bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conversations About Death and Dying, End-of-Life Care Plans and Preferences Between Aging Parents and Adult Children
Authors: Lee Hyo Jung , Ng Jacobbina Jin Wen
Published: December 2020

This study aims to investigate whether attitude and perception on late-life death and dying, end-of-life care plans and preferences could be better understood from current values shared between aging parents and their adult children in the multi-cultural city-bound country, Singapore. We are in the process of interviewing 20 aging parent-adult child dyads. Up to date, six semi-structured interviews were completed and transcribed. We performed Content analysis to analyze the transcripts. Preliminary findings showed that both aging parents and adult children rarely discussed this issue, although parents had their own plans or preferences. The major barriers against open conversations about death and dying of aging parents include: the perception of not-yet time to talk about this issue (without knowing when the right time is) and tendency to have conversations about death in tandem with finances, but not death itself. Although specific end-of-life care plans or arrangements were not thought out thoroughly, aging parents expressed a high level of trust and reliance on close family members’ decisions regarding their end-of-life care. They tended to agree on joint decision-making process within family, even though adult children had no or unmatched ideas about their aging parents’ end-of-life wishes. This did not necessarily align with previous findings in Western countries, underscoring individuals’ control over their own death and dying process. Open conversation within family, family-involved advance care planning, or joint decision-making processes may be warranted to promote quality of life and death in older Singaporeans and well-being of their family members of all ages.
How Will I Be Remembered? Reflection on Virtues in Self-Defining Memories Across Adulthood
Authors: McDarby Meghan , Mroz Emily , Bluck Susan , Carpenter Brian
Published: December 2020

Reflection on memorialization may differentially influence nomination and narration of self-defining memories across the lifespan, including the extent to which positive character strengths (i.e., virtues) are represented. We investigated characteristics of self-defining memories across adulthood and in the context of being memorialized after death. Young, middle-age, and older adults were randomly assigned to narrate a memorialization-based self-defining memory (a memory to describe you after you are gone; n = 103) or current self-defining memory (a memory to describe your current self; n = 99). Participants rated qualities of their memory (e.g., personal significance) and the extent to which the memory represents them as virtuous (e.g., courageous, empathic, etc.). There were no age or condition differences in personal significance of the memory narrative (p = 0.43). However, there was an age-by-condition interaction for representations of virtue described in the self-defining memory, F(2, 199) = 3.94, p = 0.002. Young adults rated their self-defining memories as more virtuous in the memorialization condition than in the current self condition (p = 0.001). Middle-age (p = 0.95) and older (p = 0.94) adults rated their self-defining memories as portraying similar levels of virtue across conditions. Unlike their middle-age and older counterparts, young adults report embodiment of virtue differently in unique contexts. Findings are discussed in the framework of how individuals’ views of the self as virtuous change in relation to time lived and time left to live.
What Do Older Adults Consider a Good Death?
Authors: Csikai Ellen , Maynard Quentin
Published: December 2020

Without improved understanding and communication about what constitutes a ‘good death’, an extended dying process that does not attend to how serious illness affects older adults’ quality of life near the end of life is likely (IOM, 2014). The primary aim of this study was to understand the concept of a ‘good death’ as defined by older adults. A scoping literature review of qualitative and quantitative research studies (published in peer-review journals since 2000) involving only community-dwelling older adults was conducted, using key search words: good death, dying well, older adults/elderly/seniors, gerontology/geriatrics and Boolean operators in Abstracts in Social Gerontology, CINAHL Plus, PubMed, Academic Search Premier, PsychINFO. A total of 344 articles met the search criteria. Following initial systematic screening of titles/abstracts and full text review, five articles remained that met inclusionary criteria. Therefore, this analysis is based on a total of five articles. Each study was qualitative, with small samples and diverse populations of older adults. Among the factors perceived important, studies’ shared results were dying in sleep/natural death/peaceful; family connection (e.g. time for closure, not being a burden) and faith/religiousness (e.g. getting ‘right’ with God, living with faith). Conceptions of a ‘good death’ often reflect primarily psychosocial/quality of life aspects, in addition to medical concerns. Health professionals need to know how a good death is defined by each individual in order to ensure holistic care and quality of life at the end of life according to older adults’ expressed wishes.
Successful Aging in the North: Lessons Learned, Lessons Shared, and Advice From Those Aging in a Good Way in Alaska
Authors: Lewis Jordan , Kim Steffi
Published: December 2020

This presentation presents and builds upon the Alaska Native Successful Aging model. Elders’ conceptions of successful aging differ from the Western model, how rural and urban environments influence successful aging, and the lessons Elders pass down to ensure a healthy lifestyle are not common in the literature. 42 Alaska Native Elders from the Norton-Sound sub region of Alaska, 21 Alaska Native Elders from the Aleutian Pribilof Islands, 26 Elders from the Bristol Bay region, and 12 Elders residing in Anchorage, AK to provide an urban context of successful aging. A community-based, exploratory, qualitative research methodology was used to allow for co-learning between research team and tribal communities. 101 qualitative interviews were conducted, and team-based thematic analysis was used to establish codes and main themes to expand the Alaska Native Successful Aging model. We learned that emotional well-being, community engagement, spirituality, family and purposeful engagement, and physical health were instrumental in promoting successful aging within Norton Sound and Bristol Bay. These findings expanded Lewis’s model to include gerotranscendence and generativity; Elders intentional relationships and stronger connections to traditional cultural and spiritual activities gave life deeper meaning and value. These findings argue the importance of including and emphasizing social components, historical perspective, and the importance of place, as well as generativity and gerotranscendence in program and policy development.
Transportation Barrier in Rural Older Adults’ Use of Pain Management and Palliative Care: Systematic Review
Authors: Suntai Zainab , Won Chorong , Noh Hyunjin
Published: December 2020

Pain and symptom management is critical in ensuring quality of life for chronically or seriously ill older adults. However, while pain management and palliative care have steadily expanded in recent years, many underserved populations, such as rural older adults, experience barriers in accessing such specialty services, particularly due to transportation issues. The purpose of this systematic review is to examine the specific types of transportation-related barriers experienced by rural older adults in accessing pain and palliative care. Studies were searched through the following 10 databases: Abstracts in Social Gerontology, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, SocINDEX with Full Text, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Nursing & Allied Health Database, Sociological Abstracts, and PubMED. Studies were chosen for initial review if they were written in English, full-text, included older adults in sample, and examined pain/palliative care/hospice, rural areas, and transportation. A total of 174 abstracts were initially screened, 15 articles received full-text reviews and eight met the inclusion criteria. Findings of the eight studies identified transportation-related issues as major access barrier to pain and palliative care among rural older adults: specifically, lack of public transportation; lack of special needs/wheelchair accessible vehicles; lack of reliable drivers; high cost of transportation services; poor road conditions; and remoteness to the closest pain and palliative care service providers. Results suggest that rural older adults have unique transportation needs due to the urban-centric location of pain and palliative care services. Implications for practice, policy and research with older adults are discussed.
What’s Age Have to Do With Comfortableness in Seeking and Providing Social Support After a Disaster?
Authors: Phillips Judith Robertson , Jimenez Edith
Published: December 2020

Disasters are associated with loss of property and loss of psychological well-being. Receiving various types of social support, such as emotional or tangible support, from various sources, such as family or friends, have been found to reduce the adverse impact of a disaster on affected adult community residents. It is not well studied, though, why some adults will not seek or provide support after a disaster while other adults will. The purpose of this study was to explore how age might play a role in how comfortable adults were in seeking social support from others and how age might play a role in how comfortable adults were in providing social support to others after a disaster, the 2014 San Diego County, CA wildfires. One hundred and twenty-two community residents (18 to 80 years) were recruited with 33 adults identified as Secondary Disaster Survivors and 89 adults identified as Non-Victims. Analyses revealed that age did play a role in Secondary Survivors’ comfortableness in seeking support from others; Older Adults (50-80) were significantly less likely than Middle-aged Adults (30-49) to feel comfortable in seeking support. There was no significant comfortableness difference between Middle-aged and Younger Adults (18-29) in seeking support. There were no age group differences in comfortableness in providing support to others for Secondary Survivors and Non-Victims. Implications from this data suggest that local disaster organizations should actively support affected older adults post-disaster while also including unaffected adults of all ages in the process of providing support to those in need.
Elder Family Financial Exploitation: The Complexity of Roles and Family Context
Authors: Chan Athena Chung Yin , Stum Marlene
Published: December 2020

Despite elder family financial exploitation (EFFE) being recognized as the most prevalent type of elder abuse, little is known about the family context in which it occurs. To-date most EFFE research has focused on understanding the profiles of one victim and one perpetrator in reported cases. Informed by Family Systems Theory, this study offers new insight into the range and complexity of EFFE victim and perpetrator roles, family structures (relationship types across generations) and living arrangements. A mixed-methods dataset from a sample of non-perpetrator/non-victim concerned family members who experienced EFFE (most unreported to authorities) was utilized to map and analyze 23 family system genograms. The findings reflect four overall profiles when organized by the number of victim(s) and perpetrator(s) in each involved family system including: Single victim, single perpetrator (n=7), Single victim, multiple perpetrators (n=12), Two victims, single perpetrator (n=1), and Two victims, multiple perpetrators (n=3). Across the 4 profiles, most primary perpetrators moved in to live with the elder victims. For Single victim, single perpetrator cases, remarried spouses, as well as parent/adult child relationships in nuclear families with 2-3 adult children emerged. For Single victim, multiple perpetrators, up to five family perpetrators from 3 different nuclear families were involved, including adult children, their in-laws, and grandchildren as a common combination of perpetrators. The findings suggest EFFE is more complex than often assumed, involving multiple perpetrators and victims, and family relationship types beyond older parent/adult child. Implications for reframing risk profiles, assessment tools, and family-focused intervention strategies are discussed.
Fostering an Understanding of Interprofessional Approaches to Geriatrics
Authors: Faul Anna , Yankeelov Pamela , Cotton Sam
Published: December 2020

Serving older adults with multiple chronic conditions and variable social, emotional, or physical support effectively within the primary care setting requires an interdisciplinary approach to care, together with the integration of novel approaches to care coordination (Dorr et al, 2006). The purpose of this study is to examine the use of interprofessional learning models to educate a healthcare workforce that meets the needs of older adults by integrating geriatrics with primary care, maximizing patient engagement, and transforming the healthcare system. Specifically, the targeted learners for this curriculum were from a healthcare system in Belize that had no previous specialty training in interprofessional geriatrics care. The 4-day training took place in Belize with an interprofessional group of healthcare professionals that included social work, nursing and medicine. 100 learners participated in the trainings and including participants from social work, nursing and medicine. To evaluate the program, Kirkpatrick’s Training Evaluation Model (Kirkpatrick & Kirkpatrick, 2005) was used to determine if learners were satisfied with the content (reaction), skilled (knowledge & skill) and confident in their abilities to utilize the curriculum (application of knowledge & skills). Analysis showed that learners, irrespective of discipline, were satisfied with the program. All disciplines experienced significant differences in their self-efficacy with working on interdisciplinary teams from pre to post assessments. Specifically, there was an increase in learner’s confidence related to learning to work together cooperatively with other professions and how to communicate effectively with other members of an interprofessional team. Implications for future interprofessional curriculum will be discussed.
Understanding Elderspeak: An Evolutionary Concept Analysis
Authors: Shaw Clarissa , Gordon Jean , Williams Kristine
Published: December 2020

Elderspeak is an inappropriate simplified speech register that sounds like baby talk and is commonly used with older adults, especially in health care settings. Understanding the concept of elderspeak is challenging due to varying views about which communicative components constitute elderspeak and whether elderspeak is beneficial or harmful for older adults. Rodger’s evolutionary concept analysis method was used to evaluate the concept of elderspeak by identifying its attributes, antecedents, and consequences. A systematic search using the PubMed, CINAHL, PsychINFO, and Embase databases was completed, resulting in the review of 83 articles. Elderspeak characteristics were categorized by semantic, syntactic, pragmatic, paralinguistic, and nonverbal attributes. The primary antecedent to elderspeak is ageism in which old age cues and signs of functional or cognitive impairment lead to simplified communication from a younger caregiver. Research studies vary in reporting whether elderspeak facilitates or interferes with comprehension by older adults, in part depending on operational definitions and experimental manipulation. Overall, exaggerated prosody, a key feature of elderspeak, is found to reduce comprehension. Elderspeak is generally perceived as patronizing by older adults and speakers are perceived as less respectful. In persons living with dementia, elderspeak also increases the probability of resistiveness to care which is an important correlate of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. Based on this concept analysis, recommendations for consistent operationalization of elderspeak in future research are made. A new definition of elderspeak is proposed, in which attributes that have been found to enhance comprehension are differentiated from from those that do not.
What Factors Influence the Perception of Longevity?
Authors: Barker Camela , Lerebours Laura , Gary Benjamin , Harper Olivia , Dixon Devyn , Brown Tyson , Thorpe Roland , Whitfield Keith
Published: December 2020

Previous research has highlighted the link between health-related factors and longevity. In particular, indices such as poor cardiovascular reactivity, high BMI, stress, and respiratory functioning have been shown to increase risk of mortality. However, little is known about identifying specific health and psychosocial behaviors that compromise the perception of longevity in African Americans. The Study of Longevity and Stress in African Americans (SOLSAA) was designed to examine psychosocial and health factors that are characteristic of survivorship in African Americans families. Data from 570 participants in the SOLSAA were used to examine the relationship between psychosocial and health-related factors among individuals aged 50 to 99 years (M = 67.6, SD = 11.5). Perception of longevity was positively correlated with sex, r = .058, education, r = .021, diastolic blood pressure r = .067, respiratory functioning, r = .150 and body mass index, r = .027, but negatively correlated with age, r = -.205, systolic blood pressure, r = -.050, and perceived stress, r = -.106. Regression analyses revealed, not surprisingly, that as participants aged, perception of longevity decreased. Furthermore, women’s perception of longevity was greater than that of men even after controlling for age. Given the longer life expectancy for women, this was also expected. Interestingly, high levels of perceived stress predicted reduced perception of longevity. These preliminary results suggest that the perception of stress is an important psychosocial factor for older African American’s self-forecasting of their chances for longevity beyond just simply age or physical health status.
Love in the Shadow of Oblivion: The Meaning Given to Love in Couples Living With Alzheimer’s Disease, From a Family View
Authors: Shavit Orit , Ben-Ze’ev Aaron , Doron Israel (Issi)
Published: December 2020

Aims and objectives: To deeply understand the significance of love between spouses who live with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) in a familial aspect. Background: While there is extensive empirical knowledge on the subject of AD, as well as about love, little is known about love in old age, and even less is known about love between spouses who live with AD. This study is a pioneering study that describes love and relationship with AD. Design: A phenomenological qualitative research, which enables a close examination of the experience that accompanies the couple and their adult children from a family perspective that has not yet been examined. It belongs to the stream of Social Constructivism whereby the purpose of interviewing more than one family member was used to capture the process by which family members construct their identity as individuals and as a family unit. Methods: Forty-five in-depth interviews were conducted with n = 15 triads including the couple and their adult child, based on Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results: Three central themes emerged: (1) The meaning of AD, (2) Continuity and discontinuity of love prior and with AD, (3) The meaning of love in coupled living with AD. Conclusions: Commitment with AD is a moral-ethical obligation, and not necessarily because of love, due to the increasing price of separation. Future research is discussed. Key words: Alzheimer’s disease, Love, Relationship, Meaning, couples
Dementia Caregiving and Cognition: An Extension of the Stress Process Model
Authors: Falzarano Francesca , Siedlecki Karen
Published: December 2020

As cases of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) continue to rise, informal caregivers are critical resources in providing dementia care, yet caregiving is associated with high levels of burden, stress, anxiety and depression. Caregiving can be a prolonged and stressful experience, and impaired cognitive functioning in caregivers could impact their own health and quality of life and compromise the quality of care provided to their care-recipient. Thus, the purpose of the current study is to use the Stress Process Model as a guiding theoretical framework to identify whether primary stressors (e.g., care recipient functional status, cognitive problems) or secondary stressors (e.g., loss of self, economic conflict) predict performance across seven domains of cognition in 50 primary ADRD caregivers. Hierarchical regression analyses were used to examine which primary and secondary stressors emerge as predictors of cognitive performance. Results indicated that primary stressors (e.g., problematic dementia behaviors and relational deprivation) significantly predicted working memory performance and secondary stressors (e.g., economic strain, loss of self) significantly predicted implicit memory performance. Additionally, higher levels of caregiver burden predicted worse performance on executive functioning and implicit memory measures. Overall, the findings of this study indicate that the stress associated with caregiving may have adverse effects beyond psychosocial outcomes, and findings can be used to inform policies and practices with regard to caregiver health and well-being.
Chronic Disease Self-Management: Behavioral Intervention Preferences Informed by the PEN-3 Cultural Model
Authors: Mingo Chivon , Airhihenbuwa Collins
Published: December 2020

Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) is an evidence-based program shown to improve health status, healthcare utilization, and health behaviors among individuals diagnosed with chronic conditions. Aging African Americans, a population at a greater risk of chronic disease diagnosis and burden, are underrepresented in the utilization of self-management behavioral programs. Previous research suggested that cultural distinctions (e.g., values, beliefs, preferences, experiences) impact the participation of racial/ethnic minorities in health-related research, health behavior outcomes, and healthcare utilization. Little is known about unique cultural influences on CDSMP utilization among this target group. To our knowledge, no research has applied a culture-specific theory to understand preferences or use of CDSMP among aging African Americans. Guided by the PEN-3 cultural model, this study examines preferences, barriers, and facilitators that may influence CDSMP utilization for the management of diagnosed chronic conditions. Using a qualitative research design, African Americans (N=50) from six Atlanta Metropolitan faith-based organizations participated in the 6-week CDSMP and one of six focus groups. Participants were largely female (70%) experiencing multiple chronic conditions (M=2) with an average age of 70. Focus groups were transcribed, and a thematic analysis was applied to identify emergent themes. Participants preferred programs that included family, community liaisons, and relevant advertisement material suggesting the importance of cultural identity. Accessing CDSMP at a familiar location with an endorsement of program benefit from trusted sources suggests the importance of relationship and expectations. Findings shed light on factors that may cause aging African Americans to embrace or avoid CDSMP as a healthcare option.
Loving Others: The Impact of Compassionate Love on Later-Life Psychological Well-Being
Authors: Kahana Eva , Bhatta Tirth , Kahana Boaz , Lekhak Nirmala
Published: December 2020

Existing scholarship in social gerontology has surprisingly paid little attention to broader loving emotions, such as compassionate and altruistic love, as potentially meaningful mechanisms for improving later life psychological well-being. This study examined the influence of feeling love toward other persons and experiencing love from others on later life psychological well-being. We conducted a 3-wave longitudinal study of a representative sample of 340 ethnically heterogeneous community dwelling older residents of Miami, Florida. The increase in feeling of being loved (β=-1.53, p<0.001) and love for others (β=-1.43, p<0.001) led to decline in odds of reporting greater level of depressive symptoms over time. The odds of reporting higher level of positive affect were significantly greater for older adults who reported feeling loved by others (β=1.16, p<0.001) and expressed love for other people (β=1.18, p<0.01). Older adults who felt loved had 0.92-point lower ordered log odds of reporting higher negative affect than those who reported lower level of love. The impact of compassionate love on depressive symptoms and negative affect remained statistically significant even after adjustment for altruistic attitudes and emotional support. The influence of loving emotions on positive affect was, however, explained by altruistic attitudes and emotional support. Our findings underscore the powerful influence of both receiving and giving love for the maintenance of later life psychological well-being. We offer support for the expectation that love is a significant force in the lives of older adults that transcends intimate relationships.
Frailty Status and All-Cause Mortality in the Community-Dwelling Older People: An Umbrella Review
Authors: Ekram A R M Saifuddin , Ryan Joanne , Britt Carlene , Espinoza Sara , Woods Robyn
Published: December 2020

Frailty is increasingly recognised for its association with adverse health outcomes including mortality. However, various measures are used to assess frailty, and the strength of association could vary depending on the specific definition used. This umbrella review aimed to map which frailty scale could best predict the relationship between frailty and all-cause mortality among community-dwelling older people. According to the PRISMA guidelines, Medline, Embase, EBSCOhost and Web of Science databases were searched to identify eligible systematic reviews and meta-analyses which examined the association between frailty and all-cause mortality in the community-dwelling older people. Relevant data were extracted and summarised qualitatively. Methodological quality was assessed by AMSTAR-2 checklist. Five moderate-quality systematic reviews with a total of 374,529 participants were identified. Of these, two examined the frailty phenotype and its derivatives, two examined the cumulative deficit models and the other predominantly included studies assessing frailty with the FRAIL scale. All of the reviews found a significant association between frailty status and all-cause mortality. The magnitude of association varied between individual studies, with no consistent pattern related to the frailty measures that were used. In conclusion, regardless of the measure used to assess frailty status, it is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality.
Associations Between Physical Activity and Living Alone: Are There Differences by Gender?
Authors: Cheng Jianjia , Nicklett Emily
Published: December 2020

Nearly one in three adults aged 65 and older live alone in the U.S. Despite this increasing trend, there remains little understanding regarding the relationship between living alone and physical activity (PA) in older adulthood. Is living alone a risk factor for lower levels of PA among older adults? The effects of living arrangements on health behaviors could differ by gender; however, findings from prior studies on this topic have been mixed or inconclusive. This is one of few studies to examine whether PA is associated with living alone (vs. living with others) and whether the association differs by gender using longitudinal data. Our data were drawn from 2006-2014 Psychosocial and Lifestyle Questionnaire of the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative sample of older adults in the U.S. (N=17371, mean age=75.4). PA was measured repeatedly using metabolic equivalents of task (MET) estimated values accounting for the vigor and frequency of self-reported PA (range 0-31). Using mixed-effects linear regression, we found that living alone was significantly associated with higher levels of PA (Coeff.: 0.41, p<0.001). When examined separately by gender, living alone was associated with significantly higher PA among women (Coeff.: 0.47, p<0.001) but not among men (Coeff.: 0.29, p=0.14) after controlling for marital status, other sociodemographic characteristics, and health-related indicators. Our study provides evidence of gendered differences in initiating and maintaining health behavior change in relation to living arrangements. Findings provide implications for the design of PA promotion programs and policies for older adults.
Older Adult Sexuality, Partnership, and Health: Cohort Comparisons of Baby Boomers and Traditionalists
Authors: Tong Winnie , Waite Linda
Published: December 2020

This paper updates prior work on older adult sexuality, partnership, and health by examining the most current wave of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (2015-16), a population-based study of health and social factors on a national scale. Comparing data from Wave I, Cohort 1 (2005-06) and Wave I, Cohort 2 (2015-16), we ask whether there are differences in partnership, sexual behaviors and health outcomes between two cohorts (‘Traditionalists’ vs. ‘Baby Boomers’). Additionally, we examine whether sexual frequency is related to physical health, particularly the health conditions of arthritis, diabetes, cognitive impairment, and prior stroke, in both cohorts. We find significant differences between cohorts through a logistic model. For Traditionalists, age, gender, education level, partnership status and diabetes were all significantly related to sexual activity (p < 0.001). Older adults were less sexually active; men were more sexually active; the higher educated were more sexually active; diabetes patients were less sexually active; and partnered were more sexually active. For Baby Boomers, only age and partnership status were significantly related to sexual activity (p < 0.001); gender and diabetes diagnosis were also related (p <0.005). Significantly, partnership status for Boomers is negatively related to sexual activity; the other three relationships – age is related to less sexual activity, men have slightly higher sexual activity, and diabetes was related to less sexual activity – were as expected. Importantly, our findings may imply that partnership or marriage is not as significant to sexual activity, or to health outcomes, as previously believed.
Poor Sleep Increases Next Day Pain, Particularly for Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Ji Xiaopeng , Bowen Mary , Griffieon Mari
Published: December 2020

Sleep studies examine how pain is associated with poor sleep. However, emergent research suggests poor sleep increases pain and may interfere with activities of daily living (ADL) among older adults. This study will examine how poor sleep may affect next-day pain interference and how this relationship may vary by cognitive function. Ten community-dwelling older adults with lower extremity chronic pain wore an Actigraph GT9X Link for 7 days to measure poor sleep and next-day pain interference (Brief Pain Inventory; BPI). Multi-level mixed models accounted for intra-individual changes in sleep and pain interference and controlled for age, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and depressive symptoms. Poor sleep among older adults with MCI (14 total observations) was also explored. Across 79 observations, increased number of awakenings (β=0.03; p≤ 0.05) and movement index scores (β=0.08; p≤ 0.05) were associated with increased next-day pain interference. In exploratory analyses, MCI intensified relationships between sleep efficiency (β=-0.10; p≤ 0.05), increased awakenings after sleep onset (β=0.01; p≤ 0.05) and increased length of sleep awakenings (β=0.39; p≤ 0.01) on next-day pain interference. This study’s findings suggest poor sleep is associated with next-day pain interference and the ability to perform ADL. Older adults with MCI may be at an increased risk for poor sleep and pain-related interference in ADL. Interventions designed to moderate the association between poor sleep and pain in general and for adults with MCI in particular may be warranted.
What Does It Mean to Age in Place as an Older Homeless Woman? Facing an Altered Sense of Place, Belonging, and Identity
Authors: Gonyea Judith , Melekis Kelly
Published: December 2020

The emergence of “aging in place” as social policy in the U.S and globally reflects a deepening understanding that a home is more than a physical domicile, it also represents a source of personal and social identity and offers one a sense of place and belonging. In this qualitative study we explore the question, What does “aging in place” mean to older homeless women navigating the shelter system and streets? Using a phenomenological approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews with fifteen chronically homeless women in their fifties using the shelter system. Our analysis process was inductive and iterative with the culminating phases being the generation and interpretation of themes. Our analysis revealed the links between place, sense of belonging, and identity. To be displaced from a physical home can present challenges to defining one’s very existence. Specific themes emerging from the women’s narratives included the ways in which shelter and street life impacted their sense of personal control, privacy, security, health, and comfort as well as underscored that shelters are dehumanizing places that further diminish one’s sense of self and self-worth. The interviewed women sought to construct a positive sense of self through speaking about their past, present, and future roles as well as identities gained through social relations and place identity connections. Based on the findings, we suggest strategies by which shelters might better respond to unique needs of older women, including adopting ways that do not further disempower or stigmatize them but rather promote pathways out of homelessness.
Ageism in Higher Education: Historical Reasons and Contemporary Age-Friendly Solutions
Authors: Montepare Joann
Published: December 2020

The need for greater attention to aging in higher education is indisputable. Changing age demographics are reshaping societies and challenging colleges and universities to consider how they can respond to aging populations through new approaches to teaching, research, and community engagement. However, ageism permeates academia in systematic as well as implicit ways, holding higher education back from expanding attention to aging. This presentation will describe how ageism manifests itself and how the pioneering Age-Friendly University (AFU) initiative with its ten guiding principles offers a framework to address the neglect of age in academia by advocating for greater age-diversity and inclusion. Special attention will be given to an AFU focus on breaking down age-segregation by bringing younger and older learners together around educational goals of mutual interest, engaging in collaborative teaching and learning experiences, and building intergenerational solidarity in line with social-psychological principles known to reduce prejudice and discrimination. Part of a symposium sponsored by Age-Friendly University (AFU) Interest Group.
The AFU Campus Climate Survey: Assessing Perceptions of Age Friendliness
Authors: Bowen Lauren , Silverstein Nina , Whitbourne Susan
Published: December 2020

While the AFU goals emphasize campus structures and practices (which can and should be evaluated), it is equally important to assess perceived age-friendliness by campus community members. Availability of academic and career services to students of all ages does not guarantee that older and younger students feel equally welcome and well-served. The Campus Climate Survey gathers the “perceived” data from faculty, staff, and students of all ages through a Likert-scale survey that asks perception questions about age-friendly services, facilities, and campus culture. Participants in this session will be shown how to use the CCS at their own institutions and learn its value through preliminary findings from 2,708 staff, student, and faculty responses from Massachusetts, such as: while the majority (68%) of campus staff members agreed that older adults feel welcome on campus, more than half (58%) anticipate facing age biases and challenges on campus as they age.
Long-Term Care Workers in South Korea and Their Protection of Human Rights of Persons Living With Dementia
Authors: Lee Hyun Ji , Chee Kyong Hee
Published: December 2020

South Korea has included dementia care as part of their Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance Program since 2014. Thus, LTC workers are increasingly engaged in dementia care. The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the role of the LTC workers’ occupational identity in their consciousness of human rights as well as their practice of human rights protection. Data were collected in 2018 from 303 LTC workers employed by 12 LTC facilities who completed questionnaires. Their mean age was 53.6 years. We measured occupational identity with a 15-item scale (a=.772), consciousness of human rights for persons living with dementia (PLWD) with a 27-item scale (a=.916), and practice of human rights for PLWD with a 26-item scale (a=.956). Results show that occupational identity was positively associated with consciousness of human rights (r=.296, p<.01) and practice of human rights (r=.295, p<.01). The findings have implications for protecting the human rights of PLWD. Part of a symposium sponsored by the Aging Among Asians Interest Group.
Life Course Themes in Japanese Americans’ Dementia Care Profiles
Authors: Park Juyoung , Chee Kyong Hee , Yeh Angelica
Published: December 2020

The “Faces of Caregiving” video project highlights the social and cultural aspects of dementia care as shared by seven Japanese Americans. We performed a content analysis of the narratives in the videos, and prominent themes included stigma, gender, resilience, and values placed on family and community. We also applied the life course perspective in examining each care trajectory and found the principles of historical time, linked lives, timing, and human agency to be not only relevant but also useful for a comprehensive understanding of the shared and unique care experiences of Japanese Americans. These results have significant practical implications in that they inform a conceptual template for developing similar video projects for other Asian ethnic groups in the United States. The video project can be replicated within an appropriate cultural context, and such a culturally sensitive approach can help better meet diverse ethnic minorities’ unmet needs for information and education. Part of a symposium sponsored by the Aging Among Asians Interest Group.
Development of a Measure of Intergenerational Contact: Implications for Evaluating Intergenerational Programs
Authors: Turner Shelbie , Jarrott Shannon , Mullican Nicole , Hooker Karen
Published: December 2020

Evaluating intergenerational programs often involves measuring the extent to which programs actually strengthen both the quantity and quality of intergenerational contact, which is associated with attitudes towards aging, social connection, and anxiety about aging. However, a surprisingly limited number of reliable, valid measures of intergenerational contact exist. Available measures are either explicit to familial intergenerational contact, are environment specific (e.g. workplace intergenerational contact), or are un-validated. In our presentation we will describe progress on our team’s efforts to develop an expert-informed reliable, valid measure of intergenerational contact that can be used widely to evaluate intergenerational programs. Specifically, we will share findings from a Delphi-style expert panel review used to develop the measure. The panel – 14 intergenerational research and practice experts – iteratively reviewed the measure, offering feedback on improving its relevance and practicality. We close with examples of how the measure can be used to evaluate intergenerational programs. Part of a symposium sponsored by Intergenerational Learning, Research, and Community Engagement Interest Group.
Using a Quasi-Experimental Study to Examine Outcomes for Older Adult Intergenerational Program Participants
Authors: Leedahl Skye , Brasher Melanie , Estus Erica
Published: December 2020

To more rigorously examine the University of Rhode Island Cyber-Seniors Program, we conducted a quasi-experimental study to examine if older adult senior center participants (n=25) improved scores on social and technological measures compared to a sample of senior center participants (n=25) who did not take part in the program. Findings showed that participants improved on technology measures compared to the non-participants, including searching and finding information about goods & services, obtaining information from public authorities or services, seeking health information, sending or receiving emails, and participating in online social networks (p<.05). However, participants did not change on social measures. There is either a need to identify better social measures to understand the social benefits of taking part, or to bolster the program to aid in helping older adults alleviate isolation and loneliness. Information on best practices and challenges for gathering outcomes from older participants will be discussed. Part of a symposium sponsored by Intergenerational Learning, Research, and Community Engagement Interest Group.
Older Learners in Higher Education: Age-Friendly University Models in and Beyond the Classroom (A Collaborative Symposium between the AFU and Intergenerational Learning, Research and Community Engagement Interest Groups)
Authors: Leedahl Skye
Published: December 2020

The Age-Friendly University (AFU) movement is specifically targeting one group of adult learners who are less represented within higher education -- individuals considered “older adults,” with five of the ten principles focused on promoting educational opportunities for older adult learners. However, there is less understanding within higher education for how to ensure inclusivity of this group. Importantly, some universities across the country have identified promising strategies for engaging older adult learners within higher education classrooms and supporting them beyond the classroom. As this intergenerational learning model continues to grow, there is much to learn from those who have begun efforts to appropriately utilize and engage older adult learners. This symposium will highlight examples from universities that have identified ways to create age-diverse programs within the university setting. The first paper will begin by discussing intergenerational learning opportunities for utilizing older adult learners in innovative ways to enhance university student experiences, and the second paper will specifically highlight successful activities used in a university class to engage older and younger adult learners. The third paper will examine ways in which a university and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute work together and promote research opportunities for both generations. The fourth paper will discuss research conducted to investigate how intergenerational classroom experiences are shaped by older adults. The fifth paper will describe the use of technology training workshops to promote service learning for university students and those in a retirement community. This would be a collaborative symposium between the AFU and ILRCE Interest Groups.
Gaming Technology to Support Leisure Activities Among Older Adults
Authors: Boot Walter
Published: December 2020

There has been a great deal of research on technology to support older adults in their performance of Activities and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. There has been substantially less research, however, on exploring technology solutions that support hobbies and leisure. This is unfortunate, as quality of life and well-being are determined by more than just one’s ability to manage everyday tasks. An overview will be presented of research the Center for Research and Education on Aging and Technology Enhancement (CREATE) has conducted over two decades with the goals of understanding and supporting older adults’ performance of technology-based leisure activities. Many of these studies have involved videogaming, where there exists a substantial age-related digital divide. CREATE has evaluated older adults’ attitudes and game experiences through survey and research studies and has even recorded longitudinal gameplay. How these findings can be applied to support technology-based leisure activities will be expanded upon. Part of a symposium sponsored by Technology and Aging Interest Group.
Social Engagement and Cognitive Function of Older Adults in Mexico and the United States
Authors: Howrey Bret , Avila Jaqueline , Downer Brian , Wong Rebeca
Published: December 2020

Social engagement is linked to better cognition, but it is unclear if the social engagement of husbands and wives influences their own cognition as well as each other’s cognition in two very different country contexts. Data on married couples come from the 2001 Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS) and the 2000 Health and Retirement Study (HRS), with follow-up cognition measured in 2012. Structural equation models (SEM) were used to test the actor-partner interdependence model on the association of social engagement with cognition. In Mexico wives’ social engagement benefited their own cognition as well as their husbands’, but husband’s social engagement was unrelated to cognition. In the U.S. both wives’ and husbands’ social engagement benefited their own cognition, but not each other’s. Results suggest asymmetric patterns of actor-partner interdependence in Mexico, possibly reflecting more traditional social roles of women and co-dependence within couples, but more independence within U.S. couples.
Approaches for Modeling of Intensive Longitudinal Data to Understand Cognitive Aging
Authors: Harrington Karra , Roque Nelson , Mogle Jacqueline
Published: December 2020

Understanding age-related change in cognition and identification of pathological changes requires sensitive and valid measurement of cognitive performance across time. Technological advances, such as ambulatory assessment of cognition using smartphones, have enabled intensive longitudinal methods where data is collected with many measurements over time. Our research group has developed novel ambulatory assessments that provide reliable, sensitive, and ecologically valid measurement of cognition across multiple timescales; from momentary changes to change across years. This symposium will present a spectrum of approaches to analysis of intensive longitudinal data that can inform models of cognitive aging. All three presentations will draw on data from measurement burst studies that apply our ambulatory cognitive assessment methods in community-based samples (i.e., systematically recruited in the Bronx, New York). For each measurement burst, participants undergo assessment consisting of brief surveys and cognitive tests via smartphone, up to 7 times per day across 14 days. Oravecz et al. will discuss the application of a Bayesian multilevel implementation of the double exponential model to account for retest effects while quantifying change in peak cognitive performance across time. Kang et al., will demonstrate a growth curve modeling approach for assessing the effects of between-person variables (i.e., loneliness) on change in cognition across measurement bursts. Harrington et al., will demonstrate a model-based cluster analysis approach, leveraging ambulatory assessments of subjective and objective cognitive function to unpack latent groups as a function of age and loneliness. Measurement, Statistics, and Research Design Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.