bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A U.S. NATIONAL PROFILE OF OLD ADULTS WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT ALONE, PHYSICAL FRAILTY ALONE, AND BOTH
Authors: Ge Meiling , Xue Qianli
Published: November 2019

Using data from NHATS, we aimed to identify characteristics (demographics, health conditions/events, self-care behaviors, psychological wellbeing) that distinguish joint vs. separate presence of physical frailty (by the Fried’s) and cognitive impairment (CI: bottom quintile of test performance in executive function and memory; or proxy-report of dementia diagnosis or AD8 score >=2). Of the 7,497 older adults, 25.5%, 5.6%, and 8.7% had CI only, frailty only, and both, respectively. After adjusting for demographic characteristics, current smoker, single disease, and knee surgery history uniquely identified “frailty only”. Although none was found to uniquely identify “CI only” or “both”, surgery history and comorbidity were strongly associated with “frailty only” and, to a lesser degree, “both”, but not “CI only”. The findings advocate for treating physical frailty and CI as overlapping yet distinct conditions, and prioritizing comorbidity, surgery history, and smoking status in clinical screening of frailty and CI before formal diagnostic assessments.
HOW AND WHY TO APPLY FOR GERONTOLOGY ACCREDITATION
Authors: Hahn Janet S , Schafer Donna E
Published: November 2019

This presentation covers the steps to achieve accreditation of a gerontology program as well as the costs and benefits of accreditation. The overall timeline for a typical accreditation process is presented as well as the organization of required standards. Advance planning and a close review of Accreditation for Gerontology Education Council standards will allow time for a program to comply and document compliance with standards. Communication and cooperation within an institution are needed for a program to successfully seek accreditation. Key individuals and important conversations will be identified to assist those who are considering accreditation for their gerontology program.
PREPARING YOUR AGEC SELF-STUDY
Authors: Weinreich Donna , Schafer Donna
Published: November 2019

Section VI of the AGEC Handbook provides guidelines for writing the self-study. This Handbook section is central to the accreditation review process because it provides information about how your program demonstrates that accreditation standards have been met/exceeded. It also specifies preparatory work that programs should undertake prior to applying for accreditation. Based on insights gained from the first round of AGEC accreditation reviews at the master’s, baccalaureate and associate levels, Section VI of the Handbook has been revised to clarify expectations about the self-study. Specifically, greater emphasis has been placed on 1) following the Standards outline in Section V of the Handbook, 2) insuring that all relevant information is contained in the self-study and, 3) requiring that the complete document, including appendices, is submitted well in advance of the site visit. This presentation describes the content and revisions in Section VI, as well as the process for submitting the self-study.
PROCESSES OF EXCLUSION AND NEW RURALITY: COMMUNITY CHANGE IN THE LIVES OF RURAL OLDER PEOPLE
Authors: Keogh Sinead , Walsh Kieran
Published: November 2019

Rural settings are sites of rapid change. Now sharing many of the processes that characterise their urban neighbourhood counterparts, older people’s rural communities, even those in remote locations, are being altered by forces driven by gentrification and population churn. While the potential for displacement is apparent, the extent to which older people respond to these processes is not well understood. The degree to which these shifting contexts produce new exclusionary mechanisms for older people to contend with and new opportunities for them to exploit has yet to be sufficiently explored. This paper aims to address the intersection of exclusion and community change in the production of a new rurality for older people. The analysis will 1) present an overview of the relevant international literature, and 2) highlight the current and emerging exclusionary processes that are impacting on the lives of older people using data from individual narratives and time-use diaries.
OPEN SCIENCE AND TRANSPARENT RESEARCH PRACTICES: IMPLICATIONS FOR GERONTOLOGY
Authors: Isaacowitz Derek M , King Jonathan W
Published: November 2019

Scientists from many disciplines have recently suggested changes in research practices, with the goal of ensuring greater scientific integrity. Some suggestions have focused on reducing researcher degrees of freedom to extract significant findings from exploratory analyses, whereas others concern how best to power studies and analyze results. Yet others involve ensuring that other interested researchers can easily access study materials, code, and data, to help with re-analysis and/or replication. These changes are moving targets, with discussions and suggested practices ongoing. However, aging researchers have not yet been major participants in these discussions, and aging journals are just starting to consider open science policies. This symposium, sponsored by the GSA Publications Committee, will highlight transparency and open science practices that seem most relevant to aging researchers, discuss potential challenges to implementing them as well as reasons for doing so, and will consider how aging journals may implement these practices. Open science practices to be considered include: preregistration, open data, open materials and code, sample size justification and analytic tools for considering null effects. Presenters from a range of areas of aging research (lab, secondary data, qualitative) will show examples of open science practices in their work and will discuss concerns about, and challenges of, implementing them. Then, editorial team members will discuss the implications of these changes for aging journals. Finally, discussant Jon King will give NIA’s perspective on the importance of encouraging open science practices in the aging field.
IS IT LONELY AT THE TOP? BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL VARIANTS OF LONELINESS AMONG CENTENARIANS
Authors: Bishop Alex J , Riberio Oscar
Published: November 2019

There is a growing body of evidence supporting the detrimental impact of loneliness on biological, psychological, and social functioning. Loneliness has been cited to contribute to social isolation, mental health disorders, and premature death in old age. In turn, the prevention of loneliness has emerged as a priority area in geriatric and gerontology research, practice, and policy. However, determination of whether persons living 100 or more years feel lonely or socially disconnected has remained limited within centenarian research. Such research has historically fostered translation of insights and secrets for living long and aging well. Centenarians represent persons who have managed to survive, delay, or escape varying biopsychosocial losses that might otherwise deteriorate emotional health, exacerbate feelings of isolation, and limit human longevity potentials. Guided by a biopsychosocial framework, this symposium will consider biological, psychological, and social variants that contribute to risk as well as resilience in loneliness in very old age. Of particular interest is the advancement of evidence-based research exposing the interplay between loneliness and nutritional health, impact of lifelong childlessness on feelings of solitude, role of personality traits and the expression of loneliness, and the intersection between active religious engagement and loneliness. Biopsychosocial attributes that reduce the threat of social isolation and loneliness, as well as improve emotional well-being in human longevity will be further discussed. Implications relevant for geriatric counseling and wellness programming for old-old adults will be highlighted.
CHALLENGES IN PRE-REGISTRATION AND APPLYING OPEN SCIENCE PRINCIPLES WHEN USING SECONDARY OR LONGITUDINAL DATA
Authors: Mroczek Daniel K
Published: November 2019

The application of open science, preregistration, and transparency principle is challenging when using existing data, including ongoing long-term longitudinal data. The goal is to distinguish clearly between exploratory and confirmatory research, but in the context of archival or longitudinal work there are risks associated with prior knowledge that has been obtained from these secondary sources. That said, new principles are being developed, including specialized pre-registration templates, that can guide the application of open science and transparency ideas to longitudinal and other secondary data, thereby increasing credibility of such work. These include: 1) disclosure of prior knowledge about a given dataset, ranging from “never worked with these data” to having multiple publications, in the pre-registration, 2) use of hold-out subsamples that can be used for validation or confirmatory purposes, and 3) making more clear what research questions are exploratory and confirmatory.
PRESIDENTIAL SYMPOSIUM: OPTIMIZING SURGICAL CARE FOR ALL OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Robinson Thomas , Rosenthal Ronnie
Published: November 2019

Our program will provide a detailed overview with an emphasis on the research aspects of the new Coalition for Quality in Geriatric Surgery, a project supported by the American College of Surgeons and the John A. Hartford Foundation. This project is a national endeavor which aims to systematically improve the surgical care of older adults by establishing a verifiable quality improvement program with standards based on best evidence focused on what matters most to the individual patient. We believe there is a critical need for safe, high-quality, patient-centered surgical care for older adults. Aging surgical patients have unique physiological needs, social needs and unique goals of care. We formed the Coalition to help hospitals meet these rising needs by setting and verifying interdisciplinary standards and developing outcome measures that matter to older patients, families and caregivers. In collaboration with our 50+ stakeholder organizations, we have set the standards, developed measures that matter, educated providers and patients, and created awareness about the surgical needs of older adults at all hospitals through the program. The geriatric surgery program, set to launch in the Summer of 2019, will use the four principles of continuous quality improvement: set standards, define the right infrastructure, collect rigorous data, and verify. The program not only improves perioperative care, but also impacts the full cycle of care for older adults. Our group has harnessed the power of networks through partnership and collaboration of all disciplines involved in the peri-operative care of older adults.
CREATION OF EVIDENCE-BASED GERIATRIC SURGERY STANDARDS
Authors: Russell Marcia McGory
Published: November 2019

The aim of this abstract is to describe how to establish high-quality, valid standards to improve surgical care of the older adult. The older adult population has high demand for high-quality surgical care. Building upon prior guidelines, quality indicators, and pilot projects, the Coalition for Quality in Geriatric Surgery (CQGS) included 58 diverse stakeholder organizations committed to improving surgery for older adults. Using a modified RAND-UCLA Appropriateness Methodology, 44 of 58 CQGS Stakeholders twice rated validity (primary outcome) and feasibility for 308 standards, ranging from goals and decision-making, pre-operative assessment and optimization, perioperative and postoperative care, to transitions of care beyond the acute care hospital. Stakeholders rated the vast majority of standards of care as highly valid (99%) and feasible (94%) for improving the quality of surgical care provided to older adults.
FUTURE DIRECTIONS: DISSEMINATION OF STANDARDIZED GERIATRIC SURGERY CARE NATIONALLY
Authors: Katlic Mark
Published: November 2019

The American College of Surgeon’s Coalition for Quality in Geriatric Surgery will formally launch a national initiative aimed to improve the quality of surgical care for all older adults in July 2019. The first-year goal will be to recruit and successfully verify 100+ medical centers. This presentation will provide an overview of dissemination efforts for the standards set for providing high quality surgical care for older adults as well as processes to measure the quality of care provided to older adults at these medical centers. It our vision that this national initiative will lead the effort to the improvement of surgical care of all older adults.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN BRAIN VOLUMES AND PATTERNS OF COMMUNITY-DWELLING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Authors: Wanigatunga Amal A , An Yang , Davatzikos Christos , Urbanek Jacek K , Spira Adam P , Simonsick Eleanor M , Resnick Susan M , Schrack Jennifer A
Published: November 2019

With aging, brain structural integrity may influence patterns of physical activity (PA) performed in community-dwelling settings. In 281 cognitively-intact adults aged ≥65 years, linear regression models were fitted to examine whether MRI brain volumes (cc), assessed using an automated multi-atlas approach, were cross-sectionally associated with accelerometer-derived: 1) daily PA minutes and 2) activity fragmentation defined as the ratio of # of contiguous PA minutes over total PA minutes x 100. Higher white matter in the parietal and temporal lobes were associated with more daily active minutes (2.8 (SE=1.0) and 3.1 (0.9) min/day, respectively; p<0.005 for both) after adjusting for demographics, behavioral factors, medical conditions, and intracranial volume. Higher white matter in the temporal region was associated with lower fragmentation (-0.15 (0.05) %, p=0.004). Our results suggest sensorimotor-related brain morphometry is connected with both the amount and manner in which PA is performed throughout the day in well-functioning older adults.
THE UNIQUE CONNECTION BETWEEN PERSONALITY TRAITS AND LONELINESS AMONG CENTENARIANS
Authors: Cho Jinmyoung , Bishop Alex J
Published: November 2019

Evidence suggests that personality traits contribute to risk and resilience in long-term survivorship. However, research examining the link between personality and loneliness among persons living 100 and more years has remained limited. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between Big 5 personality traits and loneliness among 154 centenarians residing in Oklahoma. Basic descriptive and multivariate regression analyses were conducted. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) indicated that mean level of loneliness was higher among centenarians possessing higher levels of extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and lower level of neuroticism compared to their counterparts. After controlling for demographic characteristics, physical health and cognitive functioning, neuroticism (β=-.22, p<.05) and agreeableness (β=.40, p<.001) were significantly associated with loneliness. It appears that experiencing emotional instability and being agreeable contributes to greater feelings of loneliness among centenarians. This has implications relative to further investigating how personality may uniquely contribute to loneliness after age 100.
ENGAGING OLDER ADULT LEARNERS AS HEALTH RESEARCHERS: PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Authors: Sörensen Silvia , Seshadri Sandhya R , Duckles Joyce
Published: November 2019

Studies of aging rarely include the older adults themselves in the process of conceptualizing questions, implementing the research, and evaluating the results. To provide opportunities for community members to become engaged in research, researchers and community stakeholders developed “Engaging Older Adult Learners as Health Researchers (ENGOAL).” This program educates older adults from underserved and underresourced communities about geriatric health and research methods, enabling them to become Research Partners. Two cohorts of African-American seniors (N=21) aged 53-79 have participated or are currently participating in six months of weekly classes followed by 4-6 months of research apprenticeships. Content and structure of classes (covering qualitative and quantitative research approaches and language, salient health themes, and developing a research proposal) will be described. Challenges and successes in providing research apprenticeships (interviewing for a study on vision, reviewing recruitment materials, evaluating a mentorship program, and testing a diabetes management program) will be discussed.
STRENGTH IN AGE: HARNESSING THE POWER OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING FOR EARLY-CAREER SCIENTISTS
Authors: Bernard Marie A
Published: November 2019

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) at the National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, supports biomedical and behavioral research with a life-span focus. There is attention to understanding basic processes of aging, improving prevention and treatment of diseases and conditions common in later years, improving the health of older persons, as well as a focus on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The NIA also supports the training and career development of scientists focusing on aging research and the development of research resources. The symposium, meant for junior faculty and emerging scholars, will provide an update on the latest research findings from the NIA followed by a brief update on funding mechanisms. An opportunity is provided to meet and consult with NIA extramural staff.
INTEREST GROUP SESSION—KOREAN AND KOREAN AMERICAN AND AGING: UNDERSTANDING THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF OLDER KOREAN AMERICANS FROM CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Kim Miyong T , Chiriboga David , Yee Barbara
Published: November 2019

Despite tremendous progress in improving health in the U.S. in recent years, many ethnic minority populations still experience significant health disparity gaps that stem from a lack of valid research and culturally sensitive service infrastructures for those populations. Our previous research indicates that overwhelming numbers of older Korean Americans, a first-generation immigrant group, suffer not only from health issues but also from a lack of self-confidence and a feeling of social isolation because of language and cultural barriers. In addition, many older Korean Americans lack personal resources and health literacy to overcome those barriers when they attempt to access the complicated U.S. health care system. The purpose of this symposium is to promote the understanding of the health and well-being of older Korean Americans and identify their vulnerabilities and resilience. A series of five community-based studies of older Korean Americans conducted in multiple locations (e.g., FL, HI, TX, NY, CA, MD, VA, DC, MN, and IL) that covers diverse topics on health and well-being (e.g., health literacy, chronic disease management intervention, physical/mental/oral/cognitive health, end-of-life issues, diabetes, cancer, and dementia), using various methodologies (e.g., quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews, focus groups, and randomized controlled trials) will be presented. The issues of diversities and disparities will be discussed from the cultural perspectives, as well as implications for future research and practice.
I MAY BE ALONE BUT I DON'T FEEL LONELY: INSIGHTS FROM THE ORAL NARRATIVES OF CHILDLESS CENTENARIANS
Authors: Heinz Melinda , Bishop Alex J , Finchum Tanya
Published: November 2019

Oral history narratives of nine childless centenarians (7 women, 2 men) from the Oklahoma 100 Year Life Project were reviewed to investigate loneliness. Oral history narratives were assessed qualitatively, using content analysis to determine themes. We predicted that childless centenarians would feel lonely due to “elder orphanhood.” Findings revealed little indication of loneliness. Centenarians admitted they voluntarily chose to remain childless due to raising siblings earlier in life or delaying marriage. However, most remained socially well-adjusted and connected to extended family, particularly nieces. When confronted by social network losses due to death or relocation, most adapted by actively seeking and forming new relationships. In some cases, childless centenarians remained gainfully employed and working. Childlessness does not appear to make centenarians lonely. Rather, purposeful pursuit of intrapersonal and interpersonal sources of lifelong emotional contentment may render childless centenarians immune from conditions of loneliness.
VITAL INVOLVEMENT: A SOURCE OF REALISTIC OPTIMISM FOR OLDER ADULTHOOD
Authors: Kivnick Helen Q
Published: November 2019

Vital Involvement (VI) was initially proposed (Erikson et al., 1986) as one of three principles around which lifelong healthy psychosocial development takes place. As more recently elaborated, VI has come to describe a person’s meaningful, reciprocal engagement with the world outside the integrating “self.” It is through VI that the person engages in healthy psychosocial development throughout life, including balancing Older Adulthood’s focal tension between Integrity and Despair. This life stage is widely associated with the physical, cognitive, and social losses, and societal constraints that give rise to later-life despair. However, VI functions as a lifelong psychosocial model for the meaningful environmental engagement that supports later life’s wisdom and integrity. Notably few films present an integrated view of older adulthood’s losses along with opportunities. But those few can be a source of optimism to elders for whom VI may not be intuitive, but who can learn its practice.
ELDER COHOUSING: THE EMBODIMENT OF AGING IN COMMUNITY
Authors: Glass Anne P
Published: November 2019

A new alternative living arrangement has emerged in the U.S., in which older adults proactively choose how, where, and with whom they want to live, in a close-knit community where neighbors look out for each other. Adopting the cohousing model originally established in northern Europe, these elder intentional communities are distinctive, as they are run by the residents themselves, and there is a focus on neighbors helping each other. Drawing from over a decade of research incorporating data from six communities, the challenges and benefits of establishing such a community will be addressed and the requirements necessary for mutual support to thrive will be identified. Finally, the model of aging better together intentionally, developed from the senior cohousing experience, will be shared, as well as the implications for how the model can be used for planning and policy in other settings.
PROGRAM PLANNING STRATEGIES AMONG OLDER ADULTS PARTICIPATING IN THREE PROGRAMS PROMOTING AGING-IN-COMMUNITY
Authors: Hou Su-I
Published: November 2019

This study examines program planning strategies among older adults participating in programs promoting aging-in-community (AIC) programs. Older adults from three programs were recruited (n=290): a university-based lifelong learning program (LLP; n=110), a county neighborhood lunch program (NLP; n=84), and a village program (n=96). Mean age was 72.4 (SD=8.68) years and 78% female. Findings showed NLP participants were more likely to obtain health information from TV (p=.030), friends and neighbors (p=.016), family members (p<.001), or mailed advertisement (p<.001); while less likely to obtain health information online (p<.001). Village members preferred afternoon while NLP participants preferred morning programs (p=.025). Most desired frequency was weekly (45%) and delivered in small group modes (68%). NLP participants were more likely to report self as risk takers (29% vs. 17%) or old tradition (23% vs. 3-8%) towards new technology adoption (p<.001). Results have implications on tailored program planning for older adults in different AIC programs.
PERCEPTIONS OF BRAIN HEALTH AND INTEREST IN PARTICIPATING IN BRAIN HEALTH RESEARCH AMONG ADULTS AGE 50 TO 64
Authors: Solway Erica , Maust Donovan , Kirch Matthias , Singer Dianne , Kullgren Jeffrey , Malani Preeti
Published: November 2019

Evidence suggests it may be possible to reduce the risk of developing dementia during midlife. The University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging (NPHA), a nationally representative online survey, sought to determine to what extent adults age 50 to 64 anticipate and worry about developing dementia, are taking steps to prevent dementia, and are likely to participate in dementia-related research. Nearly 50% of poll respondents (n=1,025) perceived themselves as being somewhat or very likely to develop dementia. Worry about developing dementia was higher among respondents who had a family member with dementia (66.3% vs. 31.8%; Pearson’s Chi squared, p<0.001) and those who had been a caregiver of a person with dementia (65.2% v. 38.9%; Pearson’s Chi squared p<0.001). Only 5% of respondents had discussed preventing dementia with their doctor. In contrast, many respondents endorsed pursuing a variety of strategies to help maintain their memory. For example, 55% did crossword puzzles or other brain games; more than 30% reported taking fish oil or omega-3 supplements. Finally, 44% of respondents said they were likely to participate in studies to test a new medicine to prevent dementia and to test a new treatment for dementia. According to this NPHA, while many adults age 50 to 64 in the U.S. are worried about developing dementia, fewer are willing to participate in research to prevent or treat dementia. The low percentage who discussed dementia prevention with their doctor is concerning, particularly because many report using non-evidence-based prevention strategies such as dietary supplements.
PERMANENT TRANSITION OF HOMECARE RECIPIENTS WITH DEMENTIA TO NURSING HOMES IN NYS: RISK FACTORS
Authors: Young Yuchi , Papenkov Maksim , Hsu Wan-Hsaing , Shahid Faryal , Kuo Yen-Hong
Published: November 2019

Objective. To determine predictors associated with the permanent transition to nursing homes among home care recipients with dementia. Methods. Retrospective cohort study (01/2007-12/2012). Study participants (n=48,338) include older adults age 65+ with dementia who received home health services in NYS for at least 2 months prior to permanent transition to nursing homes. Permanent transition is defined as discharge from a home care agency to a nursing home where participants must reside for 3+ months continuously. Two data sets were used—the Minimum Data Set (MDS) and Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS). Multivariate logistic regression was used to quantify the association between predictors and permanent transition to nursing homes. Results: 29% of home care recipients with dementia made permanent transitions to nursing homes. The mean age was 83 years old ranging from 65-111. Among the permanent transition group, 47% were age 85+, 68% female, 75% white, 13% black, 9% Hispanic, 29% with both urinary & bowel incontinence, and 15% with depression. Risk factors associated with permanent transition included increasing age (OR=1.1; 95% CI 1.03-1.18); being white (OR =1.25; 95%CI 0.83-0.94) compared to black, urinary and bowel incontinence vs. continence (OR=1.46; 95% CI 1.37-1.56); depression vs. no depression (OR=1.2; 95% CI 1.11-1.25); hip fracture vs. no hip fracture (OR=2.63; 95% CI 2.27-3.05), and 3+ hospitalizations vs. no hospitalization (OR=3.02; 95% CI 2.77-3.29). Conclusion: Two potential modifiable risk factors related to permanent transition to nursing homes are depression and incontinence. Early diagnosis and treatment may delay or avert nursing home entry.
THE BUDDY PROGRAM: IMPACT ON PERSONS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA AND FAMILY CAREGIVERS
Authors: Morhardt Darby , Mittelman Mary , Burgunder Ann , Micoli Thea
Published: November 2019

Psychosocial interventions have the potential to offer substantial benefit to people with dementia and their family caregivers. The Buddy Program is an experiential learning program that pairs students with persons with dementia for activities and relationship-building. Previous studies have demonstrated the program’s positive impact on student knowledge and attitudes. New York University’s (NYU) Alzheimer’s Family Support Program began replicating the Buddy Program in 2017 and has enrolled 80 students. Northwestern University’s (NU) Buddy Program, in its 22nd year, has enrolled 260. This presentation describes the impact of the program on the mentors (NU) and the caregivers (NYU). Post program focus groups with mentors and student journals describing interactions with the caregiver were thematically analyzed. Mentors describe feelings of pride in the mentorship role, enjoyment being with student, and the opportunity to develop a new friendship. Caregivers enjoyed the respite provided by the buddies, knowing that their relatives with dementia were enjoying themselves and seeing their relatives with dementia in the role of valued companion. Qualitative data from caregivers and mentors participating in the buddy programs at NU and NYU underscore the possibility that people with dementia can still make contributions to society. The buddy program has a positive impact on quality of life for persons living with dementia and their family members, while providing a valuable educational experience for students. Further research on the buddy program’s benefits is warranted.
LONELINESS, ISOLATION, AND LIVING ALONE AMONG PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA AND THEIR CARERS: INSIGHTS FROM THE IDEAL STUDY
Authors: Victor Christina , Fauth Elizabeth B
Published: November 2019

The IDEAL research programme is national nine-year (2014-2022) ESRC/NIHR/Alzheimer’s Society UK funded longitudinal cohort study of 1547 people with mild to moderate dementia and 1283 family members or friends who provide support and aims to identify what promotes (or inhibits) people living well with dementia and their carers and how these change longitudinally. Loneliness and/or isolation are key indicators of quality of life and living well is posited as a factor which compromises wellbeing. Loneliness was measured using both the six-item de Jong Gierveld (DJG) scale (range 0-6) and isolation by the six-item Lubben social network scale (range 0 to 30). The three presentations in this symposium use data from the baseline assessment. Clare focuses upon the 18.5% of our participants who live alone and compares them with those living with others and suggests that there are few systematic differences in terms of cognition, psychological factors and well-being between these groups. Using a score of 5+ on the DJG scale, Victor reports that for people with dementia 5 % were severely lonely, which approximates to the national norm, compared with 17% for caregivers. For social isolation people with dementia had smaller social networks (mean =15.1) and higher levels of isolation as measured by a score of 12 or less on the Lubben scale (35%) compared with caregivers (mean network size=17.1 and 18% isolated). Victor and Clare use dyad data for 1089 pairs for loneliness and 1204 for isolation demonstrating congruence of 43% for loneliness and 68% for isolation
DEALING WITH A DISTRESSED SPOUSE: MARITAL DYNAMICS IN SAME-SEX AND DIFFERENT-SEX COUPLES
Authors: Umberson Debra
Published: November 2019

We use a mixed-methods strategy to generate insights into gendered marital dynamics when one partner is experiencing high levels of psychological distress/depression. Our data are unique in their dyadic design and in the inclusion of same-sex and well as different-sex marital dyads. The data are from closed- and open-ended survey responses (from 808 gay, lesbian, and heterosexual spouses in 404 unions) as well as in-depth interview data (with a subsample of 45 gay, lesbian, and heterosexual couples in 90 unions). Respondents were asked about their most significant period of emotional distress during the marriage, how their spouse reacted to their distress (e.g., providing emotional or instrumental support, withdrawing), and how much they worried about burdening their spouse. Respondents were also asked how they reacted to their spouse’s periods of emotional distress. Preliminary results point to gendered experiences of distress within marriage that sometimes differ for same-sex compared to different-sex couples.
MULTIPLE METHODS OF ASSESSING DAILY MEDIA USE IN LATE LIFE
Authors: Fingerman Karen , Ng Crystal L , Huo Meng L , Zhang Shiyang L
Published: November 2019

Television viewing is a risk factor for obesity and poor physical health. By contrast, close ties to family and friends in late life are often beneficial. This study examined associations between social engagement and television viewing. Participants (N = 313) from the Daily Experiences and Well-being Study completed an initial interview about their social partners and participated in a 5 to 6 day intensive data collection including Ecological Momentary Assessments about their social contact and activities every 3 hours. Participants also wore Electronically Activated Recorders (EAR) which captured snippets of sound in the environment. Multilevel models using self report and EAR data revealed that participants were more likely to watch TV when they were with close family members (e.g., spouse, grown children) than with friends or acquaintances. Findings from these multiple methods suggest that close family may encourage risks (e.g., sedentary behaviors) as well as benefits in late life.
HEALTH INFORMATION’S IMPACT ON OSTEOPOROSIS SELF-MANAGEMENT BEHAVIORS IN OLDER WHITE AND ASIAN WOMEN
Authors: Du Yan , Wang Jing , Xu Qingwen
Published: November 2019

Little is known about how health information obtained from different types of social networks affect health behaviors. This study aimed to explore the effect of health information on osteoporosis management behaviors among White and Asian women from a social capital (SC) perspective using a variety of SC measures (e.g. bonding: family, friends, coworkers; bridging: churches, clubs; linking: health providers). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 White and 10 Asian women aged 50 and over in 2016. Through content analysis, we found that SC possession was different between older White and Asian women, and SC utilization to obtain health information corresponded with their possession of SC. Comparing to other diseases, health information relevant to osteoporosis was less frequently communicated. Health information from different types of SC interactively shaped participants’ behaviors. The findings suggest that culturally appropriate health interventions might improve older White and Asian women’s self-management behaviors of osteoporosis.
INVESTIGATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTERNET USE AND PERCEIVED LONELINESS AMONG OLDER CHINESE
Authors: Song Shijie , Song Shijie , Zhao Yuxiang (Chris) , Zhu Qinghua
Published: November 2019

There is a long debate on the impact of Internet use on individuals’ perceived loneliness. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between older Chinese people’s Internet use and their perceived loneliness. We employed cross-sectional data from the 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (N = 7,343; age range: 50-80 years old; Mean = 62.48; SD=8.00). Loneliness was measured by a 4-point Likert scale (Mean = 1.60, SD = 1.05) on the frequency of loneliness perception (higher score indicates higher loneliness). Internet use was measured by a dummy variable (Mean = 0.05, SD = 0.23). The results of multiple regression suggest that older Internet users reported significantly lower loneliness (B = -0.127, SD = 0.045, p = 0.005) compared with non-Internet users, suggesting a mitigating effect of Internet use on loneliness. Thus, the Internet might be implemented as an intervention to reduce loneliness among older adults in China.
AT THE INTERFACE OF THE BRAIN AND ENVIRONMENT: DETERMINANTS OF COGNITIVE FUNCTION AND MOBILITY
Authors: Rosso Andrea , Carlson Michelle C
Published: November 2019

It is hypothesized that older adults are more influenced by environmental factors due to reduced tolerance to stressors and greater cumulative exposure. The role of environmental factors in brain and cognitive aging, specifically, has not been well studied. In this symposium, we highlight novel work at the interface of the environment and the brain in aging. The presentations assess varying aspects of the environment/brain interface within three cohorts. Two of the presentations focus on the environment as a risk factor for brain or cognitive aging. Sara Godina will present analyses of neighborhood socioeconomic status and neuroimaging markers of brain atrophy within the Health ABC Study, with the aim of understanding documented associations of neighborhood socioeconomic status with cognitive function. Jessica Finlay will present data from the REGARDS study linking weather conditions with cognitive changes. Climate influences social and physical activities and could thereby, impact cognitive aging. The brain also serves to process and integrate environmental data in order to direct behaviors in an adaptive manner. Two of the presentations assess how cognitive aging may impact individuals’ interactions with the environment. Using residential histories of participants in the Cardiovascular Health Study, Jonathan Platt will explore how cognitive trajectories change in relation to changes in residence. These analyses will demonstrate how residential changes may be either supportive or detrimental to cognitive aging. Finally, Andrea Rosso will present data from the Health ABC that demonstrates how cognitive aging may determine the vulnerability of older individuals to environmental influences on mobility declines.
THE BIDIRECTIONAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AGING IN PLACE AND COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING OVER TIME
Authors: Platt Jonathan , Michael Yvonne , Lovasi Gina , Rosso Andrea
Published: November 2019

Residential stability (aging in place) in older adults may be either supportive or detrimental to cognitive aging, and may be dynamic over time. Using residential histories of 3608 older adults in the Cardiovascular Health Study, this study seeks to estimate the potentially bidirectional relationship between residential change and cognitive functioning. Residential data were recorded and georeferenced annually, and the Modified Mini-Mental State Examination assessed global cognitive functioning. Marginal structural models will be used to assess the effect of residential and cognitive exposures over time, in the presence of time-varying covariates that may act as confounders and mediators at different time points. We hypothesize that residential stability will have a bidirectional relationship with cognitive functioning over time. Aging in place will be associated with higher cognitive function during follow-up, and predict longer dementia-free survival. In turn, time to residential relocation during follow-up will be shorter among those with lower cognitive function.
WINTER WOES? IMPACT OF SNOW, SLEET, AND RAIN ON AGE-RELATED COGNITIVE DECLINE
Authors: Finlay Jessica M , Clarke Philippa , Khan Anam , Gronlund Carina , Melendez Robert , Judd Suzanne , Wadley Virginia
Published: November 2019

Snowfall, sleet and rain can adversely affect the mobility of older adults, with negative consequences for engagement in daily activities and socializing. This can lead to isolation and loneliness, which can negatively impact cognitive functioning. We tested whether long-term exposure to precipitation – particularly snow and cold rain (precipitation at ambient temperatures between 0°C and 10°C) – negatively impacts age-related cognitive function trajectories among a national sample of over 30,000 Americans (aged 45+) in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke study followed since 2003. Linear growth mixture models showed that living in an area with a 25% greater proportion of days with snow/rain in the past year was associated with a 0.6 unit decrease in cognitive function score (p<.001). Effects were stronger among those aged 75+, who experienced faster rates of cognitive decline. The findings motivate further research on the role of cold-season precipitation for cognitive decline.
CHOT LEADERSHIP
Authors: Ferris Thomas
Published: November 2019

The first speaker is Dr. Thomas Ferris the Center Director of the NSF Center for Health Organization Transformation (CHOT). Dr. Ferris will provide a high-level overview of CHOT and provide the audience with a greater understanding of its history, funding, partners, and accomplishments. In this section, the mission, annual research model, and the I/UCRC planning integration framework will be reviewed and discussed. The NSF CHOT is the only Industry-University Cooperative Research Center (I/UCRC) focused on innovations in healthcare delivery in the nation. CHOT researchers work alongside the Industry Advisory Board (IAB) to conduct research that supports the implementation of evidence-based transformational strategies within the healthcare sector. During this symposium, Dr. Ferris will discuss some of the challenges and opportunities that can arise from these partnerships. More importantly, in this section will speak to how value is created through these collaborative efforts and how ultimately this can improve health outcomes.
CHOT ACADEMIC PARTNER
Authors: Weech-Maldonado Robert
Published: November 2019

The second speaker will be Dr. Robert Weech-Maldonado, an academic representative and CHOT Site Director at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Weech-Maldonado will share what got UAB involved in CHOT; the process to get involved; what it means to be a CHOT partner, and the pros/cons of this program from the academic side. During this symposium, we will explore why this model needs to be expanded to the field of gerontology and the impact it can have on the aging population. Relating to the academic experience, Dr. Maldonado will speak to how CHOT can result in financial support to the academic institution; provide access to unique data sets / populations; outcomes, such as, publications, and how this program can further academics careers. We will also explore some of the struggles related to working with an industry partner as it relates to deliverables and expectations.
GLUTATHIONE, INFLAMMATION, MITOCHONDRIAL FAT OXIDATION AND DIASTOLIC HEART FUNCTION IN OLD MICE
Authors: Taffet George E , Cieslik K A , Sekhar R V , Pena Heredia Celia A , Hamilton Dale J , Entman Mark L
Published: November 2019

Impaired diastolic function is a risk factor for diastolic heart failure, may limit exercise performance, and is common in aging in both people and animals. This diastolic dysfunction seems to be associated with cardiac inflammation, fibrosis and impaired mitochondrial fatty acid metabolism. Old (24-28 m) mice fed a GlyNAC supplemented diet for 8 weeks were compared to those on control diet, and had dramatic improvement in all these parameters. For example, ATP generation from fatty acids with five-fold higher in the GlyNAC supplemented mice. In vitro studies compared NAC with GlyNAC and demonstrated the benefits only with supplementing both amino acids as compared to NAC alone. These data suggest that GlyNAC may have a role in improving cardiac function thus improving exercise tolerance and quality of life for older people.
CREATIVITY IN LATER LIFE: PERSPECTIVES ON ITS FORMS AND MEANINGS
Authors: Adams-Price Carolyn E , Nadorff Danielle K
Published: November 2019

Over the past 15 years, gerontologists have become increasingly interested in identifying activities that increase meaning and well-being in older adults’ lives. One such activity is creative activity. New research suggests that creative activity can improve social connections, well-being and self-esteem, and sometimes cognitive processing. Yet some culturally-specific creative activities in which older people participate are not considered creative using standard psychological paradigms of creativity. This symposium will examine new perspectives on creativity in older adults with emphases on creative meaning across the life-span, and the benefits of new and long-term creative hobbies in healthy and frail older adults. Age differences in artists’ perceptions of their creativity will also be discussed. The first presentation by Helen Kivnick will discuss the overall theme of vital involvement in late life from an Eriksonian perspective and its link to the benefits of creative activities. The second presentation by Kate de Medeiros will discuss the creative benefits of a poetry intervention for older adults with dementia. The third presentation by Monika Ardelt will examine young and older nominated visual artists’ perceptions of their own creativity and the creative process, in the context of creative careers. Finally, Carolyn Adams-Price will describe Glaveanu’s sociocultural model of creativity, which can be used to explain the significance of different levels of creativity in a cultural context, from everyday creativity to genius creativity. Glaveanu’s model has great promise for helping us understand the significance of various creative activities for older adults. Danielle Nadorff will be our discussant.
VITAL INVOLVEMENT: LINKING CREATIVITY TO LATER-LIFE WELL-BEING
Authors: Kivnick Helen Q
Published: November 2019

Erikson’s principle of Vital Involvement (VI) holds that psychosocial health in older adulthood rests on elders’ meaningful, reciprocal engagement with the world outside the self. Older adulthood’s focal tension between Integrity and Despair is fundamentally grounded in elders’ “…vital involvement, with life’s people, materials, activities, ideas, institutions, and so forth. [This engagement is] … every bit as important as …[the] reminiscence” (Kivnick &Wells, 2014) we have long identified as a path to wisdom. Through several empirical projects, our team has identified five dimensions of VI in older adulthood. Each is clearly invoked as an elder engages such arts media as clay, paint, paper, fiber, wood, words, music, movement, and more. These VI dimensions are also invoked in an elder’s creative engagement with the people, materials, activities, and institutions of everyday life. This presentation illustrates ways that VI, through these dimensions, both facilitates and also expresses psychosocial well-being in older adults.
CREATIVITY, HOPE, AND EXPECTATION IN A POETRY PROGRAM: RETHINKING WHAT COUNTS AS SUCCESS IN DEMENTIA CARE
Authors: Medeiros Kate de
Published: November 2019

Creativity offers liberation from the framework of decline in later life in general, and within the context of dementia specifically. Cohen described the synergy of hope and expectation as ways through which people access their creative potential, especially in the face of loss. This paper explores three case drawn from a qualitative study. Eight residents living in a secure dementia care facility participated in six 30-minute interactive poetry sessions using guidelines from the Alzheimer’s Poetry Project (APP). Observations were conducted at baseline, during the intervention, and one week afterwards. All sessions were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed. Important findings included the positive potential of imagined futures, creative engagement as a tool for building social bonds, and the importance of language play. Overall, these findings point to new ways to consider success in dementia interventions by focusing on the potential to create meaningful and creative engagement opportunities.