bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating Technology Acceptance and Behavior Change Theories to Guide Technology Interventions
Authors: Harris Maurita , Rogers Wendy
Published: December 2020

Technology interventions are commonly proposed as an effective means to support health self-management in older adults. For such interventions to be successful, we must identify individuals who are willing to adopt and adhere to these technologies. The general Technology Acceptance Model (TAM; Davis 1989) has been widely used to predict intentions to adopt technology in a variety of contexts. Likewise, the Theory of Planned Behavior (Azjen, 1991) has long been used to provide insights about health behaviors. These theories share three common stages: attitudes, behavior intentions, and acceptance. However, neither perspective provides insight into continued utilization of a technology tool (i.e., long-term adoption). Our goal is to integrate these models with the Transtheoretic Model of Behavior Change (Prochaska & Velicer, 1997) to provide insights that can help design technological interventions for older adults who want to change a health behavior and maintain that change over time.
Building National Capacity for Dementia Caregiving Research: The NIA Edward R. Roybal Centers
Authors: Davidson Karina , Hughes Susan , Kaye Jeffrey , Halpern Scott , Hepburn Kenneth , Heffner Kathi
Published: December 2020

The NIA Edward R. Roybal Centers for Translational Research in the Behavioral and Social Sciences of Aging aim to translate and integrate basic behavioral and social research findings into principle-driven interventions aimed at innovatively improving both the lives of older people and the capacity of institutions to adapt to societal aging. Newly funded Centers focus on interventions to promote caregiving mastery, integrate the use of technology in care support to improve assessments and interventions in care provision, develop behavioral interventions to reduce isolation and promote social connectedness in caregivers, promote health in racial/ethnic minorities, and apply insights from data science and behavioral economics to improve palliative care delivery and long-term support facilities for persons with dementia and their caregivers. Center leaders will present an overview of their cutting-edge, early-stage research projects based on the NIH Stage model conceptual framework and discuss implications for improving care of caregivers and patients.
Digital Tools to Enhance Caregiver-Centered Communication
Authors: Oliver Debra Parker
Published: December 2020

While it is recognized that caregiver engagement can improve processes and outcomes of care in gerontology, there are barriers to caregiver centered communication, including limited resources for health systems to devote services specifically to families, geographic distance and lack of time. Digital tools such as social media platforms and video-conferencing introduce opportunities for remote and often asynchronous communication. In this presentation, we discuss findings from two randomized clinical trials that explored digital tools to empower family caregivers. In the first we examined ways to use video-conferencing to enable family caregivers to become virtual team members during hospice interdisciplinary teams, and in the second trial we examine the use of secret Facebook groups to meet informational and emotional needs of family caregivers during episodes of care that are often linked to increased social isolation and loneliness. We discuss challenges and opportunities in designing digital tools to facilitate caregiver engagement and empowerment.
Profiles of Family and Friend Caregivers of Community-Dwelling People With Dementia: A Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Jutkowitz Eric , Mitchell Lauren , Gaugler Joseph
Published: December 2020

People living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) receive most of their care from family/friends, but little is known about the organization of this care. We used data from the Health and Retirement Study and latent class analysis to determine variation in the hours of care received by community-dwelling people with ADRD from disease onset up to 6-years post onset. At incidence (n=1,158), the latent class analysis identified two groups of caregiving patterns. In the first group, 10% (n=109) of people with ADRD received 481 hours (SD=177) of care. Most care was provided by a spouse (411 hours) with less from children (28 hours), other family/friends (17 hours), and paid individuals (25 hours). In the second latent class, the remaining 90% (n=1,049) of people with ADRD received 114 hours (SD=202) of care which was distributed between spouses (12 hours), children (51 hours), other relatives/friends (22 hours), and paid individuals (29 hours). By 6-years post incidence, 7% (n=76) of the original ADRD cohort remained in the community, and we identified two latent classes independent of those identified at incidence. Almost 15% (n=11) of people with ADRD received a majority of care from a spouse (376 hours) with care supplemented by children (10 hours) and paid individuals (54 hours). The remaining 85% (n=65) of people with ADRD received 294 (SD=314) hours of care from spouses (13 hours), children (104 hours), other family/friends (83 hours), and paid individuals (67 hours). Policies/interventions supporting caregivers must account for the heterogeneity in the organization caregivers.
Contributors to and Consequences of Poor Sleep in Older Adults: Biopsychosocial Perspectives
Authors: Spira Adam , Stone Katie
Published: December 2020

Sleep is a significant contributor to health and wellbeing across the lifespan, especially in later life. Poor sleep is common among older adults and can be both a risk factor for and consequence of numerous physical and mental health-related outcomes. In this symposium, we will present novel results from four studies that will advance understanding of the biological, psychological, and social factors that may contribute to or result from poor sleep in older adults. Specifically, Study 1 will present findings tying objectively measured sleep to performance on cognitive tasks administered using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) in the day-to-day lives of older adults with or without mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Study 2 will examine associations of personality dimensions and facets with insomnia symptoms in well-functioning older adults. Study 3 will examine psychological pathways linking parent-child relationships to subjective and objective sleep characteristics among older parents. Finally, study 4 will examine use patterns of cannabis for the treatment of sleep problems in older adults, and the ways in which this might differ from patients using cannabis for other reasons (e.g., pain). Together, this symposium will highlight novel links of an array of factors with sleep health in the aging population and their implications for prevention. Sleep, Circadian Rhythms and Aging Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.
Does the Sharing of Resources Impact Health Among Married Couples? New Findings From Dyadic Models
Authors: Wang Shuangshuang , Kim Kyungmin , Lyons Karen
Published: December 2020

As married couples aging together, their health behaviors and outcomes could be shaped by both one’s own and the spouse’s characteristics. Using dyadic datasets, speakers in this symposium explored the interdependence nature of marital relations by identifying the mechanisms of how shared resources or strains affect spouses’ physical and mental health outcomes among married couples. Wang, Kim, and Burr identified distinct types of personality configurations among older couples using the Health and Retirement Study, and examined how personality compatibilities could buffer negative effects of adverse life events on older couples’ mental health. Using data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project, Proulx, Skoblow, and Han further investigated the associations between marital quality and mental health among caregiving dyads, with a special focus on a comparison of different caregiving groups (spouse, child, others). From a physical health perspective, Wilson and Novak presented the dynamic behind relationship quality, joint health behaviors, health problems, health satisfaction, and health similarity between spouses. Finally, Kim, Jang, Park, and Chiriboga focused on couple contexts for acculturation among older Korean immigrants in the U.S., and examined how each spousal acculturation level affects healthcare utilization and difficulties in health service use. Focusing on married couples, this symposium showcases the interplay of family experiences, health behaviors, and relational dynamics of both spouses in shaping their health, and highlights the benefits of dyadic approaches. Speakers and our discussant, Dr. Karen Lyons, will discuss implications for social program design and future research.
Couples' Joint Health Behaviors Predict Better Health and Stronger Resemblance Between Partners
Authors: Wilson Stephanie , Novak Joshua
Published: December 2020

Satisfying marriages pose benefits and possible risks to health. Indeed, high-quality relationships boost emotional resources and encourage healthy behaviors. However, stress and its adverse health effects also spread more easily in close relationships. To examine the relevance of joint health behaviors for health indicators and partners’ health similarity, 227 couples age 23-84 reported their frequency of co-sleeping, exercising together, and sharing meals; relationship satisfaction; health satisfaction; recent medical visits; and health problems. Happier couples shared more joint health behaviors than unhappier counterparts. In turn, joint health behaviors predicted greater health satisfaction and more similar rates of health problems between partners. In particular, exercising together predicted greater health satisfaction, fewer health problems, and greater health similarity. Controlling for diet, sedentariness, and sleep, findings revealed that joint health behaviors—a characteristic of happy relationships—are linked to not only better health and greater health satisfaction, but also greater health similarity between partners.
Acculturation and Healthcare Utilization Among Older Korean Immigrants: A Dyadic Study of Married Couples
Authors: Kim Kyungmin , Jang Yuri , Park Nan Sook , Chiriboga David
Published: December 2020

Research has focused on the socioeconomic/cultural characteristics of individuals to address health disparities among immigrant populations. Dyadic studies of acculturation and healthcare utilization among older immigrants are rare. Using data from 263 older Korean immigrant couples in the U.S. (Mean_age = 74.75 for husbands; 71.03 for wives), this study examined how each spousal acculturation levels (e.g., English proficiency, familiarity with American culture) are associated with healthcare utilization (e.g., usual source of care, medical checkup) and difficulty in using health services, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Overall, husbands showed higher levels of acculturation than their wives, but there was also substantial similarity between spouses (ICC = .58). For healthcare utilization, one’s own acculturation (actor effect) was significant only for wives, but spouse’s acculturation (partner effect) was significant only for husbands. For difficulty in health service use, one’s own acculturation was significant for both spouses, but spouse’s acculturation was significant only for husbands.
Triple Jeopardy? Stress Among Dementia Caregivers Through the Lens of Intersectionality
Authors: Liu Ruotong , Chi Iris
Published: December 2020

Despite the benefits to economy and public health, caregivers are negatively affected by caregiving activities. Dementia caregivers, compared to other caregivers, are experiencing higher levels of stress, due to reasons such as the care recipients’ changes in personalities and behaviors. Previous studies have documented differences in caregiver stress across gender and racial/ethnic groups. However, few studies have looked into caregiving differences within both gender and race/ethnicity through an intersectionality framework. This paper seeks to explore what are the differences in caregiving stress across the intersectionality of race and gender. Using Round 5 and Round 7 of NSOC and NHATS data, we examined differences in caregiver stress across and within different gender and racial/ethnic groups in terms of financial, emotional, and physical stress. 1,206 caregivers were included with 61% female, 50% White, and 32% Black caregivers. Logistic regression results indicate that female is less likely to have financial stress, but more likely to experience emotional stress. Compared to White, Black caregivers are worse off financially but better off physically. Both Black and other racial/ethnic caregivers are less likely to have emotional stress. Within the intersectionality framework, compared to White female, Black male are 3.4 times more likely to experience financial stress, all the other groups are 38%-71% less likely to have emotional stress, and Black female are 53% less likely to have physical stress compared to White female. The findings highlighted that in order to develop more effective interventions or policies, unique areas are to be focused for different population subgroups.
Emotion Regulation Training May Improve Stress, Depression, Anxiety, and Physical Activity
Authors: Wierenga Kelly , Fresco David , Alder Megan , Moore Shirley
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this two-arm randomized controlled pilot study was to assess initial efficacy of the theoretically-based RENEwS intervention, designed to improve emotion regulation and thereby decrease depression and anxiety and increase moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) following a cardiac event. Participants (n=30, 83% men) recruited from cardiac rehabilitation were randomized to five weekly 1-hour sessions of RENEwS intervention or active control. Although this trial was not powered for confirmatory efficacy (p’s > .02, but many greater than .05), RENEwS participants evidenced an advantage over Control participants in terms of reductions in stress (Cohen’s f = .47), depression symptoms (Cohen’s f = .34), anxiety symptoms (Cohen’s f = .40) but only modest improvements in MVPA from baseline to 5 months (Cohen’s f = .08). Findings support potential efficacy and testing RENEwS in a larger sample.
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Outcomes Across Healthcare and Community Settings for Individuals With Dementia
Authors: Gallamore Randy
Published: December 2020

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is an evidenced-based intervention for individuals with mild to moderate dementia. Originally developed in the U.K., CST has been adapted in several areas of the United States as a meaningful group intervention to help aid in recall and reminiscence for this population. Adaptations of CST have now been developed, including the application of these groups in medical and healthcare settings. However, no study to date has compared memory and mood outcomes of community CST groups to healthcare CST groups. This study will examine the differences in memory, mood and physical mobility scores across both rural and urban settings where CST is used. Two-hundred and sixty-six total participants who have completed all 14 sessions were analyzed, with 150 who participated in a rural hospital and 116 who were in community or university settings. Preliminary data shows that CST is an intervention that can be used effectively in both environments. The results from this study show that improvements in scores were seen in both community (SLUM = +1.75; Cornell = -1.41) and healthcare settings (SLUM = +2.59; Cornell = -2.63). CST might be a meaningful intervention to also help in decrease depression and loneliness in this population. Continued group interventions should be developed in medical and healthcare settings as a resource for patients and family members with dementia-related disorders. There should also be further consideration on the factors that impacted the difference between the two settings.
Housing and Environmental Uncertainty in Constructions of Exclusion Arising From Critical Life-Course Ruptures
Authors: Walsh Kieran , Urbaniak Anna , Carroll Bridin
Published: December 2020

There is growing recognition that the older adult life course can involve critical transitions that function as significant sources of adversity, and ruptures in life trajectories. While knowledge about how these ruptures generate multidimensional disadvantage remains underdeveloped, less is known about how they are spatially constituted and how their processes and outcomes may be mediated by older peoples’ relationship with place. Utilizing a ‘sense of home’ as a conceptual orientation, this paper explores the role of place in social exclusion arising from life-course ruptures. Focusing on bereavement, dementia on-set and forced migration, it draws data from 45 life-course interviews. Place (e.g. home environment and the wider community) was involved in three ways: as a component of the rupture; as a life domain where people experience exclusion; and as a mediator of exclusionary processes. Circularity is observed, with perceived environmental uncertainty intensifying effects of rupture-related exclusion, further contributing to that uncertainty.
Examining the Relation Among Subjective Age and Working Memory in Old Age on a High-Frequency Basis Across 7 Days
Authors: Lücke Anna , Siebert Jelena , Schilling Oliver , Gerstorf Denis , Kunzmann Ute , Kornadt Anna , Weiss David , Wahl Hans-Werner
Published: December 2020

While increasing longitudinal evidence suggests that negative age views accelerate cognitive decline and increase dementia risk, we know little about such co-variance dynamics on a daily basis. We make use of subjective age and working memory performance data obtained six times a day over seven consecutive days as people went about their daily routines from 123 young-old (aged 66-69 years, 47.2% women) and 42 old-old (aged 86-90 years, 55.8% women) adults. Notably, multilevel models revealed considerably-sized short-term intra-individual variation of subjective age and working memory within days and these short-term within-day fluctuations in subjective age and working memory were coupled as expected. Hence, increased subjective age went along with lowered working memory confirming previous research. However, the respective between-day associations appeared reversed. Given this evidence of correlated short-term variability, we also discuss implications of different change dynamics that might explain moment-to-moment versus day-to-day associations between subjective age and working memory.
Evaluating Daily Versus Global Stress Appraisals’ Sensitivity to Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Cerino Eric , Scott Stacey , Zhaoyang Ruixue , Lipton Richard , Sliwinski Martin
Published: December 2020

Stress is an important correlate of cognitive aging that manifests in everyday life. Infrequent trait-based stress measures may not be as sensitive to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) as ecological momentary assessments (EMA). We compared EMA to global trait-based stress measures in discriminating MCI. A sample of 248 adults from the Einstein Aging Study (Mage=77.33 years, SD=5.04; 68 with MCI) were prompted to report whether a stressor occurred and to rate the severity up to four times daily for 14 days. Global perceived stress and neuroticism were assessed at baseline. Although MCI status was unrelated to stressor frequency (p>.05), individuals with MCI appraised their daily stressors as more severe than cognitively intact participants (p=.03). No MCI-related differences emerged on global stress or neuroticism assessments (ps>.05). Results suggest everyday stress markers may be more sensitive to differentiating MCI than global assessments and point toward their utility for early identification of pathological declines.
Questionnaire-Based Everyday Reaction Time: Reliable, Valid, and Unobtrusive Measure of Cognition
Authors: Roque Nelson , Sliwinski Martin , Ram Nilam
Published: December 2020

Experience sampling paradigms provide new opportunity for early identification of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We investigated two research questions: (1) is time to complete a repeatedly administered survey (i.e., questionnaire-based everyday reaction time, q*bert) a reliable and valid measure of cognition? (2) does this measure distinguish MCI status? To answer these questions, we leveraged ecological momentary assessment (EMA) data from the Einstein Aging Study, where older adults (N=240) completed six daily surveys and cognitive assessments on smartphones over 14 days. Q*bert had good between-person reliability after two days (~11 EMAs) and excellent reliability from three to fourteen days. Q*bert moderately correlated with ambulatory cognitive measures of processing speed and memory binding (p’s < .001) and was significantly slower in those with MCI (p < .001). We propose q*bert as a reliable, valid, and unobtrusive measure of cognition when ambulatory cognitive assessments are not feasible.
Interdiscliplinary Perspectives on Aging at Home Alone With Neurocognitive Impairment
Authors: Girling Laura , Doyle Patrick
Published: December 2020

Nearly 48 million individuals worldwide have a neurocognitive disorder with projections estimating that as many as 75 million may be afflicted by 2050.Although approximations vary, a substantial portion of those affected live in the community alone, accounting for up to one-third of cases. The true proportion of persons with neurocognitive disorders living alone in the community may be underestimated as dementias are often underdiagnosed and underreported. As the baby boom generation ages and trends towards nuclear families, geographic dispersion of families, and fewer children continue, the number of live-alone persons with neurocognitive impairment is anticipated to rise; creating increased potential for difficult, ambiguous circumstances involving the rights and needs of this population. Despite these trends, available information about this population remains limited. This symposium represents papers from social gerontology, bioethics, and policy; offering unique, but complimentary perspectives on live-alone persons with neurocognitive impairment. The four papers explore 1) how non-traditional & absent support networks impact one’s ability to live alone with dementia [NIA funded], 2) social isolation and vulnerabilities of living alone with dementia [NIA-funded], 3) how bioethics can inform gerontological dementia research [NIA bioethics supplement], and 4) exploration of how law enforcement and adult protective services policies influence the precarity of living alone with dementia. Together, these papers illuminate the importance of actively including live-alone persons with dementia into research and assessing this overlooked vulnerable population from multiple research perspectives (social science, policy, bioethics).
I’m Very Cautious About Who I Let Into My World: Social Vulnerability for People Living Alone With Dementia
Authors: de Medeiros Kate , Girling Laura
Published: December 2020

Living alone with Alzheimer’s and related dementias (ADRD) can have many risks including social vulnerability that leads to loneliness. This paper reports findings from 9 people living alone with ADRD who completed in-depth, face-to-face interviews as part of a larger, NIA-sponsored study. Narrative data were analyzed using ATLAS. ti. Thematic findings revealed that although participants received supports (e.g., financial, meal preparation) from others, they lacked opportunities to participate in meaningful engagements with people of their choice (e.g., a friend who lives too far away, a son who is busy). In addition to loneliness resulting from lack of control over their social networks, many also reported that personal changes (e.g., difficulties eating) made them hesitant to seek social engagements. Overall, this paper underscores the need for social programs that extend beyond health-related outcomes and instead speak to subjective wellbeing and social connectivity for this population.
Adult Protective Services and Law Enforcement: Does It Add or Subtract to the Precarity of Living Alone With Dementia?
Authors: Splaine Michael
Published: December 2020

In 2014, more than 12.5 million people age 65+ lived alone in the U.S. Of these, approximately one third had a cognitive impairment. Although protective services may identify risks to such individuals, they may not have a full understanding of the notion of precarity, or the looming uncertainty regarding space and place, that solo dwellers experience. This presentation explores the tension between the intentions of protective services and the experience of precarity for persons living alone. More specifically, persons living alone with dementia participating in online groups and community events report feelings of risk of loss of autonomy and rights if their status becomes known. The presenter will review these impressions against current police and adult protective services policies and standard practices.
Using Ethics and Law to Address Sexuality in Long-Term Care
Authors: Teaster Pamela
Published: December 2020

Issues concerning the sexuality of older adults in long-term care have long presented an array of thorny conundrums for long-term care staff and administrators, for friends and family members, and, most importantly, for the residents themselves. At any one time, more than two million older adults reside in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, and the predominant trope of people who are helpless, demented, and asexual is at once inaccurate and unfair. Moreover, the important need for sexual intimacy remains a life-long, even when persons have worsening dementia and chronic illness. This presentation uses bona fide, de-identified case examples as a starting point for consideration. Drawing upon the extant literature, as well as best practices, this presentation applies ethical principalism (i.e., autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice) as well as current law to recommend practices and approaches to sexuality in long-term care.
Kinlessness and Social Isolation at the End of Life: Cross-National Comparisons
Authors: Mair Christine , Ornstein Katherine , Chen Feinian
Published: December 2020

Nearly all older adults cross-nationally rely on close family members to facilitate care at the end-of-life, but recent demographic shifts toward declining fertility and marriage rates have yielded an unprecedented increase in older adults who lack traditional family ties (“kinless”). “Kinless” older adults may be at risk for social isolation, lack of caregiving options, and poorer end-of-life outcomes, and these risks may be buffered or exacerbated by social and economic resources as well as country context. Because the potential impact of “kinlessness” on end-of-life outcomes cross-nationally is unknown and virtually unstudied, this symposium composed of overlapping, interdisciplinary research teams investigate if and how “kinlessness” is associated with end-of-life outcomes cross-nationally. Mudrazija and Ornstein analyze a sample of older European adults (SHARE) to predict location of death (e.g., home deaths) by family size, living alone, and size of social network. Plick, Ankuda, and Ornstein examine a sample of older American decedents (HRS) to predict end-of-life outcomes (e.g., hours of care received, location of death). Mair, Ornstein, Aldridge, and Thygesen explore associations between family structure and multiple end-of-life outcomes (e.g., hospitalizations, ICU visits, medical treatment) among the population of decedents aged 50+ from Denmark. Finally, Mair, Ornstein, Calvo, Donoso, and Medina explore family structure, social isolation, loneliness, and end-of-life outcomes among a sample of older adults from 20 countries (Gateway to Global Aging). These papers will be discussed by Feinian Chen, a family sociologist and social demographer who specializes in cross-national comparisons of older adults’ family structures, country context, and health.
Loneliness, Marital Quality, and Vascular Health Among Older U.S. Couples: A Longitudinal Dyadic Study
Authors: Stokes Jeffrey , Barooah Adrita
Published: December 2020

Loneliness is a contributor to later life declines in health, including vascular health. Importantly, loneliness is not restricted to those who lack close social ties: More than one-third of married U.S. older adults experience loneliness, and having a lonely spouse increases the likelihood of experiencing loneliness oneself. Thus, over time loneliness in either spouse may lead to worse health for both spouses. Using longitudinal dyadic data from the Health and Retirement Study (2008-2014), we estimated multilevel lagged dependent variable models to examine implications of both partners’ loneliness at baseline for each spouse’s HbA1c four years later. Findings revealed that effects of both partners’ loneliness were contingent upon marital quality: Own and partner’s loneliness led to increases in HbA1c when perceived marital support was low, but this was attenuated at higher levels of marital support. These results extend prior research concerning loneliness and vascular health, and loneliness as a relational experience.
Older LGBTQ Women Matter: An Examination of Distinctive Histories, End-of-Life Needs, and Support
Authors: Valenti Korijna
Published: December 2020

LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) aging research has reached a point at which in depth examination of the heterogenous experiences of identity, social life, and health is needed in order to better understand the distinct life courses and service needs of diverse subgroups. Older LGBTQ women have diverse life experiences and areas of need in terms of professional, social, and health-related supports and systems. As emerging literature addresses the depth of these distinctions, issues of identity development, social isolation, social networks, and end of life (EOL) planning and expectations require further study as well as the use of varied methods of data collection and analysis to enhance empirical understanding. This symposium includes findings from three studies. In a qualitative study, Valenti and colleagues examined experiences of LGB women over60 who had recently lost a spouse or partner and explored issues related to preparation and expectations at the EOL. In a discourse analysis of personal aging narratives published in the Bi Women’s Quarterly newsletter (including poetry, personal reflections, and short stories), Jen and colleagues examined how bisexuality is experienced and constructed through language use in context. Rowan and colleagues provide insights from interprofessional research with a specific focus on lesbian women in later life. All three presentations in this symposium illustrate how language, individual preferences and needs, and social support issues meet to inform the needs of LGBTQ older women as well as providing implications for future aging research, theory development, and interventions in practice.
Courage to Cobble Something New: Creative Representations of Bisexuality and Aging
Authors: Jen Sarah , Jones Rebecca
Published: December 2020

There are few cultural representations or scripts available for LGBTQ aging. Among bisexual and otherwise non-monosexual (bi+) women, stereotypes of hypersexuality exclude older adults while the contrasting experience of invisibility obscures the existence of bi+ aging. In this discourse analysis, we examined three issues of the Bi Women Quarterly (BWQ) newsletter published between 2014-2019 which were devoted to the intersection of aging and bisexuality. Data include 42 narratives, personal reflections, interviews, poems, letters, advice columns, and photos which were analyzed to identify linguistic tools, visual imagery, and broader discourses used to construct and convey the meaning and experience of bisexual aging. Themes include: 1) lacking a “blueprint” for bisexual lives, 2) significant “turning points,” 3) intergenerational (dis)connections across history, and 4) life-long patterns of discovery and disclosure. More visible and diverse narratives for bisexual aging might better enable bi+ individuals to envision and effectively plan for their own aging futures.
New Frontiers in Caregiving Research: Biopsychosocial Perspectives and Interventions
Authors: Savla Jyoti , Roberto Karen , Sapra Mamta
Published: December 2020

Although families embrace the opportunity to care for a loved one, caregiving is stressful and takes a toll on the caregiver’s health and well-being. Earlier studies of stress and coping among family caregivers focused on psychological outcomes and emotional well-being. In the last decade, stress researchers have broadened their focus to include biomarkers and health outcomes. Data from two studies of caregivers of persons with memory loss will be used to discuss two new frontiers of caregiving research. First, a daily-diary study will be used to identify the mechanism by which stress disrupts the physiological processes and proliferates into serious psychopathology and pre-clinical and clinical health conditions. Second, a mindfulness-based psychoeducational intervention study will be utilized to identify malleable factors that can be harnessed to lower stress and improve the well-being of family caregivers. Next steps for caregiving research in the context of demographic and technological trends will be discussed.
Why Age Matters in Higher Education
Authors: Montepare Joann
Published: December 2020

At the core of behavioral and social scientists’ work in the aging field is informing and supporting the well-being of individuals and their communities. With the shift in age demographics and the aging of our populations, broadening educational efforts are more important than ever. However, advancing knowledge about aging and creating age inclusive educational opportunities has been a challenge in higher education, reflecting its historical, age-segregated structure, among other things. The pioneering Age-Friendly University (AFU) initiative, recently endorsed by GSA’s Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE), offers a valuable set of guiding principles that institutions in higher education can use to assess the extent to which their programs and practices are age inclusive, as well as identify gaps and opportunities. This presentation will discuss how the time has come for scientists to help shape more age-friendly institutions, and what they can look like in the years to come.
Social Games: The Intersection of Established Reward Structures and Exercise for Older Rural Adults
Authors: Holley Lyn
Published: December 2020

A high percentage of older adults engages with games; however research about impacts of gaming on older adults is focused almost exclusively on games intended to strengthen cognitive health or slow age-related cognitive decline, very little relates gaming to exercise. Rural –dwelling older adults are underrepresented in this as in other health-related research. Nonetheless, recent developments that explore effectiveness of embedding positive health behaviors (including exercise) in established games such as Bingo hold great promise for addressing the endemic social isolation and chronically debilitating conditions often associated with rural aging. Using recent research with a challenging population group (rural Appalachian older adults) as an anchor for discussion, this paper describes the state of the art of such interventions and, through a multinational lens, finds that these suggest a new direction for gaming design that could enhance effectiveness of the use of gaming to improve health and happiness of rural adults. Part of a symposium sponsored by the Rural Aging Interest Group.
The National Institute of Mental Health: Research Agenda and Priorities in Geriatrics and Aging
Authors: Necka Elizabeth
Published: December 2020

The Geriatrics and Aging Processes Research Branch of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) supports research on the etiology, pathophysiology, and trajectory of late life mental disorders. The branch encourages research using neuroscience, cognitive and affective science, and social and behavioral science to translate basic and preclinical research to clinical research. The branch prioritizes research that investigates neuropsychiatric disorders of aging, how they interact with neurodevelopment/neurodegeneration, and how to assess, treat, and prevent them. Of particular interest is research on social isolation and suicide. Suicide prevention research is an urgent priority: NIMH’s portfolio includes projects aimed at identifying those at risk for suicide, understanding causes of suicide risk, developing suicide prevention interventions, and testing the effectiveness of these interventions and services in real-world settings. In this talk, a NIMH program official will discuss the NIMH research agenda in the domain of late-life mental illness, social isolation, and suicide.
Development of a Remote Assessment and Dynamic Response Intervention for Dementia-Related Care Needs
Authors: Miller Lyndsey , Reynolds Christina , Whitlatch Carol , Steele Joel , Kaye Jeffrey
Published: December 2020

Unmet dementia-related care needs are highly prevalent, and are detrimental to the care dyad’s health and well-being, safety, and ability to age in place. The goal of this study was to develop an ecologically-valid needs assessment and integrate it with aspects of the SHARE intervention to inform values-based care planning. Using digital behavioral data collected via an actigraphy watch and multimodal sensors installed in the homes of 76 older adult couples with and without dementia, we created a prototype of the objective measures informing READyR: time spent together or separate as a dyad, exits from the home, sleep habits, physical activity, daily weight, driving habits, and medication taking behavior. These digital behavioral data were then mapped onto care values (e.g. safety, avoiding burden & autonomy) to create a values-based needs assessment protocol that is tailored to the individual care dyad. Discussion will focus on future testing and applications of READyR.
Translating a Group-Based Dyadic Intervention for Early-Stage People and Their Care Partners for Spanish Speakers
Authors: Coon David , Cortes Marielysse , Gomez Abigail , Carbajal Berta , Gonzalez Maria , Cordova Lourdes , Weatherall Zenya
Published: December 2020

This presentation focuses on the development of and recruitment for a Spanish language version of EPIC, a group-based dyadic intervention for people with early-stage dementia (EPs) and their care partners (CPs). EPIC involves activities for the entire group together, separate EP or CP groups, and one individualized session for each dyad. EPIC builds on components of SHARE combined with strategies from other psychoeducational interventions (e.g., skills-training, care values clarification, care planning). Findings from 6 focus groups with Latino participants were used to help with cultural responsiveness such as fluent Spanish/bilingual staff, testimonials from Latino families affected by dementia, and minimization of “threatening” language for memory loss. Participants also provided suggestions for recruitment for Spanish speakers such as engaging promotores, using social media across generations, recruiting through Spanish language health classes, and recognizing the impact of the political environment. The presentation will review both recruitment successes and challenges using these approaches.
A Tale of Two Emotions: The Diverging Salience and Health Consequences of Calmness and Excitement in Old Age
Authors: Hamm Jeremy , Wrosch Carsten , Barlow Meaghan , Kunzmann Ute
Published: December 2020

Using two studies, we examined the late life prevalence and health consequences of discrete positive emotions posited to motivate rest and recovery (calmness) or pursuit of novelty and stimulation (excitement). Study 1 assessed the salience of these discrete emotions in older adults (n=73, Mage=73) relative to younger adults (n=73, Mage=23) over a one-week period. Multilevel models showed that older (vs. younger) adults reported higher calmness and lower excitement. Study 2 examined the longitudinal health consequences of calmness and excitement in old age (n=336, Mage=75), as moderated by perceived control. Multilevel growth models showed that calmness, but not excitement, buffered against 10-year declines in psychological well-being (perceived stress, depressive symptoms) and physical health (physical symptoms, chronic conditions) for older adults with low perceived control. Results suggest that positive emotions with disparate motivational functions become more (calmness) or less (excitement) salient and have diverging implications for health in old age.
Concerned Family Members’ Help-Seeking in Elder Family Financial Exploitation
Authors: Kilaberia Tina , Stum Marlene
Published: December 2020

This paper examines non-perpetrator family members’ experience of trying to help when faced with elder family financial exploitation. Utilizing data from a qualitative study of 28 Concerned Family Members (CFMs) who were primarily adult children of older victims, findings provide evidence of the critical role CFMs play in helping the victims. Six help-seeking tasks are identified, including gathering evidence, learning new systems, and taking on money management roles. CFMs often put the victim’s health and well-being before their own, becoming secondary victims in the process. CFMs experienced a wide range of costs to their individual health and well-being, including physical, emotional, psychological, social and financial dimensions (e.g. stress, depression, inability to sleep, isolation, harassment, threats to personal safety, physical abuse, attorney and court costs, time off work). Findings have implications for supporting CFMs and addressing practical and health-related needs as secondary victims.
Adaptations for TAP in a Long-Term Care Setting
Authors: Marx Katherine , Parker Lauren , Gitlin Laura
Published: December 2020

One of the most difficult aspects of caring for people living with dementia is managing neuropsychologic symptoms and functional decline. Although there are hundreds of efficacious non-pharmacologic interventions tested in homes, few are adapted for and tested in long-term care. The purpose of this pilot study was to identify the adaptations needed for the Tailored Activity Program (TAP) to make it feasible and acceptable in a long-term care facility. TAP provides tailored activities matched to interests and abilities to address dementia-related clinical symptoms. Two sites, under the umbrella of one company, participated. A total of five persons living with dementia, their family caregivers, two direct care staff and an interventionist participated, and occupational therapist who contracts with the site on a regular basis. Adaptations included shorter sessions and changes to forms to fit with workflows and documentation. Additional considerations challenging implementation of TAP included staff turn-over and training. Part of a symposium sponsored by the Behavioral Interventions for Older Adults Interest Group.
Positive Affect and Negative Emotional Responses to Daily Stressors
Authors: Leger Kate , Charles Susan , Almeida David
Published: December 2020

Positive affect is beneficial for regulating negative emotional responses to stressful events. Yet, few studies have examined if positive affect may attenuate negative affect the following day. We examined how both trait positive affect and state positive affect are associated with next day stressor-related negative emotions. Participants (N = 1,588) from the National Study of Daily Experiences II (NSDE II) and the Midlife in the United States survey (MIDUS II) answered questions about stressors and emotion across eight days. People high on trait positive affect reported less negative affect the day following a stressor. On days when people experienced a stressor and higher than average state positive affect, they experienced less negative emotion the following day. This held true regardless of whether people were high or low on trait positive affect. Positive affect can help explain both who and when people will have attenuated emotional responses to stressful events.
Trends in Health Expectancies by Late-Life Disadvantage: The Cognitive Function and Ageing Studies
Authors: Bennett Holly , Kingston Andrew , Spiers Gemma , Robinson Louise , Bambra Clare , Brayne Carol , Matthews Fiona , Jagger Carol
Published: December 2020

To understand how and why disability-free life expectancy (DFLE) trends differ by socioeconomic position (SEP) we use longitudinal data from the Cognitive Function and Ageing Studies (CFAS I: 1991; CFAS II: 2011), with two year follow up. Disability was defined as difficulty in activities of daily living, and SEP as area-level deprivation. Between 1991 and 2011, men aged 65 gained more in life expectancy (LE) than DFLE, with the greatest gain in DFLE for the most advantaged and in disability years for the most disadvantaged. The most advantaged men experienced a 60% reduction in the risk of death when disability-free, 30% reduction in incident disability, and 80% increase in recovery. The most disadvantaged experienced a 30% reduction of death but from disability. Women overall, and in the most advantaged groups, gained similar years of LE and DFLE to men but due to a 30% reduction in incident disability only.
Multimorbidity, Disadvantage, and Trends in Disability-Free Life Expectancy: The CFAS Studies
Authors: Kingston Andrew , Bennett Holly , Robinson Louise , Corner Lynne , Brayne Carol , Matthews Fiona , Jagger Carol
Published: December 2020

The combined contribution of multi-morbidity and socio-economic position (SEP) to trends in disability free life expectancy (DFLE) is unknown. We use longitudinal data from the Cognitive Function and Ageing Studies (CFAS I: 1991; CFAS II: 2011), with two year follow up. Disability was defined as difficulty in activities of daily living, and SEP as area-level deprivation. Multi-morbidity was constructed from nine self-reported health conditions and categorised as 0-1, 2-3, 4+ diseases. In 1991 and 2011, shorter total and disability-free years were associated with greater multi-morbidity. Between 1991 and 2011, gains in life expectancy and DFLE were observed at all levels of multi-morbidity, the greatest gain in DFLE being 4 years for men with 0-1 diseases. As multi-morbidity is more prevalent in more disadvantaged groups, further analyses will investigate whether SEP differences remain at all levels of multi-morbidity.
The Challenge of Confronting Ageism: Impressions of Targets and Bystanders Who Intervene
Authors: Horhota Michelle , Chasteen Alison , Schindwolf Monika
Published: December 2020

Does confronting ageism come with a cost? Benevolent ageism is viewed as more appropriate than hostile ageism which may lead to negative consequences for individuals who confront it. We examined whether impression costs are mitigated or exacerbated by the style of confrontation (moderate or strong) and the person who confronts (the target or a bystander). Young and older participants read a vignette and rated the target, perpetrator and bystander on warmth, competence, and the acceptability of each character’s actions. Participants rated targets who confronted more negatively than bystanders who confronted, and preferred moderate over strong confrontation. In addition, participants thought the perpetrator would be less likely to exhibit prejudicial behaviors again if the older target confronted the action rather than the bystander. This demonstrates the challenge that older adults face; confronting results in a negative impression of them but may be more effective in preventing ageist actions in the future.