bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elucidating the reaction kinetics of hydrogen generation via ethanol steam reforming using a nickel-based catalyst
Authors: Ali Feysal M , Rosha Pali , Yusuf Mohammad , Hmadeh Mohamad , Ibrahim Hussameldin
Published: January 2025

The continuous rise in CO2 emissions from fossil fuel consumption has intensified the search for alternative clean energy sources. Hydrogen produced from renewable sources like ethanol offers a promising alternative to fossil fuels, mitigating CO2 emissions. This study investigates the kinetics of hydrogen production via ethanol steam reforming using a nickel-based catalyst, specifically the Ar-401 catalyst. Characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method, temperature-programmed reduction, and powder X-ray diffraction, were used to analyze the catalyst properties. Under optimal conditions of 973 K, atmospheric pressure, and a steam-to-ethanol ratio of 9, we achieved 100% ethanol conversion, 74.8% hydrogen selectivity, and 85% hydrogen yield. Kinetic experiments were conducted under kinetically controlled conditions, examining the effects of temperature (473–673 K) and weight hourly space velocity ranging from 1 to 15 (g·h/mol). A power law kinetic model was developed, yielding an activation energy of 11.17 kJ/mol and a reaction order of 0.46, with an absolute average deviation of 3.23% between predicted and experimental rates. This study provides key insights into the reaction mechanisms and highlights the effectiveness of the nickel-based catalyst, providing valuable insights for the design of efficient chemical reactors for sustainable hydrogen production.
Atrial fibrillation status and associations with adverse clinical outcomes in patients hospitalized with COVID-19: a large unselected statewide population-linkage study
Authors: Ne Jia Yi Anna , Chow Clara K , Chow Vincent , Hyun Karice , Kritharides Leonard , Brieger David , Ng Austin Chin Chwan
Published: January 2025

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in COVID-19 patients. The impact of AF on major-adverse-cardiovascular-events (MACE is defined as all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke, cardiac failure, or coronary revascularization), recurrent AF admission, and venous thromboembolism in hospitalized COVID-19 patients is unclear.

Methods and results

Patients admitted with COVID-19 (1 January 2020 to 30 September 2021) were identified from the New South Wales Admitted-Patient-Data-Collection database, stratified by AF status (no-AF vs. prior-AF or new-AF during index COVID-19 admission) and followed-up until 31 March 2022. Multivariable Cox regression and competing risk analyses were performed to assess the impact of AF on MACE and non-fatal outcomes respectively. Our cohort comprised 145 293 COVID-19 patients (median age 67.4 years old; 49.7% males): new-AF, n = 5140 (3.5%); prior-AF, n = 23 204 (16.0%). During a median follow-up of 9 months, prior-AF and new-AF patients had significantly higher MACE events (44.7% vs. 36.2% vs. 18.0%) and all-cause mortality (36.0% vs. 28.7% vs. 15.2%) compared to no-AF patients (both logrank P < 0.001). After adjusting for age, gender, intensive-care-unit admission, referral source, and comorbidities, compared to no-AF, new-AF and prior-AF groups were independently associated with MACE [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.09–1.20; aHR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.33–1.40, respectively]. Competing risk analyses showed rehospitalization rates for ischaemic stroke, cardiac failure, and AF, but not venous thromboembolism, were significantly higher in these patients. Both new-AF and prior-AF patients had higher rehospitalization rates for ischaemic stroke compared to no-AF patients, independent of CHA2DS2VASc.

Conclusion

COVID-19 patients with AF are at high risk of adverse clinical outcomes. Such patients may need increased surveillance and consideration for early anticoagulation.
REFRAMING AGING: THE IMPACT OF LABELS ON ATTITUDES TOWARD OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Vale Michael , Bjelka Ava
Published: January 2025

Efforts to combat ageism advocate for avoiding labels, such as “old”, “elderly”, and “senior citizen”; however, these labels persist in everyday speech, and new terms like “Ok Boomer” have recently gained popularity. To examine the perception and impact of such labels on older adults, we had young, middle-aged, and older participants complete an online experiment in which they read a vignette. More specifically, we manipulated the label (i.e., older, old, elderly, senior citizen, Boomer, in their 70s) and gender (i.e., woman, man) of the main character. Preliminary findings from a sample of 512 participants (ages 18-91) were analyzed using 6x2x3 ANOVAs. A three-way interaction was significant for ratings of offensiveness (p<.001, ηP2=.07), with middle-aged participants finding the labels most offensive. Older participants, particularly when the target was described as a woman, were most offended by labels like “elderly” or “old.” Similarly, the appropriateness of labels varied across gender and label types (p=.07, ηP2=.02), with “old” rated more appropriate for women and “Boomer” for men. Differences in labels also affected perceptions of competence (p=.06, ηP2=.02). Meanwhile warmth perceptions varied across age groups (p<.001, ηP2=.11), with young adults viewing targets most warmly. These results suggest that labels matter in shaping perceptions of older adults, especially among the demographic they represent. Our findings can guide initiatives aimed at reframing aging perceptions and highlight how language can shape attitudes towards older adults. The results also underscore how ageism intersects with sexism. Further analysis will be conducted on the full sample (N<900).
INTERNALIZED AGEISM AS A RISK FACTOR FOR SUICIDAL IDEATION IN LATER LIFE
Authors: Gendron Tracey , Camp Alyssa , Gigi Amateau
Published: January 2025

The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide proposes that suicidal ideation is based on the immutability of two constructs – perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness. This study examined the influence of ageism on suicidal ideation using the framework of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, investigating whether internalized and relational ageism contribute to suicidal ideation beyond the variance already explained by demographic factors, thwarted belonging, and perceived burdensomeness. Using Research Match volunteers 65 and older in the United States were recruited to participate in an online survey. A total of 454 individuals from over 30 states participated in the study. Twelve percent of respondents reported that they had experienced suicidal ideation in the past month. Hierarchical Logistic Regression analysis demonstrated that age (OR = 1.07, 95% CI [1.00, 1.15]), and internalized ageism (OR = 1.19, 95% CI [1.07, 1.32]) had significant associations with suicidal ideation. Among all independent variables, internalized ageism had the strongest association with suicidal ideation. Ageism can result in people feeling their needs being ignored or dismissed due to their age or feeling isolated from a world that does not recognize or value their contributions. Findings from this study further amplify the critical importance of understanding the real-world impact of ageism.
A SPACE OF OUR OWN: RECLAIMING PUBLIC OPEN SPACES FOR SELF-EXPRESSION AND COMMUNITY
Authors: Maulod Ad , Ravindran Malcolm , Wong Yunjie
Published: January 2025

Public open spaces give older persons opportunities to build social capital and community, and are important sites in promoting self-expression, meaning- and place-making– attributes crucial to successful ageing-in-place. In Singapore, residents have little influence over the design and production of public open spaces, while regulations on the use of these spaces may dissuade utilization by older persons. Despite ‘age-friendly’ principles undergirding Singapore’s built environment, contestations arise in terms of top-down planned activity-usage, and older persons’ actualization of what aspirations they have in using such spaces. Recently, the government has increased the provision of ‘active ageing centres’ nationwide, intended to be inclusive, low barrier-to-entry spaces within residential neighbourhoods, to encourage social engagement and community support among older persons. However, older persons’ perceptions of designated senior-spaces as catering to the sick and vulnerable, leads to hesitance in utilizing those spaces. Drawing from ethnographic interviews across multiple qualitative research studies with over 200 older persons in Singapore, we found that participants expressed a lack of control over their community spaces, programme offerings, and are not empowered to organize activities with fellow residents. Yet, their narratives also highlight creative strategies to resist regulatory practices and inhabit public open spaces with activities that align with their desires to age well. Public open spaces are crucial to older persons’ freedom and autonomy. Accessibility, in terms of physical and social infrastructure, needs to be reframed in ways that value older persons’ diverse interests, capacity to self-organize, and potential for building community.
SUPPORTING AGING IN PLACE THROUGH IWISH: IMPACTS FROM THE SUPPORTIVE SERVICES DEMONSTRATION
Authors: Breunig Ian , Vandawalker Melissa , Groover Kimberly , Hoodin Derek
Published: January 2025

The U.S. Congress sponsored the Supportive Services Demonstration (SSD) to learn whether structured health and wellness support can help older adults remain in HUD-assisted housing developments longer. The demonstration tested the Integrated Wellness in Supportive Housing (IWISH) model, which funds both an onsite Resident Wellness Director and part-time Wellness Nurse at multifamily properties to address health, housing, and social service needs of adults ages 62 and older. Through a cluster-randomized controlled trial including properties in seven states, SSD tests whether IWISH affects: (1) the length of stay in housing by reducing transitions to long-term care, (2) unplanned hospitalizations and other acute healthcare utilization, and (3) primary care utilization. We linked individual resident data with Medicare and Medicaid data and compared utilization and tenure between IWISH and control residents. During the first three years of the demonstration (October 2017–September 2020), we found no evidence that IWISH affected residents’ healthcare utilization or caused residents to remain in their homes longer; but there are reasons to be optimistic about the longer-term impact of the IWISH model. Subgroup analyses show IWISH reduced rates that residents aged 62-64 and residents 85 or older used acute care services. We also found two aspects of the IWISH model seemed to improve outcomes: working individually with residents on meeting their health and wellness goals and providing transitional care to residents returning home from a hospital or long-term care stay. Outcomes were worse at properties that are isolated or lacking access to nutritional food.
UNDERSTANDING INCLUSIVE PHYSICAL PLACES AND VIRTUAL SPACES: THE FORTITUDE OF OLDER MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES
Authors: Fang Mei Lan , Sixsmith Judith , Buell Susan , Chadwick Darren , Almack Kathryn , Vytniorgu Richard , Tai Joe
Published: January 2025

The World Health Organization (WHO) Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (AFCC) agenda emphasizes collaboration among older individuals, local groups, councils, and businesses to enhance communities. This involves improvements in several social and environmental domains including transportation, outdoor spaces, volunteering, employment opportunities, and leisure and community services. IncludeAge, a UK Economic and Social Research Council funded project, addresses multifaceted aspects of age-friendly communities beyond the emphasis on social and physical environments, highlighting the importance of belonging and identity alongside cultural and life course experiences. Focusing on physical and online places and spaces, IncludeAge takes intersectional and life course perspectives to understanding the inclusion of mid-older (40+) people who are often marginalized: those with intellectual disabilities and LGBT+ individuals. Employing a transdisciplinary, innovative mixed-methods approach and guided by Community-Based Participatory Research principles, our longitudinal study uses life course interviews, GIS story mapping and social network analysis to document experiences of inclusion and exclusion in past lives and current real-time. Preliminary insights underscore the importance of the cultural and historical dynamics of experienced stigma and discrimination, the value of ‘hidden spaces and places’ and ‘experiences on the periphery’. We use the Intersectional Place Perspective (IPP) theoretical model to aid interpretation. Through co-developed story maps and individual narratives, we aim to amplify the voices of marginalized groups in designing potential solutions to exclusionary experiences and practices, fostering empowerment and social inclusion. Our research will advance understanding of AFCC and community inclusion as a human right, thereby supporting meaningful everyday lives for our focal populations.
UNVEILING THE DIFFERENTIAL IMPACT OF NEGATIVE AND POSITIVE AFFECT ON SUBJECTIVE COGNITIVE PERCEPTIONS
Authors: Gehling Jacklyn , Marx Hannah , Dhaliwal Ravneet , Harris Steven , Robertson Frank , Chenoweth Claudia Jacova
Published: January 2025

Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) is a state of perceived decline in cognitive abilities that may mark Alzheimer’s disease onset and may be influenced by affective and personality factors. This study aimed to examine the distinct impact of negative and positive affect on SCD burden in older adults. The sample included 279 cognitively healthy, community-dwelling participants, aged 60-96 (M=73.8), 52% female, education 10-20 years (M=14.9). Participants completed an online survey including demographics, depression (PHQ-2, M=.51), perceived memory difficulties (ECog-Memory, M=12.4), and affect (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, PANAS, M=13.7 and M=7.1 respectively). Separate regression analyses of ECog-Memory showed that PANAS-Negative (B=.35, ΔR²=.05, p<.001) but not PANAS-Positive (B=-.08, ΔR²=.008, p=.12), added explained variance beyond demographics and depression. Further exploration of PANAS-Positive, incorporating its interaction with education due to trending significance (p=.08), showed that PANAS-Negative (B=.35, p<.001), but not PANAS-Positive (B=.52) or the interaction (B=-.04), contributed explained variance (ΔR²=.07). Our findings highlight the significant influence of negative affect on the subjective cognitive perceptions of older adults. Elevated negative affect is correlated with diminished subjective cognitive perceptions, and notably, this association remains independent of endorsed depression. Interestingly, positive affect, a known protective factor in AD-related cognitive decline, does not seem to have an impact on subjective cognition.
BRIDGING PERSPECTIVES: A COMPARATIVE EXAMINATION OF SUBJECTIVE MEMORY AND AGING MEASURES
Authors: Harris Steven , Gehling Jacklyn , Marx Hannah , Dhaliwal Ravneet , Robertson Frank , Chenoweth Claudia Jacova
Published: January 2025

Understanding subjective cognition is imperative as it offers valuable insights into individuals’ perceptions, beliefs, and interpretations regarding their cognitive abilities, exerting a profound influence on their overall well-being and behavior. This study sought to explore perceptions of subjective cognition and aging among a national sample of community-dwelling older adults (n=279, M=73.8, education M=14.9, 52% female). In particular, we evaluated relationships between three measures of subjective cognition and aging: subjective memory complaints, subjective memory age, and subjective age. Everyday Cognition-Memory (ECog-mem) items were summed to measure memory complaints; memory age identity (MAI) was obtained by subtracting subjective memory age from chronological age; Subjective age identity (SAI) was calculated by subtracting subjective age from chronological age. We also assessed subjective health and objective memory using AVLT-Delayed recall. We conducted three hierarchical regression analyses to predict ECog-mem, MAI, and SAI. In each model, we entered age and education in the first step, subjective health and objective memory (AVLT) in the second, and depression (PHQ-2) in the third. Our sample reported a low burden of memory complaints (M=12.35) and a younger subjective than chronological age: MAI (M=-10.82) and SAI (M=-9.86). These measures were only moderately correlated (range r.29-.64). Better health ratings predicted lower ECog-mem (B=1.387, p<.001), younger MAI (B=4.16, p<.001), and younger SAI (B=4.72, p<.001), and these contributions remained after PHQ2 entry. Objective memory did not contribute to the prediction. Subjective cognition and aging measures appear to capture somewhat different experiences, but these are all influenced by perceptions of health.
ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE GENOMIC, BIOLOGIC, AND BEHAVIORAL PATHWAYS AMONG EXCEPTIONAL LONGEVITY FAMILIES
Authors: Wojczynski Mary , Cosentino Stephanie , Raghavachari Nalini
Published: January 2025

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, and its prevalence rates increase sharply in older adults aged 65 and above. Examining whether long-lived families are protected against dementia, and the predictors of dementia within these families, can inform genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors associated with dementia-free survival and the delay of pathological aging. The Long Life Family Study (LLFS), funded by the National Institute on Aging, is an international collaborative study of the genetics and familial components of exceptional longevity and healthy aging. We phenotyped 4,953 individuals from 539 two-generational families (1,727 proband; 3,226 offspring) at baseline (2006-2009), with up to two follow-up in-person visits. These longitudinal, comprehensive in-person visits measured domains of healthy aging, including physical performance, cognition, and blood markers. Extensive genetic analyses were performed using the baseline blood draw, including GWAS chip, linkage analyses, WGS, metabolomics, and transcriptomics. Collectively, this symposium will present novel findings that examined genomic, biological, and behavioral pathways to AD. Specifically, Dr. Xicota will discuss results of the impact of sampling on the limitations of population polygenic risk scores for dementia. Then, Dr. Arbeev will share findings on the longitudinal changes of lysophosphatidylcholine and risk of incident AD. Next, Dr. Cheng will explain results of a multi-omic analysis of the effect of lipids on AD. Lastly, Dr. Gu will discuss analyses of sleep duration in relation to cognition in LLFS. As Discussant, Dr. Nalini Raghavachari from the NIA will share insights and propose future directions for LLFS.
GENES, LIPIDS, AND ALZHEIMER DISEASE RISK IN FAMILIES WITH EXCEPTIONAL LONGEVITY
Authors: Cheng Rong , Xicota Laura , Rodriguez Sandra Barral , Honig Lawrence , Patti Gary , Lee Joseph
Published: January 2025

Clinical studies have consistently shown that various classes of lipids are involved in the early stages of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). To better understand the biological processes involved, we examined three layers of omic data from the Long Life Family Study (LLFS), which aimed to investigate the biological basis of familial exceptional longevity. Using 3,059 US participants, we performed a multi-stage analysis examining whole genome sequencing, transcriptomic, and lipidomic data. In addition, we examined two independent datasets for confirmation: the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort, representing the general population; and the Multiomic Studies of Alzheimer’s Disease in Adults with Down Syndrome (omicsADDS), representing the high-risk Down Syndrome cohort. First, to identify biologically relevant lipids, we identified 18 lipids of 188 were shown to be highly heritable and were associated with AD risk. Our genome search of 18 lipids yielded two loci: 11q12.2 included MYRF, TMEM258, FEN1, FADS1, FADS2, and FADS3 as candidate genes; while 20p12.1 included SPTLC3 and LINC01723. After excluding genes not differentially expressed between affected and unaffected individuals, genes on 11q12.2 were associated with five lipids, including classes of triacylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, and lysophophatidylcholine. In contrast, genes on 20p12.1 were associated with the class of ceramide non-hydroxy fatty acid-sphingosine. Lastly, we confirmed the 11q12.2 associations observed in LLFS in the ADNI and omicsADDS datasets. In sum, we showed that 11 AD-associated lipids were associated with genes on 11q12.2 in LLFS and were confirmed in the general population and the high-risk cohort.
LOWER COMMUNITY LIVABILITY IS ASSOCIATED WITH HIGHER DEMENTIA PREVALENCE AMONG WOMEN IN SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTIES
Authors: Alhasan Dana , Wende Marilyn , Antonucci Toni , Dallo Florence , Miller Maggi
Published: January 2025

Community livability may be associated with lower dementia prevalence through access to healthcare professionals, for example. Given the high rates of dementia among older adults with a disproportionate impact on women, there is a need to understand how community livability may buffer against dementia and mitigate gender disparities. Yet, few studies have considered community livability as an exposure. Therefore, our exploratory study determined county-level associations between community livability and dementia prevalence by gender in South Carolina (SC). We retrieved county-level dementia prevalent cases in 2016 among ≥50 years old (N=46) from the SC Alzheimer’s Disease Registry. Community livability data (categorized into tertiles) were obtained from the American Association of Retired Persons’ Livability Index in 2018, which included seven domains: housing, neighborhood, transportation, physical environment, healthcare access, social engagement, and economic as well as educational opportunity. We conducted OLS regression analysis adjusting for county-level rurality to estimate beta coefficients and p-values. The study included 48.6% women (n=622) and 51.4% men (n=656). In adjusted analyses, low vs. high livability was associated with higher dementia prevalence (B=0.38; p-value=0.31). Although not statistically significant, the findings are in the expected direction. Low vs. high livability was associated with higher dementia among women (B=0.11; p-value=0.69), but lower dementia among men (B= -0.78; p-value=0.07). Our novel findings regarding communities with higher livability being associated with lower dementia highlight the potential health benefits of enhancing the livability of communities and is a first step towards future research to better understand this understudied relationship.
USING PROJECT ECHO FOR GERIATRIC TRAINING IN RURAL COMMUNITIES
Authors: Ross Sarah , Luk-Jones Susanna , Murphy Sara , Biggerstaff Matthew , Severance Jennifer
Published: January 2025

Expanding geriatric education and training to health care teams using the Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) model can improve access to quality geriatric care in rural communities. The UNTHSC Center for Older Adults applied the Project ECHO model to deliver interactive videoconferencing sessions and connect interprofessional teams of geriatric specialists with primary care providers and the nursing home workforce. Recruitment included social media marketing and mailing campaigns to target rural and other underserved communities in Texas and the surrounding regions. Training was offered as weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly ECHO sessions featuring specialist-led didactic presentations followed by interactive breakout discussions across a variety of geriatric topics in dementia care, workforce considerations, and age-friendly healthcare. Participants completed post-session surveys to track changes in geriatric care knowledge, skills, and abilities using a five-point Likert scale. From September 2019 to September 2022, a total of 157 ECHO sessions were conducted with 437 unique participants from 77 counties in 14 states. Of these 77 counties, 23 (29.9%) were rural. The most common job titles were nursing (36.2%), administration and leadership (24.9%), physician (12.1%) and student (7.9%). Out of the 437 unique attendees, 158 (36.2%) participated in at least 25% of the sessions. Participants completed post-session surveys to track changes in geriatric care knowledge, skills, and abilities using a five-point Likert scale, with positive scores on all measures.
PERSPECTIVES ON SENSORIZATION IN THE NURSING HOME SETTING AMONG LEADERS, STAFF, RESIDENTS, AND FAMILY MEMBERS
Authors: Holmes Sarah , Doran Kelly , Balogun Zainab , Kim Yoon Chung , Davis Lewis , Zimmerman Luke , Yus Roberto , Reynolds Tera
Published: January 2025

Sensorization, the process of adding smart devices (e.g., wearable or motion sensors) to spaces that can sense the environment and connect to the Internet, has numerous benefits such as improving patient outcomes, reducing clinical errors, and measuring provider stress to offer real-time interventions. However, decisions about which sensors to use can involve trade-offs including cost, accuracy, usability, and privacy. We sought to describe stakeholder perspectives toward sensorization in the nursing home. Guided by community-based participatory principles, this descriptive study included place-based observations of the nursing home environment, structured surveys to identify a priority goal that can be addressed with sensors, and qualitative interviews. The purposive sample of 25 participants included nursing home leaders (n=2), care staff (n=5), residents (n=10) and family members (n=8). Surveys were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The top priority goal identified was staff stress reduction and additional goals were resident fall prevention and staff workflow and efficiency. Sensorization plans were developed and tailored to address this goal, and interviews were conducted with participants (n=25) to understand their perceptions of the plans. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed in NVivo12. Themes were identified in four topic areas: 1) information types collected by sensors; 2) data sharing privacy concerns; 3) sensor location and usability; and 4) implementation feasibility. Findings shed light on the unique perspectives of the stakeholders on how they view and value the use of sensors which will inform additional research on sensorization in nursing homes to overcome implementation barriers using a systematic, participatory process.
PERCEPTIONS OF THE “GOOD LIFE” AMONG NURSING HOME RESIDENTS WITH DEMENTIA, FAMILY, AND STAFF
Authors: Benfer Jessica , Tucker Gretchen , Cagle John
Published: January 2025

Providing high quality care to nursing home residents with dementia and enhancing their quality of life is complicated by a variety of noteworthy challenges (e.g., staff turnover, difficult transitions, quarantines). Our objective was to characterize perceptions of the “Good Life” among nursing home residents with dementia, families, and staff from a nationally derived sample of nursing homes. Using Gitlin’s “Good Life” model as a conceptual framework, 46 mixed-method interviews were conducted over the phone among 11 residents with dementia, 19 family members, and 16 staff from seven nursing homes across the United States. For resident interviews, family members or staff were present to help facilitate the interviews. Data were analyzed thematically. Overall, efforts were viewed as positive in nursing homes to support engaging environments for residents with dementia. Residents in our sample had better days when there was an easy-to-follow schedule of daily events and they felt connected with others, including having positive interactions with staff. Family members reported better days when they were reassured that they were doing what is right for their loved one and could balance caretaking with the rest of their lives. Staff were primarily concerned that residents were well cared for and their needs were met. Findings provide insight into several potential avenues to better promote the Good Life among nursing home residents with dementia, their families, and staff.
IMPLEMENTING EPIC-VR IN HEALTH CARE: ALIGNING VIRTUAL REALITY TRAINING WITH ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT AND READINESS
Authors: Savundranayagam Marie , Norris Grace , Malheiro Grace , Schumann Annette , Campos Jennifer , Orange Joseph
Published: January 2025

Be EPIC-VR is a virtual reality (VR)-based person-centered communication training for frontline healthcare workers in dementia care. The current study investigated factors influencing the successful implementation of Be EPIC-VR in home care and long-term care, using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Participants included eight managers from four care settings. Managers were chosen for their decision-making roles in enabling their teams to take Be EPIC-VR. Semi-structured interviews were conducted before and after Be EPIC-VR’s implementation and analyzed using framework analysis. Two themes emerged: organizational context and organizational readiness. Organizational context had two subthemes: increased training needs and staffing resources. Managers identified dementia-specific training needs evolving from limited training during the COVID-19 pandemic. Staffing-related resources, such as scheduling and backfilling, were essential for implementation. This organizational context shaped the organizational readiness for Be EPIC-VR, which was evidenced by three subthemes: relative priority for Be EPIC-VR, relative advantage of Be EPIC-VR, and tailoring strategies for successful implementation. Managers prioritized Be EPIC-VR’s implementation because it aligned with organizational goals to support communication and address responsive behaviours. Managers reported on the relative advantage of Be EPIC-VR compared with existing training programs, emphasizing its interactive VR simulations, the ability to practice new skills in a safe environment, and personalized feedback. Tailored strategies affecting implementation included having sufficient resources to support remote delivery, piloting with small groups, and promoting an openness to VR technology. The findings underscore the value of aligning innovations with organizational goals and tailoring implementation plans to specific organizational contexts.
INEQUALITIES IN OLDER ADULTS’ LIFELONG LEARNING: HOW SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS SHAPES PARTICIPATION AND BENEFITS
Authors: Chin Shu Yee , Chua Jolin , Widjaja Nathan , Ang Shannon , Malhotra Rahul
Published: January 2025

Although lifelong learning has been increasingly utilized to promote active ageing, research increasingly suggests that older adults with lower socio-economic statuses (SES) may face unique barriers to participation in these programs. Simultaneously, we know little about whether SES moderates the well-being benefits of lifelong learning programs. Using two waves of data (2016-17; 2019) from a nationally representative sample of Singaporeans aged 60 and above (n = 2,508), this study investigates whether older adults’ SES shapes their participation and benefits reaped from lifelong learning programs. Firstly, we used a multinomial logistic regression model to examine the relationships between SES and participation in job-related and nonjob-related lifelong learning programs. Secondly, we used lagged dependent variable regression analyses with inverse probability weight adjustments to examine whether SES moderated the relationship between lifelong learning participation and quality of life, while addressing potential selection biases into lifelong learning participation. Findings indicate that older adults with higher educational attainment and occupational prestige had greater participation in both job- and nonjob-related lifelong learning. Moderation analyses further showed that the effects of nonjob-related learning on quality of life were only significant for those with lower SES. In summary, these findings suggest that although lower-SES older adults benefit more from participation in lifelong learning programs, they are also less likely to participate in such programs. Results highlight the need to make programs more accessible to lower-SES older adults. Future research should continue to investigate the mechanisms through which SES moderates the benefits of lifelong learning for well-being outcomes.
LONELINESS AMONG LONG-TERM SPOUSAL CAREGIVERS: A GENDER-BASED ANALYSIS USING THE CLSA
Authors: Li Lun , Wister Andrew , Lee Yeonjung
Published: January 2025

Spousal caregivers tend to undertake the most care for their loved ones. As a result, spousal caregivers also experience worse caregiving outcomes, including loneliness, than other types of caregivers. This study used three waves of data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (2011 to 2021), and longitudinal analyses with the Linear mixed model were performed to examine the loneliness (measured by UCLA 3-item loneliness scale) of spousal caregivers over time. A total of 1569 participants were identified as long-term spousal caregivers (849 male and 720 female). The results showed that female spousal caregivers reported both a higher level of loneliness at the beginning and a greater increase of loneliness over time than male spousal caregivers. Besides participants’ demographic, social-economic and health-related factors, caregiving hours, social participation, and social support are the key predictors of loneliness. At the same time, female spousal caregivers experience a steeper increase in caregiver hours, and a greater decrease in social participation and social support over time. These disparities in changes over time amplify the negative impacts of caregiving on female spousal caregivers. The findings reveal the greater caregiver burden taken by female spousal caregivers than male ones over time. The study supports future programs and services for female spousal caregivers to manage caregiving tasks better and maintain active social interaction to balance caregiving and social life.
RE-ENGAGING AFRICAN AMERICAN AND BLACK OLDER ADULTS DURING THE COVID-19 ERA: A FOCUS GROUP STUDY
Authors: Parekh Rupal , Carolan Kelsi , Powell Georgia , Tocchi Christine
Published: January 2025

Churches and senior centers are social engagement hubs for older Black and African Americans (BAA) that can positively impact well-being. Although these facilities re-opened after the COVID-19 pandemic, engagement with these facilities has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. Our long-term goal is to develop a behavioral intervention to address the re-engagement needs/concerns of BAA older adults as a means of preventing/reducing depressive symptoms and disability. In the first phase of this work, we used a community-based participatory research approach to determine barriers to, and facilitators of, activity reengagement through the perspectives of leaders of BAA churches and senior centers around Hartford, Connecticut. We conducted four focus groups with key stakeholders (n=4 senior center staff; n=4 senior, center staff; n=5 church staff; n=4 church staff) between May 2023 and July 2023. Using a Framework Method approach participants were asked to define engagement as it relates to senior center and church involvement since re-opening and to quantify, in their own words, the problem of disengagement. Participants were also asked about the effectiveness of online engagement vs. in-person engagement and members experience(s) with social isolation and loneliness. Line-by-line thematic analysis of the transcriptions was used to identify and group meaningful phrases and responses into major themes. Three organizing themes emerged: “transportation” concerns impacting members during COVID-19 pandemic, increased health issues among members; and issues and concerns related to family support. Leaders from churches and senior centers provided valuable insights into the overarching issues affecting re-engagement among older BAA senior center and church members.
CLINICAL APPROACHES TO SUPPORT MALE DEMENTIA FAMILY CAREGIVERS
Authors: Clevenger Carolyn
Published: January 2025

Integrated Memory Care (IMC) is a primary care practice for people living with dementia and their family caregivers. The practice integrates geriatric medicine, dementia specialty care/cognitive neurology, and palliative care along with caregiver services including support groups, classes, and psychotherapy for individuals and families. Finally, the practice hosts various opportunities to participate in caregiving research. Since 2015, the practice has treated over 2500 people living with dementia (PLWD) and supported their family caregivers. The mean age of patients is 78.6 years, the majority (66%) are female, and 42% identify as a racial or ethnic minoritized group. Caregiver relationship to patients (PLWD) is divided evenly between spouse (48%) and adult child (48%) and their mean age is 65.3 years. Men serving as primary family caregiver differ from their female counterparts in choice of clinical services, engagement in caregiver-specific programs, and participation in research. Successful marketing approaches include emphasis on caregiver as hero archetype, a clear message of the return-on-investment of services and activities. This presentation will describe the experience of supporting and engaging men as dementia family caregivers using aggregated data from multiple pilot studies as well as direct input from current active caregivers and IMC program staff.
EXPLORING THE UNIQUE NEEDS AND EXPERIENCES OF BLACK MALE CAREGIVERS
Authors: Turner Robert
Published: January 2025

An emerging area of public health concern for policymakers, caregivers and families, and health service workers is the growing number of older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD). The number of older Black Americans with ADRD who will require some care is projected to triple in the upcoming decade. According to survey data, 30% to 40% of informal caregivers are elderly husbands often caring for spouses experiencing dementia; however, this estimation may be low simply because many men – especially Black American men – do not formally identify as caregivers. Previous research also suggests that Black American men often feel unprepared as caregivers, are disinclined to discuss this role, and rely on informal support resources due to hesitation or unawareness. Although Black Americans are at greater risk of caregiver burden (CB), the body of research that focuses on adult Black American men as primary caregivers of a person with dementia (PWD) is sparse. Knowledge about dementia CB in this understudied sub-population is critical for several reasons, including the rapid projected growth that puts their health and well-being at risk. The Black Male Dementia Caregiver Burden Study examines the impact of dementia CB on the cognitive function and physiological health of this underrepresented population. Additionally, this project incorporates focus group and in-depth interview data that explores Black males’ unique needs and experiences with caregiving while addressing their concerns about participating in caregiver research, including collecting biospecimen samples (e.g., urine, blood, saliva).
DETERMINANTS OF AFFECT-BALANCE IN MONGOLIAN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Otgon Saranchuluun , Burnette Denise , Lkhamsuren Zuchi , Casati Fabio , Mukhtar Yerkyebulan , Myagmarjav Sugarmaa
Published: January 2025

Objectives: In Mongolia, the number of persons aged ≥ 60 years is projected to increase from 125,000 (7%) in 2000 to more than 800,000 (25%) by 2050. Current policies and programs are inadequate to support integrated health services that ensure the physical, functional, and psycho-social components of healthy active aging. The purpose of this study was to assess levels and correlates of affect-balance, an indicator of life satisfaction and general well-being, in older adults in Mongolia. Methods: Data are from an in-person survey with urban and rural adults aged 55 and 88 (N=304). Affect-balance scores were derived from the Organization for Economic Cooperation Development (OECD) scale for measuring psychological well-being. Results: Both male and female study participants reported high (positive) affect-balance. Self-rated health, educational attainment, loneliness, and engagement in volunteer activities were significantly associated with affect-balance. Volunteering, a key component of ‘productive aging,’ notably contributed to high levels of positive emotions and low levels of negative emotions. Conclusion: Findings highlight the importance of fostering positive emotions in later life and can inform the development of targeted policies and interventions to enhance older Mongolians’ quality of life and well-being.
BRAIN NETWORKS AND FUNCTIONAL RESERVE IN THE PRESENCE OF AMYLOID PATHOLOGY
Authors: Laurienti Paul
Published: January 2025

Background: Amyloid beta (Aβ) is a biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease and has been linked to cognitive and physical function decline. However, significant inter-individual variability exists with respect to the influence of Aβ on cognitive and motoric outcomes. The current study examined the potential contribution of brain networks on this inter-individual variability. Methods: Community-dwelling older adults (n=81, mean age=76ys, %female=51) from a larger longitudinal brain network study were included. Participants were adjudicated as cognitively normal at baseline. Each had resting-state functional magnetic resonance and Aβ positron emission tomography scans. A statistical interaction model was used to determine if network integrity moderated the effects of global Aβ on physical function as measured with the expanded short physical performance battery (eSPPB). Results: At baseline the central executive network (CEN) and the basal ganglia network (BGN) significantly (p<0.05) moderated Aβ associations with eSPPB. Physical function was highest in those individuals with high network integrity and low Aβ. Function was lowest in those with both low network integrity and high Aβ. Neither Aβ-network interaction was significant for longitudinal eSPPB change scores. Conclusion: Integrity in the CEN and BGN may underlie reserve in the presence of Aβ pathology as those individuals with high network integrity maintained their physical function. Given that these brain networks exhibit plasticity, they are a potential intervention target in older adults exhibiting functional decline in the presence of Aβ. Future work will need to replicate the findings in a larger and more diverse sample of older adults.
AGING, HEALTH, AND CAREGIVING IN ARAB AND ARAB IMMIGRANT POPULATIONS
Authors: de Leon Carlos Mendes , de Leon Carlos Mendes
Published: January 2025

There has been a rapid increase in the number of older adults in Arab countries and among Arab immigrants in the US, leading to growing attention to the health and associated care needs due to impairments in physical and cognitive function. Although traditionally, the expectation may have been that the care for these needs would be provided by next of kin, family care resources are becoming less available due to significant social change, such as migration of offspring generations to larger urban centers or other countries. Because formal sources of care are often insufficient or lacking, older Arab adults face an increasingly challenging care environments for their basic care needs. The presentations in this symposium will reflect on aging and caregiving drawing from four geographic sources of information: Egypt, Lebanon, Qatar, and Detroit, Michigan. The Egyptian data come from a pilot study testing the feasibility of conducting a population-based longitudinal study of older adults based on the HRS Around the World Framework, documenting initial findings regarding cognitive impairment. The Lebanon study provides data from a new population-based survey study on caregiving burden and its correlates among older Lebanese adults that provide care to others. The Qatar data come from a qualitative study describing the Muslim religion-inspired belief systems that shape caregiving expectations and practices. The Michigan study presents findings from a culturally adapted intervention for caregivers of older Arab American patients with dementia. Together, these data provide an overview of caregiving needs and practices in Arab and Arab-American populations.
EXPLORING AGING DYNAMICS IN EGYPT: INSIGHTS FROM THE AL-SEHA PILOT STUDY
Authors: Moustafa Sara , Gaballah Nada , Deif Reem , Salama Mohamed
Published: January 2025

The AL-SEHA (A Longitudinal Study of Egyptian Healthy Aging) pilot study is an HRS-Around the World (ATW) longitudinal sister study in Egypt. This foundational phase aims to uncover critical insights into cognitive impairment, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and the pivotal role of family support for older adults in Egypt. The cross-sectional pilot was conducted in five Egyptian governorates: Cairo, Dakahlia, Beni Suef, Suez, and Fayoum. Participant selection was based on convenient sample of Egypt’s population aged 50+. Data collection combined computer-aided personal interviewing (CAPI) with a Self-Completion Questionnaire (SCQ), and included comprehensive coverage of economic, health, and social domains including caregiving needs and arrangements. Initial findings highlight a significant association between cognitive impairment and NCDs, such as diabetes (62.3%), hypertension (75.8%), and musculoskeletal issues (61.3%). As in other populations, lower educational attainment had a significant negative association with cognitive impairment (p=0.0001), emphasizing socioeconomic factors’ impact on cognitive health. Strong family support networks were identified as key in mitigating cognitive decline, underscoring the cultural importance of family in the Egyptian context. The AL-SEHA pilot study provides a vital foundation for understanding the aging process in Egypt, highlighting the interplay between cognitive health, physical well-being, and socio-economic and cultural factors. Findings advocate for integrated healthcare strategies that address the multifaceted needs of the older population. Future research, building on this pilot phase, is essential to develop evidence-based policies and interventions to enhance the quality of life for Egypt’s aging population.