bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PERSONALIZED MUSIC PLAYLISTS FOR HOSPITALIZED OLDER ADULTS: CREATING AND REVISING VOLUNTEER WORKFLOW
Authors: Nguyen Victor , Morka Angela , Wong Kayla , Nandigam Maanasa , Kiwak Eliza , Li Judy , Sharninghausen Jody , Marottoli Richard
Published: January 2025

Personalized music has been shown to decrease the incidence of neuropsychiatric symptoms among hospitalized older adults. As part of the “Creativity in Aging” project at Yale Geriatrics, this quality improvement study aims to evaluate the process and feasibility of a personalized music program in an inpatient geriatrics unit. We collaborated with the hospital volunteer department to credential and train five undergraduate volunteers in building personalized music playlists for hospitalized older adults to listen to during their stay. From October 2023 to February 2024, 88 patients were referred to the program by hospital staff, and 57 patients participated. Here we describe the process of developing and revising the pilot. Following “test” sessions led by a medical student and resident physician familiar with the unit, an initial protocol was developed. Volunteers used REDCap and paper spreadsheets to organize HIPAA-secure patient data including referrals, linkage to personalized playlists stored on iPads, and brief pre- and post-listening surveys. Volunteers filled out feedback forms after each weekly shift to identify workflow issues and suggest improvements. Challenges included 1) identification of appropriate patients and 2) hand-off of patient referrals, notes, and next steps between shifts. Consultation with multiple stakeholders including volunteers, nursing managers, and attending physicians, led to solutions: 1) recruitment of nursing staff and creation of resident physician training module, after which nurses and resident physicians became key patient referral sources, and 2) remodeling of REDCap to manage volunteer “hand-off” communication, replacing the physical note-keeping system. We aim to make this a sustainable volunteer program.
A CROSS-NATIONAL COMPARISON OF THE EFFECT OF SMOKING AND DRINKING BEHAVIOR ON COGNITIVE HEALTH IN TAIWAN AND THE US
Authors: Su Yan-Jhu , Shih Yao-Chi
Published: January 2025

Previous studies have shown that smoking tobacco and alcohol consumption impact individuals’ cognitive health. However, less studies have focused on cross-national comparisons of the effects of smoking and alcohol consumption on cognitive health and their differential effects across gender. This cross-sectional study used the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) 2018 (N= 7,467) and the Taiwan Longitudinal Study in Aging (TLSA) 2019 (N=2,776) for comparison. The cognitive function scores of the HRS are from the Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status-Modified (TICS-M; range: 0-35). For the TLSA, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA; range: 0-30) is used. Our results show that both smoking and drinking negatively affect one’s cognitive health among the US and Taiwanese populations, yet important gender differences were found. Taiwanese women aged 60 and older were found to have lower cognitive scores relative to otherwise similar men; however, in the United States, middle-aged and older women were found to perform better in their cognitive tests than their male counterparts. No moderating effects of gender on smoking were found among older persons from both countries. Some drinking was found to be protective for Taiwanese women, while binge drinking among US women further negatively impacted their cognitive health. Findings suggest that both smoking and drinking may impose negative influence on one’s cognitive health and these impacts differ by gender. These differences may be the result of differences in the social context and cultural meaning of health behaviors. Further research is needed to address gender disparities in health behaviors.
PREVENTING SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH DEMENTIA: FINDINGS AND INSIGHTS FROM JAPAN
Authors: Chen Limei , Inoue Megumi
Published: January 2025

This study examines the implementation and impact of social capital interventions to mitigate the interplay between social isolation, loneliness, and dementia within Japan’s aging population. With an emphasis on advancing knowledge through a socio-ecological approach, our research focuses on social capital interventions, leveraging “chiiki-ryoku” (community power) at the community level for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. These interventions include Community (Dementia) Cafes, Dementia Supporter Caravan Training Programs, Community Social Workers, and Dementia Friendly-Communities, which are evaluated for their effectiveness in fostering social engagement and support networks. Our findings highlight the critical role of social capital in enhancing community resilience and well-being, demonstrating that interventions that cultivate active social participation and strong social networks in defined physical spaces such as junior high school area or municipal area can serve as protective factors against social isolation and loneliness. The research contributes to the broader discourse on social capital and dementia care by revealing the nuanced challenges and potential for meaningful impact through context-sensitive, integrative strategies. It posits that fostering a sense of belonging and meaningful relationships within communities can significantly alleviate the adverse effects of loneliness and social isolation among those affected by dementia. Through a detailed examination of Japan’s response to dementia-related social isolation, this study provides insights into the development of effective, sustainable interventions that promote social health and well-being in aging societies.
SOCIAL NETWORKING SITE USE AND MENTAL HEALTH IN OLDER LGB CANADIANS IN THE CLSA
Authors: Grady Alexandra , Stinchcombe Arne
Published: January 2025

The Internet has historically been an important avenue for social connection between lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people. Social networking sites (SNS) may have positive mental health impacts for LGB people. Limited research has explored SNS use in older LGB adults. The purpose of this study was to examine SNS use by sexual orientation in a sample of heterosexual and LGB Canadians using data collected from Follow-up 1 of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (n=21,836; 583 LGB). Participants completed self-report measures of SNS use, depression symptoms (CESD-10), and loneliness (UCLA 3-item Loneliness Scale). After adjusting for age, gender, income, and education, a significant difference remained in the odds of LGB participants using SNS to make new friends (OR = 1.82, p<.001) and promote themselves or their work (OR = 1.34, p=.005) in comparison to heterosexual participants. In terms of mental health, the linear regression treating depression as the outcome variable showed an interaction between being LGB and using SNS to stay in touch with friends (B=-1.23, p=.012), such that using SNS to stay in touch with friends as an LGB person was associated with fewer depression symptoms. The linear regression treating loneliness as the outcome variable showed an interaction between being LGB and using SNS to make new friends (B=.44, p=.013), indicating that LGB people who use SNS to make new friends report more loneliness than heterosexual people who use SNS to make new friends. This study adds to the growing literature on how older LGB adults use SNS.
AN ANALYSIS OF PALLIATIVE CARE PROVIDER NURSING HOME CONSULTATIONS FOR PATIENTS WITH COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Authors: Nesvet Matthew , Floyd Alex , Cagle John , Elftmann Hanley , Unroe Kathleen
Published: January 2025

Nursing homes (NH) are important sites of care for people with serious illnesses in need of end-of-life care. Extant studies have shown NH residents with dementia struggle to receive high quality care. There is some evidence that palliative care (PC) interventions may improve quality of life (QOL) and care. There is little prior description of PC consults conducted in the nursing home setting. We examined notes PC providers wrote after initial consults with 197 residents of 8 nursing homes enrolled in UPLIFT, an NIH-funded clinical trial evaluating implementation of a PC model of care. Residents enrolled in UPLIFT who screened positive for PC needs were referred for consultations. We analyzed initial consult notes to learn about the residents referred and content of the consultative visits, including recommendations made. Mean age of the residents was 75 years. 70% were White, 19% Black/African American, and 52% female. Goals of care were discussed in 83% of the PC consults, the most commonly observed intervention. The most frequent types of recommendations by PC providers were: 1) medication-related (n=207); 2) referrals to other clinical services (n=103); 3) non-pharmacologic symptom relief (n=53); and 4) specific recommendations for NH staff-based activities (n=40). In total, PC providers averaged three recommendations when at least one family member, friend, or guardian was present during the clinical encounter in person (n=127) or by phone (n=38), and two when only the resident participated in the encounter (n=33).
PREVALENCE AND LONGITUDINAL PERSISTENCE OF PAIN IN DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS (VA) NURSING HOMES
Authors: Am Linda , Jacques Wildjena Jean , Zhao Shibei , Quach Emma , Hartmann Christine , Pimentel Camilla
Published: January 2025

Pain is highly prevalent in U.S. nursing homes, with estimates of 22%-85% of residents experiencing any pain (Cole et al., 2022). Current studies about pain in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) nursing homes offer information about a single point in time. Identifying whether pain improves or worsens is critical but difficult. We evaluated prevalence and longitudinal patterns of pain among residents of VA’s 134 nursing homes. We used individual-level VA data from the Minimum Data Set 3.0 from October 1, 2018 to September 30, 2019 (N=40,954). We limited analyses to residents with long length of stay (>100 days); admission, quarterly, or annual clinical assessments (A0310=1,2,3); not comatose (J0200=1); and recent self-reported/observed pain (J0300=1). We randomly selected an “index” assessment for each resident and evaluated pain in ≥2 subsequent, consecutive assessments. We defined “persistent pain” as pain consistent across assessments and “intermittent pain” as pain documented in only one assessment. Our analytic sample was 1,824 long-stay VA nursing home residents. Pain was documented among 900 (49.3%) residents, among whom 509 (56.6%) had persistent pain. Among residents with intermittent pain (N=391; 21.4%), 298 (76.2%) reported worsening pain, and 93 (23.8%) reported improvement in pain. This study demonstrates high prevalence of any pain and persistent pain in VA nursing homes, with experiences of pain potentially worsening over the course of a nursing home stay. Results are consistent with studies in non-VA nursing home settings, underscoring the need to address pain more effectively in all long-term care settings.
PERSONALITY TRAITS AS PREDICTORS OF BURNOUT IN SANDWICH GENERATION CAREGIVERS
Authors: Ju Catherine , Lohmar Sabine , Fenstermacher Erika , Owsiany Montgomery , Edelstein Barry
Published: January 2025

Informal caregiving increases the risk for burnout (i.e., emotional exhaustion, detachedness in caregiving relationships, reduced sense of accomplishment through helping). Sandwich generation caregivers, individuals who provide care for their children and older parents, face unique challenges and experience greater burnout than individuals caring for children alone. However, little research has examined what factors are associated with outcomes such as burnout in sandwich generation caregivers. Furthermore, studies on sandwich generation caregivers rarely utilize a resiliency-based approach. This study aimed to examine whether Big Five personality traits (i.e., openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism) predicted burnout in sandwich generation caregivers (N = 102). A hierarchical regression model controlling for demographics, R² =.007, F(3, 98) =.222, p =.881, indicated that openness, conscientiousness, agreeableness, and neuroticism explained an additional 32.9% of the variance. This change in R² was significant, F(4, 94) = 11.628, p <.001, with openness (β = -.215), conscientiousness (β = -.265), and neuroticism (β =.257) the only significant independent predictors, R² =.336, F(7, 94) = 6.781, p <.001. In a different regression model, which controlled for depression, neuroticism was no longer a significant independent predictor. These results suggest that sandwich generation caregivers with higher levels of openness and conscientiousness and lower levels of neuroticism may experience lower levels of burnout. Findings from this study enhance our understanding of sandwich generation caregivers and what personality traits may serve as resiliency factors towards decreasing burnout. Further research can examine modifiable elements of these traits to increase resiliency.
EXPLORING THE ACTUAL SITUATION OF FAMILY CAREGIVING IN GER-DISTRICT IN THE SUBURBS OF ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA
Authors: Hashizume Yumi
Published: January 2025

Supporting family caregivers is going to be an increasing concern globally including developing countries. Mongolia, a developing country has challenges in caregiving due to lack of formal services and infrastructure development that family caregiving relies on mutual assistance by close relatives. This study aimed to explore the actual situation of family caregiving in District A in the suburbs of Ulaanbaatar. A questionnaire included caregiver education, nomadic living experience, financial status, support from relatives, CAGE (alcohol dependence), GDS5, coping behaviors, and JZBI8 (caregiving burden) distributed to 562 family-caregivers selected by district personnel. Of the 537 collected, 75 individuals involved in caregiving were divided, and statistically compared in to the three groups named as economically stable (ES: n1=29), partially in need (PIN: n2=35) and totally in need (TIN: n3=11). Mean values were below the cutoff point in all groups, and comparisons showed no differences except JZBI8. ES’ JZBI8 was significantly lower than PIN’s if the relative assisted purchasing medications and watching over care-recipients [F(2, 66）=3.93, p=.024, η2=.11]. ES with a higher education had more problem-focused-coping behaviors than TIN[F(2, 30）=3.64, p=.038, η2=.02]; however, ES did not receive laundry assistance if the relative had nomadic life. PIN engaged all-day caregiving had more avoidance-escape-coping-behaviors than non-all-day [t(27）=2.22, p=.035, d=0.92, 95%CI[0.07,1.77]]. PIN with nomadic experiences could not provide financial support to care-recipients [χ2(1，n1=31)=5.490, p=0.019, φ=0.421]. Although the burden of caregiving was generally low, family caregivers’ mutual support and coping behaviors vary by economic, educational, and nomadic background, which may develope into a caregiving burden for Mongolians.
DO TRAJECTORIES OF SELF-IDENTIFIED RETIREMENT STATUS PREDICT HEALTH AND COGNITIVE OUTCOMES?
Authors: Oh Yun taek , Smith Jacqui
Published: January 2025

Few studies examined the ways older workers self-identify their retirement status (named ‘retirement identity’) over time before exiting the workforce. Examining the trajectories of retirement identity transitions – between “not retired”, “partly retired”, and “completely retired” – clarifies the heterogeneous outcomes found in ‘static’ retirement identity. In this study, we distinguish and categorize these trajectories using sequence analysis, investigate the common sociodemographic and economic characteristics for each trajectory using multinomial logistic regression, and examine the associations between these trajectories and the physical and mental health conditions of older workers using latent growth modeling. Drawing on a sample of respondents from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) from 1992 to 2020, we use the first nine waves of the initial HRS birth cohort (born 1931-1936, recruited in 1992, N=1,487) and the Early Baby Boomers (born 1948-1953, recruited in 2004, N=1,017). We determine and name four distinct categories of trajectories – early, late, traditional, and partial transitions – based on the timing and sequence of transitions. The membership of these trajectories is strongly associated with the birth cohort, educational attainment, labor income from career jobs, and household wealth. The latent growth modeling reveals that workers in late or partial transition trajectories tend to have better initial physical, mental, and cognitive health and experience slower deterioration of these than those in early or traditional transition trajectories. These results suggest a close relationship between health and self-identification of retirement status that may influence the work attachment and timing of workforce exit.
WORK TO RETIREMENT: EXAMINING THE ROLE OF RETIREMENT IN THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN AWARENESS OF AGING AND SLEEP HEALTH
Authors: Dewansingh Neha , Calfee Kristin , Smith Claire , Lee Soomi
Published: January 2025

Individuals of all ages require adequate sleep to maintain a healthy lifestyle; sleep health is especially vital in older adults, but often degraded after retirement. Poor sleep puts older adults at risk for physical and cognitive impairments, which can increase fall risk, difficulty performing daily activities, and chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes. Awareness of aging (AoA), or consciousness around one’s aging experiences, has been linked to promoting health behaviors such as exercising. Sleep is a health behavior; yet its association with AoA has been little studied. Both sleep and AoA may change through retirement, and the association between them may also differ by retirement status. We investigated these relationships using a self-report composite measure of sleep health across multiple dimensions (i.e., regularity, satisfaction, alertness, efficiency, and duration) in a national sample of adults (n=668; Mage=63yrs) from the Midlife in the United States study, controlling for sociodemographic covariates and self-rated health. Results demonstrated that higher AoA was associated with worse sleep health for both retired and non-retired adults (B=-0.256, SE=0.083, p=0.002), with more pronounced association for retirees (B=-0.418, SE=0.178, p=0.019). Such findings suggest that higher awareness around aging surprisingly relates to greater disruptions in sleep health for older adults, particularly in retirees, counter to prior work emphasizing the health benefits of AoA. Future research could examine how and why retirees experience unanticipated negative side effects of AoA such as sleep disruptions. Limitations and directions for future research will be discussed, with potential methods for managing AoA by specific contexts.
DOES INTERNET USE MODERATE THE RURAL–URBAN DISPARITIES IN HEALTH AMONG BRAZILIAN OLDER ADULTS?
Authors: Chen Xiayu , Rodriguez Tania , Wu Rachel , Andrade Flávia
Published: January 2025

Although prior research has noted the benefits of Internet use on physical and mental health among older adults in developed countries, its impact within less developed countries, particularly in Latin America concerning rural-urban disparities, is poorly understood. This study investigated the health disparities between rural and urban older adults in Brazil and examined how Internet use moderated these disparities. Data from the second wave of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging with 9,751 adults aged 50 and above were analyzed. The outcome variables include the number of chronic conditions, limitations in basic and instrumental activities of daily living (ADL & IADL), depressive symptoms and cognitive functioning. Using a series of weight-adjusted multivariate linear regression analyses, we found that compared to the older adults who lived in rural areas, urban residents tended to have more chronic conditions, IADL disabilities, higher depressive symptoms, but better cognitive functioning. A significant interaction between Internet use and rural-urban residency was identified for chronic conditions (β=0.72, 95% CI= 0.55-0.94), cognitive functioning (β=0.85, 95% CI=0.73-0.99), and depressive symptoms (β=1.40, 95% CI=1.04-1.89), indicating that Internet use mitigated the rural-urban disparity in chronic conditions and cognitive functioning, while it increased the disparity in depressive symptoms. The study’s findings underscore the potential of Internet use as a means to reduce health disparities among older adults in Brazil. Future interventions could include targeted digital inclusion strategies tailored to address the socioeconomic challenges in rural areas to leverage the benefits of the Internet.
HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICE NEEDS AMONG RURAL CARE PARTNERS OF US VETERANS: FINDINGS FROM QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
Authors: Marfeo Elizabeth , Chamberlin Elizabeth , Venegas Maria , Moo Lauren
Published: January 2025

The number older adults living in rural areas of the US is increasing. This demographic shift presents challenges for ensuring access to home and community-based services (HCBS) among rural older adults. We conducted a qualitative study to explore HCBS needs among family caregivers (N = 19) whose care partner is a rural older (< 65) Veteran with complex care needs via semi-structured qualitative interviews. All participants were recruited through the Veterans Health Administration’s Caregiver Support Program. An iterative content analysis was guided by Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use. Three a priori domains for coding were initially used: psychosocial, enabling, and need factors. Key themes related to service access and use emerged including (1) significant objective and subjective health needs among both the CG and Veteran; (2) limited accessibility to health services and respite supports; (3) financial needs beyond healthcare costs; and (4) variation in attitudes, beliefs, and perceived control regarding care preferences and values from the perspective of the CG and Veteran. Most caregivers reported living in the home with the Veteran yet receiving no additional HCBS. Overall family caregivers reported taking immense pride in caring for their loved one but cited several areas of unmet needs related to accessibility and utilization of HCBS in their rural communities. These findings have important implications for identifying future pathways to increase access to HCBS, ultimately improving both rural-residing family caregiver and Veteran health and quality of life.
SUBSTANCE USE AND ABUSE IN NEW HAMPSHIRE, MISSISSIPPI, AND WYOMING: FINDINGS FROM THE HEALTHY AGING DATA REPORTS
Authors: Fleet Alexa , Boateng Josephine , Siebecker Megan , Dugan Elizabeth
Published: January 2025

Addiction issues in older adults are prevalent, yet often undetected or untreated, and can contribute to poor physical health, increased disability, and earlier mortality. The current study describes state rates of substance use indicators of older adults 65+ in NH, MI, and WY, and drug overdose deaths for all ages. These three states were chosen due to the high percentages of older adults residing in rural areas. The data sources are the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2013-2020) and the Medicare Current Beneficiary Summary File (2018). Small area estimation techniques were used to calculate age-sex-adjusted community rates for more than 150 health indicators. This research examines disparities in rates for three substance use and abuse-related indicators: substance (drug and alcohol) use disorder, tobacco use disorder, and opioid deaths. Substance use disorders rates among 65+: MI 3.9%, NH 5.5%, and WY 2.4%. Tobacco Use Disorder or Current Smoker among adults 65+: MI 13.1%, NH 10.4%, and WY 11.1%. Drug overdose deaths (all ages): MI n=2,137, NH n=1,279, and WY n=1,225. Results showed variability in rates across states. MI had the highest community rates of tobacco use/smoking rates and drug overdose deaths. NH had the lowest rates for smoking but the highest rates for substance use disorders. Wyoming had the lowest substance use disorder rates and lowest drug overdose deaths. Understanding the distribution of rates makes disparities evident and may aid practitioners and policymakers in allocating resources to areas of highest need.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SENSORY IMPAIRMENTS AND PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Shannon Zoe , Steinman Bernard A
Published: January 2025

Older adults with sensory impairments (SI) experience barriers to participation that could impact their quality of life and well-being. Participation limitations associated with SI have also been associated with health-related outcomes, including chronic disease, mobility difficulties, impairments in daily activities, and demographic factors. In this study, we assessed the association between functional SI and participation in community activities, while holding other health dimensions constant. Using two waves (2011 and 2015) of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), we computed five ordinal logistic regression models to assess associations between SI change and participation. Sensory impairments were operationalized via self-reported measures of everyday visual, hearing, and dual functioning (e.g., ability to carry on a conversation in a quiet room). “Participation” was operationalized using six items that assessed participation in social and community-based activities (e.g., doing volunteer work). We created a change-in-participation variable by subtracting participation in 2015 from the baseline. Without other covariables, only functional vision status was statistically associated with participation. When all other covariates were included in the final model, statistical effects of functional vision were eliminated, and only age and chronic health conditions predicted change in participation. These results point to the importance of developing community support and reducing barriers to participation by older adults with functional SI. Creating social and physical environments that consider vision, hearing, and dual sensory impairments can foster greater participation among older adults with SI. Consideration of sensory functioning can also promote well-being that is associated with continued engagement in the community.
IF I COULD TURN BACK TIME: A THREE-YEAR LONGITUDINAL ASSESSMENT OF MUSIC ENJOYMENT IN OLDER ADULT HEARING AID USERS
Authors: Alter Isaac , Chern Alexander , Denham Michael , Leiderman Alexis , Galatioto Jessica , Jones Jennifer , Lalwani Anil
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Hearing loss (HL) is remarkably prevalent among older individuals, and is associated with worsened music enjoyment and perception. We sought to examine longitudinal changes in music enjoyment among long-term hearing aid (HA) users.

Methods

Adult HA users were recruited from a tertiary academic medical center and community setting. Participants reported their music listening habits and subjective music enjoyment using 10-point Likert scales, and underwent a melody discernment listening task, once between July-November 2020 and again three years later. Paired t-tests were used to compare participants’ responses between time points, and multiple linear regression was employed to investigate relationships between hearing levels (measured by pure tone average (PTA) of the better hearing ear) and music enjoyment.

Results

Thirty-nine HA users participated, with an average (SD) age of 72.9 (7.8) and 24.3 (18.3) years of HA use. Despite a significant increase in PTA from 2020 to 2023 (47.2 to 52.6, p< 0.001), there was no significant change in time spent listening to music, overall music enjoyment, or melody discernment ability across the two time points. However, there was a significant association between change in PTA and music enjoyment, with a one-point worsening in PTA between 2020-2023 correlating to a 0.14-point decrease in music enjoyment (p=0.041).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that despite worsening hearing over time, older HA users do not uniformly report reduction in music enjoyment or time spent listening to music, nor do their melody discrimination abilities diminish. However, more severe worsening in hearing may predict lower self-reported music enjoyment.
CONNECTED YET VULNERABLE: SOCIAL ISOLATION PROFILES AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH LOW SES
Authors: Sung Pildoo , Lee June , Chan Angelique
Published: January 2025

Despite growing attention to social isolation and loneliness, there remains a gap in understanding how these factors intersect in shaping comprehensive social isolation profiles among vulnerable older adults and their mental health implications. Using various objective and subjective indicators of social isolation, this study aimed to identify social isolation profiles and their direct and stress-buffering roles against depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults with low socioeconomic status. Data were collected from 881 older adults aged 55 and above in the Chin Swee area of Singapore where older adults with lower socioeconomic status reside in small rental housing. Latent class analysis and multivariable regression yielded three key findings. First, four distinct social isolation profiles were identified, namely “strongly connected, less lonely (27.9%),” “moderately connected, less lonely (56.4%),” “moderately connected, moderately lonely (11.2%),” and “restricted, severely lonely (4.4%).” Second, older adults in the “moderately connected, moderately lonely” and “weakly connected, severely lonely” profiles tended to report poorer mental health than those in the “strongly connected, less lonely” profile. Third, “moderately connected and moderately lonely” older adults were at a higher risk of depression in the presence of significant life stressors, compared to their less lonely counterparts with strong social connectedness. These findings highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing social isolation and loneliness among disadvantaged older adults in the community. Interventions should not only target disconnected and severely lonely older adults but also extend support to moderately connected yet lonely older adults, recognizing their vulnerability to life stressors.
DRIVERS OF SOCIAL WITHDRAWAL IN INDIVIDUALS WITH ALZHEIMER’S: AN ANALYSIS OF ONLINE PERSONAL NARRATIVES
Authors: Hemmy Laura , Wong Yun Leng , Conway Mike , Lozoya Daniel Cabrera , Lim Kelvin , Mikal Jude
Published: January 2025

The relationship between social isolation and cognitive impairment is a pernicious cycle. On the one hand, social isolation is associated with an increase in risk of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and of AD progression; and on the other hand, the hallmark symptoms of increased cognitive and functional impairment have been shown to increase social withdrawal among individuals living with AD. As researchers, care providers, and clinicians design interventions to interrupt this cycle, it becomes necessary to understand the lived experiences and perspectives of persons living with AD, including the emotional, cognitive, and sensory drivers of isolation and withdrawal. The preponderance of research on social isolation and AD focuses on correlations and risk prediction models. Our study expands on this foundation through a focus on the catalysts, motivations, and consequences of increased social isolation among individuals with AD. Using the personal narratives of 8 individuals living with early onset AD maintained in publicly available blogs, we use a grounded theory approach to develop a conceptual model describing the emergence, predictors, and consequences of social withdrawal among individuals living with AD. Analysis revealed 5 key themes: (1) sensory symptoms of AD and impacts on social engagement, (2) cognitive symptoms of AD and impacts on engagement, (3) evolution of existing networks of support, (4) elective withdraw from social networks, and (5) consequences of withdrawal for individuals with AD and their care providers. Themes are then situated within contemporary research on AD and AD care, and include insights into key points of intervention.
SOCIAL ISOLATION AND SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING AMONG OLDER ADULTS: AN EXAMINATION BY RACE/ETHNICITY AND GENDER
Authors: Nguyen Nhan , Lin Zhiyong
Published: January 2025

Social isolation has emerged as a significant social determinant of health in later life. However, our understanding of how this link may vary across race/ethnicity and gender remains limited. To address this gap, we utilized longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (2008-2020) to investigate the association between social isolation and subjective well-being (life satisfaction, positive/negative affection) among older adults. We examined variations in this relationship across race/ethnicity and gender subgroups. Our results demonstrate that social isolation is consistently linked to reduced subjective well-being for older adults, irrespective of race/ethnicity and gender. However, we observed nuances in this association among Hispanic older adults. Specifically, while both White and Hispanic older adults exhibit higher subjective well-being when they are not or rarely isolated compared to Black individuals and their isolated counterparts, among socially isolated older adults, particularly isolated men, Hispanic individuals tend to report higher levels of subjective well-being compared to their White and Black counterparts. Moreover, significant gender disparities in subjective well-being were identified among socially isolated older adults across all racial/ethnic groups, with women experiencing greater disadvantage compared to men. We also found that economic resources and health-related factors mediate the relationship between social isolation and subjective well-being. This study underscores the critical importance of addressing social isolation as a potential risk factor for mental health among older adults, especially those in vulnerable groups. It emphasizes the necessity for targeted interventions aimed at reducing social isolation and promoting social engagement within diverse communities to mitigate mental health disparities.
THE CONFLUENCE OF SOCIAL ISOLATION, LONELINESS, AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH COGNITIVE DECLINE
Authors: Svec Joseph , Hyun Jinshil , Lee JeongEun
Published: January 2025

Numerous studies indicate that social isolation and loneliness are crucial predictors of cognitive decline among older adults. Specifically, cognitive functioning (i.e. memory) is positively linked with robust social connections (Kang and Oremus, 2023). While social isolation and loneliness have gained considerable attention in recent literature, there remains substantial ambiguity in the distinct impacts of isolation and loneliness where both are often treated as part of a similar construct or examined separately (Boss et al., 2015). Given the potential ramifications for cognitive functioning, as well as implications for pragmatic solutions regarding social, environmental, and technological approaches, this study seeks to examine and investigate both the independent and concurrent effects of isolation and loneliness on cognitive functioning. Using data from eight waves of Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data, we utilize fixed effects linear regression models of older adults’ (60 years or older) immediate and delayed memory recall score on measures of social isolation, feelings of loneliness, as well as their interactions (N = 44,170). Analyses emphasize within-person associations of memory and covariates. We observe significant and negative associations of isolation (coeff = -0.02, p < 0.01) and loneliness (coeff = -0.08, p < 0.01) for both immediate and delayed recall score. However, a positive and significant interaction of loneliness and isolation indicates that feelings of loneliness is more strongly associated with immediate and delayed memory when social isolation is low (frequently meets with family or friends) – when social isolation is high, the association of loneliness and cognitive functioning is limited.
MATURE RELIGION AT 75: AN APPRAISAL OF GORDON ALLPORT’S (1950) “THE INDIVIDUAL AND HIS RELIGION”
Authors: Mirarchi Kelly , Hope Peter , Sommers Delaney , Thompson Edward , Iwasaki Michiko , Futterman Andrew
Published: January 2025

In his classic manuscript, Gordon Allport (1950) presented his theory of the development of the “religious sentiment”. Allport posited that personal religiousness is similar to other “sentiments” (i.e., guiding principles of behavior) and matures for some individuals. For those who are religiously-oriented, religious behavior is enacted in childhood first to obtain diffuse social and emotion benefits. As these individuals age, religious behavior becomes more intrinsically motivated, and religion directs and integrates adult life. The transition from child-like, extrinsically motivated religion to a more mature religion occurs, for Allport, usually in midlife, as religious doubts are resolved in the course of daily life. We examine Allport’s theory of religious maturity in light of recent research on aging and religious development, research on complexity of thought and emotion in later life, and our own study of religious complexity in later life involving 278 open-ended interviews of individuals aged 55-101. We argue that, in many respects, Allport’s theory has stood the test of time – nearly 75 years - remarkably well. For one thing, Allport (1950) anticipates the main finding of recent research on complexity and aging and is in keeping with findings of our own study, that older adults tolerate their doubts (in this case, their religious doubts) better as they age, and test, affirm, and sometimes change beliefs through social interactions. From our findings, for many individuals, their personal religiousness does seem become more mature – more intrinsic, more integrated, more directing – just as Allport posited.
STRENGTH OF ATTACHMENT TO RELIGIOUS BELIEFS DECREASES NEGATIVE ATTITUDES TOWARD OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Strong Jessica
Published: January 2025

Ageism, a term identified by Butler in the 1960s, refers to any discrimination towards an individual based on their age: implicit, explicit, or internalized. The impacts of experiencing ageism are far reaching, including negative impacts on memory, mood, physical health, and even mortality. Two recent studies (Neto et al., 2023; Kim & Jung, 2020) investigated the protective role religiosity may have on attitudes towards older adults. These studies provided preliminary evidence that groups or cultures with stronger religious beliefs had better attitudes towards older adults. The current study examined the impact of attachment to a belief system and death anxiety on ageism in a population of adults (21-73 years old, N=31). Participants reported a variety of belief systems, including Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, and Atheist/Agnostic, and were separated into two groups based on the strength of their beliefs (attached or unattached). ANCOVA analyses showed that while holding death anxiety constant, there was no impact of religious attachment on positive ageism (F(1,14)=0.98, p=0.34, partial eta2=0.06), there was an impact of religious attachment on negative ageism (F(1,14)=4.52, p=0.05, partial eta2=.24), and belief that lives of older adults should be restricted ((F(1,14)=5.24, p=0.045, partial eta2=.34), both with large effect sizes. Although the sample was small and likely underpowered, the effect sizes suggest more research in this area is warranted. The sample was diverse in terms of belief systems and the results are discussed in the context of strength of belief system, including atheism or agnosticism.
HOW BABY BOOMERS SHARE PERSONAL INFORMATION ON PSEUDONYMOUS PLATFORM: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY ON REDDIT
Authors: Khor Ern Chern , Choi Moon
Published: January 2025

Social media platforms serve as hubs for discussions across diverse topics, fostering connections and information exchange. Pseudonymous platforms allow users to create separate digital identities and facilitating open expression of thoughts and opinions. Previous research tends to focus on younger age groups, resulting in a knowledge gap about older cohorts. This study aims to explore how baby boomers share their personal information on pseudonymous online platforms, using data from Reddit, a popular pseudonymous online platform known for topic-specific communities called subreddits. Data was collected from posts in five subreddits in February 2024, using user flairs (i.e., users’ self-tags of their age range). The dataset encompasses 619 baby boomers and 1.91 million sentences tokenized from generated contents, including both posts and comments. Following Geetha et al. (2021), private information was categorized into three domains: (a) personal relationships, (b) professional-related, and (c) health-related. Following manual annotation, natural language processing was applied to categorize sentences into different domains. Results showed that baby boomers shared personal relationships-related information more frequently than professional-related and health-related information. Compared to younger age groups, baby boomers were less likely to share personal information; however, content analysis revealed age-related uniqueness within the same domain. These findings imply that pseudonymous online platforms could serve as a resource for the aging population seeking information and support on personal relationships issues. However, considering the increased cybercrime risks associated with sharing personal information, future research needs to investigate how to help baby boomers navigate these platforms safely.
OLDER VETERAN EXPERIENCES OF TECHNOLOGY USE DURING A MULTICOMPONENT TELEREHABILITATION PROGRAM
Authors: Rauzi Michelle , Tran Melissa , Christiansen Cory , Mealer Meredith , Nearing Kathryn , Stevens-Lapsley Jennifer
Published: January 2025

Less than half of U.S. military Veterans meet physical activity recommendations despite the well-established health benefits of regular physical activity. While changing physical activity behaviors is challenging, prior studies demonstrate that it is possible. Older adults are using technology to aid in such behavior change, however, research that explores the mechanisms of how technology can aid in behavior change is lacking. Thus, the purpose of this secondary, convergent mixed methods study was to explore how older Veterans engaged with technologies that were used during a multicomponent telerehabilitation program. The study included Veterans aged ≥60 years with ≥3 chronic medical conditions and physical function limitation. Quantitative data were collected during the primary randomized controlled trial, and qualitative data were collected via individual interviews following the telerehabilitation program. Data were merged and then categorized by level of technology engagement. Key similarities and differences between the high and low technology engagement groups were identified in five domains: satisfaction with the virtual environment, coping self-efficacy, perceptions of Annie (automated text messaging platform), experiences using the activity monitor, and self-management skills. Results revealed three key findings that help explain why older Veterans chose whether to engage with the technologies used during our behavior change program. These findings relate to technology self-efficacy, integration of the technologies into intervention, and technology application to self-management skills. Study results can help with the integration of similar technologies into physical rehabilitation programs. Further study is warranted to understand additional factors and mechanisms that influence technology engagement in healthcare.
USER-CENTERED ANALYSIS OF A FITNESS APP FOR OLDER ADULTS: SENIOR FIT
Authors: Lee Kathy , Hyun Kate , Haque Sabrina , Henry Kyle , Saha Troyee , Cassidy Jessica , Jang Soeun , Csallner Christoph
Published: January 2025

Utilizing technology can greatly improve the health and well-being of older adults, especially those who prefer to age in place. Senior Fit, an augmented reality mobile application, was created specifically to assist older adults with various physical exercises. This poster presentation focuses on the specifics of the app, user feedback, and suggestions for designing apps aimed at enhancing the physical activity of older adults. The app features a simple login process, requiring only users’ first and last names along with their contact number. It provides access to 16 indoor exercise categories, including strength, cardio, and balance routines, as well as an outdoor walking feature utilizing GPS tracking to monitor distance and duration. Additional features include activity guidelines and progress tracking. We collected both quantitative and qualitative data from 20 older adults who used the app for 24 weeks. Quantitative data showed overall usage of the app, indicating the participants more frequently utilized the app for indoor activities than outdoor activities. Qualitative data identified significant potential for Senior Fit alongside several challenges. Our participants expressed a preference for automatic tracking akin to wearable devices and stressed the importance of accessing their progress data seamlessly integrated into their daily routines. On the other hand, many hesitated to use the camera-based features, raising usability concerns. These findings underscore the necessity of adhering to user-centered design principles and addressing the unique challenges older adults face in adopting app-based technology. By considering these insights, future mobile applications should address the specific needs of this demographic.
SLEEP QUALITY IN LATER LIFE: HOW DOES IT AFFECT RISKY DRIVING BEHAVIORS AND CRASH INCIDENCE?
Authors: Barrett Anne , Soulie Brianna , Mimbs Hope
Published: January 2025

Among the leading causes of motor vehicle injury and fatality is drowsy driving. Most studies, however, focus on young drivers or those in shift positions (e.g., truck drivers). Little is known about how sleep quality affects the driving behavior and injury risk of older adults. Their risk may be heightened by the increased susceptibility to sleep disturbances that can occur in later life. Using data from a survey of Floridians aged 50 and older conducted between December 2020 and April 2021(n=4,199), we examined the how self-rated sleep quality and sleepiness while driving are associated with two driving outcomes: frequency of engaging in risky driving behavior (e.g., speeding, texting/emailing) and having experienced a crash or near-crash in the past year. Results of multivariate regression models revealed that reporting sleepiness while driving and lower sleep quality predicted greater likelihood of having experienced a crash or near-crash. Reporting lower sleep quality also predicted engaging more frequently in risky driving behavior. Other significant predictors of risky driving behavior or likelihood of a crash or near-crash included gender, socioeconomic status, marital or partnership status, pain frequency, self-reported hearing ability, self-reported frequency of memory problems, depressive symptoms, driving frequency, self-rated driving ability, and rural residence. Our study highlights the importance of examining how change in sleep patterns over the life course may affect driving behaviors and roadway safety.