach-all-learn, platform to engage isolated rural providers in incorporating the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s 4Ms framework (What Matters, Mentation, Medication, Mobility) into their practice. Annual participant evaluation data from the last four years (2020 n=10, 2021 n=14, 2022 n=22, and 2023 n=6) shows respondents largely agreed or strongly agreed that attending the education session helped: Improve their ability to provide appropriate care (77%-100%), develop clinical knowledge (83%-100%), and 100% recommended attendance to colleagues. Participants were asked to rate their knowledge related to the 4Ms after each session. After the 2020 session, mobility screening, depression screening, and dementia training (66.6%) had the highest ratings. For 2021, depression screening (66.6%) was highest. In 2022, dementia screening and treatment (55%) were highest and for 2023, the top-rated knowledge area was treating mobility limitations (33.3%). Project ECHO has been shown to be an effective tool to reach rural healthcare providers and promote age-friendly education.
PRESERVING CELL HOMEOSTASIS AS AN AGING MODULTATION STRATEGY
Authors: Lox Dennis
Published: January 2025

The cell desires to maintain homeostasis. The most efficient and productive method to achieve cell homeostasis, is utilization of the Longevity Pathway AMPK-SIRT1. This allows processes to repair, induce positive patterns that lead to systemic efficiency. The Longevity Pathway may be activated by exercise, drugs, MOTS-c (a mitochondrial derived peptide), Irisin (a adipomyokine Sestrin), and circadian clock genes. Some activators display synergistic effects with others and exercise. Upon activation of AMPK-SIRT1, molecular and cellular functions occur, allowing nuclear transfer of P53 and FOXO’s, this prevents cytoplasmi binding of P53-FOXO4, avoiding the deleterious effects of overactive mTOR, cell senescence and the SASP, upregulation of NF-kB, production of inflammatory cytokines, DAMP, and HMGB. This sets up the continuous feedback loop of continuing the cycle, and interactions with the of Hallmarks of Aging, compounding the process of driving further aging and disease development. Homeostasis occurs when P53 and the FOXO’s are translocated to the nucleus, allowing DNA repair, mitochondrial biogenesis, NRF1,2, and PPAR transformation, production of more NAD+ occurs, which is needed in the pathway to function, and lastly increased exercise capacity. As the GI Biome is now a Hallmark of Aging, Starting with a proper diet and exercise to initiate the Longevity Pathway to allow cell homeostasis, increasing cell efficiency, and decreasing deleterious pathways. Further targets for personalized treatment may better address human diversity.
TELLING A STORY THROUGH SPATIAL ANALYSES OF AGE-FRIENDLY PHYSICAL, SOCIAL, AND SERVICE ENVIRONMENTS IN PORTLAND, OR
Authors: DeLaTorre Alan , Toda Eiji
Published: January 2025

Age-friendly communities continue to expand in number and evolve with respect to research, planning, policy, and practice. Both researchers and practitioners should understand how to collect, organize, interpret, and visualize geospatial data that elucidate geographic patterns of age-friendly features and barriers to age friendliness to guide a data-driven, evidence-based approach to community planning and policy making. This presentation will highlight the university-local government partnership that resulted in data collection, analyses, and release of an ESRI-based age-friendly story map of Portland, Oregon. Portland State University – an age-friendly university – and the City of Portland – a member of the U.S. and global age-friendly networks – collaborated to produce a series of raster maps visualizing the level of age-friendliness physical, social, and service environments. Data collection was supported by various city, county, and state agencies, as well as age-friendly partners operating in the age-friendly community, university, and health care spaces. This effort calls attention to challenges and opportunities related to research, planning, and future implementation. The analyses revealed differing spatial distributions of age-friendly physical, social, and service features across Portland, Oregon that offer insights into identifying higher-need neighborhoods and types of desired interventions. Challenges include indicator selection, data availability and collection, measurement and weighting of each indicator, and translation to policy decisions.
LEVERAGING HIGHER EDUCATION IN OUR AGE-FRIENDLY WORLD
Authors: Black Kathy , Oh Patricia , Montepare Joann , Kaye Lenard
Published: January 2025

There is increasing interest in better understanding the connection between higher education and age-friendly community efforts. The global age-friendly community (AFC) movement calls for multi-sectoral engagement in a multi-year model encompassing four core phases (engage, plan, act, measure) to improve livability in domains of community life pertaining to the built, social, and service environment. However, there is limited empirical knowledge regarding the involvement of higher education and how it supports AFC efforts. We used qualitative inquiry to assess the engagement of U.S. institutions as reported by 80 AFCs that completed a five-year cycle of participation. We conducted directed content analysis using paired AFC action plans and progress reports (n=56) and classified engagement using a priori indicators by higher educational core activities (teaching, research, and service), core phases (e.g., measure) and clustered domain areas (e.g., built environment). Results reveal engagement across all core activities of higher education with most efforts in research, in all areas of the AFC model with most reported in the action phase, and across all clustered domains of practice with the greatest amount identified in the social environment. We identify opportunities for greater engagement and leadership by higher education in our age-friendly world.
BENEFITS OF SERVICE LEARNING FOR STUDENT PARTICIPANTS AND OLDER ADULT RECIPIENTS
Authors: Cline Krista , Bain Catherine
Published: January 2025

It is clear that service learning benefits college students, while also benefiting the community. While research on intergenerational service learning has focused on the benefits for the students, very few studies have focused on the older adults who are the recipients of the service learning. For the current study, we were interested in the benefits of service learning for both the college students and the older adults who participated in a service learning course. Data for the current study is qualitative and were collected from both the students in a sociology of aging and the life course service learning class (n=22), and the older adults who participated as recipients of the service learning (n=22). Data from the students was collected via student journals and open-ended questionnaire responses written by the students. Data from the older adults were collected via interviews by the students as well as open-ended questionnaire responses written by the older adults. The following themes emerged as benefits to students; (1) a better understanding and less fear of aging; (2) a desire to learn more about older adults; (3) a desire to engage more with older adults. The themes for the benefits to the older adults included; (1) improved social connections and companionship, and; (2) becoming family. We found that engaging in intergenerational service learning courses is beneficial to all those who are involved.
NURSE-LED INTERVENTIONS FOR ADULTS WITH POSTSTROKE COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT: A SCOPING REVIEW
Authors: Alharrasi Azza , Boltz Marie
Published: January 2025

Background

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is a common complication of stroke, associated with increased cost of care, hospitalizations, and care dependency. Nurses play a central role in rehabilitation of adult’s post-stroke; however, is unknown about nursing-led interventions in promoting global cognition. The purpose of this review to explore Nurse-led interventions (NLI) and explore their impact up on global cognition and discrete cognitive domains.

Methods

The search strategy identified studies within PubMed, CINHAL, and Web of Science. The search was conducted on October 3rd, 2023, and November 7th, 2023, and 12 articles were identified. Inclusion criteria were the studies that delivered nursing interventions among adults with post-stroke cognitive impairment with the outcome of improving cognitions or discrete cognitive domains. Data extraction of illegible studies that met the inclusion criteria guided by the interventions, duration and follow-up, global cognition, discrete cognitive domains.

Results

The results demonstrated the significant improvement in the global cognition, discrete cognitive domains, activity of daily livings (ADLs), motor function, and quality of life. Results underscore the need for early cognitive screening and rehabilitation. The results found that there is a gap in knowledge regarding the long-term benefits or effectiveness of NLI upon PSCI.

Conclusion

The review suggests that more rigorous multi-center research studies need to be conducted on the NLI for adults with PSCI that should be with adequate sample size.
EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERSONALITY FACTORS AND NEUROCOGNITIVE FUNCTIONING IN DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS
Authors: Jump Alayna , Elliott Lauren , Schneider Sydnie , McLean Elisabeth , Chrzanowski Lauren , Abu-Samaha Amir , Neugebauer Volker , Singer Jonathan
Published: January 2025

More than 5.8 million Americans currently live with a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer’s Disease or Alzheimer’s Disease Related Dementia (AD/ADRD). Family caregivers of persons with AD/ADRD may be at increased risk for accelerated age-related cognitive decline compared to their peers. However, the risk and protective factors associated with neurocognitive functioning within this population are poorly understood. One factor yet to be explored is the relationship between personality traits and neurocognitive functioning. Certain personality traits, such as high neuroticism and lower openness have been linked to worse neurocognitive functioning in older adult populations, but these findings have not been expanded to family caregivers of persons with AD/ADRD. This study enrolled 52 family caregivers of persons with AD/ADRD who completed the NEO Five-Factor Inventory-3 (NEO-FFI-3), a measure of personality traits, and the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), a measure of overall neurocognitive functioning. A Pearson correlation revealed a positive trend (r(50) =.27, p =.054), such that individuals scoring lower on openness had worse neurocognitive functioning. However, the other four personality traits (i.e., neuroticism, agreeableness, extraversion, conscientiousness) were not significantly related to neurocognitive functioning (p’s >.27). Future studies should aim to investigate the relationship between personality factors and neurocognitive functioning within other samples as personality traits, which remain relatively stable over time, may provide medical providers the ability to easily identify individuals who might be more susceptible to neurocognitive decline, thus streamlining preventative measures.