bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF OBESITY THROUGH THE LIFECOURSE ON LATER-LIFE FUNCTIONING AND DEPENDENCY
Authors: Jagger Carol
Published: November 2019

Populations worldwide are seeing rising levels of obesity and its health consequences, particularly diabetes. Levels of childhood obesity are particularly high with concerns of how this will affect individuals’ health and functioning in mid and later life. Such research questions are difficult to answer as ideally they require longitudinal studies of cohorts from birth or childhood through to later life, with consistent measures of obesity and functioning throughout. The first two presentations in this session use the unique UK birth cohorts, the 1946 National Survey of Health and Development (1946-NSHD) and the 1958 National Child Development Study (1958-NCDS) with a focus on poor physical functioning (PF, i.e. the ability to perform physical tasks of daily living) in later life. Poor PF was defined as the lowest (gender and cohort-specific) 10% on the Short-form 36 subscale at 60-64y (1946-NSHD) and 50y (1958-NCDS). The presentations explore (i) how the timing of onset and duration of obesity, from childhood through to mid-life, affects later life PF, and (ii) whether the relationship between obesity and PF is mediated by physical inactivity. In the final presentation we utilise a new dynamic micro-simulation model, the Population Ageing and Care Simulation (PACSim) which simulates the ageing of a base population of individuals aged 35 years and over from three longitudinal studies (Understanding Society, the English Longitudinal Survey of Ageing, and the Cognitive Function and Ageing Study II) to examine the extent to which reducing obesity in mid life could potentially reduce later dependency and care needs.
CAN THE BRIEF INTERVIEW OF MENTAL STATUS (BIMS) IDENTIFY RISK FOR IMPAIRED IADLS DUE TO FUNCTIONAL COGNITIVE DEFICITS
Authors: Marks Timothy , Edwards Dorothy F , Al- heizan Muhammad O , Giles Gordon M
Published: November 2019

The Brief Interview of Mental Status (BIMS) was introduced to the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 as a cognitive screening tool. It includes temporal orientation and word recall (Saliba et al., 2012). This study examined the ability of the BIMS to identify impairment on performance-based functional cognitive screening tests that assess instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). We recruited a cross-sectional sample of 200 participants who met the following inclusion criteria: age 55 and older, living independently in the community, and able to read and communicate in English.. Participants ranged in age from 55 to 92 years (Mean 70.96:SD = 8.56),were predominantly White (68%) and female (65%). Participants were administered the BIMS and a battery of performance-based tests of functional cognition -the Performance Assessment of Self Care Skills and the Weekly Calendar Planning Activity (WCPA). There was a mismatch in screening results: Among Individuals identified as cognitively intact on the BIMS 22-45% were found to be impaired on the PASS and/or the WCPA. Sensitivity of the BIMS to identify impaired IADL function did not exceed .06, although specificities were high (< .95). These findings suggest that individuals categorized as cognitively normal by the BIMS may be impaired on more complex IADL tasks. Individuals classified as unimpaired on the BIMS, may benefit from more complex functional cognitive screening to further assess IADLs function to better estimate ability to live independently in the community. Performance based assessments can improve discharge planning by identifying elders at risk after hospitalization.
PROTOTYPE OF A VIRTUAL REALITY APPROACH TO INTEGRATE MENTAL HEALTH ACROSS GERONTOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: Ortiz Daniel Velez
Published: November 2019

Background: Puerto Ricans have the highest likelihood of psychiatric disorders among Latinos. This study developed and evaluated a prototype depression literacy curriculum; culturally grounded with perspectives and narratives of Puerto Rican older adults. The way a person determines need for services and decides to seek help has been found to be influenced by their perceptions of services and providers. McGuire (1989) presents the Communication Persuasion Model (CPM) that takes into account how persuasive communication changes attitudes and behaviors of consumers. Using the CPM as a theoretical foundation, this study presented a culturally grounded story through a Virtual Reality (VR) platform. Methods: A script was developed based on narratives of Puerto Rican older adults about depression. Filmed in 360° format and enhanced with supporting imagery, participants were presented two versions of the video, one with a VR headset and the other with a smartphone. Two focus group interviews were conducted with community-dwelling Puerto Rican older adults (n=14) in Orlando, FL. Results: Participants preferred the VR headset and found it was beneficial to educate about depression because it felt more immersive and encouraged an environment conducive to identifying their own experiences about depression. They noted that presenting the material with a case narrative was more culturally sensitive for the population. All participants needed minor assistance with operating technology. Conclusions and Implications: A narrative approach to depression literacy may be effective in personalizing messages. Assisted VR technology with supporting imagery may be efficacious and standardize positive messages to underrepresented and low resource populations.
A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF DIGITAL INTERVENTIONS ADDRESSING MENTAL DISORDERS AMONG THE ELDERLY POPULATION
Authors: Hossain Md Mahbub , Tasnim Samia , Sultana Abida , Hasan Nishat Tasnim , Mazumder Hoimonty , Khan Nusrat , Faizah Farah
Published: November 2019

Background: Many studies have reported the widespread application of digital technologies in improving mental health. However, little is known about how these technological advancements can help the geriatric population who suffer from a wide range of mental disorders. There is no extensive review of evidence which can guide effective policy-making and implementation of such interventions. Objectives: To identify digital interventions addressing mental disorders among elderly people and evaluate the outcomes of these interventions. Methodology: According to the PRISMA guidelines, we searched six major health databases and screened the literature using these criteria: 1) journal articles reporting an intervention delivered using any of the digital platforms, 2) the interventions aimed to improve at least one mental disorder among geriatric population, 3) articles published in English language, 4) studies conducted in in any settings and time frame reporting any of the mental health-related outcomes. Results: Among 4870 articles found in the preliminary literature search, only 19 studies met our criteria. Most of the studies (n=14) described digital interventions addressing depressive illness among the elderly population. However, many interventions targeted multiple mental conditions including dementia, stress, anxiety, mood disorders, phobia, and functional disabilities. These interventions used internet-based therapies, mindfulness, digital assistants, and applications improving mental health behavior and practices. Most of the interventions (n=12) were evaluated using randomized study designs. Reported outcomes included improved symptoms, better quality of living, emotional and functional advancements, and decreased cost of treatment. This evidence necessitates further research and application of such technologies to improve geriatric mental health.
WHAT IS THE EFFECT OF REDUCING OBESITY ON LATER-LIFE DEPENDENCY? FINDINGS FROM THE PACSIM MODEL
Authors: Kingston Andrew , Jagger Carol
Published: November 2019

Understanding the extent to which reducing obesity will help maintain independence in later life is of key importance in the goal to achieve healthy ageing. To investigate this we use a unique dynamic microsimulation model, the Population Ageing and Care Simulation (PACSim) model, formed from three Longitudinal studies: Understanding Society, the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, the Cognitive Function and Ageing Study II; with the base population of 303,589 individuals aged 35 years and over (a 1% random sample of the England population in 2014). PACSim simulates the characteristics (sociodemographic factors, health behaviours including overweight and obesity, chronic diseases and geriatric conditions) of individuals between 2014 and 2040, with transition probabilities for characteristics estimated by modelling state changes from baseline to two-year follow-up in the combined studies. We estimate the effect of different strategies for obesity reduction on years spent independent from age 55 between 2015 and 2030.
WE READ HIS PAL CARD AT THE FUNERAL: EVALUATING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A PERSON-CENTERED COMMUNICATION TOOL
Authors: Abbott Katherine M , Degenholtz Howard
Published: November 2019

This symposium describes the development and implementation of an interdisciplinary and novel person-centered care (PCC) communication tool in nursing homes (NH). PCC is a philosophy that recognizes “knowing the person” and honoring individual preferences. The communication tool is based on an assessment of NH resident likes and dislikes via the Preferences for Everyday Living Inventory (PELI). The PELI is an evidenced-based, validated instrument that can be used to enhance the delivery of PCC. In 2016, the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) mandated NHs use the PELI as one of the factors that determine the quality portion of their daily Medicaid reimbursement rate. The Preferences for Activity and Leisure (PAL) Card was developed to communicate important resident preferences across care team members. In 2018, the PAL Card Project was approved by the Ohio Department of Aging as a Quality Improvement Project. The first presentation will describe the implementation of PAL Cards with n=43 NH providers. The second presentation will present data regarding the acceptability, feasibility, and appropriateness of the communication tool as rated by providers. The final presentation explores provider qualitative responses regarding the characteristics of the PAL Card communication tool related to effective implementation. The Discussant, Dr. Howard Degenholtz will discuss the implications of initiatives to address the quality of resident care.
SOCIAL CAPITAL AND THE PET EFFECT
Authors: Phillips Judith Robertson R , Jimenez Edith , Nicholson Heather
Published: November 2019

Social capital such as positive relationships and social support play an important role in older adults’ well-being. Typically, researchers have investigated family and friends as providers of interpersonal resources to older adults but there has been an increasing trend to explore companion pets as providers of social capital and to investigate the impact of pet companionship on older adults’ psychological well-being. Inconsistencies have appeared in the literature though as to whether there is a “pet effect,” the positive benefit of companion pets on older adults’ psychological health. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether having a companion pet would provide greater social connection and better psychological well-being among 83 community-residing older adults (meanage = 62.87 years; males = 38; females = 45) who owned a companion pet, a dog (n= 53) , cat, (n= 21) or both (n= 9), versus 42 community-residing older adults (meanage = 65.69 years; males = 25; females = 17) who didn’t own companion pets. Analyses revealed that no “pet effect” was found for any measure of psychological well-being: self-reported loneliness, happiness, life satisfaction, or mental health. This was especially true for cat owners in that the more one viewed a cat as a family member, the lower one’s life satisfaction and happiness. In addition, as the number of cats in the household increased, the perceived social support from a significant other, family, and friends lowered. Discussion will focus on the implications of these results for pets as providers of social capital.
STAIR CLIMB TIME AND FUNCTIONAL POWER ASSOCIATIONS IN EARLY OLD AGE: SWAN
Authors: Strotmeyer Elsa , Lange-Maia Brittney S , Cauley Jane A , Dugan Sheila A , Khoudary Samar R El , Gabriel Kelley Pettee , Glynn Nancy W , Karvonen-Gutierrez Carrie A
Published: November 2019

Stair climbing assesses neuromuscular components of movement, including muscle power (force*velocity) which may decline earlier in aging vs. strength. We hypothesized age and age-related factor (N=1370; 65.5±2.7 years) associations to stair climb total time (sec), ascend lap time degradation (lap 1 minus 3), power (W/kg body weight) and power degradation (lap 1 minus 3). Adjusting for demographic, lifestyle and age-related comorbidity factors using multivariate linear regression, older age independently related to slower total time and lower power. Non-white ethnicity had slower total time (Black, Hispanic), higher ascend time degradation (Hispanic), and lower power (Hispanic, Chinese, Japanese) vs. Whites. Higher 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Modified Baecke physical activity scores indicated better performance: lower total time, higher power (SF-36 only), and less degradation in ascend time and power. Stair climb time and power in early old age may capture initial functional loss targets for interventions to prevent late-life disability.
THE ANTHROPOCENE AND THE LONGEVITY REVOLUTION
Authors: Choi Moon
Published: November 2019

The Anthropocene, a term popularized in 2010 by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Paul Crutzen, refers to the current epoch during which human beings have begun to have a significant impact on the earth, e.g., the environment and climate change. Global population has grown approximately seven-fold over the past 200 years, while average life expectancy at birth has dramatically increased due to improvements in nutrition, medicine, and technology. The human Longevity Revolution thus provides important evidence of the Anthropocene. Yet, in the face of the Anthropocene, contemporary lifestyles rooted in capitalism–continually seeking more and bigger–are not sustainable; changes are needed for humanity to “live long on the damaged planet.” This presentation will discuss the Longevity Revolution in the context of the theory and previous research on the Anthropocene, then suggest an agenda for future research related to the intersection between the Anthropocene and the Longevity Revolution.
INTERVENTION EFFECTS ON TARGET PROBLEMS EXPRESSED BY CAREGIVERS OF HOME-DWELLING PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Fortinsky Richard H , Gitlin Laura N , Piersol catherine V
Published: November 2019

Care of Persons with Dementia in their Environments (COPE) is an evidence-based in-home intervention designed to optimize function and activity engagement in persons with dementia (PWD), and teach family caregivers (CG) how to manage dementia care-related problems. In this presentation, we report problems expressed by CGs, and intervention effects on these problems and CG outcomes, in the COPE CT translational study. CGs randomized to COPE who completed the assessment phase (N=134) expressed a total of 409 target problems, grouped as managing PWD behavioral problems (32%), caring for themselves (30%), managing PWD daily activities (24%) and engaging PWD in meaningful activities (14%). Most problems were reduced (75%) or eliminated (21%) among CG completing the intervention. In preliminary outcome analyses, compared to CG not receiving COPE, CG receiving COPE were more likely to report improved ability to manage dementia-related cognitive and behavioral symptoms (p<0.001). Implications for scaling COPE will be discussed.
A MODEL OF CARE FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH IMPAIRED VISION OR BLINDNESS AT THE END OF LIFE
Authors: Morales Ximena , Blondet Ricardo , Milanez Marcos , Mandi Deepak , Lares Gabino , Silverman Michael A
Published: November 2019

Our objectives were to describe unique challenges of visually-impaired patients receiving end-of-life institutional care and to propose a model for the comprehensive care of the vision-impaired patients incorporating bedside techniques and advanced assistive technology. The prevalence of visual impairment in long-term care is increasing. Collaborating with our Blind Rehabilitation Center, we have summarized a care model including the identification of patients who have impaired vision and adjustments of daily routine. Care was consistently provided by staff with voices familiar to patients. Staff is trained to introduced themselves clearly by voice when entering the room. Patients engage in hobbies that are less dependent on vision, such as music therapy. Safety measures are taken to facilitate mobility. We describe the case of a 90-year-old WWII Veteran with dementia and dysphagia who was legally blind and required extensive assistance with his ADLs. Although initially calm, the patient eventually became delirious, reliving his time as a gunner in the Navy and believing he was firing on Japanese Kamikaze planes. After his visual impairment was addressed using the approach described above, the patient became calmer. Listening to his wife’s voice and enjoying his favorite gospel music helped him cope better with the situation until he died peacefully on hospice care. In conclusion, a model of care considering visual impairment was effective at alleviating distress. More emphasis needs to be placed on evaluating and managing sensory impairment when providing care for older adults approaching the end of life.
INTEREST GROUP SESSION—RURAL AGING: INNOVATIONS THAT SUPPORT RURAL OLDER ADULTS’ HEALTH AND WELL-BEING: MODELS, NETWORKS, CASE STUDIES, REFLECTIONS
Authors: O’Sullivan Roger , Holley Lyn , Guest Marc A
Published: November 2019

Access of rural older people to health and wellness services is limited and becoming progressively more limited as trends toward increasing centralization of Government and private services continue. “Top-down” or urban centric models for rural service delivery often miss context essential to effectiveness and sustainability. In this symposium, each presenter in this multidisciplinary group of researchers presents innovative, community-based interventions that address these challenges using different methodologies and in respect to different needs Maiden (Psychology) compares the utilization of mental health services by rural older adults over time with their need for such services. Through the lens of social gerontology Holley examines networks of support that have intersected successfully to generate local solutions to unmet needs of rural-dwelling older adults. Crowther and Ford within a nursing and care context explore community-based models that draw upon the role of culture to integrate care for rural older adults. Katz, from an adult development perspective, reports on an educational game-intervention developed to reduce cognitive decline which is tailored specifically for older adults in rural areas. Wiese presents evidence from a pilot home-based approach that demonstrates a model for increasing rates of AD detection and treatment in a rural retired farm worker community in Florida. Our discussant, an emerging scholar in the field of rural gerontology, will reflect on the major themes that emerge from these multidisciplinary perspectives, especially the role of intersecting networks in community-based innovations and rural aging.
IRVING S. WRIGHT AND VINCENT CRISTOFALO AWARD LECTURE
Authors: Lederman Stephanie , Herman Hattie
Published: November 2019

The Vincent Cristofalo Rising Star Award in Aging Research lecture will feature an address by the 2018 recipient, Nathan K. LeBrasseur, PT, PhD, of the Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, titled “Biomarkers of Senescent Cell Burden.” The Irving S. Wright Award of Distinction Lecture will feature an address by the 2018 recipient Pinchas Cohen, MD, of the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, titled “Mitochondrial System Biology as a Window Into Diseases of Aging.” These awards are given by the American Federation for Aging Research, Inc.
DIFFERENCES IN HOSPITALIZATIONS, ER ADMISSIONS, AND OUTPATIENT VISITS FOR MEXICAN-AMERICANS AGE 75 AND OLDER
Authors: Downer Brian , Snih Soham Al , Chou Lin-Na , Kuo Yong-Fang , Markides Kyriakos , Ottenbacher Kenneth
Published: November 2019

Few studies have investigated the healthcare utilization of Mexican-American Medicare beneficiaries. We used data from 1,196 Hispanic-EPESE participants aged >75 years that has been linked with Medicare claims to describe the healthcare utilization of older Mexican-Americans and determine common reasons for hospitalizations. Participants were followed for two-years (eight-quarters). We estimated the probability of >1 hospitalization, emergency room (ER) admissions, and outpatient visits per quarter. The percentage of participants who had >1 hospitalizations, ER admissions, and outpatient visits for each quarter ranged from 10.6%-13.2%, 14.6%-19.5%, and 77.2%-80.5%, respectively. Twenty-three percent of hospitalizations were for circulatory conditions and 17% were for respiratory conditions. Older age (OR=1.26) and Spanish language (OR=1.51) were associated with hospitalizations. Women had higher odds than men to have an outpatient visit (OR=1.61). Greater education was associated with ER admissions (OR=0.72). Continued research is needed to identify social determinants and health characteristics associated with healthcare utilization among older Mexican-Americans.
LONGITUDINAL CHANGE OF PHYSICAL AND COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS IN BLSA
Authors: Kuo Pei-Lun , Levine Morgan , Shardell Michelle , Resnick Susan , Simonsick Eleanor M , Schrack Jennifer A
Published: November 2019

Optimally integrating metrics of aging requires evaluating the metrics’ change with aging. We investigated longitudinal changes of physical and cognitive functions in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. Usual gait speed declined -0.08 m/s (p<0.001) per decade at age 60 years, -0.10 m/s (p<0.001) per decade at 65 years, and -0.13 m/s (p<0.001) per decade at 70 years, after adjusting for sex and height. No sex difference of gait speed decline was observed after adjustment for height. Time to finish Trails B, an indicator of executive function, increased 11.3 seconds per decade at 60 years, 17.7 seconds (p<0.001) per decade at 65 years, and 24.1 seconds (p<0.001) per decade at 70 years, after adjusting for sex, education, and race. No sex difference of longitudinal decline in executive function was observed. Linking these findings to physiological measures may unveil an important mechanism of aging.
RESILIENCE AND HEALTH AMONG CHINESE OLDER ADULTS: FINDINGS FROM THE U.S. AND CHINA
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wu Bei , Matchar David
Published: November 2019

The new framework of resilient aging has gained its importance in recent years. This symposium provides new findings on resilience and health among the Chinese population. Using data collected among 430 Chinese older adults in Honolulu, the first presentation examines resilience as an explanatory mechanism linking neighborhood social environment and well-being. Results showed that neighborhood cohesion was positively related to psychological well-being and life satisfaction. Resilience contributed to a substantial portion of the associations. Using the same data, the second presentation examines the association between immigrant status and oral health related quality of life (OHQoL) and the moderating role of resilience. Findings showed that U.S.-born Chinese immigrant older adults had better OHQoL than their foreign-born Chinese American counterparts. Resilience was positively associated with OHQoL for the former but not for the latter. The third paper presents findings from the same dataset along with a survey of 800 older adults in Wuhan, China. The positive relationship between attitudes towards aging and self-rated health (SRH) was found to be moderated by resilience such that higher levels of resilience weakened this association substantially. Both the positive focal relationship and the moderating effect appeared to be stronger among participants in Honolulu. Using both datasets, the fourth paper investigates patterns of intergenerational transfer and their relationships with SRH as well as the meditating effect of resilience. Findings highlighted the beneficial health effects of receiving emotional support from adult children as well as the mediating role of resilience for older females in both study sites.
SOCIOCULTURAL DETERMINANTS OF RACIAL HEALTH DISPARITIES ACROSS THE LIFECOURSE
Authors: Shaffer Nancy Chiles , Hill Carl V
Published: November 2019

Racial health disparities have been observed across the lifecourse. While some studies have attributed these disparities to underlying biomedical differences, a large body of research supports a sociocultural etiology. In this symposium we will demonstrate that observed racial differences in health outcomes are associated with sociocultural factors, and demonstrate effective strategies for assessing race and racial differences in qualitative and quantitative analyses. We will share an overview of health disparities and aging, highlighting the National Institute on Aging’s Health Disparities Research Framework. After this introduction, four speakers will present scientific projects that exemplify the breadth and depth of research assessing health disparities and social determinants of health across the lifecourse. Dr. Brown will present qualitative work on how social determinants are positively addressed through exercise. Dr. Chiles Shaffer will present findings demonstrating the contribution of financial burden and lower education to racial differences in healthy aging. Dr. Noppert will present evidence highlighting the structural influences that underlie the association between education and metabolic health focusing on differences by race and gender. Dr. Thierry will present research on the association between neighborhood characteristics and telomere length with a focus on heterogeneity by race and urban/non-urban residence. Finally, Dr. Hill will provide an overview of the four presentations and facilitate questions and discussion.
DEVELOPING INTEREST IN GEROPSYCHOLOGY THROUGH INTERGENERATIONAL EXPERIENCE
Authors: King Katherine , Rosowsky Erlene , Jolson Michelle
Published: November 2019

In order to develop interest in geropsychology, it is beneficial for students to have direct experiences with older adults. This presentation reports on the development of an innovative student volunteer group within a doctoral program in clinical psychology. In this group, students engage directly with older adults in the community. With the help of geropsychology faculty, students have developed and led intergenerational activities such as a panel discussion about dating, reminiscence using music, fraud recognition, and social media training. The group consists of 32 current students, along with 7 recent graduates. Community partners have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback. Students have reported benefits including personal satisfaction from intergenerational contact, learning and pleasure from hearing older adults’ stories, and feeling appreciated. Reported challenges include communication issues and feeling unsure how to relate to people with dementia. Students also describe negative assumptions about aging that have changed as a result of their participation.
HOW NETWORKS POWERED MY CAREER STUDYING AGING IN AFRICAN AMERICANS
Authors: Whitfield Keith E
Published: November 2019

This presentation will provide some insights about aging in African Americans I have drawn from the network of scholars in my 30 year journey studying aging in African Americans. This journey has been focused on understanding biobehavioral interplays among demographic, genetic, familial, and psychosocial factors to understand individual variability in health and cognitive aging in African Americans. The presentation will include insights my mentors imparted to me, the contributions of my peers and what I learned from and tried to teach to my mentees. I will also share how my contributions were fueled by funding of my research and interactions with the staff at NIA. I will use data from my Carolina African American Twin Study of Aging, the Baltimore Study of Black Aging and the Study of Longevity and Stress in African Americans to provide examples. I will conclude with some suggestions for the next generation of scholars.
DEVELOPING A NEW FEDERAL POLICY AGENDA TO ADDRESS SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS
Authors: MacPherson Andrew
Published: November 2019

The Coalition to End Social Isolation and Loneliness convenes a diverse group of allied stakeholders, including consumer and patient groups, health plans, community-based organizations, private sector researchers and innovators, and others, to address the epidemic of social isolation and loneliness. The Coalition is developing and advocating for bipartisan federal policy solutions to provide individuals the support they need to be socially engaged. This session will describe the role of the Coalition in engaging stakeholders, promoting innovative research, and advocating for policy changes that combat the adverse consequences of social isolation and loneliness and advance approaches and practices that improve social connectedness for all Americans.
ADDRESSING SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS AMONG LOW-INCOME SENIORS IN SAN FRANCISCO
Authors: Spensley Catherine
Published: November 2019

Felton Institute has been working to eliminate isolation and loneliness in San Francisco since its inception as a community social service agency 130 years ago. Felton offers culturally and linguistically appropriate programs and services that foster community and social connections among socially isolated, low income older adults, including those living with serious mental illness and those residing in local long-term care facilities. Examples include workforce programs for older adults; the foster grandparent program; and the senior companion program which includes friendly visiting, senior counseling, and peer escort services. This session will highlight lessons learned from these successful programs as well as how they have led to the development of new initiatives focused on conducting outreach, providing trauma-informed services, offering wellness classes, and organizing meaningful activities including a choir, intergenerational gardening, arts and dance classes, and cultural exchange opportunities to isolated older adults living in poverty in San Francisco’s Visitacion Valley.
AGING IN PLACE: REVISITING OLD ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT WHAT PEOPLE WANT AS THEY GROW OLD
Authors: Cohen Marc A , Stone Robyn , Katz Ruth
Published: November 2019

When people are asked how and where they would like to age, they overwhelmingly indicate they want to “age in place”, that is, in their own homes. To support this desire, a range of home and community-based service options have been developed accompanied with major declines in the use of nursing homes and other institutional services. However, what if we’ve been asking the wrong question? Or asking the wrong people? Given that upwards of 70% of people turning age 65 will have a need for long-term services and supports (LTSS) and 52% will have significant need, the more relevant question is: how might you want to age in the presence of LTSS needs? In this research we explore the attitudes and expectations of a nationally representative sample of 1,200 “late Boomers” age 60 to 72 (instead of all adults) regarding how they want their life to look should they become physically or cognitively impaired and need LTSS. The analytic sample was derived from NORC’s AmeriSpeak® Panel. We found that in the presence of significant LTSS need, many people -- 40% if physically disabled and 71% if cognitively impaired -- do not want to remain at home. More than anything else they value safety and do not want to burden their families. They are also concerned about feeling alone. Clearly, late boomers understand that there are circumstances where aging in place may not be right for them and implications for the way we invest resources in the service infrastructure.
EFFECT OF HUKOU MOBILITY ON DEPRESSION IN MID- AND LATER LIFE IN URBAN CHINA
Authors: Song Qian , Smith James
Published: November 2019

We investigate how the hukou system in China creates disparities in psychological well-being among rural-born urban residents in mid- and later-life, using China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2013-2015) and its life history survey (2014). We differentiate merit- (education, employment), policy- (urbanization), and family-based rural-urban hukou converters, and our propensity score analyses show that merit-based (coef.=-0.14,p<0.01) and policy-based (coef.=-0.11,p<0.05) hukou conversion are psychologically protective of the hukou converters over those who still have rural hukou, but family-based conversion does not have an impact. Among all those who realized hukou mobility, those who did so in the period after 1998 has a relative disadvantage. The benefits of policy-based hukou conversion is most prominent for men, childhood converters, and those who realized hukou mobility between 1978 and 1998. Conversion at an older age puts women into disadvantage compared to an earlier age, though this is not the case for men.
A SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT GERONTOLOGY TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES IN A UNIVERSITY SETTING
Authors: Yorgason Jeremy B
Published: November 2019

Training university students to work in professional gerontology settings is extremely important during an era when the number of older adults is increasing due to the Baby Boom cohort entering their later years. Efforts to reach students are critical given budget and enrollment challenges. Some university students find gerontology resources and training on their own, yet gerontology programs can do much to help students know of opportunities. In this paper, I will share methods that the gerontology program at my university has used to reach out to students and faculty across campus to encourage students to study gerontology. In the last 3 years, student enrollment in this gerontology minor has grown from 65 students housed in 3 colleges, to 275 students housed in 7 colleges. Faculty involvement has grown from a 7-faculty committee, to 61 faculty affiliates. The roles of university resources and fundraising will also be discussed.
EXPLORING THE CAREGIVING CAREER: VARIATIONS IN SPOUSES’ CONCERNS
Authors: Savundranayagam Marie Y , Terrana Kaitlyn
Published: November 2019

Caregiver identity theory posits that family caregivers’ relationship identity changes across five phases of the caregiving career. As the career unfolds, the relationship identity changes from one comprised primarily of the spousal role (phase 1) to one comprised equally by spousal and caregiver roles (phase 3), and one comprised primarily by the caregiver role (phase 5). This study investigated whether spouses/partners’ most important concerns about caregiving varied across the caregiving career. Participants included 135 caregivers of spouses/partners with a chronic condition. They were asked to identify their most important concern related to caregiving, along with demographic questions. Thematic analyses of their concerns yielded eight themes focused on the caregiver or dyad. Caregiver focused themes included burden, providing best possible care, worry about ability to care, physical health, financial concerns, and needing/managing help. Dyadic themes were communication and relational deprivation. Differences across the caregiving career were found in terms of ranked proportion of concerns. The most common concerns in phase 1 were equally distributed across communication, needing/managing help, and providing best possible care. Phase 2’s most common concern was providing the best possible care. Phase 3’s most common concern was worry about ability to care. The most common concerns in phase 4 were equally distributed across burden and worry about ability to care. Phase 5’s most common concern was burden. Findings reveal there are differential concerns across the caregiving career that align with a greater focus on relational factors earlier in the career and caregiver burden later in the career.
PERSONAL GROWTH AFTER GRAY DIVORCE: A LONGITUDINAL VIEW ON THE DISSOLUTION OF LONG-TERM MARRIAGES
Authors: Recksiedler Claudia , Loter Katharina , Becker Oliver Arránz , Perrig-Chiello Pasqualina
Published: November 2019

Going through a divorce is one of the most stressful life events across the life course with far-reaching ripple effects for individuals’ physical, mental, and often financial well-being. For some individuals, however, coping with marital dissolution and adapting to new social roles may lead to considerable gains in their reorientation in life and stimulate their personal development. This is captured in the concept of personal growth, which has been studied primarily in the context of becoming widowed, and through a cross-sectional lens. In our study, we track trajectories of personal growth after ending a long-term marriage of at least 15 years. We focus on divorce among adults in their second half of life because rates of grey divorce have been on the rise since the 1980s, yet longitudinal research on personal growth after marital dissolution remains sparse. We further examine whether trajectories of personal growth vary by gender, SES, reasons of divorce (e.g., sexual infidelity or drifted apart), and social support. Data stem from a Swiss panel on intimate relationships and marital dissolution among long-term married individuals conducted between 2012 and 2016 (N = 530). Random-effects group-specific growth curve models yielded similar—and slightly decreasing—trajectories of personal growth for divorced women and men over time. However, highly significant gender differences indicated that women showed higher levels of personal growth over the whole observation period. Because gender differences seemed to be fueled by social capital rather than economic assets, we discuss these results through the lens of a linked-lives perspective.
ADVANCING THE MEASUREMENT OF INTERGENERATIONAL CONTACT: BEYOND ATTITUDES TOWARD AGING
Authors: Turner Shelbie , Hooker Karen , Jarrott Shannon E
Published: November 2019

In our presentation, we will offer insights into our process of creating and validating a comprehensive theory- and evidence- informed measure of intergenerational contact that expands beyond the measurement of age-related attitudes. While attitudinal shifts are an important construct related to intergenerational contact and its impact on ageism, efforts to “Reframe Aging” require a more nuanced understanding of the mechanisms by which intergenerational contact can have positive impacts on individuals, families, and communities. Intergenerational contact is dynamic; it varies both between- and within- people, dyads, and places, as well as over time. Our measure includes quantity and qualities of intergenerational contact, including the extent to which the contact is between family vs. non-family members. Unlike existing measures of intergenerational relationship, ours reflects young persons’ and older adults’ intergenerational relationships. A psychometrically valid instrument of intergenerational contact is an essential first-step for determining how aging can be reframed through intergenerational interactions.
REFLECTIONS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF A STATE POLICY MAKER
Authors: Knatterud LaRhae
Published: November 2019

From her perspective as Director of Systems Transformation, Minnesota Department of Human Services, and her role as planner and policy analyst in state agencies, this presentation briefly comment on the implications of the findings. Using thepory of disruptive innvoation, she will suggest next steps for these results.
GRANDPARENTHOOD AND RISK OF MORTALITY: FINDINGS FROM THE HEALTH AND RETIREMENT STUDY
Authors: Ellwardt Lea , Hank Karsten , Leon Carlos F Mendes de
Published: November 2019

Grandparenthood is a significant social role for older adults and may have important health implications. Parenthood itself has been associated with some protective health effects, although findings have been mixed. Whether grandparenthood is associated with important long-term health effects such as mortality is largely unknown. This study examines the grandparenthood-mortality nexus, and whether it is modified by gender and education. Longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) were used, comprising twelve biennial follow-up waves from 1992 to 2014 with linked data on vital status derived from the National Death Index. Submodules assessed participants’ family structure during follow-up. The sample included 24,325 participants aged > 51 years with at least one child. Cox proportional hazard models were used to test the association between grandparenthood and mortality risk with adjustment for socio-demographic variables, for social variables including characteristics of and contact with children, and for health variables, including measures of overall, functional and mental health. Stratified models assessed these associations separately by gender and education. Grandparenthood was associated with a substantially increased mortality risk in women (fully adjusted HR = 1.65; 95% CI 1.27-21.14), and increased with larger number of grandchildren. No significant association was found for men (fully adjusted HR=1.25; 95% CI 0.97-1.62). Mortality risks associated with grandparenthood were highest among grandparents with low levels of education. The findings are among the first to suggest a potential grandparenthood survival “penalty”, especially for grandmothers. Higher levels of education appear to mitigate this negative survival effect among grandparents.
PARENTAL ABSENCE AND GRANDPARENT CAREGIVING IN THE WAKE OF THE CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN OPIOID EPIDEMIC
Authors: Ho Jessica Y
Published: November 2019

The contemporary American drug overdose epidemic has wreaked havoc on individuals, families, and communities across the country. As increasing numbers of middle-aged adults become addicted to or die from drugs, grandparents may be called upon to provide care for their grandchildren. However, few studies examine the broader social impacts of the drug overdose epidemic. This paper fills this gap in the literature by examining whether the opioid epidemic has contributed to increased grandparental care provision and coresidence. I use data from the 2000 Census and the 2011-2015 American Community Surveys, and data on drug overdose mortality (a measure of the epidemic’s severity) and socioeconomic indicators. I find consistent and robust associations between increases in drug overdose mortality and increases in: children’s likelihood of experiencing parental absence from the household, grandparent-grandchild coresidence, and grandparental provision of custodial care. Fixed-effect estimates correspond to an additional 158,138 grandparents coresiding with grandchildren, and a 3% increase in the proportion of coresident grandparents who are primarily responsible for their grandchildren. These associations are stronger among younger (aged 30-64) versus older (aged 65+) grandparents. This paper leverages multiple measures and nationally-representative data to demonstrate that increases in precarious family arrangements, vulnerability, and the burden of caregiving among older adults are occurring in response to the opioid epidemic. These findings suggest that the epidemic is placing considerable and unexpected strains on older adults’ financial and emotional resources at a time when they themselves may be requiring care, retiring from the labor force, and experiencing declines in health.
AUGMENTATION INDEX IS A PREDICTOR OF CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW ACROSS GLOBAL GRAY MATTER IN THE ELDERLY
Authors: de la Colina Adrian Noriega , Atef Badji , Joubert Sven , Bherer Louis , Lamarre-Cliche Maxime , Gauthier Claudine , Cohen-Adad Julien , Girouard Hélène
Published: November 2019

Arterial stiffness and blood pressure (BP) are contributors to cognitive decline and dementia. Lower global cerebral blood flow (CBF) is one of the earliest manifestations of biological alterations linked to cognitive decline, nevertheless the best cardiovascular predictor of CBF in gray-matter (CBF-GM) remains to be identified. Our objective is to determine the best predictor of CBF-GM levels amongst cardiovascular parameters. Eigthy-four healthy participants between 60-80 years-old were evaluated. The measured parameters for arterial stiffness were the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) and the augmentation index (Aix), measured by applanation tonometry (SphygmoCor). Mean systolic BP (SBP) was monitored over 24-hours and analyzed following Hypertension-Canada’s guidelines(2018). The coefficient of variation for 24-hours SBP was calculated by dividing the standard deviation by the mean. Resting CBF-GM was quantified from pseudocontinuous arterial-spin-labeling using Neurolens 2.0(pcASL), and acquired on a 3T scanner (MAGNETOM Prisma-Fit). We created multiple linear regression models for each independent variable (cf-PWV, Aix, mean-SBP in 24 hours and the coefficient of variation of 24-hours SBP) using age, sex, schooling and body mass index as covariates. Multiple linear regression models demonstrated that two independent variables could predict CBF-GM levels: a)PWV (p=0.010) and b)Aix (p=0.006). In this cohort, we demonstrated that while PWV and Aix are both predictors of CBF-GM levels, it is Aix which has the highest predictive value and could be a useful tool to understand the interplay between lower CBF-GM and arterial stiffness. These results also indicate that Aix may be a good therapeutic target to preserve brain health and cognition.
READMISSION RISK BY INSURANCE TYPE FOR PATIENTS WITH HEART FAILURE IN SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES
Authors: Daddato Andrea E , Miller Edward A , Nadash Pamela , Tyler Denise , Boxer Rebecca S
Published: November 2019

Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of potentially preventable hospital readmissions for Medicare beneficiaries from skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). This research seeks to determine if a HF patient’s insurance type (Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) vs. Medicare Advantage (MA)) influences their risk for readmission within 30 days of hospital discharge to a SNF. MA beneficiaries receive benefits through managed care plans with restricted networks, but typically expanded benefits. This research is particularly timely in light of CMS’ new penalties under the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) directed at SNFs for 30-day rehospitalizations. Outcomes data on readmissions from a randomized controlled trial of HF Disease Management in SNFs conducted from 2014-2017 were used to evaluate the risk of readmission. Patients with HF receiving SNF care were enrolled and followed for 30 days from SNF admission. Patients were recruited from 29 primarily for-profit (93%) SNFs that contracted with an average of 4.07 (±5.48) MA plans. Of the 340 study participants followed, 62% had FFS Medicare coverage (n=212) and 38% had MA (n=128). In total, 23% (n=79) of patients experienced at least one readmission within 30 days of hospital discharge. FFS patients had a higher risk of rehospitalization within 30 days of hospital discharge than MA patients (25% vs. 20%), but the association between insurance type and rehospitalization was not statistically significant (p-value=0.177). Findings suggest that insurance type may be an important risk factor for rehospitalizations for patients with HF from SNF; however, a larger sample will need to confirm this relationship.