bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HOW DOES MODE OF SERVICE DELIVERY IMPACT CAREGIVER STRAIN? A MIXED-METHODS STUDY OF CAREGIVERS IN LOS ANGELES
Authors: Gallo Haley B , Chen Chia Ying , Benton Donna
Published: November 2019

As the number of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias increases, so too will the number of people who care for them. This growing population requires instrumental and emotional support as they fulfill their caregiving duties. CareJourney is an online platform that provides this support; it can be used either alone, or with traditional in-person and phone-mediated consultations with family care navigators (FCNs). The intent of CareJourney is to provide a greater opportunity for self-directed services, as well as flexibility for working caregivers and those who prefer using technology. Satisfaction surveys (N=222) were analyzed to evaluate caregivers’ perceptions of CareJourney and the traditional service delivery modes. Additionally, five 30-minute interviews with caregivers were coded by two researchers (kappa=0.84) for a more in-depth understanding. Ten percent of survey respondents used CareJourney, and preliminary results from both the interviews and the survey suggest that caregiver burden, lack of time, and desire for a personal connection with FCNs influence mode of service delivery. Although a quarter of users relied on CareJourney to find caregiving resources and email their FCNs because it was more convenient than traditional modes, the interviews and surveys revealed that the caregivers most valued the personal touch that came from interacting with FCNs. Speaking with FCNs over the phone or in-person allowed caregivers to feel “reassured,” “less isolated,” and “comforted” as they discussed caregiving strains. Future interventions and services for caregivers should be offered using multiple modes to accommodate a range of time-demands and preferences for personal connection.
HOW AN INDIVIDUAL’S SENSE OF CONTROL INFLUENCES THEIR PERCEPTION OF SUCCESSFUL AGING
Authors: Harris Alexandra P , Nuccio Alexandria , Stripling Ashely M
Published: November 2019

Factors like physiology, mental health, personal resources, and social support have been identified to contribute to perceived successful aging (Cosco, Prina, Perales, Stephan & Brayne, 2015); however, sense of control’s role in these relationships remains underexplored. Studying the impact of sense of control is crucial, given that many factors associated with well-being are correlated with later life success. The current study investigates associations among sense of control and constructs known to define successful aging. The data was derived from the Survey of Midlife in the US database (MIDUS3). Participants were primarily Caucasian (88.7%) and female (54.9%) with a mean age of 63.64 years (SD=11.35). A series of hierarchical multiple regressions revealed that sense of control impacts physical health (F = 87.734, p<0.001), depression (F =43.944, p<0.001), anxiety (F =24.680, p<0.001), social actualization (F = 66.450, p<0.001), and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) (F = 135.963, p<0.001) over demographic correlates (i.e., age, sex, and race). The present findings suggest that higher levels of control results in increased comfort in social atmospheres, absence of mood symptoms, good health, and limited issues with IADL. Implications of the current findings include a deeper understanding of how psychological factors, such as sense of control, can impact physical and mental health in order to improve care and promote wellbeing in late life.
THE HEALTHCARE CHALLENGE FOR AN AGING POPULATION: THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Czaja Sara J
Published: November 2019

Although many older adults enjoy relatively good health into their later years, many have one or more chronic conditions, diseases, or disabilities, and need help with disease management activities or activities important to independent living. With the increase in numbers of aging adults there is a concomitant strain on the healthcare system. Models of healthcare are also changing and moving towards a more partnership model where consumers are supposed to assume a more collaborative role in health decision making and a more active role in health management. This presentation will discuss the continuing and increasing role of technology in meeting the healthcare challenges for an aging population. The discussion will focus on technology applications to support the health and well-being of older adults as well as family caregivers. Challenges and barriers that currently limit the full potential of technology to be realized for these populations will also be discussed.
DIFFERENCES IN SELF-REGULATION BETWEEN OLDER DRIVERS WITH AND WITHOUT DEMENTIA
Authors: Zakrajsek Jennifer S , Molnar Lisa J , Eby David W
Published: November 2019

Given the high current prevalence of dementia and expected increases in the coming years, it is increasingly important to understand and address the process of transitioning from driving to non-driving among older drivers with dementia and the potential role of self-regulation (e.g., avoiding challenging driving situations). The purpose of this Alzheimer’s Association-funded study was to examine differences in self-regulation between older drivers with and without dementia. Fifty-two active drivers age 65 or older (16 with dementia; 36 healthy controls), completed a validated self-regulation questionnaire and standardized assessment of cognition, vision, and psychomotor skills. The dementia group reported some awareness of cognitive challenges (lower driving-related abilities to remember things and concentrate on multiple things at a time than the comparison group). Similarly, the dementia group performed significantly worse on memory tasks and complex reaction time in the objective assessment. Both groups were confident they could drive safely where they needed to go. However, the dementia group reported being less comfortable driving in several situations (unprotected left turns, unfamiliar areas, alone, rush hour traffic, backing up). Despite lower driving comfort among the dementia group, there were few differences in self-regulation between the groups. The only statistically significant difference was that more of the dementia group had reduced their driving in the past year. There were no differences in self-regulation between groups for any of the specific driving situations for which the dementia group reported feeling less comfortable. Full study results will be presented along with implications for programs and future research.
MODIFIABLE DETERMINANTS OF PHYSICAL FUNCTIONING AMONG LGBT OLDER ADULTS WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Kim Hyun-Jun , Kim Hyun-Jun , Fredriksen-Goldsen Karen , Jung and Hyunzee
Published: November 2019

Heightened risks of cognitive impairment are a critical health concern for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults. The physical and functional declines associated with cognitive impairment are known to increase risks of injury and decrease independent mobility. Guided by the Health Equity Promotion Model, this study analyzed longitudinal data (T0 to T2, N=646) to examine risk and protective factors predicting changes in physical functioning over time among LGBT older adults with cognitive impairment. According to the results of multilevel mixed models, social support, physical, recreational, and wellness activities, and nutrition were associated with improvement in physical functioning over two years; while stigma contributed to decline in physical functioning. LGBT older adults with cognitive impairment face unique challenges due to social stigma and isolation. The findings suggest that enhancing their access to community resources and their participations in physical, social, community, and recreational activities would improve their physical functioning.
DETERMINANTS OF PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG LGBT OLDER ADULT CAREGIVERS
Authors: Emlet Charles , Emelt Charles , Jung Hyunzee , Kim Hyun-Jun , Fazia David La , Fredriksen-Goldsen Karen
Published: November 2019

Caregivers experience chronic stress that can negatively affect their health, resulting in lower quality of life. This study aims to understand the physical and mental health of caregivers by examining modifiable risk and protective factors. Life experiences of LGBT older adults are considered. In the longitudinal study, Aging with Pride: National Health Aging, Sexuality and Gender Study, approximately one third (31%, n=754) of LGBT older adults (50+ years) provide care: 38% to partner/spouse, 29% friends, 20% other relatives, and 8% ex-partner/ex-spouse. Linear regression models examined the effects of risk and protective factors at T0 on health outcomes at T2. Mastery, physical activity, and nutrition predicted better physical functioning, lower mental distress, and higher health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Social participation and support, community engagement, and lower identity stigma predicted better mental health. Microaggression predicted lower physical HRQOL. Interventions enhancing protective factors may promote physical and mental health of LGBT caregivers.
NUTRITIONAL RISK PREDICTS HEALTH SERVICES UTILIZATION AND DEATH OVER 1 YEAR: RESULTS FROM THE UAB STUDY OF AGING II
Authors: Buys David R , Kennedy Richard E , Zhang Yue , Locher Julie , Brown Cynthia J
Published: November 2019

Nutritional risk has been demonstrated to be associated with poor health outcomes, increased risk of health services utilization (HSU), and mortality among older adults. The aim of this study was to assess the prospective relationship between nutritional risk; HSU focusing separately on emergency department visits, hospitalization, and nursing home admission; and mortality. Using the University of Alabama-Birmingham Study of Aging II, we examined this relationship among 419 community-dwelling older Alabamians (75+years). We used the Mini-Nutrition Assessment (MNA), a well-validated nutritional risk assessment, which classifies individuals as either well-nourished, at-risk or malnourished, collected at baseline. We assessed HSU by asking about healthcare encounters since the last monthly follow-up call for 12 months and verified death with family reports and official documents. We completed univariate, bivariate, and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses with one-year of follow-up data, adjusting for social support, social isolation, comorbidities, and demographic variables. Accounting for covariates, being either at-risk or malnourished, relative to well-nourished, was associated with emergency department visits (HR: 1.30, 95% CI:1.14,1.48), hospitalization (HR: 1.58, 95% CI:1.37,1.82), nursing home admission (HR: 8.94, 95% CI:3.99,20.02), and mortality (HR: 1.90, 95% CI:1.25,2.88). These findings underscore the growing awareness that nutritional risk, particularly for older adults, is a significant factor affecting their well-being and particularly their ability to continue living in the community. Nutrition assessment, interventions, and services for community-dwelling older adults may lead to a reduction in health care utilization, particularly nursing home placement, and ultimately to reduced healthcare costs to families and taxpayers.
INTEREST GROUP SESSION—EPIDEMIOLOGY OF AGING: BIOSOCIAL RESEARCH ON BRAIN AGING AND BIOLOGICAL AGING
Authors: Belsky Daniel W
Published: November 2019

Our aging global population presents a new set of challenges for public health. Individual-disease focused models are becoming outmoded as geriatricians recognize multimorbidity and frailty as the central challenges in preserving health for older adults. Evidence from research into the biology of aging suggests that a set of common cellular-level processes underpin decline in system integrity that induces vulnerability to disease across multiple organ systems, including the brain. In parallel, research in life-course gerontology indicates that the roots of aging-related decline in system integrity extend from early life and encompass histories of social, psychological, and biochemical exposures. The research presented in this symposium aims to integrate these emerging paradigms in aging research by mapping connections among measures of aging in the brain and body and social, psychological, and nutrition exposures. Our symposium focuses on (1) links between social-psychological determinants of health and biological aging in the brain and body; and (2) social and behavioral protective factors that may buffer emerging biological risk in aging. The overarching goal of this symposium is to introduce an approach to gerontology that integrates geroscience with life-course social and psychiatric epidemiology to advance understanding of cognitive aging and functional decline, and ultimately identify novel interventions to extend healthy lifespan.
DESIGN AND USE OF ROBOTS TO ASSIST OLDER ADULTS WITH HEALTHCARE TASKS
Authors: Rogers Wendy , Bayles Megan
Published: November 2019

There is much potential for robots to support the needs of older adults, in general, and particularly in healthcare. Older adults are quite open to the idea of interacting with robots, although they have preferences for the nature of the task they want the robot to do as well as what they want the robot to look like. These preferences should be considered in the process of design and deployment. Older adults should be involved throughout the design process from formative to summative evaluation and even beyond to the integration of the robot into their everyday activities. The extant research provides guidance regarding older adults’ capabilities and limitations that might influence their ability to interact with a robot. Our goal in this presentation will be to focus on robots being designed to support older adults with healthcare tasks in the context of enhanced, instrumental, and basic activities of daily living.
MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH SEQUELAE OF BEREAVEMENT IN OLDER ADULTS: U.S. HEATH AND RETIREMENT STUDY ANALYSIS
Authors: Domingue Benjamin , Duncan Laramie , Harrati Amal , Belsky Daniel
Published: November 2019

Death of a spouse (bereavement) is associated with poor mental and physical health outcomes in older adults. But it is unknown how mental- and physical-health sequelae of bereavement are related and the clinical significance of bereavement-related depression has been questioned. We analyzed US Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data tracking mental and physical health of 36,034 older adults during 1992-2016. Post-bereavement data were available for N=4,985 participants with recorded date of spousal death. We analyzed longitudinal repeated-measures data on survivors’ depression, disease, disability, and mortality. Bereavement effects on depression were immediate, but short-lived, attenuating within the year. In contrast, bereavement effects on physical health and mortality persisted over follow-up. Critically, the magnitude of short-lived effects on depression correlated with the magnitude of longer-lasting effects on disease, disability, and mortality. Results reveal connections between mental and physical health and aging and suggest bereavement-related depression as a biomarker of enduring health risk.
PREDICTING TRANSDIAGNOSTIC PSYCHOPATHOLOGY FROM INDICES OF AGING IN THE HUMAN STRUCTURAL CONNECTOME
Authors: Madole James , Madole James W , Cox Simon R , Buchanan Colin R , Ritchie Stuart J , Bastin Mark E , Deary Ian J , Tucker-Drob Elliot M
Published: November 2019

Imaging-derived indices of brain structure and white-matter connectivity evince steep declines with adult age and are robustly linked to neurological disease and a wide range of psychopathologies. Risk for psychopathology may be related to rapid structural brain aging, but the specific patterns of relations are not well documented. Using structural and diffusion MRI data from UK Biobank, we estimated a structural connectome for each participant (N = 3155), and used empirically-driven machine-learning algorithms to identify features of the connectome most susceptible to brain aging. In an age-homogenous hold-out sample of older adults, we score participants’ “connectome age” using the coefficients saved from the training sample. We examine associations between connectome age and both psychiatric symptom counts and polygenic risk scores for a range of psychiatric disease traits. This will be amongst the first and most comprehensive investigation of the extent to which psychopathology relates to signatures of structural connectome aging.
SOCIAL COHESION AND ORAL HEALTH PROBLEMS AMONG U.S. OLDER CHINESE ADULTS
Authors: Mao Weiyu , Mao Weiyu , Wu Bei , Chi Iris , Yang Wei , Dong XinQi
Published: November 2019

This study examined the relationship between social cohesion (i.e., sense of community and neighborhood cohesion) and self-reported number of oral health problems and further investigated the potential moderating role of cognitive function in such a relationship among U.S. older Chinese adults. Data came from baseline of the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago between 2011 and 2013 (N = 3,157). Stepwise negative binomial regression models with interaction terms were used. Individuals with a stronger sense of community had 1% less risk of having oral health problems (RR = .99; 95% CI = .98, .99; p < .001). Individuals experiencing a stronger neighborhood cohesion had a 11% reduction in risk of having oral health problems (RR = .89; 95% CI = .86, .92; p < .001). To promote optimal oral health, interventions need to account for individuals’ perception and actual integration with their neighborhood and communities.
CHILDHOOD MISFORTUNE PREDICTS LIFESPAN HEALTH INTO LATE ADULTHOOD
Authors: Turiano Nicholas A , Turiano Nicholas A , Leger Kate A , Hill Patrick L
Published: November 2019

Childhood misfortune encompasses a diverse set of negative early life experiences that have damaging effects on lifespan development. We extended this topic by examining how early life misfortunes predicted changes in measures of physical functioning (FUNC) and body mass index (BMI) in adulthood (ages 25-75). We used 3-wave data (N = 6,000) from the Midlife Development in the U.S. study across 20 years. Unconditional latent growth curve models (adjusting for age, sex, education) suggested significant (p < .05) mean-level change and variability in change for FUNC (Int = 1.47; Slope = 0.24) and BMI (Int = 26.71; Slope = 0.90). Higher levels of childhood misfortune (e.g., abuse, financial strain) significantly predicted worse FUNC (Int = 0.05; Slope = 0.02) and higher BMIs (Int = 0.24; Slope = 0.07) at baseline and steeper increases over time. Findings underscore the need to address adult health problems that emerge much earlier in life.
INTEREST GROUP SESSION—LIFELONG DISABILITIES: DEFINING HEALTH OUTCOMES FOR ADULTS AGING WITH DISABILITY
Authors: Munly Kelly , Coyle Caitlin E , Coyle Caitlin E
Published: November 2019

The population of persons aging with disabilities is growing. Being able to segment aging with disability sub-populations within national data sets is becoming increasingly important in order to understand the relationship of aging with disability to a range of outcomes in later life including health and wellness, economic security, and health and long-term service and support need and use. This symposium includes four examples of how existing data can be used to draw conclusions about the experience of old age for persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities. In addition, the symposium offers insights into the limitations of these data and the presentations lend themselves to a discussion of how measurement across disability sub-population can be ope rationalized. Two of the presentations focus on understanding mortality trends of adults with cerebral palsy and down syndrome--including an understanding of the health conditions facing these populations. A third presentation will focus on cardiovascular risk factors and co morbidity among adults with cerebral palsy. Finally, a fourth presentation will focus on pairing qualitative understanding with quantitative trends to offer a deeper understanding of the health management challenges for adults with disability as they age. Through a deeper understanding of the experience of health in later life for adults with disability, ideas about interventions and supports can be better aligned with the needs of these populations.
A FUNCTIONAL EPIGENETIC CLOCK FOR RATS
Authors: Levine Morgan E , McDevitt Ross , Ferrucci Luigi , deCabo Rafael
Published: November 2019

Evidence from humans suggests that incorporation of phenotypic aging measures in the development of epigenetic clocks leads to more functionally relevant biomarkers. As a result, the aim of this study was to utilize a deeply phenotyped rat cohort—that included data from rotarod, open field, frailty index, and FACS—to generate a novel epigenetic clock. DNA methylation was assessed via reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS) for n=142 male Fischer rats from NIA aging colony, ranging in age from 1 to 27 months. Phenotypic traits were combined to generate an multi-system aging measure that was then used to train the epigenetic clock. Using an independent validation sample, age-adjusted epigenetic clock measures were associated with numerous traits, including: open field time resting (p=0.005), open field time climbing (p=0.001), body weight (p=0.02), and rotarod max (p=0.04). In moving forward, it will be important to examine cross-species comparisons, longitudinal change, and functional enrichment.
RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS: A REVIEW OF TWO STUDIES
Authors: Parker Lauren , Gitlin Laura N
Published: November 2019

Two of the goals of the National Strategy for Recruitment and Participation in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Clinical Research are to “increase awareness and engagement (Goal 1)” and to “engage local communities and support participants (Goal 3)”. Leveraging the findings from two National Institute on Aging funded dementia-caregiving related research studies, ADS-Plus and The Providing Evidence-Based Approaches to Caregiver Stress, the goal of this presentation is to discuss methodologies and approaches to develop culturally competent content for outreach. Recruitment strategies from the two studies will explore the impact of race/ethnicity on recruiting Hispanic (ADS-Plus), and Black/African American populations. Further, the effectiveness of recruitment strategies from both studies will be discussed, as an effort to (1) conceptualize best practices necessary to develop and sustain equitable and sustainable community partnership, and (2) create and improve evidence-based recruitment resources.
INTEREST GROUP SESSION—WOMEN’S ISSUES: FROM MENOPAUSE TO MEDICARE: CONTRIBUTIONS FROM COHORT STUDIES OF AGING WOMEN’S HEALTH
Authors: Woods Nancy F , Cochrane Barbara B , Cochrane Barbara B
Published: November 2019

Although some countries have well-established birth cohorts for research on aging, few US projects have followed the evolution of women’s health from midlife through older age, leaving gaps in understanding their health and ignoring a window of time spanning age groups during which women may benefit from health promotion and prevention efforts. Cohort studies of midlife and older women’s health have begun to address this gap, providing opportunities to advance our understanding of both reproductive and healthy aging, including multiple racial/ethnic groups and US regions. Studying existing cohorts of aging women provides investigators with opportunities to: track changes over time, identifying trajectories of health along with aging; clarify antecedent-consequent relationships; identify how historical events may be related to emergent patterns of health; incorporate common data elements that allow comparisons within and across cohorts over time; and introduce new measures/indicators, such as genomic markers. This symposium will provide a foundation for future research using existing databases from studies providing longitudinal health-related measures of women as they age. Opportunities for conducting new analyses on midlife and older women’s health will be described for four large cohort studies: two studies of women exclusively -- the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation and the Women’s Health Initiative – and two studies with large numbers of women participants – the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging and the Rancho Bernardo Study of Healthy Aging. Unique and common considerations for answering future questions about women’s health from menopause to Medicare in these studies will be discussed.
LONGITUDINAL TRAJECTORIES OF EPIGENETIC CLOCKS IN HUMANS AND EFFECTS OF MEDICATION USE
Authors: Hagg Sara
Published: November 2019

We sought to investigate the longitudinal trajectories of the new generation epigenetic clock′s and how medication use is altering the DNA methylation age (DNAmAge). DNA methylation (Illumina 450k and EPIC) was assessed repeatedly up to six times (1992-2014) in whole blood (597 individuals, 1469 samples) from the Swedish Adoption/Twin Study of Aging (SATSA). DNAmAges were generated with the online calculator. Mean age at first measurement was 67 years (58% women). All clocks tested (Horvath, Hannum, Pheno, Grim, Skin&Blood) were correlated with chronological age (ρ=0.62-0.80). The steepest slope was found for Pheno while Horvath had the least steep slope. Correlations between the clocks ranged ρ=0.43-0.75. About 15% of the individuals started statin treatment during the follow-up, which changed the slopes to be less steep. Co-twin control analyses were confirmatory. Different DNAmAges are strongly correlated with each other in a longitudinal perspective. Treatment effects may alter the slopes of the DNAmAges.
IMPROVING HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDCHILDREN: A STRENGTHS-BASED INTERVENTION
Authors: Fruhauf Christine , Yancura Loriena , Fox Aimee , Riggs Nathaniel , Greenwood-Junkiermeyer Heather , Mendoza A N
Published: November 2019

Many grandparents raising grandchildren experience depression. Few interventions take a strengths-based approach to improve their mental health. To address this gap, this study utilized an adapted version of Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) for grandparents (PTC-G) to improve their self-care, communication, and self-efficacy. Grandparents completed self-assessments including the CES-D short form prior to the intervention, immediately after the 6-week program, and at 6-months. Focus groups were also conducted during the 6-month follow-up to further explore positive behavior change. Data from all sources were analyzed to show that the PTC-G program significantly lowered depressive symptoms of grandparents raising grandchildren. Qualitative data shows that grandparents report increased awareness and use of self-care practices and community services. By improving the health and well-being of grandparents raising grandchildren, the PTC-G intervention shows promise in reducing depression and improving long-term mental health outcomes in vulnerable grandfamilies.
SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE TRAINING FOR CUSTODIAL GRANDMOTHER-ADOLESCENT GRANDCHILDREN DYADS
Authors: Webster Britney A , Smith Greg , Infurna Frank
Published: November 2019

Custodial grandmothers (CGMs) and adolescent custodial grandchildren (ACG) face risk of poorer social skills and competencies due to early life adversities which have downstream negative consequences for mental and physical health. We describe an RCT examining the efficacy of an online social intelligence intervention (SII) at improving the emotional, interpersonal, and physical well-being of CGM-ACG dyads through mutual enhancement of their social competencies. Our SII is particularly valuable for these dyads because it enhances their social competencies and relationships, thereby leading to positive outcomes. Additionally, adolescence is a critical period for developing social competencies, largely through interactions with female caregivers. Our longitudinal mixed-methods approach addresses four aims: (1) Investigating if SII improves social competencies and overall well-being through both actor and partner effects; (2) Exploring moderators of SII efficacy; (3) Studying qualitatively how dyads view SII as changing their lives; and (4) Conducting a SII cost-benefit analysis. [Funded by R01AG054571]
HAPPY WHERE I AM: HOME AND COMMUNITY PREFERENCES, TELEHEALTH, SOCIAL ISOLATION, AND WELLNESS OF OLDER RURAL RESIDENTS
Authors: Burton Cassandra Cantave
Published: November 2019

About 16 percent of adults 50-plus and 25 percent of 65-plus adults reside in rural areas or small towns in the United States . The percentage increases to rural communities could mean a higher prevalence of chronic disease, a higher disability rate, a lower prevalence of healthy behaviors, and a widening gap in life expectancy relative to the nation as a whole. Moreover, rural areas face additional obstacles and challenges such: Difficulty forming community partnerships because of proximity challenges; migration of younger individuals to cities for career and social opportunities, resulting in a smaller pool of potential caregivers; an aging housing stock that also may be unsafe and in need of repair; and inadequate resources available to meet the broad range of needs among older adults. AARP has been engaged with policy makers and community members to ensure that older residents who live in rural areas have access to community supports so they can remain in their homes and communities and have the services that they need as they get older. Presenters in this symposium will present data supporting AARP’s work to better the lives of older rural residents. Findings from AARP studies on home and community preferences, social isolation, telehealth and broadband access, and brain health will be presented.
HAPPY IN MY HOME AND COMMUNITY: PREFERENCES OF OLDER RURAL RESIDENTS
Authors: Binette Joanne V
Published: November 2019

AARP will introduce research on rural residents from the 2018 Home and Community Preferences Survey of Adults Age 18 and Older that shows the importance of making communities places where rural residents can successfully age throughout all stages of life. This data will provide useful insights regarding what adults who live in rural areas want and need in their communities to positively contribute to their overall health and well-being and keep them actively engaged and involved in their community. The survey data can serve as a key tool for communities to understand what rural residents view as important for successfully aging in place and strategies that communities might employ to create community supports and services conducive for older rural residents.
WHO, ME, WORRIED?: A LOOK AT BRAIN HEALTH AND STRESS AMONG RESIDENTS IN GEOGRAPHICALLY DIFFERENT AREAS
Authors: Bridges Katherine
Published: November 2019

The 2018 AARP Brain Health and Mental Well-Being Survey reveals Millennials (age 22 to 37) have the highest level of stress while those in the Silent/Greatest Generation (over 73) have the lowest. Adults in their 50s and beyond have higher average mental well-being scores compared to younger adults. On a scale of mental well-being with an average score of 52, the average well-being for those age 18-39 is about 50, compared to about 54 for those 60 and older. This presentation will highlight generational difference in mental well-being and will examine community difference for older adults particularly those who reside in metropolitan areas compared to non-metropolitan areas.
EPIGENETIC PREDICTORS OF LIFESPAN AND HEALTHSPAN
Authors: Lu Ake T , Horvath Steve
Published: November 2019

Capturing aspects of biological age, DNA methylation based biomarkers collectively known as "epigenetic clock" can be used to measure the age of any human tissue, cell type, or fluid that contains DNA. Arguably the strongest predictor of lifespan, DNAmGrimAge, is a composite biomarker comprised of DNAm-based surrogates of plasma proteins and a DNAm-based estimate of smoking pack-years. Large-scale validation studies demonstrate that DNAmGrimAge stands out among existing epigenetic clocks when it comes to predicting time-to-death (P=2.0E-75), time-to-coronary heart disease (P=6.2E-24), and its strong relationship with computed tomography measures of fatty liver, and age-at-menopause (P=1.6E-12). DNAm-based estimates of plasma proteins and telomere length (TL) are attractive as well. For example, a DNAm based estimate of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 strongly relates to multi-morbidity and a DNAm based estimate of TL outperforms actual TL measurements in predicting lifespan. Overall, these epigenetic biomarkers are expected to find many applications including human anti-aging studies.
JOSEPH T. FREEMAN AND EXCELLENCE IN REHABILITATION OF AGING PERSONS AWARD LECTURES
Authors: Mueller Christine
Published: November 2019

The Joseph T. Freeman Award is a lectureship in geriatrics awarded to a prominent physician in the field of aging, both in research and practice. The award was established in 1977 through a bequest from a patient’s estate as a tribute to Dr. Joseph T. Freeman. The Joseph T. Freeman Award lecture will feature an address by the 2019 Freeman Award recipient, Anne Newman, MD, MPH, of the University of Pittsburgh. The Excellence in Rehabilitation of Aging Persons Award is designed to acknowledge outstanding contributions in the field of the rehabilitation of aging individuals. The Excellence in Rehabilitation of Aging Persons Award lecture will feature an address by the 2019 Excellence in Rehabilitation Award recipient, Neil Alexander, MD, of the University of Michigan.
ROBUST BIOMARKERS OF AGING AND THEIR BIOLOGICAL ORIGIN
Authors: Podolskiy Dmitriy , Podolskiy Dmitriy , Gladyshev Vadim
Published: November 2019

The biological origin of impressive accuracy of DNA methylation clocks, the most precise currently available biological markers of aging in humans and model animals, remains largely unclear. In addition, they sometimes suffer from uncontrollable precision loss out of sample. To address these two issues, we develop a novel method for constructing robust molecular markers of age based on network analysis of age-dependent omics data. The newly developed robust markers of aging in yeast, fruit fly, mouse and human are nearly free of batch effects and have a transparent biological nature related to tight control of translation-related processes and their disregulation associated with aging.
ADDRESSING AN UNMET NEED FOR MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT DURING CARE TRANSITIONS FROM NURSING FACILITIES
Authors: Simons Kelsey , Luci Katherine , Hagemann Lauren , Jacobs M Lindsey , Bower Emily , Eichorst Morgan , Hilgeman Michelle
Published: November 2019

Mental health (MH) disorders are common among skilled nursing facility (SNF) residents and may inhibit rehabilitation goals. Moreover, discharges to the community from SNFs are periods of heightened suicide risk within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), suggesting an urgent need for improved continuity of MH care. This paper presents results of medical records reviews indicating a potential gap in MH services at discharge from VHA SNFs. A quality improvement project (”Suicide Awareness for Veterans Exiting Community Living Centers” – SAVE-CLC), designed to address this gap, will also be discussed. Piloted in 3 sites (N = 66) in 2018, SAVE-CLC clinicians administered depression screens by phone to 47 Veterans (71%) after SNF discharge and helped connect Veterans to MH services. 24 Veterans (26%) received a second such call. Patients and caregivers expressed high satisfaction with SAVE-CLC (n = 35, 97%). Implications for quality improvements in SNF care transitions will be discussed.
TRANSPORTATION IS THE DRIVER TO VISIT: DOES COMMUNITY CONNECTEDNESS AFFECT DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS OF RESIDENTS?
Authors: Miller Vivian J
Published: November 2019

A recent study found that lack of transportation access (or, transportation disadvantage), together with travel time, is a major barrier for community members to visit their loved ones residing in long-term care nursing homes (Miller, 2018). This transportation disadvantage not only may contribute to decreased visitation but also prohibits family from providing social support to residents, which is imperative for residents to maintain decreased symptoms of depression, a sense of belonging, and highest well-being. A sequential mixed-methodological study was conducted across 11 CMS-certifiable nursing homes in North Central Texas to examine this effect of transportation disadvantage of community members on depressive symptoms of their family in long term care (N=89 dyads). Findings from this study will be presented. Additionally, implications for social work, transportation planning, policymakers, and other key professions will be discussed.
MIGC 2019 SYMPOSIUM: STRENGTH IN CREATING DIVERSIFIED SPACES IN EDUCATION AND RESEARCH ON AGING
Authors: Morgan Adrienne T Aiken , Brown Candace , Samanez-Larkin Gregory R
Published: November 2019

Populations of minority older adults will continue to increase at an accelerated pace in the coming decades. As such, it is increasingly important to disseminate minority aging education and research topics in spaces that will prepare gerontology scholars to address the needs of diverse elders. This symposium will highlight efforts to diversify academic spaces by scholars engaged in minority aging education and research. The first presentation describes a service-learning pedagogical approach to teaching minority aging topics to graduate students. It will discuss how a gerontological social work course seeks to offer real-world learning experiences through community partnership. The second presentation discusses an experiential learning pedagogical approach to teaching social determinants of health to graduate students at a historically Black university and highlights how to apply theoretical concepts to creating community needs assessments and health promotion programming for the local community. The third presentation discusses efforts to teach undergraduate students about older LGBT individuals, who represent a growing group of minority elders. This presentation advocates for the use of various strategies for integrating both research and pedagogical approaches to increase knowledge and awareness of LGBT aging topics. The last presentation focuses on the promotion and dissemination of scholarship produced at minority-serving institutions (MSI) through the creation of a new open-source journal. This presentation describes publication challenges for tenure-track MSI faculty and developed opportunities for inclusiveness of such scholarship. The symposium discussant will summarize these challenges, opportunities, and implications to promote minority-focused gerontological topics in academia.
DIVERSITY IN ACTION: PRACTICE-BASED LEARNING FOR IMPROVING COMMUNITY HEALTH
Authors: Thierry Amy
Published: November 2019

Non-traditional learning methods in diverse classrooms, particularly at HBCUs, can prepare students for successful careers in aging. In a graduate-level public health course on the social determinants of health, students engaged in an experiential learning opportunity to address health disparities within a historic Black neighborhood in New Orleans. Through a combination of classroom lectures, community integration activities, and skills-building training with faculty and public health professionals, students applied a health equity life course framework in developing, implementing, and evaluating a multi-faceted community needs assessment used to guide health promotion programming for neighborhood residents. In this example, student mastery of complex concepts was achieved through hands-on experiences that had a direct impact on the community. Moreover, a community-engaged educational environment allowed students to take ownership of their learning, develop their professional identity, as well as initiate a sustainable partnership with the community through which improvements in health can be made.
CREATING DIVERSE SPACES IN UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION: OLDER LGBT RESEARCH AND TEACHING
Authors: Syme Maggie
Published: November 2019

According to SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders), an estimated 3 million older adults currently identity as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgendered (LGBT), which is expected to double in the next decade, making them one of the fastest growing minority aging groups. Yet, there is very little attention being paid to older LGBT individuals, a dearth of information on their experiences, and multiple stigmas that compound to make this a challenging space for education and research. This presentation will discuss several different strategies to integrate research and teaching in order to make LGBT elders a relevant and impactful topic in undergraduate education. These include students undertaking field research on dating ads, creating infographics for health challenges, and evaluating sexual wellness research to illustrate similarities and differences among LGBT older adults and their heterosexual counterparts. Specific considerations for approaching topics in undergraduate contexts will be discussed.
USING OSJ PUBLISHING AND TEAM PEER REVIEWS TO EXPAND SCHOLARLY WORKS FROM A DIVERSIFIED AND INCLUSIVE PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Brown Pamela P
Published: November 2019

While Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) are often more teaching than research focused, promotion and tenure heavily rest on the success of being published. It is challenging to publish with high teaching loads and limited research time. A viable alternative is to publish the scholarship of teaching/learning work conducted within MSI classrooms. Open Source Journals (OSJ) assists with the publication needs of MSI faculty and can bring a more diversified andragogic practice out to the public sphere. It also allows for the publishing of more peer-reviewed journals, thus allowing for a greater expansion of diversity in the editorial process. This presentation will focus on a newly created OSJ, which focuses on MSI faculty and innovative teaching. A discussion of a team peer review process is included which focuses on the ability to be inclusive in publishing scholarly works from MSI faculty and those who work with historically underserved student populations.
PRESIDENTIAL SYMPOSIUM: MUSEUMS AND AGING: NOVEL NETWORK OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT OPTIMAL AGING
Authors: O'Neill Desmond , Roush Robert , Roush Robert
Published: November 2019

Museums represent an evolving and under-recognized network of opportunity for examining aging while supporting optimal aging across the lifespan. Museums bind communities together in a civic body by “…identifying its highest values, its proudest memories, and its truest truths.”(Duncan, 1991). They represent a secular ritual of the modern state in which the spiritual heritage of the nation is offered as a public reinforcement of political values. Art museums are also sites which enable individuals to achieve liminal experience - to move beyond the psychic constraints of mundane existence, step out of time, and attain new, larger perspectives. The interaction and potential synergies between museums and aging have been insufficiently explored in gerontological scholarship, with the existing emphasis largely focussing on facilitating access to older people and those with age-related health conditions. This symposium reflects and magnifies the networking of GSA with a major art museum through an Educational Site Visit during GSA 2019 to the Blanton Art Museum. It proposes to review museums and ageing in a broader context, exploring the context within which aging is represented in the discourse of heritage and museums, museums networking to provide a repository of late-life creativity, networks of older people as a key resource and client group for museums, life-course and inter-generational engagement with museums. Finally, the insights that the ageing of art works provide for curating the longevity dividend through developing scholarly networks between gerontologists and curators.
HARNESSING THE POWER OF A GERIATRIC EXERCISE NETWORK TO IMPROVE HEALTH: THE VA GEROFIT WAY
Authors: Hall Katherine S , Prvu-Bettger Janet
Published: November 2019

The Gerofit Consortium is a clinical and research network that naturally evolved from the dissemination of a VA “Best Practice” exercise and health promotion program for older Veterans. Originally developed in the Durham VA, Gerofit has been disseminated to 15 VA Medical Centers using a successful “collaboratory” team network approach. This group has met regularly (biweekly) for five years; starting with four newly disseminated programs in 2014 and adding 2-3 new programs per year since, following a structured implementation process. We have learned that the sum is much greater than the parts. Each program shares important experiences and contributes to development of new program practices aimed at increasing access and adherence to physical activity for Veterans wherever they live, and improving their overall health and wellness. This consortium has served over 7000 Veterans. The first paper describes the impact of overweight/obesity on functional outcomes. The second abstract describes a newly developing use of live video connection from an exercise leader directly to the home for exercise. The third paper provides a case series on the impact of Gerofit on fall prevention. The fourth paper describes the impact of Gerofit on physical function among Veterans with arthritis. The fifth paper describes the impact of Gerofit on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms among participating Veterans with self-reported PSTD. This symposium highlights the impact of a highly synergistic network working together to improve the lives of older Veterans.
MUSEUMS AS A NETWORK REPOSITORY OF LATE-LIFE CREATIVITY
Authors: Gogol Manfred
Published: November 2019

Through collaboration and exchange for exhibitions, art museums represent an under-explored network for displaying late-life creativity and the longevity dividend. Drawing on the collection from many galleries brought together for the Letzte Bilder (Last Pictures) exhibition by the Schirm Gallery Frankfurt, this talk will illustrate the possibility of creating educational programs, Late Life Creativity trails both virtual through podcasts and structural, as well as specific exhibitions of late-life creativity as a catalyst for reimagining and reframing ageing. Further approaches are the focus on the life course of works of artist like Cy Twombly at the Museum Brandhorst Munich or Pablo Picasso at the Museum Barberini Potsdam, as well as studying aging in artists self-portraits. The interaction of creativity with age, diseases, and functional decline in the museum context can promote the changing of role models and our understanding of productivity and creativity by ourselves as well as in the society.