bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COPING STRATEGIES AS MODERATORS OF NEGATIVE HEALTH IMPACTS FROM RELOCATION AT VERY OLD AGE
Authors: Slaug Bjorn , Schilling Oliver K
Published: November 2019

Relocation at very old age is a major life event that may have profound psychological impact. The loss of a home environment that has shaped important aspects of the life course can have negative health impacts, such as lower life satisfaction, depressive symptoms, loss of perceived autonomy and functional independence. However, from an ecological theory perspective, implying that patterns of health and well-being are impacted by a dynamic interplay of personal and environmental factors unfolding throughout the life course, the individual’s adaptive repertoire and resources influence how the individual manages and copes with such major life events as relocation to a new housing environment. To study if coping strategies moderated negative health impacts from relocation at very old age, we utilized longitudinal data of older community-living people from Sweden and Germany who had relocated at some point over a nine-year period (N=79, aged 80+ at baseline). A mixed model approach, adjusting for age at time of relocation, was used to analyze moderating effects of different coping strategies, defined according to Staudinger, Freund & Smith (1995). We found pro-active coping strategies such as reminding oneself of previous ability to solve problems, to significantly moderate negative effects on perceived functional independence and resilient strategies such as letting things just have their course, to significantly moderate negative effects on life satisfaction. We found no significant moderation of depressive symptoms. These results suggest that individual disposition to use different coping strategies can moderate the impact on health that relocation at very old age has.
MULTIPLE CHRONIC CONDITIONS AND ACCELERATED AGING IN PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
Authors: Zuniga Julie , Thurman Whitney , Jang Dong Eun
Published: November 2019

The median age of the U.S. homeless population is increasing, and PEH often experience accelerated aging compared to the general population. Moreover, PEH have disproportionately high rates of chronic illness, psychological distress, and poor health status. The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between morbidity, psychological distress, and healthcare utilization in PEH. The specific aims of this study were to: 1) determine the prevalence of multiple chronic conditions in PEH, 2) analyze whether prevalence varies by level of psychological distress, and 3) analyze associations between age, health conditions, and psychological distress. We used data from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey. Analysis included descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-square tests, ANOVA, and correlations. Homelessness was operationalized using the variable from the NHIS asking if the individual had spent >24 hours homeless in the past year. Measures included demographics, 11 chronic conditions, and psychological distress. PEH (n = 1809) were majority male (68.9%), White (66%), and unmarried (61.1%). Mean age of PEH was significantly higher than housed individuals (43.5 vs. 38.4 years, p < .000). Chi-square tests indicated that the prevalence of hepatitis, heart disease, emphysema, arthritis, epilepsy, and asthma were significantly higher (p < .01) in the PEH group than in the general population. Psychological distress differed significantly by morbidity. The relatively young mean age and the high burden of morbidity suggest that aging may be progressing more rapidly in PEH than previously recognized. Future research is needed to investigate the trajectory of aging in this population.
AGE DIFFERENCES IN POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT: ROLE OF SELF-RELEVANCE
Authors: Wong Tze Kiu , Fung Helene H
Published: November 2019

Previous studies usually found that older people are less politically engaged than younger adults, especially when considering political behavior other than voting. The current study extends the Selective Engagement hypothesis (Hess, 2014) to political engagement. 81 younger adults and 79 older adults rated 8 issues on self-relevance and their willingness to engage in political discussion, arguments and collective action on each issue. The predicted moderating effect of self-relevance was not found, but older people indeed are more willing to discuss (B = 0.07, p = 0.027) and argue with others on more self-relevant issues (B = 0.06, p = 0.031). Perceived cost of collective action was found to be a moderator, such that self-relevance was less important than other factors for high-cost actions (B = -0.016, p = 0.013). The current research sheds light on potential ways to increase older adults’ engagement in social issues.
REFINING AN ELDER MISTREATMENT SCREENING AND RESPONSE TOOL TO IMPROVE ACCEPTABILITY IN AN EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
Authors: Tanksley Brian , Sivers-Teixeira Theresa , Mosqueda Laura , Olsen Bonnie , Platts-Mills Tim , Lees-Haggerty Kristin
Published: November 2019

Elder mistreatment (EM) is a public health problem that is rarely recognized or addressed in emergency departments (ED) where a lack of evidence-based protocols leave clinicians to rely on intuition and inconsistent action plans. In this presentation we will share findings from focus groups and online surveys with ED clinicians and administrators to evaluate the perceived value and likelihood of adopting the National Collaboratory’s third core element: the EM Screening and Response Protocol (EM-SAR). Results indicated a strong support for the EM-SAR tool in general and highlighted specific considerations for refining the tool. Considerations include resistance to adding to the ED workload, need to clarify roles and responsibilities for administering the tool, hesitancy to rely on clinical judgement to assess EM, concerns over Adult Protective Services’ ability to respond to increased reports, and a desire for cross-training and cooperation. These findings and implications for ongoing feasibility testing will be discussed.
THE DIRECT AND INDIRECT EFFECTS OF EDUCATION ON LATE-LIFE COGNITIVE ABILITY IN MEXICO
Authors: Saenz Joseph , Crimmins Eileen M , Zelinski Elizabeth
Published: November 2019

Education and cognitive ability are closely associated. Less is known regarding mechanisms of this association. We evaluate direct effects of education on cognition and indirect effects through health and socioeconomic status (SES) in Mexico. We analyze adults age 50+ from the 2016 Mexican Cognitive Aging Ancillary Study (n=2,042). We constructed latent variables of visual and verbal cognitive abilities. Using structural equation modeling, we estimated direct effects of education on cognition and indirect effects through SES (income and wealth), and health (chronic conditions and health behaviors). Small, yet statistically significant, indirect effects of education on cognition through income, wealth, and stroke (for visual ability) and through stroke (for verbal ability) were observed. However, the majority of the association between education and cognitive ability (90% and 96% for visual/verbal cognitive ability, respectively) was not explained SES or health. Interventions to reduce disparities in late-life cognitive ability should address educational disparities in early-life.
DIVERSITY IN HOSPICE AND END-OF-LIFE EXPERIENCES: THE INFLUENCE OF CHRONIC DISEASE AND SOCIOCULTURAL FACTORS
Authors: Russell David , Luth Elizabeth A , Creber Ruth Masterson
Published: November 2019

Hospice provides supportive and palliative services to persons nearing the end-of-life. Use of the Medicare hospice benefit has grown to cover nearly half of all Medicare decedents. Even more notably, hospice agencies now serve patients with a diverse range of terminal conditions, including those not traditionally served by hospices, such as dementia and heart failure. In addition to expanded use of hospice care by patients with multiple types of chronic disease, demographic transitions in the United States over the last several decades have also led to increased use of hospice services among patients with diverse socio-cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Limited research has identified the unique experiences of patients enrolled in hospice who have diagnoses of dementia and heart failure, or explored how socio-cultural factors act to influence the course and outcomes of hospice care. This symposium features interdisciplinary collaborations between academic researchers and clinical practitioners at a large non-profit hospice agency in a multicultural urban environment. These collaborations, which draw on multiple theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, shed new light on patient experiences in hospice and identify opportunities for improving care and comfort at end-of-life. Presentations will include an exploration of the unique symptoms and experiences of hospice patients with heart failure, an evaluation of a clinical program for heart failure hospice patients, an exploration of collaborative goal setting between patients-providers, and an examination of cultural health capital as it relates to race/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in hospitalization among hospice patients, and factors for disenrollment among hospice patients with dementia.
THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A CARDIAC HOME HOSPICE PROGRAM FOR ADVANCED STAGE HEART FAILURE PATIENTS
Authors: Jordan Lizeyka , Creber Ruth Masterson , Russell David , Baik Dawon
Published: November 2019

Heart failure (HF) patients encounter distressing symptoms at the end-of-life including dyspnea, edema, and fatigue. Left untreated, these symptoms increase risk for hospice disenrollment. This presentation used the RE-AIM framework to examine a cardiac home hospice program for HF patients. Qualitative interviews with hospice providers (N=32) and quantitative medical record data were used to examine the program. Reach—1,183 HF participants were served between 2013-2016. Effectiveness—Enrollment of HF patients in the hospice program increased from 7.9% to 9.5% after the cardiac protocol was implemented. Adoption—implementation was spearheaded by a clinical champion aware of the challenges of HF symptom management. Implementation— additional support services (i.e., paramedicine, infusion services, cardiac comfort medication kits) were incorporated in the cardiac protocol to better manage complex clinical cases in the home. Maintenance— Reinforcing factors include ongoing training for nursing staff and a 3.5-hour introduction module providing information about HF case management and symptoms/treatments.
JOINT GOALS IN OLDER COUPLES: ASSOCIATIONS WITH GOAL PROGRESS AND RELATIONSHIP SATISFACTION
Authors: Ungar Nadine L , Michalowski Victoria I , Bähring Stella , Gerstorf Denis , Ashe Maureen C , Madden Kenneth M , Hoppmann Christiane A
Published: November 2019

Goals often involve close others such as spouses, but we know little about how this helps or hinders goal progress and what couple consequences arise. To examine these questions, we investigate associations between joint goals, goal progress, and relationship satisfaction by applying multi-level modeling to data from 119 couples (50% female; Mage=71 years). Participants listed their most important goals and reported if they wanted to achieve these together with their partner (self-rated joint goals). 85% self-reported at least one joint goal. Two raters classified goals as “joint” if both partners mentioned the same goal. Positive illusions–i.e., older adults thinking a goal was joint although it was not reported by the spouse–were frequent. Number of joint goals was related to increased goal progress but only for those with low positive illusions, whereas positive illusions were linked to higher relationship satisfaction. We discuss theoretical and practical implications of our findings.
GOING FOR THE WIN-WIN-WIN: HARNESSING THE POWER OF SENIOR VOLUNTEERISM TO ADDRESS DEMENTIA CARE AND PROMOTE HEALTH
Authors: Samus Quincy M , Gaugler Joseph E , Rebok George W
Published: November 2019

The public health implications of Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias (ADRDs) are significant and have placed considerable pressure on the U.S. healthcare system. Training and mobilizing a critical mass of volunteers to address unmet dementia care needs may be a potent, scalable, and cost efficient approach to address gaps in dementia care and to support family caregivers. Further, by engaging older volunteers to do this work and remain in productive and impactful post-retirement roles, additive population health benefits may be possible. This session will focus on ways we might harness the power of senior volunteers to meet the public health challenges associated with ADRD. Presentations will draw from three innovative community-based projects that utilize senior volunteers to support and enhance health in aging and dementia care. Dr. Carlson will provide an update on the evaluation and scaling Experience Corps, an intergenerational program that engages senior volunteers to work in elementary schools. Dr. Gaugler will discuss the Porchlight Project, a new multicomponent training approach for senior volunteers in Minnesota to enhance dementia care capabilities and support to underserved older persons. Dr. Samus will introduce the MEMORI Corps program, a novel activity-based companion care program for home-residing persons with ADRD delivered by trained senior volunteers. Given the current and impending shortages in the geriatric work force and family caregivers, respectively, innovative and readily available long term service and support options are needed to offset potential care gaps. The current session proposes the novel incorporation of volunteers as one solution to do so.
THE ROLE OF GERONTOLOGISTS IN ACHIEVING THE UN’S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
Authors: Antonucci Toni C
Published: November 2019

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) developed by the United Nations in 2015 have as their underlying theme, the pledge that no one will be left behind. The SDGs address global poverty, inequality, climate change, the environment, peace and justice. They are intended to be global benchmarks to be reached by 2030 to ensure well-being and prosperity while protecting and promoting human rights and freedoms (UN, 2015). They envision a world without poverty, where all persons can live with dignity and security in societies free of violence and discrimination based on the foundation of universal human rights. The 17 goals and their 169 targets cover a range of social and economic development issues from poverty and gender inequality to climate change and sustainable cities. These goals are both interrelated and indivisible with each important for individual and social well-being. For example, achieving gender equality can help eradicate poverty while improved health can contribute to increased individual productivity and economic growth. Unfortunately, the needs of older people are larger ignored. In this symposium we outline how gerontologists can and have contributed to the SDG goals. We provide input from four disciplines whose work directly addresses the needs of older people. The four disciplines are: health- how do we meet the health needs of older people, psychology – what are the mental health issues facing older people, public policy – how can\has governments assist through laws and policy, and social work – how can social work address the needs of the vulnerable old.
ONE HUNDRED MILLION HEALTHIER LIVES: MEASURING WHAT MATTERS
Authors: Cameron Kathleen A , Herrera-Venson Angelica
Published: November 2019

The rise of chronic disease, an aging population, inequity in health care access and outcomes, and new technology demand a fundamentally different approach to fostering health—one that brings sectors together to address the social and behavioral determinants of health. To address these concerns, NCOA is leading the Aging Hub of the 100 Million Healthier Lives (100MLives), an initiative convened by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. 100MLives is a collaboration of change agents across sectors working to transform how the world thinks and acts to improve health, well-being, and equity across the lifespan. NCOA is collaborating with national and local organizations, as well as federal agencies to support a nationwide ecosystem for measuring, fostering, and bringing to scale innovations that address social and behavioral determinants of health. The Aging Hub is committed to consistently measuring what matters (adult well-being assessment-AWA), learn what programs and services within the aging network improve a person’s life, and work with partners to scale those programs. The initiative encourages use of the Adult Well-Being Assessment, a validated 7-question survey that asks individuals to rate their overall well-being; financial, physical, mental, and spiritual health; and social support. Shared use of these outcome measures can make it easier for the aging network to demonstrate the impact of their programs and services. Join NCOA to learn about progress to date, including a report on AWA and demographic data collected by the Baltimore County Department with over 10,000 older adults and how data is being used to improve service delivery.
HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF SOCIAL ROLES AND ROLE TRANSITIONS IN MIDLIFE AND LATER LIFE
Authors: Cichy Kelly E , Koumoutzis Athena
Published: November 2019

Demographic and social trends shape the timing, nature, and implications of social roles and transitions. With increased life expectancy and a changing world, expectations for work and retirement and the need for informal and formal caregiving continue to evolve. Families are also more heterogeneous and the population is becoming increasingly more racially/ethnically diverse. These changes underscore the need for research that focuses on the varied social roles individuals occupy in midlife and later adulthood and the implications of these roles for health and well-being. The current symposium features research that explores multiple roles, including romantic partner, grandparent, and employee/retiree, caregiver/care recipient while attending to individual differences in how these roles and transitions are associated with physical and mental health outcomes. Garcia, Donnelly, and Umberson utilize dyadic diary data from midlife men and women in gay, lesbian, and heterosexual marriages to consider how exposure and reactivity to daily stress varies across union types. Rickenbach and colleagues examine longitudinal changes in health and well-being associated with being a caregiving and non-caregiving grandparent. Cichy and Koumoutzis examine racial differences in the associations between providing care to a spouse/parent and daily health and well-being among African Americans and European Americans. Savla, Roberto, and Sands classify community-living older adults based on their care needs while considering the type of care they receive, predictors of this care, and its implications for care recipients’ health. Finally, Stawski and colleagues examine how mental, physical, and cognitive health change as a function of the transition to and through retirement.
AGING-RELATED CHANGES IN MENTAL, PHYSICAL, AND COGNITIVE HEALTH: THE IMPACT OF THE RETIREMENT TRANSITION
Authors: Stawski Robert S , Chandler Kelly D
Published: November 2019

Retirement is an important transition in later life, associated with changes in social roles. It is unclear, however, whether the retirement transition modifies aging-related changes in mental, physical, and cognitive health. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, we examined changes in depressive symptoms, self-rated health, and memory prior to, at, and after the retirement transition among 6,830 participants (Ages=50-97, 58% female) assessed biennially up to 10 times from 1992-2010. Preliminary results indicate a sudden and significant increase in depressive symptoms and decreases in self-rated health and memory at the transition to retirement (ps<.05). These effects increased among individuals retiring at older ages (ps<.01). Further, aging-related increases in depressive symptomatology became faster after retirement (p<.01). Aging-related decreases in self-rated health and memory were unchanged by the transition. Discussion will focus on the contribution of transitions to understanding trajectories of mental, physical, and cognitive health in later life.
THE IMPACT OF LIFESTYLE BEHAVIORS ON HEALTHY AGING TRAJECTORIES: THE ATHLOS PROJECT
Authors: Daskalopoulou Christina , Wu Yu-Tzu , Koukounari Artemis , Terrera Graciela Muniz , Tyrovolas Stefanos , Panagiotakos Demosthenes , Prince Martin , Prina Matthew
Published: November 2019

The number of people above 60 years old will double by 2050. There is a considerate variability in the health status of older people. The identification of the different trajectories that people follow as they grow older constitutes one of the aims of the ATHLOS project. In the current study, we created a metric of health in the four available waves (2001, 2003, 2012, 2015) of the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS) by employing Bayesian multilevel Item Response Theory. Growth mixture modelling indicated that older Mexicans (n=14,143) age by following four distinct pathways (i.e. high-stable, moderate-stable, low-stable, decliners). Adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviours (i.e. physical activity, non-smoking, limited alcohol consumption) was associated with better health trajectories. Preliminary analyses in the ATHLOS harmonised dataset also suggest that older people age by following four distinct pathways. The impact of lifestyle behaviours within the harmonised dataset will be investigated and also presented.
COMMUNITY MEETINGS AS SITES OF RESILIENCE AND TRAUMA: INVESTIGATING ADVOCACY IN FLINT, MICHIGAN
Authors: Perry Tam , Robbins Jessica C
Published: November 2019

During the ongoing water crisis in Flint, Michigan, residents continue to express their voices in community meetings. In this study of older adults, the research team conducted participant observation of such meetings in addition to interview older adults. This presentation highlights themes of trauma and resilience as found in the collective; we illustrate the knowledge gained by researchers about the challenging environmental contexts in which study participants are navigating and how narratives that are both personal and collective co-emerge. We examine how these narratives illustrate concerns of health and wellbeing from a life course perspective and index relationships of residents to their spaces. We conclude by offering lessons learned on investigating community meetings as a way of ensuring research is “community based.”
CUSTOMIZING STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT TO SUPPORT AGING IN PLACE
Authors: Perweiler Elyse , DeGennaro Jennifer , Pomerantz Sherry , Bodenheimer Lisa , Mock Marilyn , Avallone Margaret
Published: November 2019

Geriatrics infusion and transformation of community-based settings to support “aging in place” is complex. It requires a customized approach that engages multiple stakeholders who are invested in systems redesign and process change. Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine’s NJ Geriatrics Workforce Enhancement Program, in partnership with an affordable housing facility operated by Fair Share Housing/Northgate II, and Rutgers University School of Nursing (RSoN), implemented a Resident Health Risk Assessment (RHRA) tool as part of an interprofessional community-based training experience for health professions students. The goal was to identify health risks that impact a resident’s ability to age in place and implement a person-centered intervention plan. Multi-level stakeholder engagement and ongoing rapid cycle quality improvement catalyzed changes in structure and process for all partners. Results included refinement of an interprofessional clinical rotation, introduction of competency attainment into the orientation process, and resource reallocation to support data collection.
INSTAPALS: FACILITATING INTERGENERATIONAL CONTACT THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Lytle Ashley , Nowacek Nancy
Published: November 2019

Using the traditional framework of Pen Pals, Instapals was a project that facilitated 1-to-1 intergenerational relationships through daily exchanges on Instagram for 30 days. Although communication channels have exploded in the past 10 years in large part to social platforms and digital technologies, the diversity of daily social interactions has decreased. More and more, society has become siloed by age, interest, and belief. Building off intergroup contact theory, Instapals was designed to encourage positive intergenerational contact between younger (undergraduate students) and older adults (individuals 65+) and challenge ageist beliefs. Intergenerational social exchanges occurred both on Instagram and during three in-person meetings. Among undergraduate students, attitudes and stereotypes toward older adults and aging were assessed at three timepoints (before meeting their older adult partner, during a mid-point evaluation, and at the end of the project). Quantitative analyses demonstrate a decrease in aging anxiety, a decrease in psychological concerns about the aging process, and a greater endorsement of positive perceptions toward one’s older adult partner. Qualitative analyses of written responses from students (collected before meeting their older adult partner and at the end of the project) revealed that the Instapals project helped students challenge ageist attitudes and stereotypes and was perceived to be a positive experience overall. Implications suggest that positive intergenerational contact can be facilitated and enhanced through the use of technology. Future research should explore whether attitudes, stereotypes, and self-perceptions of aging changed among older adults as well as other technological mechanisms for facilitating intergenerational contact.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: AGE DIFFERENCES IN RESPONSE TO ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT THERAPY FOR CHRONIC PAIN
Authors: Wetherell Julie L , Herbert Matthew , Afari Niloofar
Published: November 2019

A recent randomized comparison of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) vs. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for chronic pain found a clear age interaction effect, such that older adults benefitted more from ACT. In a subsequent study comparing ACT delivered in person to ACT delivered via telehealth to a sample of veterans (N=128, mean age 51.9, SD 13.3, range 25-89), we found no significant age by modality interactions, suggesting that older veterans responded as well as younger people did to telehealth delivery. Consistent with our previous findings, we found a trend for older adults to experience greater reduction in pain interference (p = .051) and significantly greater reduction in pain severity (p = .001) than younger adults following ACT. In younger veterans, change in pain acceptance from baseline to posttreatment was related to change in pain interference from baseline to 6-month follow-up (r = -.38), but change in pain interference from baseline to posttreatment was not related to change in pain acceptance from baseline to follow-up (r = .14), suggesting that, consistent with the ACT model, increased pain acceptance at posttreatment was related to reduced pain interference at follow-up. By contrast, in older veterans, both correlations were significant and of comparable magnitude (rs = -.43 and -.46, respectively), providing no support for the idea that change in pain acceptance drove change in pain interference. Overall, our findings suggest that ACT may work better in older adults with chronic pain than in younger adults, but via a different mechanism.
CELLULAR SENESCENCE AS A THERAPEUTIC TARGET FOR GEROSCIENCE-GUIDED CLINICAL TRIALS
Authors: Justice Jamie N , Nambiar Anoop M , Tchkonia Tamar , LeBrasseur Nathan K , Musi Nicolas , Kritchevsky Stephen B , Kirkland James L
Published: November 2019

The geroscience hypothesis holds that targeting fundamental mechanisms of aging has the potential to prevent or reduce severity of multiple age-related diseases. Cellular senescence is a key mechanism that may be driving disease in human aging, including Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive, ultimately fatal, senescence-associated disease. Importantly, cellular senescence may be targeted therapeutically. Senolytic agents are drugs that selectively induce senescent cell apoptosis by transiently disabling anti-apoptotic pathways. Selective ablation of senescent cells using the senolytic drug combination dasatinib plus quercetin (DQ) alleviates IPF-related dysfunction in bleomycin-administered IPF mouse model. We conducted the first-in-human trial of senolytics in IPF patients, and our data indicate that short-term, intermittent administration of DQ may alleviate physical dysfunction that accompanies IPF in human aging, including clinically-meaningfully improvements in mobility (p<0.05). This geroscience-guided clinical feasibility study supports evaluation of senolytics in larger randomized, controlled trials of cellular senescence-associated age-related diseases.
AGING STEREOTYPES MODERATE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COSTS AND DISCOUNTING
Authors: Growney Claire , O’Brien Erica L , DeLaRosa Jesse , Hess Thomas M
Published: November 2019

Aging is associated with normative declines in cognitive resources that increase the costs associated with mobilizing resources in cognitively demanding activities. Selective Engagement Theory (Hess, 2014) hypothesizes that changes in costs influence the motivation to engage in such activities in everyday life. We used an economic discounting task to examine the relationship between both objective estimates (systolic blood pressure responses) and subjective estimates (NASA Task Load Index) of cognitive costs in 78 older adults’ (ages 64-85) decisions to engage in more or less demanding activities. Perceptions of costs were meaningfully tied to actual costs (SBP), but further influenced by personal or primed attitudes about aging. Interestingly, decisions to engage in demanding activities—as reflected in discounting decisions—were less influenced by effort expenditure in the activity than by perceptions of difficulty. These results underscore the role that negative stereotypes play in undermining motivation to engage in potentially beneficial activities.
THE ROLE OF AGE AND EMOTION REGULATION IN CHOICE OF EMOTIONAL ACTIVITY IN EVERYDAY LIFE
Authors: Lind Majse , Isaacowitz Derek
Published: November 2019

Situation selection is a form of activity selection focused on the affective tone of potential choices. We investigated this type of emotional activity selection in everyday life during a longitudinal multi-burst study of middle-aged and older adults. In each burst, participants were asked to complete six phone-based assessments per day across five consecutive days, including a situation selection question about what type of emotional situation they would want to engage in at the time. They also reported on various emotion regulation strategies. Both age groups favored positive activities, but older adults preferred positive-deactivated activities whereas middle-aged adults favored positive-activated activities. Both middle-aged and older adults reported more attention towards positive relative to negative thoughts. Greater attention to positive thoughts was associated with the tendency to select more positive activities across age groups. Both age and emotion regulation strategy use may therefore contribute to choice of emotional activities in everyday life.
IS THE PATH EASIER ON THE BRIGHTER SIDE? OPTIMISM AND DAILY STRESS PROCESSES ACROSS 16 YEARS
Authors: Lee Lewina O , Spiro Avron , Mroczek Daniel K , Kubzansky Laura D
Published: November 2019

Accumulating evidence supports optimism as a health asset, yet little is known about underlying pathways. This study evaluates the long-term influence of optimism on exposure and affective reactivity to daily stressors. The sample comprised 233 community-dwelling men who completed a validated measure of optimism in 1986 (age: M=59, SD=6), and participated in up to three 8-day daily diary studies between 2002-10. Daily stressor occurrence, end-of-day positive affect (PA) and negative affect (NA) were assessed nightly in the diary studies. Results from multilevel structural equation modeling showed that optimism was unrelated to affective stress reactivity. However, higher optimism preceded lower overall NA and higher overall PA. Lower daily stressor exposure mediated the association from optimism to lower NA (indirect effect: B=-0.26, 95% Bayesian CI: -0.48, -0.09), but it did not account for the optimism-PA association. Our findings add to knowledge on pathways by which optimism promotes affective well-being in old age.
THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ACTOR-PARTNER OPTIMISM AND COGNITIVE ABILITY AMONG OLDER COUPLES
Authors: Chopik William J , Oh Jeewon , Kim Eric S
Published: November 2019

Optimism has been found to be associated with physical health and interpersonal well-being. Spouses also play an important role on people’s health especially in late life. Yet, little is known about how a spouse’s optimism might be associated with an individual’s cognitive health. This study examined how actor and partner optimism in couples are associated with cognitive ability. Results showed positive associations between actor optimism and cognitive ability (.03 ≤ rs ≤ .17), and partner optimism and cognitive ability (.03 ≤ rs ≤.04), which mostly persisted over time. Further, partner optimism moderated actor optimism. Although highly optimistic people had higher cognitive ability regardless of partner’s optimism (r = .02, p = .22), people particularly benefitted from being married to an optimist (r = .05, p < .001). These results suggest that we need to consider the context of spousal relationships when understanding optimism and cognitive health in older-adulthood.
OPTIMISM AND PAIN INTERFERENCE IN AGING WOMEN
Authors: Judge Stephanie T , Clasey Jodi L , Crofford Leslie J , Segerstrom Suzanne C
Published: November 2019

Pain limits individuals’ ability to engage in activities that promote well-being. This longitudinal-burst daily diary study tested reciprocal relationships among pain, optimism, pain interference, and activity in older women. Multilevel models tested between- and within-person relationships among these variables. Pain best predicted interference (person: γ001 = .227, SE = .022, p < .0001; wave: γ010 = .267, SE = .014, p < .0001; day: γ100 = .246, SE = .010, p < .0001); optimism best predicted activity (γ002 = .684, SE = .101, p < .0001). In linear regression models, baseline optimism (sr2 = 0.560, p < .0001), less interference (sr2 = 0.064, p < .0001), and more activity (sr2 = 0.015, p = .013) predicted higher end-of-study optimism. Ultimately, more optimistic women were significantly more active than less optimistic women, and less interference and more activity promoted increased optimism, creating a virtuous cycle that enhances well-being among older women.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN THE PREVALENCE AND INCIDENCE OF COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT: DOES IMMIGRATION MATTER?
Authors: Tang Fengyan , Tang Fengyan , Li Ke , Chi Iris , Dong XinQi
Published: November 2019

Using two waves of the PINE data, this study examined gender difference in the associations between immigration-related factors and cognitive impairment (CI). CI was assessed by the Chinese Mini-Mental State Examination (C-MMSE). CI prevalence was determined by C-MMSE < 18 at baseline; incidence was the percentage of the respondents whose C-MMSE > 18 at baseline but dropped below 18 at Wave 2. We found 7.62% CI prevalence and 5.12% incidence rate. Women were more likely than men to have CI, consisting of 77.06% and 75.20% among persons with CI at two time points. Older Chinese women were generally disadvantaged in cognition and overall health compared with older men. Yet immigration experience does not link to CI for both men and women after controlling the well-established effects of age and education. Future research needs to investigate what biological and contextual factors earlier in life are predictive of late-life CI risk.
EXPLORING THE MULTIDIMENSIONAL BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL PATHWAYS LINKING SOCIAL STATUS AND HEALTH AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Farmer Heather R , Thierry Amy , Wray Linda A
Published: November 2019

An abundant literature has documented the social patterning of health, where those with lower social status experience poorer outcomes relative to those with higher status. This symposium examines how social status (e.g., age, race/ethnicity, gender, and SES) impacts various aspects of midlife and older adults’ lives and their psychological and physical health. The research presented in this symposium lend support to utilizing a biopsychosocial framework for understanding mechanisms of health and aging. First, Heather Farmer et al. will explore race and gender differences in elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation linked to poor acute and chronic outcomes, using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Linda Wray and Amy Thierry will use HRS data to test whether race/ethnicity and sex interact to produce unequal outcomes in functional status. Jen Wong et al. will utilize data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) survey to investigate the moderating influences of age, gender, marital status, and social support on caregiving and psychological well-being. Collin Mueller and Heather Farmer will use HRS data to examine how perceptions of unfair treatment are associated with healthcare satisfaction and self-rated health across Black, Latinx, and White subpopulations. Taken together, this work highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to better address physical and mental health disparities over the life course. After attending this session, participants will have a stronger understanding of how social status shapes important outcomes in older adults’ lives and some of the mechanisms responsible for these variations.
PUTTING THE CONTEXT BACK INTO THE DEBATE ON EXTENDED WORKING LIFE
Authors: Krekula Clary
Published: November 2019

Policy on extended working life has tended to focus on individuals. The debate has to a great extent described older people as the problem and their current retirement trends as problematic as well as selfish, uninformed, out-dated and a threat to welfare provision and benefits. This depicts the political initiatives as a phenomenon disconnected from social, political and economic trends. This presentation reintroduces the context, by locating the role of policies to extend working lives as forming part of a neoliberal policy agenda. Starting from the understanding that policies are proactive measures which focus on some aspects and play down others, this paper analyses international policies from the EU and OECD and also government policies from 34 European countries. The results draw attention to the narrow and contradictory ways in which the issue is often framed, and how this relegates related new inequalities to the background.
HOME HEALTH CARE AS A PREDICTOR OF SURVIVAL AMONG PEOPLE LIVING WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS
Authors: Jarrín Olga F , Nyandege Abner , Grafova Irina B
Published: November 2019

Over the past 10 years, dementia care has been shifting to the community; however, there are significant regional and sociodemographic differences in the use of formal home health care services. Does the use of home health care improve survival and other outcomes among people diagnosed with dementia? The aim of the study was to determine the individual, societal, and health systems predictors of survival after a diagnosis of dementia. Using linked Medicare administrative, claims, and assessment data (N = 4,349,565); we found that home health care significantly reduced risk of death for males, but not females. This effect was strongest among older adults between the ages of 65 and 80. While men who were living alone or in a congregate/assisted living environment benefited the most (O.R. = 0.87) the effect was also strong for men living with a spouse or other caregiver (O.R. = 0.90). These findings suggest home health care may provide a survival advantage for men through the provision of rehabilitative and supportive services, as well as patient and family caregiver education. Further research is needed to understand if sex based survival differences are associated with the intensity of home health care services provided or social determinants of health.
SUICIDE RISK ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF TRANSITION TO LONG-TERM CARE
Authors: Lane Douglas W
Published: November 2019

The transition from independent living to living in a supported care facility can create significant emotional stress for the older person undergoing the move. From the perspective of suicide risk management, it is vital to appreciate the potential increase in risk associated with this period of adjustment. In this case-based talk, we will discuss key issues in assessing and managing suicide risk in this context. Factors in risk management to be discussed include the person’s social/family context, baseline psychological status, coping assets, and intraindividual values and diversity characteristics. Emphasis will be placed on the need for active assessment, mobilization of resiliency factors, and monitoring during the phase of adjustment. The need to ensure coordination of care across settings will be discussed as well. Finally, we will identify the ways in which the transition can be undermined by ageism on the part of professionals and/or the person’s loved ones.
HARDWIRED BIOLOGY AND LIGHT-BULB MOMENTS: DIVERGENT DISCOURSES AND LIFE TRAJECTORIES OF OLDER BISEXUAL WOMEN
Authors: Jen Sarah
Published: November 2019

Older bisexual women report a less positive sense of their sexual identity, less belonging in LGBTQ communities, and worse mental health outcomes compared to lesbian counterparts. These patterns are consistent with those identified among younger bisexual cohorts and appear to be connected to how bisexual identities are perceived and experienced; however, sexual identities take on unique meaning by gender and age and across historical contexts. To explore how older bisexual women construct and make meaning out of bisexual identities, this study applied a Foucauldian discursive and critical feminist conceptual framing to examine semi-structured interviews with bisexual women ages 60 and older (N=13). Findings reveal two divergent groups of women, the Early Emergers and Mature Migrators, who differ in their constructions of bisexuality and the timing of their first experienced attractions to other women. While the Early Emergers construct bisexuality as a stable, “hardwired” biological concept, the Mature Migrators challenge this narrative by emphasizing the fluidity of sexuality through discourses of migration spurred by “light bulb” moments in which they first recognized their attractions to women. This study illustrates the contributions of discourse analysis in revealing nuanced constructions of life course histories as well as the need for acknowledgment of life context in research and practice with older bisexual individuals. Scholars and practitioners must intentionally critique and contribute to discourses of bisexuality in later life.
PRODUCTIVE ACTIVITIES AND LONELINESS AMONG JAPANESE MIDLIFE AND OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Wang Yang , Wang Yihan , Kohlbacher Florian , Gonzales Ernest
Published: November 2019

Background: Loneliness among older population is a public health concern shared worldwide. Using the motivational theory for life-span development, this study examined the associations between loneliness (social and emotional) and productive activities among midlife and older adults in Japan. Methods: The Japanese National Data on Lifestyle and Mental Health, a nationally representative sample of midlife and older adults (2011, N=1,575), were used to examine how employment, volunteering, helping family and friends, and informal caregiving was associated with social and emotional loneliness, controlling for multiple risk and protective factors. Results: Family caregiving was related to more social loneliness. Working, helping family, and volunteering were related to less emotional loneliness, while family caregiving was related to more emotional loneliness. Japanese male caregivers reported more social isolation compared to female caregivers. Face-to-face interactions reduced emotional loneliness among caregivers. Discussion: Findings underscored the nuanced difference of social loneliness and emotional loneliness. Social policies that advance productive aging should recognize “unintended consequences” and aim to protect older adults from social and emotional loneliness. Counselling services and social support programs specifically for Japanese male caregivers are warranted.
HETEROGENEITY IN MULTIDIMENSIONAL DEPENDENCY IN OLDER ADULTS IN MEXICO: A LATENT CLASS ANALYSIS APPROACH
Authors: Rely Kely , Vargas-Chanes Delfino , García-Peña Carmen , Gutiérrez-Robledo Luis Miguel , Wong Rebeca , Ramírez-Aldana Ricardo
Published: November 2019

Background: The number of older adults expected to increase over the coming decades, the public health impact in this population may be substantial, and a greater understanding of the structure underlying risk factor presentation as a potential source of heterogeneity is critical. Objective: Identify and characterize profiles of dependency status in a population of dependent elderly individuals. Methods: The present study is based on the first wave of the Mexican Health Aging Study (MHAS). We included subjects aged 50 or older (n = 13,463 respondents interviewed in 2001). We performed Latent Class Analysis on four domains in older adults’ indicators (physical, psychological, economic and social) to identify distinct classes of dependency profiles. We used LCA to group individuals into homogenous categories of dependency based on observed domains of multidimensional dependency. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to examine the sociodemographic characteristics associated with each profile. Results: A 4-class solution based on cognitive performance at baseline was the best-fitting model. We characterized the four distinct classes of dependency profiles: active older adult, low, moderate and severe dependency that encompassed multiple dimensions of dependence. Using the “active older adult” class as the reference group, severe dependency, low dependency, and moderate dependency class were more likely to contain females, low education level and poor quality of life 3) the moderate dependency class was less likely to contain cigarette smoking and alcohol user. Conclusions: This study suggests that dependency do not follow a uniform adjustment pattern during the aging process, which reconciles inconsistent previous findings.