bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE CUTTING EDGE OF GERONTOLOGICAL SCHOLARSHIP: THE GERONTOLOGIST’S EDITOR’S CHOICE SYMPOSIUM
Authors: Gaugler Joseph , Allemann Alexandrea
Published: January 2025

The mission of The Gerontologist is to publish and disseminate “applied, multidisciplinary research and analysis on social issues related to human aging. It informs the broad community of disciplines and professions involved in understanding the aging process and providing care to older people.” In addition, the journal encourages “cutting-edge, conceptually-oriented work that addresses inequities in health, mental health, social status, and justice in late life as well as intersections among these areas with applicability to real-world-settings.” This symposium will highlight some of the recent and best examples of gerontological scholarship in The Gerontologist by highlighting select Editor’s Choice articles. Andrea Gilmore-Bykovskyi, Ph.D., RN, and colleagues consider the perspectives of family caregivers and hospice clinicians related to episodes of paradoxical lucidity among people living with dementia and how observational approaches may be leveraged to understand this fascinating phenomenon further. Kelly O’Malley, Ph.D., and her co-authors offer a timely and important framework to advance and implement trauma-informed care in long-term care contexts. Ittay Mannheim, Ph.D., and colleagues conducted a fascinating scoping review using critical discourse analysis to determine how and the extent to which ageism is reflected in the design process of digital technologies. Together, these Editor’s Choice selections from The Gerontologist “push the envelope” of the science and scholarship of gerontology.
NEW PERSPECTIVES ON EXPLICIT AND IMPLICIT AGEIST DISCOURSES IN DESIGNING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES FOR OLDER PERSONS
Authors: Mannheim Ittay , Wouters Eveline , Köttl Hanna , Van Boekel Leonieke , Brankaert Rens , van Zaalen Yvonne
Published: January 2025

Involving older persons throughout the design process of digital technology (DT) is considered a best practice for designing beneficial and acceptable DTs. Nevertheless, negative discourses on aging and ageism are potential underlying factors that could influence which and how DTs are designed and how older persons are involved in the design process. This presentation reflects on previous findings from a scoping review on the explicit and implicit manifestations of ageism in the design process of DT and demonstrates their relevance in new findings. Seven databases were screened for studies reporting on the design of DT with older persons. Sixty articles met the inclusion criteria. Information regarding the study and the discourse about older persons and their involvement in the design process of DT was coded and analyzed using critical discourse analysis. Various explicit and implicit manifestations of ageism, forms of exclusion, errors, and biases in designing DT with older persons were identified. The critical discourse analysis revealed the use of outdated language, stereotypical categorizations, and design decisions based on ageism. Generally, a discrepancy was found between an ‘ideal’ discourse regarding the involvement of older persons throughout the design process and actual practice. Notably, while the findings of the scoping review focused on publications until January 2020, recent research regarding the design process of DT is reflected upon using these previous findings. Lessons learned for mitigating ageism and promoting meaningful inclusion of older persons in the design process of DT are discussed.
TRANSLATING DATA INTO ACTION ON BRAIN HEALTH
Authors: Shean John , Bouldin Erin , Shean John
Published: January 2025

The Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) is a collaborative effort to advance brain health as central to public health in the US. Fundamental to the HBI effort is the HBI Road Map Series, frameworks that help state and local public health departments prioritize actions to address brain health across the life course and support caregivers. Data analysis and utilization are key tenets of the Road Maps Series and are essential to educate the public and to inform policy and planning. In 2023, the Alzheimer’s Association piloted Data for Action — a new HBI project to support states in utilizing their existing datasets on brain health and caregiving. This symposium highlights the process, successes and lessons learned from the Data for Action pilot. The first presentation will provide an overview of data available from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Cognitive Decline and Caregiving modules. The second presentation will describe the development and structure of the Data for Action pilot project, including the HBI and Road Map Series. In the third presentation, Arkansas, one of the pilot states, will present their process and products from Data for Action. The fourth presentation will summarize the products and impacts from the other states involved in the pilot and will discuss best practices and lessons learned from the project. A discussant will help participants understand how, through collaborative action, brain health and caregiving data can be harnessed to drive decisions, policies, and action at the state level.
ORIGINATION, DEVELOPMENT, AND VALIDATION OF THE SURGICAL PAUSE
Authors: Johanning Jason
Published: January 2025

Frailty is a validated concept established in the geriatric literature identifying patients (regardless of age) at increased risk of dying within 6 months. Half of veterans older than 65 years seeking colorectal or cardiac surgery are frail or prefrail, markedly increasing the cost of care as well as the risks for postoperative mortality and complications. In this setting the Omaha VA implemented a quality improvement program adopting a 6 month mortality tool for surgical use given the controversy about how best to measure frailty. The results in Omaha were sufficiently impactful that work then focused on replicating and validating the use of the Risk Analysis Index in surgical populations. The survival advantage observed in Omaha was replicated in longitudinal data from 5 University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) hospitals in an interrupted time series analysis demonstrating reduction in 1-year postoperative mortality from 20% to 16%, an absolute reduction of 4.2%. And exercise training for as little as 3 weeks before surgery achieved clinically significant improvements in endurance, gait speed and respiratory pressures—changes that are likely to speed recovery and improve outcomes. The model has now been replicated and deployed at over 50 VA Medical Centers as the Surgical Pause initiative as well as multiple academic and private settings. The Surgical Pause and RAI have recently been recognized by the John Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Awards as the National Level Innovation winner for 2023.
IMPLEMENTATION OF A RISK ANALYSIS INDEX-BASED PREOPERATIVE FRAILTY SCREENING AND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
Authors: Khalighi Mehraneh , Thomas Amy , Brown Karl , Ritchey Katherine
Published: January 2025

Frailty reduces recovery from stressors like surgery and increases postoperative morbidity and mortality. Risk Analysis Index (RAI-C) is a validated pre-surgical frailty assessment tool, however the agreement between provider-completed and patient-completed RAI is unknown. We explored the consistency and accuracy of provider-based screening and the agreement between provider-completed and patient-completed RAI-C scores. Orthopedic providers completed the RAI-C on Veterans ≥65 years of age awaiting elective total joint arthroplasty and referred patients to rehabilitative, nutritional, or geriatric specialty services based on RAI-C score. Patients were mailed the same RAI-C form to complete independently. Process measures reviewed the screening frequency and accuracy of using the referral pathway. Agreement between provider-completed and patient-completed total RAI-C score and differences within individual domains were compared. Overall, RAI screening occurred in 48% of eligible patients. Providers were less accurate in their referral of frail (RAI-C 30-36) patients than those who were robust or very frail. Screening frequency improved with dedicated nursing champions reminding providers to screen. The correlation between patient-completed and provider-completed RAI-C was moderate (r=0.634; p<0.001). Patient-completed RAI-C re-classified 29% of patients to a higher frailty category. Agreement was lowest in the domains of memory and weight loss. Preoperative frailty screening is possible with RAI-C but requires dedicated champions to improve consistency and may not yield the same result if completed by patients. Future implementation efforts should explore best practices to improve screening accuracy with the RAI-C tool by providers and patients and how referrals to preoperative services impact surgical outcomes for frail patients.
VARIATIONS IN FAMILY AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES AMONG DIVERSE AGING IMMIGRANT POPULATIONS
Authors: Tang Fengyan , Jiang Yanping , Li Lydia
Published: January 2025

Older immigrants rely significantly on family and community resources to address social isolation and related health issues. Yet, the formation and characteristics of these resources may vary within and across diverse aging contexts. Five studies in this symposium provide findings among Older Korean, Mexican, and Chinese Americans. Two studies present findings from the Study of Older Korean Americans (SOKA). Jang and colleagues examined the heterogeneity of family typology and its associations with psychological distress. Five family types were identified: close-knit, intimate but distant, detached, connected but dysfunctional, and dysfunctional. Park and colleagues identified five types of community: safe/integrated, safe/distant, moderate integration, marginal, and vulnerable. Findings showed that living in disadvantaged families and communities was associated with loneliness and mental distress. Using data from the Hispanic Established Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly Caregiver Supplement (H-EPESE CG), Rote examined the role of caregiver background, family and neighborhood support for depressive symptoms among Mexican American caregivers. Findings illustrated that Spanish-speaking caregivers showed a greater increase in mental distress, which was partially explained by lower caregiver resources. Two studies present findings from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE). The objective and subjective aspects of social isolation had differential effects on mental and cognitive health, underscoring the importance of neighborhood resources and support system in buffering the negative health effects of social isolation. Collaboratively, these studies enhance our understanding of the variations in family and community roles across diverse aging contexts and suggest the needs for building resources to promote healthy aging.
A PERCEIVED COMMUNITY TYPOLOGY IN OLDER KOREAN AMERICANS: IMPLICATIONS FOR MENTAL HEALTH
Authors: Park Nan Sook , Jang Yuri , Kim Jeongsuk , Ko Jung Eun , Chung Soondool , Chiriboga David
Published: January 2025

The health and well-being of older immigrants can be profoundly influenced by the neighborhoods in which they live. Considering that the physical and social characteristics of neighborhoods have the potential to either alleviate or exacerbate individuals’ mental health, the aims of this study were: (1) to identify perceived community typologies in older Korean Americans; and (2) to examine how these typologies are associated with feelings of loneliness and mental distress. We hypothesized that distinct community groups would be identified and that they would be differentially associated with mental health indicators as well as with background characteristics. Data were drawn from a survey with older Korean Americans aged 60 and older, collected during 2017−2018 in diverse locations (N = 2,138). To identify community typologies, a series of latent profile analysis (LPA) were conducted using 15 community-related variables in the three domains (neighborhood characteristics, social cohesion, ethnic attachment). After examining characteristics of the identified groups in relation to the study variables, hierarchical multiple regression models of loneliness and mental distress were estimated. Based on model evaluation criteria, an LPA model with five community groups was identified as the best fit. The five groups were identified as “safe/integrated” (10%), “safe/distant” (10%), “moderate integration” (38%), “marginal” (31%), and “vulnerable” (11%). Using the safe/integrated group as reference, the marginal and vulnerable groups were consistently associated with elevated feelings of loneliness and mental distress. The results suggest the need to understand profiles of community characteristics and their relationships with health/well-being among older immigrants.
A LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF MEXICAN AMERICAN CAREGIVER DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS OVER FIVE YEARS
Authors: Rote Sunshine
Published: January 2025

The use of different domains of informal support (e.g., neighborhood and family support) as a protective factor for Latino caregiver mental health has received little attention. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of caregiver background (that is, caregiver and care recipient relationship type, language usage), living arrangements, and family and neighborhood support for depressive symptoms among Mexican American caregivers over five years of data. Using two waves of the Hispanic Established Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly Caregiver Supplement (H-EPESE CG, 2010/2011-2016, N=333) and informed by the sociocultural caregiver stress process model, logistic and OLS regression analyses of caregiver depressive symptoms were specified. While depressive symptoms were relatively low at both waves, there was a greater increase in depressive symptoms among caregivers who completed the interview in Spanish (n= 229, 69%) compared to those completing it in English (n= 104, 31%). This increase was partially explained by lower caregiver resources (e.g., support from others). The findings demonstrate the need for dementia care supports for Mexican American caregivers, improving support systems for Spanish-speaking caregivers.
A LOOK AT STUDENT CAREGIVING EXPERIENCES: OPPORTUNITIES FOR CAMPUSES AND COMMUNITIES
Authors: Graf Allyson , Nikzad-Terhune Katherina , Gaugler Joseph
Published: January 2025

Caregiving in the United States continues to be a significant and growing phenomenon that warrants ongoing exploration of ways to support caregivers. Further examining the impact that intergenerational connections and age-inclusive practices have on the caregiving experience can help inform ways for both campuses and communities to be more responsive to caregiver needs. This symposium features participants representing universities that have capitalized on the Age-Inclusivity in Higher Education (AIHE) model to generate new and creative forms of caregiver support and intergenerational connections. These research endeavors represent the distinct ways that the AIHE model can be utilized to recognize and respond to the diverse needs of caregivers on campus and in the community. Terhune/Graf/Manning (Northern Kentucky University) will discuss mixed-methods data on student caregivers and how this knowledge has informed new student caregiving initiatives both on campus and with community partners. Hawes (University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire) will present a synthesis of intergenerational programs conducted in nursing homes between 2020 and 2024. Drawing from 25 student applied projects in select facilities, the research aims to identify best practices and challenges with implementing intergenerational efforts in nursing homes. Elfenbein (University of North Georgia) will present information about ACAPcommunity and ACAP Hall County, bringing students and community caregivers together to learn about caregiving issues and resources, and support one another on the caregiving journey. Graf/Baker/Bartlett (Northern Kentucky University) will elaborate on different ways that caregiving experience may associate with outlooks on caregiving, personal aging and health by comparing current, former, and indirect caregivers.
OVERCOMING TECHNOLOGY BARRIERS: A US ENTERPRISE’S JOURNEY IN COVID VACCINE ACCESS FOR OLDER ADULTS IN SOUTHWEST OHIO
Authors: Kum Cleopatra , Kum Flavius , Kum Crescentia , Kum Mirabelle
Published: January 2025

It is no hidden fact, that mobility and transportation, especially among seniors and people with disabilities can play a significant role in social isolation and access to basic healthcare and other needs. The importance of safe and effective transportation options was highlighted during the COVID 19 pandemic, when government agencies and community partners worked in collaboration to propose innovative solutions, to ease access to vaccines for seniors through reliable transportation. Family Support Care LLC (DBA KumZ Transport), a Medicare certified home healthcare agency in Ohio, answered the call when one of the Area Councils on Aging reached out to its network of providers to seek agencies willing to transport seniors to receive their COVID 19 vaccines. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the lived experience of Family Support Care LLC with the use of technology while transporting older adults to get their COVID 19 vaccines. Decisions on technology use was a very important part of the planning phase. Because transportation and logistics management were new to the agency, we faced several barriers as we implemented technology in aging transportation. As a family-owned small business, access to resources and manpower were a major challenge. As a result, we relied heavily on transportation technology for improved productivity and reliability. Despite these challenges, we learned and implemented valuable lessons as we collaborated with more transportation brokers. Technology played a vital role for our agency in planning rides for seniors during the COVID 19 pandemic.
ADVANCING GERONTOLOGICAL HEALTH EQUITY: INNOVATIONS AND INSIGHTS FROM HISPANIC SERVING INSTITUTIONS
Authors: Vasquez Elizabeth , Heyn Patricia
Published: January 2025

In response to the Biden-Harris administration’s significant investment in Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), this symposium showcases groundbreaking research and projects that address critical public health and gerontological issues within these communities. This symposium highlights four innovative, multidisciplinary approaches that demonstrate the effectiveness of community-engagement research, clinical studies, and health promotion in addressing the needs of older adults. Firstly, Dr. Jung-Ah Lee’s presentation delves into community engagement projects led by Latino nursing students and faculty at the University of California, Irvine. These projects emphasize compassionate, hands-on initiatives aimed at improving the health and well-being of Latino older adults in Southern California, including in-home caregiving education and support for caregivers of people living with dementia. Next, ERASE Falls project, spearheaded by Dr. Pappa at Marymount University, exemplifies the expansion and scalability of evidence-based fall prevention programs. This initiative has significantly impacted Northern Virginia’s diverse older adult population, demonstrating the power of community partnerships and innovative training models to enhance fall prevention efforts. Next, Dr. Suriaga’s research provides critical insights into the association between drug intoxication and the co-use of opioids, cannabis, and alcohol among Hispanics in Florida. This work highlights the urgent need for targeted research to understand and address substance use and its effects within Latino communities. Lastly, Alcantar work underscore the essential role of HSIs in fostering gerontological health equity through research, education, and community engagement. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of challenges and opportunities in gerontological research conducted by HSIs researchers and the importance of culturally sensitive approaches. Hispanic Serving Institutions Interest Group Sponsored Symposium
LATINO COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROJECTS FOR OLDER ADULTS LED BY LATINO NURSING STUDENTS AND FACULTY
Authors: Lee Jung-Ah
Published: January 2025

The Latino population in California has experienced a continual increase in recent decades. As of 2022, the United States Census Bureau estimated that 15.73 million Latinos resided in California, constituting 39.4% of the state’s total population. This presentation aims to introduce ongoing community engagement projects conducted by bilingual Spanish/English speaking nursing students and faculty, and their impact on the health of Latino older adults and their families in Southern California. The school of nursing is situated in major cities housing the state’s largest Latino communities, with compassionate community engagement as one of its core missions. The nursing faculty has consistently developed community-based projects through the curriculum and research, providing extensive one-on-one mentoring to groups of Latino students for several years. Key initiatives targeting the Latino older adult population include: (1) Nursing Skill Education Sessions for In-Home Supportive Service (IHSS) Caregivers, offering essential care to Medicaid older adults with chronic conditions, (2) In-home caregiving education for Latino family caregivers of people living with dementia (PWD), and (3) Telephone support projects for isolated Latino caregivers of PWD during the pandemic crisis. Under the close supervision of faculty with geriatric expertise, Spanish-speaking nursing students actively engaged with Latino older adults and their families through the projects. Spanish-speaking IHSS caregivers appreciated the hands-on learning opportunities in nursing skills with Spanish educational materials. Participating students expressed their compassion to serve and support the community. Continued emphasis on Latino community-centered education and research projects is essential to meet the evolving needs of the community.
ASSESSING AGE INCLUSIVITY USING THE AGE-FRIENDLY INVENTORY AND CAMPUS CLIMATE SURVEY
Authors: Eaton Jacqueline , Friberg-Felsted Katarina , Whitbourne Susan
Published: January 2025

During a time of increased focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in institutions of higher education, age inclusion remains largely unexplored. The Age-Friendly Inventory and Campus Climate Survey (ICCS) is a tool that institutions of higher education can use to identify strengths and weaknesses specific to age-friendliness. This instrument measures age inclusivity by comparing age-friendly practices with student, staff, faculty, and lifelong learners’ perceptions of these practices. This symposium explores the process of using the ICCS at four different universities to understand the methods used to target each institution’s unique needs, with the goal of improving age-friendliness in higher education: 1) Zimmer et al., present the outcomes of using the ICCS to establish a baseline of age-friendliness at the University of Calgary and the process to generate action items from the results to develop a plan to enhance age-friendliness. 2) Waterhouse et al., describes the process of customizing the ICCS to meet the unique needs of an academic medical campus at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. 3) Zisberg et al., report on the experience of translating the ICCS into Hebrew and the subsequent results implementing the tool at the University of Haifa. 4) Eaton & Friberg-Felsted explore the use of the ICCS within the College of Nursing at the University of Utah to identify ways to meet the learning needs of age diverse groups. Dr. Susan Whitbourne, from the team that developed the ICCS, will facilitate discussion surrounding age inclusivity in higher education.
ASSESSMENT OF AGE INCLUSIVITY: RESULTS FROM A RESEARCH-INTENSIVE COLLEGE OF NURSING
Authors: Eaton Jacqueline , Friberg-Felsted Katarina , Martin Summer , Perkins Rebekah , Dassel Kara , Hart Sara
Published: January 2025

Age inclusivity is crucial for meeting the needs of an aging population. However, in higher education, age-stratification reinforces categorization of traditional and nontraditional students. This reduces the ability to educate and prepare trainees for work with older adults upon graduation. Seeking to improve educational opportunities at the University of Utah College of Nursing, a needs assessment was conducted using the Age-Friendly Inventory (AFI) and Campus Climate Survey (CCS). The outcomes of the CCS assessment are reported here. All faculty, staff, and students in the College of Nursing were invited to access the CCS e-survey via email or QR code. The survey was available during the months of October and November 2023. During this time, the research team used e-flyers, presentations at college meetings, and invitations from administration to increase response rate. Data was managed using Qualtrics and analyzed using descriptive statistics to identify perceptions of age-friendliness and beliefs about age inclusivity. A total of 247 individuals completed the survey. Students made up the majority of participants (63.6%); nineteen percent were faculty and 17% were staff. The majority (53%) were unfamiliar with the age-friendly university initiative. Ageism was seen as a major problem in society by 80.8% of the sample, yet only 29.4% believe it to be a problem on campus. Overall, 14.7% percent perceived our campus as age-friendly, which implies a need to increase knowledge about age inclusivity and age-friendly practices. Strategic planning is underway to outline specific initiatives to improve perceptions and practices within the College of Nursing.
DECIPHERING THE CHEMICAL LANGUAGE OF GUT BACTERIA IN AGING AND LONGEVITY
Authors: Han Shuo
Published: January 2025

The human gut microbiota encodes diverse metabolic pathways, where gut microbes make numerous compounds that are relevant to human health and hold untapped therapeutic potential. Fecal microbiota transplantation has been shown to delay age-associated decline in mouse and fish models. However, how specific gut bacteria and their metabolites impact host physiology represent a new frontier that remains to be fully explored. Leveraging our expertise in the gut microbiome and aging biology, we tackle this underexplored area from both the microbial and host’s perspectives. Specifically, our lab seeks to 1) mechanistically characterize gut bacteria and bioactive small molecules in host aging and physiology, and 2) identify gut microbial-dependent, host cellular mechanisms underlying organismal health-span and lifespan. We aim to understand how gut bacteria mechanistically contribute to host aging and longevity and to identify new molecular targets to delay age-associated decline.
AGE RELATED CHANGES IN THE MICROBIOME AND THEIR IMPACT ON DISEASE
Authors: McCullough Louise
Published: January 2025

Trillions of microbes live symbiotically in the host, specifically in mucosal tissues such as the gut. Recent advances in metagenomics and metabolomics have revealed that the gut microbiota plays a critical role in the regulation of host immunity and metabolism, communicating through bidirectional interactions in the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA). The gut microbiota regulates both gut and systemic immunity and contributes to the neurodevelopment and behaviors of the host. Disruption in the balance of gut microbial communities (often referred to as “dysbiosis”) has many detrimental effects in the host including gut and brain inflammation. Reversing these changes may have therapeutic potential. With aging, the composition of the microbiota changes, and emerging studies have linked these shifts in microbial populations to age-related neurological diseases (NDs). Preclinical studies have demonstrated that gut microbiota-targeted therapies can improve behavioral outcomes in the host by modulating microbial, metabolomic, and immunological profiles. We will summarize the role of gut microbiota and microbial metabolites across the lifespan and in disease. We will highlight recent studies investigating 1) microbial changes with aging; 2) how aging of the maternal microbiome can affect offspring health; and 3) the contribution of the microbiome and its metabolites to outcomes after experimental ischemic stroke.
FOOD INSECURITY AND CANCER SCREENING BEHAVIORS AMONG BLACK MEN LIVING IN FOOD DESERTS
Authors: Esiaka Darlingtina , Odo Obinna , Udeh Kingsley
Published: January 2025

Research shows an intricate relationship between food insecurity and health behaviors. The relationship reflects the profound impact of inadequate access to nutritious food on overall well-being. Individuals facing food insecurity often encounter barriers to adopting health-promoting behaviors, influencing their physical health outcomes. This study investigated the relationship between food insecurity and cancer screening behaviors among Black men dwelling in food deserts, examining a critical intersection of health disparities. Participants (N=186; Mean age = 48.45, SD = 10.95) responded to questions assessing their demographic characteristics, experience with food insecurity, health risk behaviors, healthcare access, and current and future cancer screening behaviors. We found a significant association between food insecurity and current cancer screening behaviors (B=-.118, p=0.043) but not between food insecurity and future cancer screening behaviors (B=-.048, p=0.329). Black men experiencing food insecurity were less likely to engage in cancer screening compared to their counterparts with more reliable access to nutritious food. Also, we found that socioeconomic status (B=-.163, p=0.006), medical insurance (B=-.672, p=0.019), and access to primary care physician (B=-.609, p=0.026) were significantly associated with future cancer screening behaviors. Understanding the link between food insecurity and cancer screening behavior provides crucial insights for tailoring targeted interventions that consider the unique challenges faced by individuals living in food deserts, particularly within the context of racial and ethnic health disparities.
DYNAMICS IN INTERGENERATIONAL FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS IN THE CHINESE CONTEXT
Authors: Li Tianyuan , Fung Helene H , Hoppmann Christiane
Published: January 2025

Various intergenerational family relationships play essential roles in maintaining older adults’ well-being and promoting successful aging. The intergenerational family relationships are particularly important in the Chinese culture as it has a long tradition emphasizing familism values. This symposium consists of four studies which investigate the dynamics of intergenerational family relationships in the Chinese context at different stages of later adulthood. The intergenerational relationships covered range from the relationship between aging parents and their adult children (Jiang et al.), grandparents providing care to young grandchildren (Hu et al.), the relationship between grandparents and adult grandchildren (Li et al.), and grandparents receiving care from family members (You et al.). The results jointly support the importance of the bidirectional support between the older and younger generations and demonstrate how the balance of support evolves over time. Chinese Gerontology Studies Interest Group Sponsored Symposium
INTENSIVE GRANDCHILD CARE AND SUCCESSFUL AGING: THE ROLE OF INTERNAL MIGRATION IN CHINA
Authors: Hu Yue , Fung Helene H , Charness Neil , Wong Jason , Wang Yiqi
Published: January 2025

Around two thirds of adults aged 60 years or above are providing grandchild care in China, some of whom even migrate to where their adult children live to provide grandchild care. However, it still remains unclear whether and how grandchild care provision impacts successful aging among migrant or non-migrant grandparents. This study examined whether grandchild care provision contributed to successful aging via increasing proactive coping among two groups. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 301 migrant or non-migrant grandparents who provided non-custodial grandchild care (mean age 61.2 ± 4.8, 158 female) and currently lived in a tier-1 city in China. Results showed that grandparents who provide more non-custodial care to their grandchildren experience more successful aging. Migrant grandparents are less able to rely on their proactive coping when providing intensive grandchild care as compared to non-migrant grandparents. Theoretically, this study is the first to examine the mechanism underlying the association between grandchild care provision and successful aging, contributing to the literature on positive gerontology by examining successful aging in specific contexts. Practically, findings suggest the potential guidelines to improve grandparents’ well-being. Extra support should be provided to migrant grandparents to foster their proactivity in coping with the predictive challenges of intensive grandchild care provision in terms of policy.
WEATHER AND AGING RESILIENT MODEL (WARM) FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Authors: Dabelko-Schoeny Holly , Rao Smitha , Bartlett Sean
Published: January 2025

Low-income housing residents, especially older adults with disabilities, face heightened risks during weather-related disasters. This study examines how older adults in affordable housing experience extreme weather, and roles and experiences of service coordinators in preparedness and response. Utilizing a mixed methods community-based participatory case-study design, we conducted a cross-sectional survey (N=40) and focus group (N=26) with residents in one senior affordable housing property in Central Ohio. Another survey (N = 8) and focus group (N = 11) included service coordinators and supervisors working within eight affordable housing properties in the region. Among residents, a third reported fair or poor health and over half (53%) did not drive. Most (73%) had experienced extreme weather events, with snow/ice storms and hurricanes being most common and extreme heat the most recent. Nearly 70% experienced power outages, the average outage lasted a week, and 40% did not have an evacuation plan. Service coordinators experienced extreme heat, fire, and severe snow/ice and few had advance-warning to prepare residents for extreme weather. Thirty-eight percent lost power in their buildings, and only half had reliable information and communications during the event. Seventy-five percent were somewhat or very concerned about disasters and the same number reported their residents were unprepared. Seventy-five percent lacked emergency preparedness training and 63% were not confident in their ability to evacuate residents. Focus groups among residents and coordinators revealed challenges in communication, transportation, sheltering, power sources, and evacuation. Findings are critical to the co-development of a disaster preparedness toolkit for affordable housing communities.
POLICY SERIES: EXPLORING DISPARITIES IN LONG-TERM SERVICES AND SUPPORTS FOR LGBTQIA+ OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Flatt Jason , Shippee Tetyana , Brennan-Ing Mark
Published: January 2025

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and/or asexual (LGBTQIA+) older adults are a growing population that has been mostly ignored in research and development of long-term services and supports (LTSS). Due to fears of prejudice and discrimination, institutional policies, and state and federal laws, many LGBTQIA+ older adults may be reluctant to use LTSS. In this symposium, we explore micro-, meso-, and macro-level influences that may impact inequities in LTSS access and use. First, Dr. Jason Flatt will focus on micro- and macro-level factors from a national study with LGBTQIA+ older adults that explores how past experiences of discrimination may result in barriers for aging-related care and LTSS planning. The second presentation by Dr. Rajean Moone will examine micro- and meso-level factors via experiences of 354 LGBTQIA+ older adults from Minnesota on needs for LTSS and training of providers. Next, Dr. Tetyana Shippee will share meso- and macro-level findings via an analysis of LGBTQIA+ affirmative LTSS policies across 166 nursing homes and 267 assisted living facilities in Minnesota. Finally, Dr. Carey Candrian will provide meso- and macro-level perspectives in terms of a training program and lessons learned from a cultural change project with over 800 staff from Christian Living Communities on inclusion of LGBTQIA+ in LTSS. Dr. Mark Brennan-Ing an expert in LGBTQIA+ aging research will facilitate a conversation about the conclusions from each speaker’s presentation and place them in the context of efforts needed at micro-, meso- and macro-levels to ensure inclusive LTSS practices and policies for LGBTQIA+ elders.
DISCRIMINATION AND ACCESS TO AGING AND LONG-TERM CARE SERVICES AND SUPPORTS FOR LGBTQIA+ OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Flatt Jason , Klenczar Brittany , Uddin Jalal , OHala Max , Rook Erin , Hernandez Elise , Sprague Karalin
Published: January 2025

By 2030, there will be over seven million LGBTQ+ adults in the U.S. who are aged 50+. Past research finds that LGBTQ+ older adults are less likely to reach out to providers and use aging-related and long-term care services because of fear of discrimination. Partnering with SAGE, a national advocacy and services organization for LGBTQ+ older adults, we conducted a national study, State of LGBTQ+ Aging Study, with LGBTQ+ older adults (n=643) across the U.S. We used descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses to examine associations between experiencing lifetime and everyday discrimination and concerns with access to aging-related and long-term care services. In terms of discrimination/victimization, over 41% (n=261) reported experiencing one or more lifetime discrimination events, 42% (n=263) reported experiencing violence due to being LGBTQ+, and 45% reported everyday discrimination. For aging-related and long-term care services, 28% reported planning for long-term care (e.g., family caregiving, nursing facilities, and home healthcare), 65% were concerned about accessibility of aging services, 64% were concerned about access to future medical care, 71% were concerned about access to future caregiving, and 76% were concerned about finding inclusive long-term care/caregiving resources. LGBTQ+ older adults who reported past LGBTQ+ violence, lifetime and everyday discrimination were more likely to report being concerned about accessibility of aging services, access to future medical care, and having a future caregiver (p-values <0.01). These findings highlight how discrimination may impact access to aging-related and long-term care services for LGBTQ+ older adults, and the need for future research and inclusive care efforts.
CREATING INCLUSIVE COMMUNITIES FOR LGBTQ RESIDENTS AND STAFF IN FAITH-BASED ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES
Authors: Candrian Carey
Published: January 2025

Seventy-five percent of older LGBTQ adults report having to hide their identity (and therefore, their true selves) in order to avoid discrimination in long term care settings. The stress of hiding takes a serious toll on the lives of LGBTQ people: higher rates of anxiety and depression, substance abuse, certain cancers, cardiovascular disease and suicide. Knowing first-hand the pain of not belonging, residents at a faith-based assisted living community in the Rocky Mountain Region have been working to create a more welcoming community for LGBTQ residents since 2017. Their LGBTQ + Friends group is made of LGBTQ people and allies (residents and team members) who meet monthly to create an inclusive and safe space for all. A few years ago, the group asked, what could help long term care communities become a more welcoming place for LGBTQ residents and staff? Through this community-initiated idea, and after foundation funding, we developed a two-year cultural change initiative for over 800 staff across 6 assisted living communities called, “Caring for all: Opening hearts and minds.” The result is a 25-minute video of voices of residents, staff and leadership talking about the impact of creating inclusive communities where all residents can belong and be embraced. This project was not without enormous challenges and barriers. During this presentation, we will also walk through lessons learned and stories of success for creating inclusive communities for LGBTQ residents and staff in faith-based assisted living communities.
HEALTH CARE ADMINISTRATION: HOW UPDATING OUR GERONTOLOGY UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM INCREASED STUDENT ENROLLMENT
Authors: Sadeq Nasreen , Kaskie Brian , Dobbs Debra , Peterson Lindsay , Norstrand Lu , Haley William
Published: January 2025

The University of South Florida is a public research university in Tampa, FL with approximately 50,000 students across three campuses. The School of Aging Studies is one of several departments throughout the university that offers interdisciplinary undergraduate degree programs. However, like many gerontology programs across the country, the School of Aging Studies experienced a decline in undergraduate enrollment over the past decade and often struggled with generating enthusiasm for gerontology education and training. In order to continue our mission of providing an interdisciplinary gerontology education to undergraduate students, the School of Aging Studies performed an in-depth analysis of one of their undergraduate programs and determined that several updates were necessary to modernize the program and provide a more comprehensive education to students planning to work in the health care industry. In this presentation, we will describe our redeveloped Health Care Administration undergraduate program, including updates that were made to the curriculum and changes in program requirements. We will report on the intensive marketing and networking strategies that were developed with our university and community partners, and how our continued efforts led to the enrollment of approximately 40 students within one academic year. We will also describe our plans for the continued growth of the program and discuss the challenges that we have experienced and will continue to face in the future, including the increased demands placed on our faculty and staff, the availability of community internships available for our students, and the ability to sustain student interest in gerontology.
OBJECTIVE AND SUBJECTIVE INDICATORS OF CAREGIVER BURDEN FOLLOWING AN AMYLOID-Β PET SCAN: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY
Authors: Couch Elyse
Published: January 2025

Dementia caregiving is often associated with high levels of burden which can lead to negative outcomes. Caregiver burden consists of disease-specific and perceived stressors - or objective and subjective indicators of burden. Amyloid-β positron emission tomography (PET) scans can be used to enhance the accuracy of dementia diagnoses. However, the relationship between amyloid scan results and caregiver burden is less well understood. We conducted a parallel mixed-methods study. We used quantitative survey data from 1,338 care partners to persons with MCI and dementia who received an amyloid scan as part of the CARE-IDEAS study in the US. Logistic regression models were used to test the association between the scan result and objective measures of caregiver burden. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a subsample of 62 care partners. Thematic analysis was used to investigate subjective indicators by exploring care partners’ perceptions of their role following an amyloid scan. Quantitative analysis showed that an elevated amyloid scan result was associated with spending more hours caregiving for MCI care partners. However, our thematic analysis showed that the scan result influenced participants’ perceptions and expectations of their caregiving role and helped some care partners to develop coping strategies. All care partners described needing practical and emotional support. Amyloid scan results can influence objective and subjective indicators of burden and may present an opportunity for diagnosing clinicians to identify and address care partners’ emotional and practical support needs.
INTEGRATING ORAL HYGIENE AND COGNITIVE HEALTH: GLOBAL INSIGHTS AND INTERGENERATIONAL APPROACHES
Authors: Qi Xiang , Mao Weiyu , Saunders Michele
Published: January 2025

The symposium presents four studies investigating the intersection of oral health, cognitive functions, and healthcare accessibility among older adults in China and India. The first study employs a co-design approach to develop a school-based oral hygiene intervention that leverages intergenerational ties between youths and older adults to enhance oral health education. This initiative demonstrates a promising avenue for promoting healthy behaviors across generations, emphasizing family dynamics and resource allocation in the design of oral health interventions. The second review underscores the potential of regular toothbrushing as a simple yet effective strategy to mitigate cognitive decline and dementia risk. This meta-analysis illuminates the direct benefits of oral hygiene on cognitive functions, advocating for the inclusion of oral hygiene practices in daily routines to promote cognitive health. The third study finds significant correlations between cognitive decline and poor oral health using data from the Longitudinal Aging Study in India, highlighting the urgent need for improved dental care accessibility and oral health education as preventive measures against cognitive impairment. Finally, the fourth study investigates into the dental care utilization patterns among older adults in Shanghai reveals a troublingly low engagement with dental services, exacerbated by socioeconomic disparities and insurance coverage limitations. The study calls for comprehensive reforms to extend dental care access and integrate it within broader health insurance schemes. Together, these studies shed light on the critical link between oral health and cognitive health and propose actionable strategies to improve public health outcomes through enhanced education, policy reform, and community-based interventions. Oral Health Interest Group Sponsored Symposium
INTERGENERATIONAL ENGAGEMENT IN MEDICAL EDUCATION: THE PIVOTAL ROLE OF OLDER ADULT MENTORS
Authors: Severance Jennifer , Waters Leland , Ihara Emily
Published: January 2025

Medical education engaging older adults as mentors can broaden students’ perspectives about social, cultural, economic, and environmental factors influencing health; increase knowledge and skills in collaborative practice; and improve attitudes towards older patients. The Health Resources and Services Administration funded a national network of Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Programs (GWEP) to train health professions students in assessing and addressing the primary care needs of older adults. This symposium examines GWEP models of medical education involving older adults as mentors to promote person-centered, age-friendly, and dementia-friendly care. First, presenters from the University of Washington and University of Minnesota GWEPs will describe dementia education programs pairing medical students and individuals with memory loss. This is followed by a project at the Virginia Commonwealth University GWEP engaging older adults as mentors to medical student teams. Finally, presenters from the University of North Texas Health Science Center GWEP will describe strategies to expand and sustain an older adult mentorship program through volunteer engagement and interprofessional collaboration. Presenters will discuss partnerships to develop and sustain older adult mentorship programs as well as challenges and lessons learned. The symposium will conclude with an exploration of the input, feedback, and perspectives collected from older adults about their involvement in medical education as well as opportunities to adapt these intergenerational models to a local context.