bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RECRUITMENT OF PERSONS WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT FROM LONG-TERM CARE SETTINGS
Authors: Davis Rebecca , Sikorskii Alla
Published: December 2023

Research that includes persons with cognitive impairment is important to develop evidence-based care to improve outcomes. Long -term care settings have a large proportion of residents with cognitive impairment; but recruitment is known to be difficult. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of recruitment methods for a randomized controlled clinical trial of persons with cognitive impairment in 15 long-term care communities. This study utilized a retrospective, descriptive design. Sites were recruited and site characteristics recorded. Residents were recruited to participate in the study based on combinations of 12 recruitment strategies. Recruitment data was analyzed at the level of site, research staff member, and participant level. Over the study period, 279 older adults were screened and 172 enrolled. The participants were cognitively impaired. Research staff spent 39-89 hours recruiting at each site and utilized an average of four different recruitment methods per site. The most common and efficacious method was introductions of participants by site contacts. Cost of recruiting averaged $1490 per site and was correlated to the number of resident rooms (r=.60, p=0.17). Those sites with a recruiter enrolled more participants (M=14.67, S.D. 4.55) than those without a recruiter (M=9.3, S.D. 2.55), t(13) = -2.92, p=.012. Recruitment of older adults with cognitive impairment from long term care communities requires multiple methods of recruitment; skilled recruitment staff, and trust with the LTC community staff and potential participants.
IMPLEMENTING AND TESTING THE EFFICACY OF A GERIATRIC GOALS OF CARE TOOL IN AN ACUTE HOSPITAL SETTING
Authors: Samudrala Pallavi , Sheehan Brynn , Smith Erin , Galicia-Castillo Marissa
Published: December 2023

Goals of care (GOC) discussions, which focus on patient values and preferences, are associated with improved outcomes for older adults, including lower hospital readmission rates, increased adherence to advanced care plans, and improved patient satisfaction. GOC discussions do not occur consistently and a reliable method of documentation has yet to be established. The Geriatrics Goals of Care (GGOC) tool was developed to easily review and document GOC discussions for geriatric patients (65 years and older) in the electronic medical record, focusing on pre-hospital function and hospitalization goals. The study objective was to evaluate the GGOC tool’s impact on 30-day hospital readmission. Using an experimental design, the GGOC tool was implemented in one hospital unit and a second comparative unit served as a control. The GGOC tool was administered to a total of 82 patients and 162 control unit patients received standard care (N= 244). A logistic regression of patient-level data revealed that the odds of having a hospital readmission within 30 days were approximately 65% lower for patients who received the GGOC tool compared to those in the control unit (OR = .344, SE = .40, p = .008, 95% CI [.156, .759]). The readmission rate for the unit utilizing the GGOC tool yielded a cost savings of $185,019.12. Applying the same readmission rate to the control unit, the expected cost savings was $365,625 for the control group. Results suggest that the GGOC tool may be effective for documenting GOC discussions, reducing the burden of readmissions with their associated costs.
REMOTE CONTROL THE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AS HUMAN HEALTH ASSESSMENT OF FUNCTIONAL AGING
Authors: Tomarevska Olena , Poliakov Oleksandr
Published: December 2023

The level of physical activity is modified by the functional age of a person in accordance with his chronological age. Most of the evidence comes from the positive impact of physical activity on the musculoskeletal system and cognitive functions, microcirculation and cardiovascular system in the working population and retirees. In the current study, an online method the investigation of physical activity was tested. Functional age was calculated using appropriate indicators according to age standards: systolic and diastolic pressure, standing on the left leg with closed eyes, maximum breath holding time after a deep inhalation, maximum breath holding time after a deep exhalation. The state of health is extrapolated to the need for specialist supervision in 58.96% of older workers. Thus, the study showed the need to determine the functional age of respondents 50 years and older. Thus, a slowed rate of aging observed in 23.5% of cases, physiological - in 18% of cases, accelerated rate of aging - in 58.5% of cases. In the exams 441 persons, age 50-90 years, reliable associative links were observed rate of functional aging with a decrease in physical activity according to the indicators of individual daily mileage (r=-0.273, p< 0.001) and the variability of physical exercises (r=-0.161, p< 0.001). The pace of functional aging and state of health were reliably correlated (r=-0.364, p< 0.001) in individuals, respectively, with the preservation of individual daily mileage and the performance of daily physical exercises. Thus, aerobic activity is an important in maintaining health in terms of functional indicators.
COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING AMONG GRANDPARENT CAREGIVERS: AN INTERGENERATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Patel Khushbu , Singer Katelyn , Katz Benjamin
Published: December 2023

Grandparents have a unique bond with their grandchildren, given their position in the grandchild’s life. They may be a historian, mentor, playmate, caregiver, role model, advocate, and friend. These interactions may offer an opportunity for cognitive engagement, but the level of this engagement may in turn be linked to a grandparent’s cognitive status. For example, memory issues may challenge one’s ability to serve as a historian for a grandchild. To better understand the association of caregiving and engagement in activities with a grandchild on cognition, a secondary analysis was conducted to examine how cognitive functions differ by engagement time. Drawing from approximately 1,200 participants in the Health and Retirement Study who indicated activity engagement with grandchildren and who also completed the Harmonized Cognitive Assessment Protocol (HCAP) regression analyses were conducted examining the link between grandparent engagement with grandchildren and cognitive measures including Constructional Praxis Delayed, Backwards Counting, Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices, Brave Man Delayed, and Digit Symbol Modalities. Results from the analyses revealed that Raven’s Matrices (P = 0.007), Backwards Counting (P = 0.041), and Constructional Praxis (P = 0.030), were most closely linked to activity engagement with grandchildren, providing preliminary evidence that working memory is closely linked to caregiving engagement. However, the results also revealed a bimodal distribution, suggesting that too little and too much caregiving were associated with worse cognition. These findings provide preliminary evidence that illustrates how interacting with and caregiving for grandchildren may be both a protective factor and a risk factor for older adults.
ACUTE CARE USE FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH DIABETES AND DEMENTIA IN A PRAGMATIC CLINICAL TRIAL OF PANEL MANAGEMENT
Authors: Morgan Brianna , Arcila-Mesa Mauricio , Rapozo Crystalinda , Adeyemi Oluwaseun , Chodosh Joshua
Published: December 2023

Individuals with diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (DM-ADRD) face greater self-management challenges, over and under treatment, and more acute care episodes. Enhanced Quality in Primary Care for Elders with Diabetes-ADRD (EQUIPED-ADRD) is a pragmatic randomized controlled trial providing practice guidelines alone (control) compared to practice guidelines plus panel management (intervention) in primary care. Panel management includes patient self-management support and enhanced engagement and support for staff. Thirty-one primary care practices were randomized (14 control versus 17 intervention clinics). We assessed differences in emergency department (ED) use and hospitalizations in individuals with DM-ADRD comparing groups using univariate analysis. Included patients receiving care at randomized clinics were >65 years old, had DM, ADRD, an identified caregiver, and available utilization data. We tracked ED use and hospitalizations over 24 months using electronic health records. Panel management dose was number of phone calls. Among those having utilization data, 177 received panel management versus 349 who did not (total n=526). Patients were predominantly 75-84 years old (41.3%), female (59.9%), and non-Hispanic white (50.9%); 25.9% were Hispanic and 10.7% were non-Hispanic Black. 52.0% (n=92) panel managed patients had ED visits versus 41.8% (n=146) not panel managed [(p=0.027]; Odds Ratio (OR) 1.50; 95%CI: 1.05-2.16). Hospital use did not significantly differ between groups [35.0%; vs. 31.5%, respectively; p=0.418]. Increased panel management dose did not impact acute care use. These findings suggest panel management increases ED use. Whether this is due to greater detection of clinical problems or other issues needing attention requires further investigation.
ASSESSING THE SCALABILITY OF A COMMUNITY PROGRAM FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH DIABETES: BRIDGING THE RESEARCH–PRACTICE GAP
Authors: Northwood Melissa , Ganann Rebecca , Fisher Kathryn , Markle-Reid Maureen , Yous Marie-Lee
Published: December 2023

Implementing person-centred, cost-effective, and comprehensive self-management programs for older adults with multimorbidity and their caregivers in the health and social care system is challenging. Innovations that are effective under controlled research conditions often fail to produce similar results when implemented in real world settings to reach larger populations of older adults. Scalability assessment is a promising methodology to reduce this research-practice gap. This study aims to examine the scalability of a self-management intervention for older adults with diabetes and multimorbidity and their caregivers in two Canadian provinces. Provincial working groups, including patient partners, participated in the scalability assessment. The Intervention Scalability Assessment Tool (ISAT) guided data collection and analysis. Multiple methods were used to collect data, including an environmental scan, document review, and interviews with key informants. Provincial workshops were held to review scalability results, determine the program’s scale-up readiness, and identify strategies to enhance scalability. Patient partners, health and social care providers and leaders, provincial decision-makers, and researchers gave high ratings to the readiness of the intervention and its alignment with practice and strategic policy initiatives. The evidence of effectiveness, delivery setting and workforce, and sustainability domains were rated lower. Participants recommended: 1) focusing on high-risk patients, which would be cost effective and likely to demonstrate impact and 2) piloting targeted sites to embed the program within existing health care settings and infrastructure to gather more evidence on program effectiveness and implementation. Collaborative and structured scalability assessments are critical to mobilize innovative programs into health and social care practice.
LIVING WITH HEART FAILURE AND MULTIMORBIDITY: SEX-BASED DIFFERENCES IN DISEASE BURDEN
Authors: Koirala Binu , Liu Xiaoyue , Lim Arum , Benjasirisan Chitchanok , Himmelfarb Cheryl Dennison , Davidson Patricia
Published: December 2023

Heart failure (HF) is one of the leading causes of hospitalization and discharge diagnosis. People with HF present an average of six co-morbid conditions and are mostly older women. Comorbidity or multimorbidity in HF, increases the risk for poor health outcomes, significantly affecting the progression, severity, and complexity of management and care outcomes. This study aimed to examine the sex differences in disease burden among individuals living with multimorbidity. The study is an ongoing cohort study collecting socio-demographic, clinical, and outcome data at baseline, 30 days, and 1-year follow-up. Adults aged 50 years and older living with HF and multimorbidity, defined as the presence of HF and one more chronic condition identified as a common list of comorbidities were recruited using an electronic patient portal. Disease burden data were collected using a modified disease burden impact scale consisting of comorbid conditions included in the eligibility criteria. A preliminary analysis of 406 participants (mean [SD] age = 69.6[9.7] years; 49% female) at baseline found that females (67.7 [9.2] years) were significantly younger than males (71.6 [9.9] years) and females (28.1 [15.2]) had significantly higher disease burden scores compared to males (22.0 [13.6]). An adjusted analysis found females had 3 times higher disease burden scores than males (beta=3.32; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.44-6.20, p= 0.024), after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, social support, resilience, and quality of life. Effective multimorbidity management program requires consideration of both sex and gender-based differences, particularly among older women.
EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT PRACTICE PATTERNS FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH ABDOMINAL PAIN
Authors: Wu Rachel , Friedman Ari
Published: December 2023

Abdominal pain is the most common reason for visit (RFV) to the emergency department (ED) for older adults in the United States. Despite high morbidity and mortality, unlike for chest pain, there is no standardized diagnostic pathway. We investigated the rates of computed tomography (CT) scans and X-rays for older adults and compared these to the rates in young and middle-aged adults. We conducted survey-weighted descriptive analyses of the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. We included 27,149 sampled ED chart abstractions for abdominal pain, representing 143.2 million visits nationally; 12.6% were from older adults 65+. CT rates increased over time for all age categories, with 26.2% of all patients receiving a CT scan in 2007 to 42.6% in 2019. The relative percent change in abdominal CT scans was greatest for older adults, with a 30.3% change from 2007 to 2019, compared to 24.0% change for adults aged 46-64 and 15.0% for adults aged 18-45. 13% of older adults received only an X-ray, which is neither sensitive nor specific for acute pathology in older adults in the ED. Test positivity, as defined by receiving an emergency general surgical diagnosis among patients imaged with CT or ultrasound increased from 17.2% in 2007 to 22.9% in years 2019 (p< 0.01), suggesting increasing severity for this high-risk condition among older adults. Our findings suggest potential over-use of ineffective testing (X-rays) as well as the need for better targeted cross-sectional imaging (rising test positivity).
BUTYRATE-PRODUCING BACTERIA INCREASE GUT MICROBIOTA DIVERSITY TO DELAY INTESTINAL INFLAMMAGING
Authors: Li Xiaoang , Zhang Yiming , Duan Liping
Published: December 2023

Intestinal flora dysbiosis is a key link in intestinal inflammaging, and the diversity of gut microbiota plays an important role in maintaining the entire intestinal microecology. Our previous study found that butyrate-producing bacteria reversed aging-induced intestinal inflammation and promoted the expression of intestinal anti-inflammatory factors in 24-month-old mice, but the mechanism was unclear. We found that butyrate-producing bacteria promote the expression of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) receptors in the intestine. Monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT-1) has anti-inflammatory effects on intestinal inflammation. We speculate that butyrate-producing bacteria upregulate MCT-1 expression through the activation of SCFA receptors, thereby promoting gut stability and bacterial diversity. In further experiments, we established inflammation models using cell lines, colon organoids, mouse colonic epithelial cells, and aged mice (24 months old) given different concentrations of LPS and DSS, and then added butyrate-producing bacteria to verify that MCT-1 is involved in the resistance of butyrate-producing bacteria to intestinal inflammation. We found that bacteria up-regulated the expression of MCT-1 by activating SCFA receptors. From the results of 16s rRNA sequencing, it can be seen that the intestinal stability and bacterial diversity of aged mice were improved after the administration of butyrate-producing bacteria. The research results will provide an experimental basis for treating intestinal inflammaging by restoring intestinal stability and diversity of gut microbiota and will help to explore the clinical value of butyrate-producing bacteria, which has important translational significance.
INFLUENCES OF AGE DIVERSITY CLIMATE ON ORG PERFORMANCE: ROLE OF INCLUSION AND ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOR
Authors: Chung Soondool , Lee Ahyoung
Published: December 2023

With the rapidly aging population, South Korea’s workforce demographics are changing as more older adults remain in the workforce. With limited resources such as work opportunities and pensions, intergenerational conflict may arise in the workplace while employers seek to maximize organizational outcomes. The present study investigated the effects of age diversity climate on organizational performance in private sector employees by focusing on the mediating effects of inclusion and organizational citizenship behavior (OCB). The data for this study was collected online in January 2022 from 900 private sector employees aged 20 to 69 in South Korea. Age-diversity climate, sense of inclusion, OCB, and organizational performance were measured using standardized scales. To test our assumed relationships, we used structural equation modeling and executed bootstrapping procedures to test the significance of the indirect effects. Results indicated that age-diversity climate did not have a significant direct effect on organizational performance. However, the age-diversity climate has an impact on inclusion (β = .61, p < .001) and OCB (β = .13, p < .01). Inclusion showed a positive effect on OCB (β = .41, p < .001) and OCB showed a positive effect on organizational performance (β = .10, p < .05). Additionally, as hypothesized, inclusion and OCB had a mediating role in the relationship between the age-diversity climate and organizational performance (β = .05, s.e. = .02, LLCI = .003, ULCI = .095). The results of this study highlight the importance of the age-diversity climate in the workplace in aging society.
OCCUPATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS ASSOCIATED WITH CHRONIC INFLAMMATION: EVIDENCE FROM THE HRS
Authors: Andrasfay Theresa , Ailshire Jennifer , Crimmins Eileen
Published: December 2023

There is substantial evidence from the occupational health, psychology, and environmental health literatures to suggest that inflammation is a biologically plausible mechanism through which physical, psychosocial, and environmental occupational characteristics influence risks of several health conditions at older ages. However, there is limited empirical evidence of the linkages between occupational characteristics and biomarkers of inflammation in representative studies of older adults, precluding a thorough understanding of how working conditions affect the distribution of inflammation among the older population. We use data from 1,997 individuals who were aged 51-60 and working for pay in the 2010 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) to assess how occupational characteristics are associated with a summary measure of chronic inflammation constructed from seven inflammatory biomarkers included in the 2016 HRS Venous Blood Study. In addition to HRS respondents’ reports of their job characteristics, we use data from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). We use Poisson models to predict the count of high-risk inflammatory biomarkers from occupational characteristics, controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, and use of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs. We find that individuals employed in occupations with higher levels of physical demands, higher levels of harmful workplace exposures, and those working long hours have higher levels of inflammation. Higher levels of autonomy or job control were associated with reduced levels of inflammation. These results suggest that common job conditions may contribute to chronic inflammation at older ages.
VOLUNTEERISM AND PURPOSE IN LIFE IN A NATIONAL SURVEY OF COMMUNITY-DWELLING MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Mak Wingyun , Burack Orah , Howard Margret , Boockvar Kenneth
Published: December 2023

Volunteerism has been shown to provide physical, psychological, and functional health benefits as people age. Volunteers are able to participate in meaningful service, develop social connections, and exercise their abilities. In this study, we examined whether engaging in various types of volunteer engagement (e.g. charitable, political, religious, environmental, animal welfare, support group) was associated with self-perceived change in purpose in life (PIL) over a five year lookback period, controlling for demographic and health variables. Data were drawn from the AARP Social Engagement and Brain Health Survey, which included a nationally representative sample of adults aged 40-75+ (mode=55-64 years) across the United States who completed an online survey (N=2,585). Hierarchical linear regression was used. People who were younger (β=-.06, t=-2.55, p=.01), Black (β=.23, t=10.50, p<.001) or Hispanic (β=.12, t=5.20, p<.001), married (β=.05, t=2.65, p=.01), and had better health (β=.16, t=7.09, p<.001) and cognition (β=.18, t=7.69, p<.001) reported greater increase in PIL over the last five years (ΔR2=.13, p<.001). After controlling for demographic and health variables, people who valued PIL (β=.15, t=7.49, p<.001; ΔR2=.02, p<.001) and participated in volunteer work through a religious organization (β=.05, t=2.38, p=.02) or support groups (β=.07, t=3.10, p=.002) were more likely to report greater levels of PIL over the last five years (ΔR2=.02, p<.001). These results suggest that changes in experienced PIL may depend on physical and cognitive health, importance placed on PIL, and type of volunteer engagement, all of which may be points of potential intervention.
AGING WITH MENTAL HEALTH CONDITONS AND MOTIVATION FOR SELF-CARE: THE HANDWASHING WORKSHOP
Authors: Cazumbá Aryane , Bellizzi Gabriela , Varricchio Marcia , Verçosa Neide , Soares Felipe Paci , Soares Erica Paci , Silva Jaqueline Da
Published: December 2023

In Brazil, data from the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System (SIVEP-Flu), indicate that up to June 2020, about 71% of deaths from Covid19 were of elderly, with and without comorbidities. Since the SARS-Cov2 pandemic, health of the elderly population with mental health problems has been hard hit. The study scenario was the 2023 Summer Edition of the Intergenerational and Inclusion Camp on Health, Science and Technology / Lab Project for the Valorization of Aging (PROVE). The implementation research design was a teaching-research-service action by graduate, undergraduate and two high school students. Supported by the lab faculty and librarian, students searched for evidence-based practices, and in the light of health equity, selected the hand washing demand of underserved older adults to develop a ludic-informative workshop, for motivating self-care practices. In the methodological trajectory, participants (i) were divided into two teams; (ii) had representatives put latex gloves and blindfolds on and washable colored paint poured on the gloves; (iii) received instructions to demonstrate how they washed their hands; (iv) blindfolds were removed and a debate took place on the procedure and its importance; (v) students demonstrated the correct technique using gloves and paint. Older adults reported having had fun and learning significantly more. The approach was evaluated as empowering, noting that the visualization of the inks on the gloves specifically allowed identifying points to be refined. Other topics and subsequent workshops were suggested. In conclusion, light and flexible fun, evidence-based and motivating strategies are protective and promote comprehensive health care.
ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION IN OLDER ADULTS POST DEEPWATER HORIZON OIL SPILL
Authors: Reed Mickaela , Strough JoNell
Published: December 2023

Previous research has investigated challenges such as scarcity in housing, the loss of life, and the onset of mental health disorders such as PTSD that persist once a person has experienced a man-made disaster. This has been analyzed in populations such as older adults and other vulnerable groups of people. However, little to no consideration has been given to how age, in combination with trauma history, relates to indicators of psychological well-being after disasters. Here, using Socioemotional Selectivity Theory (SST) (Carstensen, 2006) and the Strength of Vulnerability Integration Model (SAVI) (Charles, 2013) we investigated age differences in two indicators of psychological well-being—depression and anxiety—among individuals following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (DHOS). Specifically, trauma history and personal exposure to the DHOS were tested as potential moderators of age differences in psychological well-being. Residents of the US Gulf Coast region (N=2,508, M age= 57.72 yrs; 60.4% Women) were contacted via telephone and asked to complete the Survey of Trauma, Resilience, and Opportunity among Neighborhoods in the Gulf (STRONG). Regression analyses were used to investigate the roles of age, prior trauma, and DHOS exposure on psychological well-being after controlling for income, education, race, and gender. Implications of the findings for disaster preparedness interventions and theories of psychological well-being across the life span are discussed.
FINANCIAL PREPARATION FOR RETIREMENT OF WORKING-AGE ADULTS IN HONG KONG: A PERSONALIZED PENSION PROJECTION
Authors: Zhu Alex Yue Feng , Chou Kee Lee
Published: December 2023

This study replicated and upgraded the personal pension projections among a sample of middle-aged working adults in Hong Kong (N = 400). We conducted a three-arm randomized controlled trial in which the participants were randomly assigned to either experimental condition A (a personalized pension projection), experimental condition B (a personalized pension projection plus new “identifying feasible plans to achieve the ideal retirement life” component), or the control condition. Analyzing a baseline and two follow-up tests, we found that a personalized pension projection had immediate and short-term positive effects on the participants’ financial preparation for retirement. The newly added component strengthened both effects. More specifically, the original personalized pension projection improved the participants’ financial preparation for retirement by reducing their temporal discounting. Our findings enhance understanding of the mechanism of a personalized pension projection, clarify its location within the intervention framework of retirement financial planning, and recommend multiple channels to policymakers and social workers to further upgrade and optimize a personalized pension projection and improve its effectiveness.
FINANCIAL SATISFACTION AND PERSONALITY IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Ryou Yeon Ji , Wang Mengya , Martin Peter
Published: December 2023

Financial satisfaction is an essential component of the quality of life among adults 65 years and older. However, little is known about how psychosocial factors, such as personality, might influence financial satisfaction in this age group. To address this gap in knowledge, this study explored the relationship between financial satisfaction, the Big-5 personality traits, and social support. For this study, 1,322 participants answering questions, including the Big-5 personality traits, their financial satisfaction, and social activities, were selected from the 2020 Core Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to identify the contributors to financial satisfaction, with control variables such as age, gender, and income in the first model. The Big-5 personality traits and social factors, including negative and positive social support, were added to subsequent models. The results revealed that extraversion and conscientiousness were significantly and positively associated with financial satisfaction, whereas neuroticism and agreeableness demonstrated the opposite relationship. Negative social support was also negatively associated with financial satisfaction, whereas positive social support showed the opposite effect. Participating in social activities was found to be positively associated with financial satisfaction among older adults. Older age, being white, female, married or partnered, and reporting better health were also significant predictors of higher financial satisfaction. These findings have significant implications for financial planning and counseling among older adults. Interventions targeting specific personality traits such as extraversion and engaging in more social activities may be particularly effective for improving financial satisfaction among US older adults.
ASSESSING ADEQUACY OF HEALTH FACILITIES FOR OLDER ADULTS IN INDIAN CITIES
Authors: Hemalatha Sruthi Anilkumar , Sarif Nawaj , Barman Papai
Published: December 2023

1The healthcare system in India is struggling to meet the needs of the current population, and the rising aging population is likely to exacerbate this problem. Therefore, it is essential to plan and prepare for the future. Thus, using a geospatial approach, this study used data from the Census of India to investigate the distribution of older populations’ access to improved health facilities across various cities in India. The study found wide variation in the proportion of the aging population across India, with cities in the northern, southern, and eastern parts of India having a higher percentage of older people. The study compared the distribution of older adult populations and health infrastructures, such as hospitals and medical staff, and found considerable regional variations in their availability. Smaller cities tend to have poorer health facilities than larger ones, despite having similar proportions of older populations. The study found that good health facilities were concentrated in specific pockets, particularly in metropolitan cities, while smaller cities lacked them. This infrastructure gap poses a significant challenge in achieving healthy aging in India. Population aging is a significant demographic trend that requires attention from policymakers, researchers, and healthcare professionals. This study highlights the need for improved health facilities in Indian cities, particularly smaller cities, to ensure the well-being and a better quality of life of older adults. By prioritizing the needs of the aging population, we can create a more equitable and sustainable healthcare system that meets the needs of all citizens.
CONTACT-FREE SPORTS ACTIVITIES DURING COVID-19: IMPACT ON SUBJECTIVE HEALTH AND STAMINA AMONG KOREAN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Han Gaeun , Lee Juhyeong , Kim Giyeon
Published: December 2023

Despite the importance of participation in sports activities among older adults, COVID-19 pandemic has limited access to sports facilities, which may threaten the physical and mental health of older adults. This study examines whether the relationship between age and subjective health and stamina is moderated by participation in contact-free sports activities among Korean older adults. A nationally representative sample of Korean older adults aged 65 or older and doing regular exercise (N=1,118) was drawn from the 2021 National Survey on Sports for All. A moderation analysis was conducted by PROCESS macro using SPSS 26.0. Results showed that age was negatively associated with older adults’ subjective health (B = -.0314, p < .001) and subjective stamina (B = -.0259, p < .001), respectively. Participation in contact-free sports activities moderated the relationship between age and subjective health (B = .0266, p < .05) and subjective stamina (B= .0364, p < .01), indicating that the effect of age on subjective health/stamina varies by participation in contact-free sports activities. However, the conditional effect of age on older adults’ subjective health and stamina was significant only for those not participating in contact-free sports activities. The findings suggest that contact-free sports activities may mitigate the association between aging and physical decline in later life, especially during the pandemic and play a vital role in maintaining health and well-being of older adults.
FRAILTY AND DEVELOPMENT ACROSS INDIAN STATES
Authors: Seligman Benjamin , Agarwal Arunika , Bloom David
Published: December 2023

Introduction Frailty, a common syndrome of vulnerability among older adults, provides insight into the overall health of aging populations. Life-course influences play an important role in late-life health, but the role of social and economic development has not been well-explored. We study these indicators at the state level in the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI).

Methods: Participants in LASI were adults aged 45 years or older from 2017-19 in 35 of 36 states and union territories. Frailty was assessed by a 48-item deficit accumulation frailty index (FI). Robust was defined as FI of 0 to 0.1, pre-frail was >0.1 – 0.2, mildly frail >0.2 – 0.3, moderately frail >0.3 – 0.4, and severely frail was >0.4. Development indicators were GDP per capita, infant mortality rate (IMR), and literacy rate in 1981 and 2018 (2011 for literacy), from the Reserve Bank of India. Associations were assessed using beta regression. Results IMR in 1981 had a small but significant association with frailty (OR 1.00 [1.00-1.00]). For GDP per capita and literacy, 1981 values were associated with greater frailty (1.15 [1.10-1.21] and 1.01 [1.01-1.01] respectively). However, 2018/2011 values were associated with lower frailty (0.94 [0.93-0.95] and 0.99 [0.99-1.00]). These associations were similar after stratifying by age group. Discussion Associations between frailty and state-level development varied both by indicator and by time of assessment. Sensitivity to the environment these indicators measure – such as IMR – may differ by age. Whether that sensitivity leads to protection or vulnerability may also change with age.
THE LIFESTYLE OF MEN AND WOMEN AGED 50+ IN TAIWAN: ACTIVITY ON TIME OF DAY AND THEIR CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS
Authors: Chiu Ching-Ju
Published: December 2023

Background

To identify the association of circadian rhythms and objective measures of physical activity at a different time-zone of day, as well as examine gender differences.

Methods

Participants aged 50 years and older living in the community in Taiwan were recruited. Those who suffer from dementia (cognitive dysfunction), mental illness, depression, or those taking drugs that affect daytime activities (e.g. sleeping pills, central nervous system drugs) were excluded. Activity was measured by wearable actigraphy device for at least seven days, diary, and self-reported questionnaires.

Results

Among the 55 participants enrolled in the beginning, 34 (62%) meet the criteria that wore a wearable actigraphy device at least 7 completed days were analyzed. The activity in the morning was the highest among the participants. Although not statistically significant, as the age increases, the amount of activity decreases (H value=4.943, P=0.084); the amount of activity in the evening is higher for people with higher education(Z=-1.776, P=0.076); people with lower loneliness had higher activity levels (Z=-1.622, P=0.105); people with better nutritional status had higher activity (Z=-1.656, P=0.098). The amount of activity in women is positively and significantly related to regular exercise (Z=-2.653, P=0.007**), and nutrition(Z=-2.367, P=0.017*), while men are significantly related to retired status(Z=-2.132, P=0.033*).

Conclusions

People who are older, retired, with chronic disease, more depression, and loneliness were associated with lower objective measure of physical activity. Determinant factors exist gender differences: while men are predicted by social variables (retired status), women are predicted by physiological variables (regular physical activity and nutritional status).
AGING AND SEXUAL RELATIONSHIPS: RECIPROCAL RELATIONS BETWEEN PHYSICAL PLEASURE AND EMOTIONAL SATISFACTION
Authors: Nyang’au Getrude , Chao Pei-Shu , Rudy Duane
Published: December 2023

Previous research has found significant associations between physical pleasure and emotional satisfaction in sexual relationships. However, much of this research is cross-sectional and has focused on young and middle-aged adults. The present study examined data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP). Physical pleasure and emotional satisfaction were assessed at three points in time (2005/2006; 2010/2011; and 2015/2016). Only data from individuals who were alive at all time points were used in the analysis. Three cohorts were examined: at time 1, the first cohort ranged in age from 57-64, the second cohort from 65-74, and the third cohort from 75-85. We examined reciprocal relations between physical pleasure and emotional satisfaction across time using a Random Intercepts Cross-Lagged Panel Model. The results revealed a positive reciprocal relationship between emotional satisfaction and physical pleasure among the first cohort, with emotional satisfaction at time 1 positively associated with physical pleasure at time 2, which in turn was positively associated with emotional satisfaction at time 3. For the second cohort, physical pleasure at time 2 predicted emotional satisfaction at time 3. Relationships among the two variables were not significant for the third cohort. The implication of this study would be to inform older adults in ongoing sexual relationships on the need to invest in activities that enhance physical pleasure and emotional satisfaction. Future research could examine what variables might account for reciprocal relationships being found for the first as opposed to the third cohort.
DETERMINANTS OF POSITIVE MARITAL QUALITY AMONG OLDER HISPANIC ADULTS IN THE US
Authors: Nazario Jaminette , Yamashita Takashi , Bulanda Jennifer , Brown J Scott
Published: December 2023

Marital Quality can significantly influence a variety of health and well-being outcomes in later life. Yet, relatively little is known about how marital quality is determined across subpopulations given their cultural backgrounds. Social networks and familial relationships are culturally important to Hispanic adults over their life course. Also, the unique characteristics (e.g., high % of immigrants) of older Hispanic adults in the U.S. may make their determinants of marital quality different from others. Considering approximately one in three older Hispanic adults is an immigrant in the U.S., this subpopulation may have relatively small social networks as their family members live in their countries of origin. As such, sub-groups of married older Hispanic adults may depend more on their marital relationships for social and cultural support, compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Framed by socioemotional selectivity theory, this study aimed to investigate determinants of marital quality among older Hispanic adults (age 51 and older). Nationally representative samples of older Hispanic adults (n = 694) were derived from the 2010 Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Results from linear regression analysis indicated that women (b = -0.16, p < 0.05) reported lower positive marital quality than men. There was also a statistically significant negative association between depressive symptoms (b = -0.09, p < 0.05) and positive marital quality. This study further evaluated other marital quality determinants, gender differences, and possible sociocultural explanations.
FAMILY GUIDANCE WEAKENS AN EFFECT OF OLD PEOPLE’S EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT ON EHEALTH LITERACY BY INTERNET EXPERIENCE
Authors: Wu Jingxuan , Peng Huamao , Fan Zhiyu , Zhao Heng
Published: December 2023

Background

In the emerging era of digitalization, eHealth literacy is of great importance in older adults’ health and social adaptation. Objective: Explore the effect of educational attainment on eHealth literacy among older adults and examine the mediating role of Internet experience and the moderating role of guidance on the Internet from family members to reveal the underlying mechanism. Method: Four hundred and ninety-one older adults (aged 59–76 years old, Mage = 65.69±4.41) completed the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS) and Internet Experience among Older Adults Scale (IEOAS) and reported their educational attainment and the frequency of family members guiding them on how to use the Internet.

Results

eHealth literacy of older adults with lower educational attainment did not reach an intermediate level (M = 2.46±1.17). It was significantly lower than that of older adults with higher educational attainment whose scores were beyond the intermediate level (M = 3.43±0.90). Internet experience mediated the effect of older adults’ educational attainment on eHealth literacy. This mediation model was moderated by family members’ guidance on the Internet.

Discussion

our results have implications for understanding how educational attainment reinforced the inequality in eHealth literacy among older adults and how to address this gap. Specifically, If older adults with lower educational attainment are given guidance on Internet use by their family members frequently, they will no longer be at a disadvantage in accumulating Internet experience and further cultivate eHealth literacy to search for, distinguish, and take advantage of health information on the Internet well.
INTERGENERATIONAL INTERACTIONS AND RELATIONSHIP QUALITY: A DAILY STUDY AMONG MOTHERS AND THEIR ADULT CHILDREN
Authors: Jiang Da , Lee John Chi Kin , Kong Dexia
Published: December 2023

The parent–child relationship is one of the longest-lasting and closest relationships in human life. Because of its long-lasting nature, more studies focus on the long-term exchanges between parents and children. Few studies have examined the effects of daily interactions on relationship quality. However, such an understanding is crucial during public health emergencies, when daily support amongst close family members is critical for life quality and even survival. Using data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic, we examined the relationship between daily support and relationship quality among middle-aged and older mothers and their adult children. Seventy-seven dyads of mothers (age range: 44–80 years, Mage = 53.78, SDage = 9.57) and adult children (age range: 18–54 years, Mage = 26.61, SDage = 9.46) reported their daily exchanges with their child/parent (i.e., the support they had received from and provided to the other) and daily relationship quality (i.e., relationship satisfaction and trust) each day for 14 consecutive days. Receiving support was positively associated with relationship satisfaction and trust on both Day N and Day N+1 in mothers, and it was positively associated with relationship satisfaction on Day N and trust on both Day N and Day N+1 in children. Offering support was positively associated with relationship satisfaction on Day N (but not Day N+1) for both mothers and children. Offering support was not associated with daily trust in either mothers or children. The findings highlight the importance of daily support on relationship quality during a public health emergency.
INTERGENERATIONAL SOLIDARITY AND FILIAL PIETY PERCEIVED BY OLDER ADULTS IN RURAL CHINA
Authors: Zhang Wencheng , Silverstein Merril , Xu Ying
Published: December 2023

Filial piety—the obligation of adult children to serve and honor older parents—is a fundamental value in Chinese society. This study explores how dimensions of intergenerational solidarity influence parents’ evaluations of their children’s filial piety. Data derive from 1473 respondents reporting about 4000 relationships in the 2021 wave of the Longitudinal Study of Older Adults in Anhui Province China. Strength of filial piety was assessed for each adult child along with other aspects of the relationship. Random effects ordinal logistic regression predicted parents’ perceptions that their children fulfilled expectations of filial piety based on geographic proximity, financial support, and emotional support. Findings indicate that parents consider children who live with them as most filial, and they view residentially independent children who live farther away as less filial. However, financial support from more distant children raises perceptions that these children are meeting expectations of filial piety. In addition, having more frequent contact with distant children strengthens perceptions of them as being filial. Results suggest that weak filial piety perceived by older parents of their more geographically distant children in rural China—an area characterized by high rates of internal migration—is compensated by financial transfers and frequent communication. As research shows that filial piety perceptions are important to the well-being of older adults in Chinese populations, threats to its decline due to forces of modernization and any adverse consequences may be overcome by forms of intergenerational solidarity that involve contributions of money and time by children to their older parents.
NONPARENTAL CAREGIVER DIFFERENCES IN LOCUS OF CONTROL AND GPA OF GRANDCHILDREN AND FOSTER CHILDREN
Authors: McLin Maia , Nadorff Danielle
Published: December 2023

There are approximately 5,950,690 children living with their grandparents, with about half being raised without a parent present. Children raised by non-parental caregivers are at risk of worse academic performance, and locus of control (LOC) is shown to relate to children’s academic performance. However, differences between caregiver types and this relation are not well known. The current study hypothesized that caregiver type would affect the strength of the association between LOC and academic performance in children raised by grandparents versus foster parents. Participants (323 caregiving grandparents (GP), m age = 55.66 yr; 105 foster parents (FP), m age = 34.45 yr) were recruited nationwide and surveyed via Qualtrics Panel Service. Measures included an adapted academic locus of control scale from the Child Trend’s Student Survey, and a question rating the degree to which the child receives “mostly As and Bs.” Controlling for age and socioeconomic status (SES) of caregiver, grandchildren had higher reported LOC, but did not differ in academic performance. Caregiver type was found to differentially affect the relation between LOC and academic performance, with a stronger association for foster children (GP r =.726; p < .001; FP r =.831; p < .001). A significant group difference was found (z =2.06; p < .05). These results suggest that kincare may buffer the impact of LOC on academic performance in children not raised by their parents. For those raised in foster care, it may be helpful to focus on increasing autonomy and sense of control regarding their grades.