bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NUMERACY SKILL USE AMONG MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER WORKERS IN THE US
Authors: Yamashita Takashi , Narine Donnette , Helsinger Abigail , Punksungka Wonmai , Cummins Phyllis , Kramer Jenna , Karam Rita , Smith Thomas
Published: December 2022

In numeric information-rich societies, numeracy is essential both at work and in everyday life (e.g., calculating a budget). Numeracy skills generally decline with aging. Thus, among middle-aged and older workers, maintaining and improving numeracy skills is crucial to securing employment as well as managing everyday life. One of the counteracting strategies is to practice numeracy. However, little is known about how and what kinds of numeracy skills are used among older workers. We analyzed a nationally representative sample of U.S. workers aged 45 to 74 (n = 3,850) from the 2012/2014/2017 Program for International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) restricted-use-file. Six dichotomous numeracy use indicators (e.g., calculating a budget, using advanced statistics) at work and in everyday life were considered. Survey weighted latent class analysis (LCA) identified three subgroups with distinctive numeracy skill use patterns, including ubiquitous (both at work and in everyday life) users, occupational users, and non-users. For example, calculating a budget was common both in non-users (40%) and ubiquitous users (84%), whereas uncommon among occupational users (25%). Also, only ubiquitous users practiced advanced math and statistics (14%), while others did not (nearly 0%). The subsequent regression analysis revealed that higher educational attainment, higher income, certain racial group (i.e., Whites), and better self-rated health were associated with greater numeracy skill use. The lack of numeracy skill use leads to lower skill levels and, in turn, social and economic disadvantages in later life. In addition to more detailed LCA results interpretations, possible policy and educational interventions are evaluated.
TRAJECTORIES OF INFORMAL AND FORMAL SOCIAL PARTICIPATION AFTER RETIREMENT
Authors: Lim-Soh Jeremy , Ang Shannon , Malhotra Rahul
Published: December 2022

Literature suggests that social participation, a component of successful ageing, declines on average after retirement, but to whom does this experience apply? We sought to identify contrasting longitudinal trajectories of social participation after retirement, and their associated individual-level correlates. Seven waves of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing provided data on the informal and formal social participation, measured by frequencies of meeting a friend and attending a group respectively, of individuals 45 years and older who left work. Group-based trajectory modeling captured heterogenous changes over time in social participation after retirement. Multinomial logit regressions estimated individual-level correlates of the trajectories, including whether the individual returns to work. While a sizeable minority of respondents did experience decreasing trajectories of informal (17%) and formal (23%) participation, a majority exhibited stable trajectories of either type of social participation, and some experienced increasing formal (9%) participation. Employment type, age, gender, education, marital status, region, health, and economic satisfaction were associated with the trajectories. Returning to work, versus stopping work for an extended period, was associated with moderate stable or increasing trajectories of social participation. The findings challenge the belief that decline in social participation is the norm after retirement. They underscore the presence of heterogenous experiences of social participation after retirement, and identify vulnerable sub-groups that do experience decline. Furthermore, as returning to work may be beneficial for social participation, future studies should examine ways in which bridge employment can support successful aging.
STRESSOR REACTIVITY DEPENDS ON THE CORTISOL AWAKENING RESPONSE AND REACTIVITY TO WORK OVERLOAD
Authors: Hughes MacKenzie , Hertzog Christopher , Neupert Shevaun , Moffat Scott
Published: December 2022

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) was used to understand the influence of individual differences in stress reactivity measured by the Perceived Stress Reactivity Scale (PSRS) and the cortisol awakening response (CAR) on emotional reactivity to stressors, operationalized as the within-person change in negative affect (NA) associated with stressor exposure. Five times per day for 10 days, 178 working adults ages 20-80 years old (M = 49.22, SD = 19.07) reported in EMAs their current NA and whether they had experienced a stressor since the previous survey. During the same period, participants provided seven salivary cortisol samples per day. Samples collected at awakening and 30-minutes post-awakening were used to calculate the CAR. Steeper CARs are hypothesized to have a role in preparing individuals to cope with upcoming daily demands. Before the EMA period, participants completed the PSRS, including its Work Overload Reactivity subscale. Multilevel models revealed a significant 3-way interaction between Stressor Exposure x CAR x Work Overload Reactivity predicting daily NA. Individuals with high Work Overload generally reported greater NA, regardless of stressor exposure or the magnitude of their CAR. Individuals with low Work Overload reported lower levels of NA on days they experienced more stressors than usual and had steeper CARs. Effects remained significant after controlling for neuroticism and the Perceived Stress Scale. Findings suggest the CAR’s potential role of preparing individuals for upcoming demands is moderated by work-related stress reactivity. Steeper CARs on days with more stressor exposure may provide enhanced emotional benefits for individuals low in workload reactivity.
THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN NURSING HOME IT MATURITY AND UTIS AMONG LONG-TERM NH RESIDENTS
Authors: Alexander Gregory
Published: December 2022

Prof. Alexander will present a study linking national nursing home (NH) health information technology (HIT) to quality. This research explores relationships between NH HIT maturity and UTIs examined during a repeated cross-sectional study over 4 consecutive years (2013-2017). HIT maturity represents the diversity of technology use in NHs. Researchers conducted bivariate and multivariate regressions using MDS 3.0 resident assessments and post stratified survey weights controlling for NH characteristics. Our sample included 816 NHs. These NHs had 219,730 regular NH resident assessments within 90 days of a survey, representing 80,322 unique NH residents. Of these assessments, 4.1% recorded a UTI. In the multivariate analyses, administrative HIT capabilities was associated with lower odds of UTI (AOR: 0.906, 95% CI: 0.843, 0.973), controlling for covariates. Integration of administrative HIT systems may relieve the burden of tracing UTIs, data documentation and record retrieval affording NH staff time to focus their efforts on clinical care.
ORAL HEALTH AND MORTALITY AMONG OLDER ADULTS: A DOUBLY ROBUST SURVIVAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Qin Weidi , Yu Jiao , Huang Wenxuan , Thomas Kristi
Published: December 2022

Evidence on the association between oral health and mortality is inconclusive, and few studies have accounted for non-random selection bias in estimating their relationship. The present study aims to investigate the link between oral health and mortality in community-dwelling older adults by adjusting confounding factors with a doubly robust survival estimation. Data came from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III, 1988-1994) and linked the National Death Index (NDI) mortality data through December 2015. The analytic sample consisted of 4,880 adults aged 50 years and above. Oral health measures included subjective oral health evaluation (self-rated oral health) and objective clinical indicators (edentulism, periodontitis, and untreated dental caries). Cox proportional hazards regression models and inverse probability weighting with regression adjustment (IPWRA) were utilized to assess the relationship between oral health and mortality. Good self-rated oral health was significantly associated with lower mortality risk (hazard ratio: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.74-0.93). Moderate periodontitis (hazard ratio: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.05-1.33), severe periodontitis (hazard ratio: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.21-1.87), and edentulism (hazard ratio: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.01-1.26) were significantly associated with higher risks of all-cause mortality, adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics, medical conditions, and health behaviors. Untreated dental caries was related to mortality in Cox models, but became non-significant when IPWRA estimators were applied. Both subjective and objective oral health are risk factors for mortality among older adults. Maintaining good oral health plays a crucial role in longevity.
IMPACT OF SEX AND ANTIHYPERTENSIVE MEDICATION ON GLOBAL COGNITION IN PRIMARY CARE OLDER ADULTS
Authors: de la Colina Adrian Noriega , Vasiliadis Helen-Maria , Berbiche Djamal , Bherer Louis , Girouard Helene , Kaushal Navin
Published: December 2022

Hypertension is one of the strongest modifiable risk factors for the development of cognitive impairment and dementia. However, there are conflicting reports regarding which class of antihypertensive medication is the best for reducing the risk of cognitive decline. The objective of this study is to determine whether sex determines the pharmacological therapy that is the most effective in preserving cognitive outcomes. This study examined 1607 participants from the ESA Services Study, a longitudinal survey of older adults over 65 years old in Quebec-Canada. They were examined for the Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE) at baseline (T1) and followed up three (T2) and four years after (T3). Hypertensive women had the highest mean MMSE score at each time point (T1 28.591 (SE .064); T2 28.282 (SE .118); T3 28.524 (SE.119)), while hypertensive men had the worst (T1 28.038(SE.070); T2 27.694(SE.125); 27.809(SE.128)). Women taking angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARBs) showed the highest MMSE scores (p<.003), and men taking diuretics and other antihypertensives had the lowest MMSE scores(p<.001) after a 3-year follow-up. Combination therapy of two or three antihypertensives drugs was associated with higher scores in women at T1 and T2 (p<.001). In men, taking three antihypertensives showed a sharp decrease in MMSE scores from T1 to T3 (p<.001). Sex differences in global cognition outcomes in older adults are in part due to the heterogeneity in effects related to the type and number of antihypertensive drugs used. Effective antihypertensive treatment should consider the impact of sex to optimize the effect of pharmacological interventions on cognition.
FREQUENT CAUSES OF 30-DAY READMISSION FOLLOWING A FIRST EPISODE OF HEART FAILURE IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Zadeh Ali Vaeli , Crawford Andrew , Wong Alan , Collado Elias , Larned Joshua
Published: December 2022

Older adults with heart failure (HF) have a greater propensity to experience poor clinical outcomes, hospital readmission, and functional decline. It is important that healthcare workers are aware of the comorbidities that may lead to poor outcomes. A deeper understanding of potential causes of readmission will help in adequate prevention. Employing an all-payers claims database, we aimed to examine the diagnoses related to 30-day readmission in patients aged 65-75 with an Elixhauser-Comorbidity Index score < 4 upon the first episode of HF. Exclusion criteria included in-hospital death, readmissions for the same condition, and discharge against medical advice. Using ICD codes 9-10, a cohort of 323,678 patients (mean age: 70, SD: 3.22; male: 60%) with the first episode of HF between 2015-2019 were identified. We found 7,729 (2.4%) readmissions within 30 days and examined the frequency of 118 diagnoses as the primary cause. Cardiovascular etiologies including HF, hypertension, arrhythmias, and coronary artery disease were the most prevalent causes of readmission (40.64%), with HF being the most frequent (13.25%). Non-Cardiovascular causes included pulmonary (5.94%), sepsis (7%), renal (3.8%), and cerebrovascular (1.58%). Metabolic, liver, gastrointestinal diseases, and other infections accounted for 19.32%. Understanding the diagnoses related to readmissions in different populations is crucial for improving care, conducting research, and lowering costs. We focused on the first episode of HF in a relatively healthy older population to control for confounding factors. Further studies considering demographics, HF characteristics, and baseline comorbidities are needed.
THE EFFECT OF AGE WHEN USING LLLT TO TREAT PAIN IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Habegger Alex , Curtis Danny , James Dawn , Kendrick Alexis , Traywick LaVona S , Varela Antonio , Brown Teressa , Handlery Reed
Published: December 2022

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is commonly used to treat pain; however, little is know about the effects of age on outcomes of the treatment. Participants included community dwelling adults (22 females, 9 males) with a mean age of 55 (n=31, range 29 to 77 years). Prior to participation, physical therapist examined each subject to determine appropriateness for treatment with LLLT. Following the examination, subjects received 12 sessions of LLLT using a Class 3B laser device. Intervention was administered by researchers trained in appropriate application of the intervention. The WALT guidelines and specific anatomical location of pain determined dosage of LLT. The most common site of pain or discomfort was hip and thigh pain (23%). Subjects completed the Patient-Specific functional Scale (PSFS) pre- and post-treatment and used the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) before and after each intervention session. An analysis of the data showed that age was positively correlated (r=xx) and statistically significant (p < 0.05) with changes in both current and worst pain ratings and the first item on the PSFS. Age explained 13.4% of worst pain (p=0.024). Although not statistically significant, age explained 9.2% of the variability in current pain (p =0.054) and 3.9% of variability in patient identified changes in function (p = 0.147). Results suggest that older patients treated with LLLT may experience greater positive changes in pain than younger patients.
HEALTH BEHAVIORS AND MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES OF INFORMAL CAREGIVERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Liu Yujun , Zhao Yuxin , Hughes M Courtney
Published: December 2022

Differences exist in health behaviors and mental health outcomes between spouse and adult children caregivers and between caregivers of individuals with or without dementia. We aimed to examine the change in health behaviors and mental health outcomes of informal caregivers of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and explore disparities based on caregiver relationship and care recipient. Using the 2020 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) COVID-19 supplement for Family Members and Friends, our sample included adult family or friend caregivers of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 or older in the US (N = 2,062). We used ANOVA and two-way ANCOVA to assess the effects of the pandemic, caregiver relationship type, and care recipient condition (dementia vs. non-dementia) on seven health behaviors and two mental health outcomes. We performed all post hoc analyses using Bonferroni corrections controlling the covariates age, gender, marital status, education, and self-reported health of the caregiver. Compared to before the pandemic and to spouse caregivers, adult children caregivers reported: 1) significantly less time walking and significantly more time watching TV or online programs, and 2) a significantly higher level of emotional distress and depressive symptoms. Compared to caregivers for people without dementia, those who provide care for people with dementia experienced less sleep and a higher level of depressive symptoms during the pandemic than before the pandemic. Health professionals should consider the impact of COVID-19 and the vulnerability of adult children caregivers and caregivers of individuals with dementia when designing and delivering health and wellness programs.
FAMILY DEPENDENCE AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH SELF-REPORTED HEALTH AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN EASTERN NEPAL
Authors: Shrestha Aman , Karmacharya Isha , Ghimire Saruna , Mehta Ranju , Yadav Uday Narayan
Published: December 2022

Historically, filial piety (caring for one’s parents) has been prevalent in Nepal. The demographic transition has resulted in a burgeoning population of older adults, but limited institutional support is available to address their socio-economical and health needs. As such, the family has remained the paramount source of support to meet the health, social and economic needs of Nepali older adults. In this study, we explored the relationship between family dependency (conceptualized as the source of family support) and self-reported health among Nepali older adults. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in two districts (Sunsari and Morang) of eastern Nepal. Using a multistage cluster random sampling design 847 older adults (≥ 60 years) were interviewed. Self-reported health was assessed in terms of a five-item Likert scale dichotomized into poor and good health. Two independent variables of interest were dependency on family for living and for daily activities. Binary logistic regression drew the inferences while adjusting for important confounders. About 29.4% of the participants reported poor health, 77% reported dependency on family for living and 46% reported dependency for daily activities. Those dependent on family for living had 46% higher odds of good health but the statistical significance was lost after adjusting for control variables. Likewise, those dependent on family for daily activities were three times more likely (OR: 3.22; 95%CI: 2.15 - 4.83) to report good health than their counterparts after controlling for confounders. Our findings emphasize the importance of family support for the health of older adults in Nepal.
COMMUNICATION AND WORKFLOW ON A TYPICAL DAY IN NH VERSUS A DAY WITH A CHANGE IN RESIDENT CONDITION
Authors: Ashcraft Alyce , Owen Donna , Culberson John , Song Huaxin
Published: December 2022

A major reason technologic innovations for nursing home (NH) communication have not worked is because testing of technology fails to consider workflow of the environment. The aim of this observational study was to examine communication and workflow surrounding assessment of NH residents on a dementia care unit with suspected UTI to establish baseline data prior to introduction of technology to enhance NH staff communication. The flow of communication between CNAs, LVNs, and PCPs was recorded using a structured observation on an online survey platform. For a 3-month period, 3 days a week, an observation period from 7am to 11am was chosen to reflect one peak staff interaction time. Field notes describing the environment and what was being talked about during communication events were analyzed using content analysis. A total of 185 communication events were recorded by 3 trained observers, yielding 22 assessments for change in condition (pain, UTI, falls). The LVN was the center of 44% of communication. After the LVN assessed the resident, 43% of the time no further action was taken by the LVN; 17% of the time the PCP was texted about a change in condition. Types of change in condition was limited. Workflow surrounding LVN collection of information on days related to change in condition reflected focused communication among staff occurring away from resident rooms and nurses’ station. The NH is a stable environment for provision of nursing care, thus suggesting communication technology can be accepted by staff and added into the care routine.
POLYPHARMACY, ANXIETY, AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN LONG-TERM CARE RESIDENTS
Authors: Dangerfield Hannah , Scott Judith , Zohn Jennifer , Segal Daniel , Benton Melissa
Published: December 2022

The prevalence of polypharmacy (≥5 medications per day) is rising among older adults. Multiple medications are increasingly prescribed to treat multiple comorbidities in this growing population. An increase in anxiety and a decline in quality of life are also seen with polypharmacy, although evidence is limited. This study investigated the relationship between anxiety and quality of life in long-term care residents with polypharmacy. Sixty-nine long-term care residents who reported polypharmacy completed a questionnaire regarding anxiety and quality of life. Anxiety was measured with the Geriatric Anxiety Scale Long-term Care (GAS-LTC), health-related quality of life was measured with two questions from the RAND-36, and medication-related quality of life was measured with the Medication-related Quality of Life Scale (MRQoLS). Mean age was 80.74 ± 7.8 years. The majority were female (72%) and white (88%). The mean GAS-LTC score was 2.75 ± 2.4, indicating relatively low overall anxiety. There were moderate-strong, negative correlations between anxiety and all quality of life measures indicating that as anxiety increased, quality of life decreased. Specifically, anxiety was negatively related to general health-related quality of life (r = -.51, p < 0.001), health-related quality of life compared to one year ago (r = -.54, p < 0.001), and medication-related quality of life (r = -.57, p < 0.001). Among this group of older adults with polypharmacy residing in long-term care, those with greater anxiety reported diminished quality of life related to both overall health and use of medications. Further studies to examine mechanism and causality are needed.
PUNCTUATED EQUILIBRIA: AN ANALYSIS OF HEALTHCARE UTILIZATION PATTERNS FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH CHRONIC DISEASE
Authors: Crowley Christopher , Stuck Amy , McBride A Camille , Andrews Claire
Published: December 2022

The growing population of older adults requires healthcare delivery models that are both cost effective and directed toward the higher rates of chronic conditions, frailty and functional impairment often present as one ages. Analyzing healthcare utilization patterns of older adults—especially those over the age of 75—will better inform how to re-design care delivery processes.While the presence of chronic conditions requires consistent treatment, the intensity of health services required on a day-to-day basis is highly variable. Many individuals with at-risk health status are remarkably stable, exhibiting high levels of function and low utilization of care over extended periods of time. Periodically, however, these phases are punctuated by catastrophic episodes that can lead to greater health decline, morbidity, and mortality. During cycles of health decline, a cascade of other challenges stemming from an individual’s underlying risks, predispositions, and complexities can arise. This punctuated equilibrium of utilization for older adults offers insight to assess ways to improve care and lower costs. In this paper, we analyze and quantify both these states of punctuated equilibria as well as the extensive periods of stability. The associated utilization patterns are analyzed by processing Medicare claims data. Our analysis showed that over 80% of members in a group of anticipated high-risk Medicare beneficiaries over the age of 75 exhibited low utilization for 11 months out of a given year. These findings complement research exploring care redesign processes at a system level, specifically directed to high-cost episodes of care as opposed to patient-level targeting.
INTRACELLULAR WATER CONTENT IN LEAN MASS IS ASSOCIATED WITH MUSCLE FUNCTION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Taani Murad , Dembinski Kimberly
Published: December 2022

High intracellular water (ICW) content in lean mass (LM) has been associated with better functional capacity and lower frailty risk in older adults and suggested to be a useful muscle quality indicator. However, limited research exists on the relationship of ICW to muscle function and physical activity among older adults. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between ICW/LM ratio and muscle function and physical activity among older adults. In a cross-sectional correlational study of older adults aged 70 years or older, a tetrapolar bioimpedance spectroscopy device (Impedimed SFB7, Australia) was used to assess both ICW and LM, and the ICW/LM ratio (mL/kg) was calculated. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests were used to measure muscle function. The Actigraph GT3X+ accelerometer (Actigraph, Inc., FL, USA) was used to measure light and moderate-vigorous physical activity and steps per day. Multiple regression analyses were used. For 96 recruited participants (mean age 82.5 ± 7.4 years; 79 [82.3%] were female), mean ICW/LM ratio was 245.1 ± 28.1 mL/kg. The ICW/LM ratio was positively associated with SPPB score, gait speed, moderate-vigorous physical activity, and steps per day, after adjusting for age, sex, and LM. The ICW/LM ratio was negatively associated with TUG score, after adjusting for age, sex, and LM. The findings suggest that intracellular water content in lean mass may affect muscle function and physical activity among older adults. Further studies are needed to verify these findings and determine any potential cause-and-effect relationships.
ASSOCIATION OF PERSISTENT DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS WITH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS
Authors: Mehta Rhea , Shardell Michelle , Ryan Alice , Dong Yu , Beamer Brock , Hochberg Marc , Rathbun Alan
Published: December 2022

Comorbid depression in knee osteoarthritis (OA) is associated with declines in physical activity, but how persistent depressive symptoms impact physical activity over time remains unclear. We aimed to determine how the persistence of depressive symptoms affects physical activity in knee OA. Participants (n=2,222) from the Osteoarthritis Initiative had radiographic disease (Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥ 2) in at least one knee. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D; range = 0-60) assessed depressive symptoms from baseline through the first three annual follow-up visits, and persistence was operationalized using the cumulative average severity of symptoms over time. Self-reported physical activity was measured from the first to fourth annual follow-up visit using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE; range = 0-793). The primary method of analysis utilized marginal structural models and included exposure by time interactions in the structural outcome model. Baseline depressive symptoms negatively impacted physical activity at the first follow-up (β = -0.7279; 95% CI: -1.1645, -0.2912), but at later time points, effect estimates were closer to the null and not statistically significant. The association between time-averaged CES-D scores from baseline through the first follow-up and physical activity at year two was -0.1410 (95% CI: -0.7105, 0.4286); and 0.2578 (95% CI: -0.3261, 0.8415) for average CES-D scores through follow-up visit two and physical activity at year three. Thus, the negative influence of persistent depressive symptoms on physical activity decreased over time. Physical activity may not consistently decline with persistent depressive symptoms in adults with knee OA.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CALF MUSCLE FATTY INFILTRATION AND PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE AMONG HEALTHY OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Kim Miji , Won Chang Won
Published: December 2022

Muscle fatty infiltration is associated with impaired physical performance. However, the association between ectopic fat, such as lower extremity fat distribution, and sex-specific differences among older adults remains to be determined. This study aimed to examine sex-specific differences in calf muscle fat infiltration and their association with physical performance among healthy older adults aged 76 to 80 years. The pilot study comprised 40 subjects (20 men; 20 women) matched by age and body mass index. The participants underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) to assess body composition and lower extremity fat distribution. The tibialis anterior intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) as assessed by 1H-MRS was negatively associated with the five-times sit-to-stand test scores (rs=0.518, p=0.023) in men, while the soleus IMCL content was negatively associated with the timed up-and-go test scores (rs=0.472, p=0.048) in women. However, the soleus extramyocellular lipid (EMCL) content was positively associated with the five-times sit-to-stand test scores (rs=−0.488, p=0.040) in women, but this association was not statistically significant in men. Regarding the calf cross-sectional area (CSA) parameters assessed by MRI, calf subcutaneous fat CSA was positively associated with the usual gait speed (rs=0.447, p=0.048) in women only. To conclude, this study showed an inverse correlation between IMCL content and physical performance in healthy older individuals and calf muscle-specific IMCL based on sex differences. Furthermore, our results suggest that greater EMCL content in the soleus and calf subcutaneous fat might affect physical performance positively in older women but not older men.
PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTATION NEGATIVELY IMPACTS GLUCOSE HOMEOSTASIS IN A WEIGHT LOSS INTERVENTION IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Batsis John , Petersen Curtis , Lynch David , Spangler Hillary , Cook Summer
Published: December 2022

Background

Higher dietary intake of protein has also been associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes, yet losing weight improves glucose metabolism and homeostasis. We evaluated whether a multicomponent weight loss intervention in older persons with obesity aged 65+ years augmented with protein supplementation impacts glucose homeostasis.

Methods

A 12-week, non-randomized, parallel group intervention in 28 older rural adults with obesity (body mass index (BMI)≥30kg/m2) was conducted at a community aging center of a protein and non-protein arms. Both received individualized, weekly dietitian visits with twice weekly physical therapist-led group strength training classes; aerobic exercise was prescribed outside the classes. The protein group was provided with whey protein supplementation three times weekly post-strength training. Pre/post fasting glucose, insulin, and c-peptide levels were assessed with HOMA-IR and HOMA beta-cell function calculated.

Results

Mean age was 72.9±4.4 (86% female) and 73.0±6.3 (79% female), p=0.94, with baseline BMI of 37.6±6.9 and 36.6±5.5, in the protein and non-protein groups, respectively. Mean weight-loss was -3.45±2.86kg and -5.79±3.08kg (both p< 0.001; Δ p=0.047). Visceral fat decreased less in the protein group (-0.02mL vs. -1.02ml;p=0.007), while appendicular lean mass did not (p=0.44). There was lower fasting glucose (protein:-4mg±13.9mg/dL vs. non-protein: 12.2±25.8, effect size:-0.40;p=.10), insulin (-1.32±4.68 vs. -7.79±10.14, ES:0.82;p=0.01), and higher c-peptide (-0.02±0.67 vs. -0.69±1.25,ES:0.66;p=0.06) at follow-up. HOMA-IR also decreased less (-0.18±0.64 vs. -1.08±1.50, ES:0.78; p=0.02) and b-cell function (-3.94±22.61 vs. -16.81±33.85; ES:0.45; p=0.09]).

Conclusions

A multicomponent obesity intervention incorporating protein supplementation led to lower degree of weight loss and mitigated the benefit on glucose homeostasis.
DEVELOPING A MOBILE PHONE APPLICATION TO DETECT SOCIAL ISOLATION OVER MULTIPLE TIME POINTS
Authors: Biyani Rajlaxmi , Joshi Anupam , Tucker Gretchen , Bradley Dana , Sceppa Carmen
Published: December 2022

Social isolation is an important predictor of mortality and morbidity in older persons. The increase in social isolation is often a result of major life events such as retirement, leading to the loss of social connections. The effects of the pandemic have exacerbated the loss of social connectedness. Measures to ensure social distancing have made technologies like voice and video calling, text messaging, and other phone mediated communication important resources for connecting people. Measuring social isolation often requires periodic administration of a paper survey instrument, like the Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS). The approach was taken by Lubben for predicting a person’s social isolation level typically involves looking at their general frequency of interactions with family and friends along with the specific frequencies of private, tentative discussions happening during those interactions. This paper explores the process used to develop a tool to measure social isolation continuously and automatically by using an older person’s frequency and tone of telephonic conversations. We categorized a person’s family and friends into three sub-categories based on the self-reported level of closeness shared with them. We then analyzed the person’s conversation (content and tones). Lastly, we trained the deep learning model (Watson) using these captured tone values to determine the social isolation index of the individual. Our preliminary results indicate that we are able to correctly predict their degree of social isolation as judged by Lubben’s scale using their phone conversations. This technology may be promising for the assessment and intervention of social isolation.
LONELINESS AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN OLDER ADULTS WITHOUT DEMENTIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Harrington Karra , Vasan Shradha , Kang Jee eun , Sliwinski Martin , Lim Michelle
Published: December 2022

Loneliness has consistently been associated with dementia risk. An important precursor to dementia is cognitive decline, which can begin decades prior to clinical diagnosis of dementia. Therefore, understanding about the relationship between loneliness and cognitive function in healthy older adults may inform our understanding of how loneliness contributes to dementia risk. The aim of this systematic review was to identify the extent to which loneliness affects cognition in older adults who do not have dementia. A systematic search of five databases (PubMed, PsycNET, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, Scopus) from inception to August 31st 2021 was completed, including search terms related to loneliness, aging, and cognition. A total of 4,302 unique articles were screened for inclusion, resulting in 16 studies that met full criteria (six cross-sectional and ten longitudinal). Three of the six (50%) cross-sectional studies reported significant negative associations between loneliness and cognitive function, while six of the ten (60%) longitudinal studies reported that loneliness was associated with greater cognitive decline over time. We did not find a significant relationship between loneliness and cognitive function in the rest of the studies. There was substantial variation across studies in the measures of loneliness and cognitive function. Furthermore, many studies relied on cognitive screening tools to identify cognitive outcomes, which may not be sensitive to subtle cognitive changes that precede dementia. Future studies should consider using validated and sensitive measures of loneliness and cognitive function, and examining these relationships prospectively, in order to, assess these relationships in a more robust way.
EXPECTATIONS OF RECOGNITION AND BENEFITS OF CREATIVE ACTIVITIES FOR MIDDLE AND OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Mackenstadt Darby , Adams-Price Carolyn , Israel Sarah
Published: December 2022

Creative hobbies have been found to be beneficial for mental health, especially if an individual considers their hobby an important part of their identity (Adams-Price & Morse, 2018). Although receiving recognition from friends or family for one’s creative abilities has been seen to decrease depressive symptoms for adults, these benefits may depend on expectations and type of recognition desired (Israel et al, 2020). Those who participate in creative activities as a career compared to those who participate as hobbyist may not receive the same benefits due to the stress artists endure trying to earn a living (Barker et al, 2009). This study aimed to explore the relationships between hobby recognition, hobby’s impact on identity, and mental well-being. A sample of 279 primarily white (88%) female (95.3%) adults aged 40 to 84 (M = 59.9-years-old) were interviewed during the Covid-19 Pandemic. A structural equation model was developed in AMOS 28.0 to correlate these variables and do a multiple groups analysis, comparing 100 older adults (65+) and 179 middle aged adults (40-64) who all reported at least one creative hobby. Results found a negative relationship between identifying with a creative hobby and receiving recognition for the hobby, a negative relationship between mental well-being and recognition, and a positive relationship between identifying with one’s hobby and mental well-being. The results suggest that recognition from others may have mixed effects on mental health but identifying with one’s creative hobby may be a protective factor. Implications expectations of recognition will be discussed.
COGNITIVELY ENGAGING SOLITARY ACTIVITIES: ANOTHER LAYER OF PROTECTION AGAINST LONELINESS
Authors: Sun Haosen , Schafer Markus
Published: December 2022

Participating in social activities and sustaining more extensive networks are beneficial in mitigating loneliness in the aging population. However, these coping strategies are subject to multiple structural and individual constraints, including neighborhood stressors, physical limitations, and social-economic strain. The present research scrutinizes cognitively engaging solitary activities as a potential alternative to alleviate loneliness. It examines their intersections with social activities and networks and how disadvantaged groups prone to loneliness can benefit from them. We use Wave 4 and 6 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe to perform linear and logistic regressions. Results show that 78% of older Europeans perform solitary activities such as reading and playing word/number games at least weekly, a much higher rate than the 29% engaged in formal social activity. Social and personal activities do not compete but instead complement each other. Older individuals performing solitary activities report significantly lower loneliness, and this engagement compensates for low social participation and small social networks. Routine solitary activities are also protective among individuals at older ages and among those lacking a partner, additional housemates, and children. Overall, the present research highlights that solitary activities, particularly the cognitively engaging ones, are a practical layer of protection against loneliness. Future research should further examine variations in the effectiveness between solitary activities and explore the possibilities and challenges in bridging them with digital media and technologies to alleviate loneliness.
THE MENTAL HEALTH BENEFIT OF FRIEND NETWORKS IN OLDER KOREAN AMERICANS: THE CONDITIONING EFFECT OF FAMILY TYPE
Authors: Jang Yuri , Park Nan Sook , Park Juyoung , Chiriboga David , Haley William , Kim Miyong
Published: December 2022

Building on the importance of family and friends as sources of social connectedness in later years of life, we conducted a contextual examination of their independent and interactive roles in predicting mental health, using a compensatory social convoy model. In a sample of older Korean Americans, we anticipated that friend networks would be a more important predictor of mental distress when strong family relationships were absent. Data were from 2,140 participants in the Study of Older Korean Americans, a multi-state survey of Korean immigrants age 60 and older (Mage = 73.4, SD = 7.97). To identify family types, latent profile analysis (LPA) was performed with 17 variables assessing family networks, positive and negative interactions with family members, and incidence of mistreatment by family. Linear regression models of mental distress then examined the direct effects of family type and networks of friends, as well as their interactions. LPA on family-related items identified three family types: close-knit, mixed, and dysfunctional. Membership in the close-knit group and a larger network of friends were associated with lower levels of mental distress. In addition, a significant interaction was found between dysfunctional family type and friend network (B = −.35, SE = .08, p < .001), where the positive effect of friend networks was most pronounced in the context of dysfunctional family relationships. These findings support the use of a compensatory social convoy model. Substituting for family resources, friend networks yielded compensatory mental health protection for those with dysfunctional family relations.
“STOP HASSLING ME!”: HASSLES, PERCEIVED SUPPORT, AND MENTAL HEALTH OUTCOMES IN OLDER ADULTHOOD
Authors: Gourley Amy , Hamilton Lucas , Coleman Max , Krendl Anne
Published: December 2022

Prior work suggests that older adults with larger social networks have better mental health, potentially due to having greater access to support from different network members. However, other research suggests that perceptions of support, which do not necessarily align with network size, predict better mental health and higher life satisfaction. It could be that, irrespective of network size, the presence of hassles – network members that are perceived as causing problems or making life difficult – is associated with lower perceptions of support, which negatively impacts mental health. We tested this possibility using social network data from 137 older adults (Mage = 74.25 years) who completed the PhenX social interview and well-validated measures of depression, perceived social support, and life satisfaction. In linear regression models controlling for other network variables, perceived support and the level of hassles independently predicted depression and life satisfaction. Testing our mediation predictions, hassles significantly mediated the effect of perceived support on depression and life satisfaction. Alternatively, perceived support only mediated the effect of hassles on life satisfaction. Taken together, these findings may indicate that the presence of hassles in one’s network predicts mental health symptomology and life satisfaction, irrespective of perceptions of support or other network characteristics (e.g., network size). Thus, while perceptions of social support appear to be important predictors of life satisfaction, network characteristics better predict mental health symptomology. Future work on social engagement interventions may benefit from a targeted approach depending on the outcome of interest.
POSITIVE ASPECTS OF CAREGIVING IN DIFFERENT CAREGIVER GROUPS
Authors: Hu Mengyao , Schulman-Green Dena , Zang Emma , Wu Bei
Published: December 2022

Previous studies have disproportionately focused on caregivers’ negative experiences while overlooking the positive aspects of caregiving (e.g., quality of caregiver – care recipient relationship, meaningfulness of caregiving, and family cohesiveness) especially for caregivers of older adults with cognitive impairment. Therefore, we aim to identify how positive aspects of caregiving varied by care recipients’ cognitive status (e.g., normal, mild cognitive impairment, dementia) and caregivers’ relation to care recipients (e.g., spouse, adult child, other family member). We applied multilevel mixed-effects models on pooled three-wave data from the National Study of Caregiving and the National Health and Aging Trends Study (N = 2,717). The findings suggested that dementia and spouse caregivers had worse relationship with their counterparts. Overall, future research needs to study caregiver’s experience integratively and focuses on caregiver’s individual need. Policy makers need to fulfill caregiver’s demands by establishing socially supportive programs.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EATING DIFFICULTY AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS: MODERATING EFFECTS OF EATING AND LIVING ALONE
Authors: Lim Junyub , Shin Yeonsoo , Kim Giyeon
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives

Previous studies report that poor oral health reduces the opportunity for social interaction and increases the risk of psychological distress and that eating alone affects depressive symptoms and its connection differs by living arrangements. The present study aims to investigate the moderating effects of eating alone and living arrangements on the relationship between difficulty eating food due to poor oral health and depressive symptoms among Korean older adults.

Methods

Data were drawn from the 2020 Survey of Living Conditions and Welfare Needs of Korean Older Persons, a nationally representative survey. A total of 9,920 participants aged 65 years and older were included in analyses.

Results

Results from hierarchical regression analyses showed that difficulty eating food was positively correlated with depressive symptoms and eating alone did not moderate the relationship between difficulty eating food and depressive symptoms (b = 1.394, p < .001; b=-0.062, p > 0.05, respectively). However, the effects of eating alone significantly differed by living arrangements (b = 1.663, p < .05). In the case of older adults who live alone, eating alone significantly moderated the relationship between difficulty eating food and depressive symptoms, whereas for those living with others, eating alone did not moderate the relationship. Discussion: Social isolation can be a risk factor that worsens the mental health of older adults who have difficulty eating due to poor oral health. Practical implications for ways to reduce loneliness are discussed.
AGING ACROSS THE LIFE COURSE: RESEARCH COLLECTIONS AVAILABLE FROM THE NATIONAL ARCHIVE OF COMPUTERIZED DATA ON AGING
Authors: McNally James , Lavender Kathryn
Published: December 2022

Creating and maintaining sustainable data archives can be challenging, but it offers clear advantages. Properly curated data can be used by multiple researchers, testing a variety of hypotheses and increasing the return on investment to the expensive data collection process. An internally managed archival system also provides greater control and autonomy in the equitable distribution of data resources. This process ensures all researchers will have full use of the data for original research, teaching, and new directions once the data leaves the control of the local investigator. This poster reviews the advantages of having a local strategy to preserve and share gerontological research data. Using the National Archive of Computerized Data on Aging (NACDA) as a working example, the poster offers an overview of collections at NACDA. Using our metadata tools and variable search database, NACDA can identify studies in its collections that examine aspects of aging and health among adults during their lifecourse. Many of the studies are longitudinal or repeat measure cross-sectional studies. We can also identify studies that focus on aging not maintained by NACDA are available to interested researchers. Using a strategy of archival preservation combined with a strong focus on productive research Innovation in Aging, NACDA has amassed data and metadata covering a wide array of studies worldwide that address the aging lifecourse. Because our collections are multinational, we share these data at no cost to interested users worldwide