bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IDENTIFYING PREDICTORS OF SURVIVAL TO 100 IN OKLAHOMA USING CENTENARIAN BIOGRAPHIES
Authors: Firdauysa Nadia , Bhatta Jyoti , Bishop Alex J
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this study was to identify key predictors of centenarian survival in Oklahoma. Data originated from N = 607 centenarian biographies maintained within Oklahoma Centenarians, Inc. historical records database. Biographies were analyzed and coded for demographic content. IBM/SPSS 23.0 was then used to compute linear regression analyses to examine the association of predictor variables sex, race, education, cohort, and longevity secret relative to days of survival. Only race (std. B = .10, p < .05) and cohort (std. B = -.11, p < .01) emerged as significant predictors of overall survivorship. Non-white centenarians live longer than their White-Caucasian counterparts; whereas earlier-born cohorts have shorter survival. Closer examination of these findings revealed that non-White centenarians have historically lived an average of 300.38 days longer than their White counterparts; whereas later born cohorts have historically an average of 48.10 days shorter than earlier-born cohorts. Despite the fact that sex and subjective longevity secrets failed to yield any significance, further inspection revealed two interesting highlights. First, centenarian males have historically lived an average of 147.89 days less than female centenarians. Second, centenarians who cite God as the secrete to their longevity have historically lived 100.23 fewer days than centenarians who attribute their longevity to something else. Results have implications to further understanding the interplay of race and human longevity, as well as variables attributed to improved survivorship across successive cohorts. Further discussion relative to health practices and policies to improve longevity in states like Oklahoma will be further highlighted.
THE EFFECT OF DISPOSITIONAL OPTIMISM ON SUCCESSFUL AGING OF OLDER ADULTS AND THEIR PARTNERS
Authors: Lee Gina , Lee Kyuho
Published: November 2019

The purpose of the study was to examine how dispositional optimism of an older adult influences both the individual’s and the spouse’s successful aging. Data from the Health and Retirement Study were included in this analysis. The age of participants ranged from 18 to 104 (M = 67.91, SD = 11.26). The successful aging components included low levels of depressive symptoms and low levels of difficulties in activities of daily living, subjective health, and cognition. A structural equation model was computed including optimism as a latent variable and four components of successful aging for older adults and their spouses, all from the same wave in 2014. The results of the study revealed that higher dispositional optimism of older adults significantly predicted lower depressive symptoms, lower difficulties with activities of daily living, better cognitive function, and higher subjective health, for older adults and their spouses. The results, in conclusion, support the notion that dispositional optimism not only plays a significant role in well-being for oneself but also benefits the partner’s well-being as well. Further research need to include other components of successful aging, such as social engagement, loneliness, and life satisfaction. In addition, including covariates, such as gender, educational attainment, race/ethnicity, and household income, will also further examine the effect of optimism above and beyond the demographic factors.
GRANDPARENTS CARING FOR GRANDCHILDREN: HOW AGE AND AGING IMPACT PROVISION OF CHILDCARE
Authors: Apriceno MaryBeth A , Scott Stacey B , Levy Sheri
Published: November 2019

The economic need for dual-income households has contributed to more grandparents providing childcare for their grandchildren. Research on these grandparents has examined their life satisfaction, health, and spare time. Little work to date has examined how cross-sectional differences in grandparents’ age may contribute to when they begin providing childcare or how their increasing age while caregiving influences when they reduce or stop providing childcare. Using Health and Retirement Study data, we identified 5.38% of participants (N=516) who reported providing at least one hour of childcare for their grandchildren per wave (range=1-9,996) between 2004 and 2014. The resulting sample ranged from 44-88 years of age (M=59.78, SD=7.75) when they first reported providing childcare; 48.8% were retired during the study period. Using multilevel modeling, we tested age and retirement as predictors of individual differences in initial amount of childcare (intercept) and change in childcare (slope). Cross-sectionally, no significant differences in childcare hours were observed based on the age at which grandparents began caregiving or retirement status. Longitudinally, however, as grandparents got older during the study, hours of childcare decreased by 48 hours per year (B=-48.368, t(1584)=-6.55, p<.0001) relative to when they starting providing childcare. These results suggest grandparent childcare providers represent an age diverse group managing multiple roles and responsibilities who continue caregiving well into older adulthood. Future research on grandparents who provide childcare for their grandchildren should observe these individuals over time to better understand how aging impacts provision of care and to examine how aging may moderate previous cross-sectional findings.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY DIET AND LOWER HEALTH CARE EXPENDITURES
Authors: Lin Chin-Lon , Chiu Tina H , Huang Jen-Hung , Lin Ming-Nan
Published: November 2019

Vegetarian diets have decreased incidence rates of chronic non-communicable diseases that have been associated with burden on medical systems worldwide. Previous studies propose a relationship between meat consumption and high medical expenditure; however, there is a dearth in the literature with strong evidence supporting the hypothesis between two factors. Using the data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Database this study is the first one comparing medical expenditure between vegetarian and non-vegetarian groups among older adults in Taiwan. In the National Health Insurance Database there were 2127 vegetarians matched with 4254 non-vegetarians based on age and gender from 2005 to 2014. Vegetarian diet is associated with approximately 10 – 15% lower total and outpatient medical expenditure. Vegetarians had lower medical expenditure incurred by diabetes and metabolic diseases, mental diseases, and genitourinary diseases. Implication for future research will be discussed at the presentation.
ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS AND AGING
Authors: Baccarelli Andrea
Published: November 2019

The human epigenome is a flexible, environmental sensitive component of human biology that changes over time. Multiple studies have identified prospective changes in epigenetic marks that indicate that the epigenome ages as we grow older. These changes have been leveraged to create multiple indicators of age that may also predict mortality and age-related disease. There is ongoing research to determine the extent to which age-related epigenomics changes are inherent to cell biology and/or driven by lifestyle and environmental factors. In this presentation, I will review the current evidence derived from human aging studies and potential contributions to human health and disease. I will discuss the source of data, methodological challenges for large human studies, limitations and possible future directions.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN WIDOWHOOD IN THE SHORT RUN AND LONG RUN: FINANCIAL AND EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING
Authors: Streeter Jialu L
Published: November 2019

This paper addresses the question of whether differences in financial and emotional wellbeing after the death of one’s spouse vary systematically with gender, using the Health and Retirement Study data between 1992 and 2014. Results show that all else being equal, widows have 22% less income than widowers, and a nine percentage points increase in their likelihood of falling into poverty. The income gap attributable to gender is considerably large for those newly widowed. The gap shrinks by half in the next ten years in widowhood but widens again substantially after the ten-year mark. The study suggests that men are protected from income losses to a higher degree than women when they lose their spouse, and the survivor benefits of the Social Security and private pension plans do not necessarily cushion widows from this risk. We also find that, in widowhood, men experience more negative affects (e.g., depression and loneliness), while women face more challenges with somatic symptoms (e.g., restless sleep). The emotional gender gaps vary with widowhood durations. In the year of their spousal losses, men suffer significantly more than women from negative affects, in particular, loneliness. Though women score better than men in affects in the short run, they are prone to having more somatic symptoms in the long run, especially restless sleep. The results indicate that men and women need different types of emotional support and attention at different times of widowhood.
SOCIAL CAPITAL AND HEALTH AT OLDER AGES IN GHANA
Authors: Ayernor Kojo Paul
Published: November 2019

Significant increases in life expectancy and declining fertility confirms that population ageing is fast becoming a reality in several West African nations, and the demographic transition is expected to continue well into this century. This study examines the association between social capital, self-rated health, and depression among older adults aged 50 years and over in Ghana. It draws on a small scale, yet nationally representative longitudinal data from the Global Ageing Study (SAGE-WHO, 2003-2007). Social capital is conceptualized through four dimensions: personal control, generalized trust, safety in the community and free expression. Although there were not significant findings on social capital and depression, results demonstrated significant associations between social capital and self-rated health. The relationship between social capital and self-rated health suggests the need to extend and expand upon research regarding the relationship between social capital, health, and well-being in later life in aging African communities.
THE IMPACT OF PERCEIVED IMPORTANCE AND RECENT CHANGES ON PREPARATION FOR OLD AGE
Authors: Park Jeongsoo , Hess Thomas M
Published: November 2019

This study focused on identifying factors that motivate individuals to make provisions for their old age. We hypothesized that the motivation to make preparations would be associated with the importance attached to a specific domain of functioning along with the extent to which the individual experienced recent change within that domain. We examined how perceived changes in five different domains of functioning (social relationships, leisure, finances, work, health) during the last four years and the importance attached to each domain affected preparation for old age. Participants aged 35 to 85 (Germany: N=811; Hong Kong: N=482; US: N=515) were part of the Aging as Future Study. Across domains, perceptions of positive change and high importance were related to more engagement in preparations, as was being older. The strength of these effects as well as moderating influences varied across domains and cultures, reflecting potential differences in values and social/cultural supports.
IS SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT RELATED TO FEWER HOSPITALIZATIONS IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS?
Authors: James Bryan D , Shah Raj C , Lamar Melissa , Barnes Lisa L , Wilson Robert S , Bennett David A , Schneider Julie A
Published: November 2019

We tested the hypothesis that more socially engaged older adults experience fewer hospitalizations. Data came from 1,153 older adults (72.4% female, mean age 80.8, 14.6 years education at baseline), enrolled in the Rush Memory and Aging Project, with survey data linked to Medicare claims records (mean 5.0 [SD=3.1] years of Medicare coverage after study baseline). Linear regression models were fit with annual rate of hospitalization as outcome with terms for age, sex, and education. Engaging in more social activities (est=-0.16, SE=0.05, p=0.002) and larger life space (est=-0.08, SE=0.03, p=0.005) were associated with a lower rate of hospitalization, while a higher level of loneliness (est=0.18, SE=0.06, p=0.002) was associated with greater rate of hospitalization; size of social networks (est=-0.01, SE=0.01, p=0.069) was not associated with hospitalization. When examined separately by admission type, the same significant associations were found for nonelective (emergency and urgent) hospitalizations, but not for elective hospitalizations. After further adjusting for marital status, baseline levels of depressive symptoms, chronic medical conditions, physical activity, and ADL disabilities, only social activities were significantly related to hospitalization rate (total and nonelective). Adjusting for disability attenuated these associations the most, indicating that functional status may confound the relationship between social engagement and hospitalization. More research is necessary to determine if social engagement in older age can proactively help to keep older adults out of the hospital, or alternatively whether level of social engagement is a marker for functional status or other health factor that is directly related to risk of hospitalization.
STAKEHOLDER PERSPECTIVES ON DESIGN, IMPLEMENTATION, AND SUSTAINMENT OF SERVICES FOR OLDER VETERANS
Authors: Solimeo Samantha , Hicken Bret
Published: November 2019

A majority of United States Veterans are older adults, compelling healthcare systems such as Veterans Health Administration to attend to their unique needs when designing and implementing programs for workforce development and service delivery. In this symposium authors will present findings from four studies examining how older Veterans’ needs and preferences affect implementation and sustainment in a variety of settings. Presenters demonstrate how: 1) understanding Veterans’ perspectives and preferences for measuring functional status may inform the improvement of care coordination in the primary care setting; 2) the role of population characteristics in implementation of geriatric patient centered medical home teams (i.e., GeriPACTs); 3) the interaction of patient, provider, and delivery system information needs in limiting sustainment of diverse initiatives to improve osteoporosis screening and management for Veterans; and 4) the factors affecting transferability and sustainment of rural and geriatrics-focused quality improvement initiatives beyond local settings. Beyond their focus on how older adults’ needs are reflected or shape implementation, the studies illustrate the application of qualitative data to clinical practice and workforce development.
PERSONAL NARRATIVES OF AGING
Authors: Taylor Louise , Bailey Jan , Kingston Paul , Eost-Telling Charlotte
Published: November 2019

This presentation reflects on self-written narratives from respondents to a mass observation directive, focusing on the experiences of growing older. Narrative methods are theoretically and methodologically diverse, and are helpful in social research to understand events or happenings in human lives. This data presents accounts from a heterogeneous sample in the form of self-penned responses. These experience-centred narratives bring stories of personal understanding into being by means of the first person description of past, present, future or imaginary experiences. This presentation will focus on the findings with reference to physical and mental impacts, both real and anticipated. We will also explore themes arising from the data including gender differences, age-cohort effects and stigma. The data can be used to inform Health and Social Care education and practice, particularly in co-producing appropriate person-centred services with older people.
POLICY SERIES: ELDER ABUSE AND THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC IN RURAL AMERICA
Authors: Lindberg Brian W , Blancato Robert
Published: November 2019

Misuse of opioids is a national crisis affecting the social and economic welfare of communities throughout the U.S. and is particularly rampant in rural America. Older adults are far too frequently excluded from consideration of those who are affected by the opioid epidemic. While rural older adults may not suffer the highest per capita rate of opioid overdose deaths, they are deeply affected by the problem. In their youth and middle adulthood, many older adults used their bodies for labor. At older ages, they experience multiple chronic conditions and high rates of chronic pain for which opioids and related prescription and non-prescription drugs are often the treatment of choice. Also and far too frequently, older people become easy targets for abuse by persons needing resources to feed their addiction. This symposium focuses on elder abuse associated with opioid and related substance misuse. Zanjani’s presentation provides the context of rurality and drugs and alcohol as a precursor to elder abuse. The second paper by Teaster and colleagues examines trends in APS cases of elder abuse in which the perpetrator is a substance user and identifies perpetrator and victim characteristics predictive of different types of substantiated abuse. Using APS case notes, Roberto and colleagues characterize cases of elder abuse in rural Kentucky in which the perpetrator used opioids and related substances. Robert Blancato and Brian Lindberg will discuss presenters’ collective findings by weaving together concepts of rurality, addiction, and elder abuse and recommending strategies for prevention, intervention, and policy.
ELDER ABUSE AND THE OPIOID CRISIS: PERPETRATORS WHO ARE SUBSTANCE USERS
Authors: Roberto Karen A , Teaster Pamela B
Published: November 2019

Substance abuse, particularly the diversion/abuse of prescription drugs along with illicit opioid deviates by alleged perpetrators has been identified as is a risk factor for elder abuse. The purpose of this study was to characterize cases of elder abuse substantiated by APS in which the perpetrator used opioids and related substances. Guided by the Contextual Theory of Elder Abuse, we conducted a within-case/across-cases thematic analysis of Kentucky APS caseworkers’ notes on 40 substantiated cases of elder abuse. Financial exploitation was the most commonly identified type of abused associated with perpetrators who abuse opioids. Findings revealed that most cases of elder abuse occurred when the perpetrators’ substance abuse intersected with employment status, complex family relationships, and a history of altercations with the law. Findings provide new insights into a more elaborate conception of the ways in which the opioid epidemic is contributing to the perpetration of elder abuse today.
HOW CAN IMPROVING EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS OF UNEMPLOYED OLDER WORKERS BE EXPLAINED?
Authors: Jensen Per H
Published: November 2019

Until recently employment prospects of older workers have been rather poor. In recent years, however, the duration of unemployment among older workers has diminished, meaning that older workers are more frequently hired by employers. Changing employment prospects of older workers are no doubt framed by a decrease in overall unemployment. The aim of this paper, however, is to shed light on the emergence of new inclusive mechanisms by answering three interrelated research questions: (1) where are the job openings for unemployed seniors? (2) How have unemployed seniors been recruited? (3) Why do companies hire older workers. Using Denmark as a test case findings show that job openings are rather frequent in branches with tight labor markets and that characteristics of companies and management are important; for instance, the older the average age of management the higher the inclination to hire unemployed older workers. Findings furthermore show that mouth-to-mouth recommendation and the internet are the most used recruitment channels, while the public employment service is less used. Finally, findings show that qualification, stability and experience are the most reported reasons as to why employers hire unemployed older workers are. The paper is based on a survey with 2,525 valid respondents, response rate: 25.
INTERSECTIONAL DIFFERENCES IN HEALTHY AGING WITH HIV
Authors: Taylor Tonya N
Published: November 2019

Intersecting stigmatized social identities (i.e., old, Black, gay, HIV+) and structural forms of privilege and oppression (ageism, racism, homophobia, and HIV stigma) can contribute to poor psychological wellbeing and clinical outcomes among older men with HIV (OMH). Using data from 6 focus groups and 15 interviews with 45 gay, bisexual and heterosexual OMH in Brooklyn, NY and inductive thematic analysis methods, we explored the impact of heteronormative gender roles and ideologies associated with masculinity on healthy aging with HIV. We found that changing physical and sexual function, appearance and growing financial expectations created threats to masculinity, fueling fears of perceived weakness, internalized feelings of shame, depression, anticipated loss of social status (partner loss), and loss of independence and autonomy. These findings suggest that normative gender beliefs, a key social determinant of men’s health, aging and intersectional stigma combined undermine psychosocial support and wellbeing and self-care needed to achieve healthy aging.
FEASIBILITY OF SCREENING AND MANAGING CAREGIVER BURDEN AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS DURING PATIENTS’ CLINIC VISITS
Authors: Trivedi Ranak , Risbud Rashmi , Patel Manali , Asch Steven , Lorenz Karl
Published: November 2019

Half of cancer caregivers experience depression, caregiver burden, or stress, yet less than a third have discussed their needs with anyone. Identifying this vulnerable population is challenging since caregivers only interact with the healthcare system in service of the patients. Our objectives were: 1) To test the feasibility of screening cancer caregivers for burden and depressive symptoms during patients’ clinic visits; and 2) To test the feasibility of a brief counseling session for caregivers who screened positive for either. Caregivers of patients with head and neck cancers were recruited from cancer clinic waiting rooms at Palo Alto VA and Stanford. Caregivers completed the PHQ-9 (depressive symptoms), and Zarit Burden Inventory-Short Form (caregiver burden). Participants screening positive for burden (>16) and/or depressive symptoms (>9) were provided psychoeducational resources and the choice to attend 1 brief counseling session with a clinical psychologist. Of the 50 participants who completed the surveys, 36 (72%) were women and 30 (60%) were significant others. Mean scores for depressive symptoms and caregiver burden were 6.29±5.01 and 11.02±8.62, respectively. Twenty participants screened positive for depressive symptoms (n=9) or caregiver burden (n=11); 3 screened positive for both. Of those who screened positive, only 4 indicated an interest in counseling. Main reason for refusal was lack of time, or that they were already receiving mental health care. Screening caregivers at patient visits is feasible and convenient. However, connecting those in need to mental health resources may be more challenging.
STORIES OF TRAUMA AND RECONCILIATION OF WORLD WAR II VETERANS
Authors: Ulatowska Hanna K , Santos Tricia , Walsh Diane , Lagus Jilliane , Pruett Mitchell , Aguilar Sara
Published: November 2019

The present qualitative study examined the reconciliation of trauma experienced by 55 World War II veterans (22 aeronautical crew members, 27 non-pilot combatants, and 6 veterans with dementia) demonstrated via testimonial language within a semi-structured interview. The research team considered themes of language coherence as they relate to veteran experiences of trauma and reconciliation. Trauma literature documents the importance of personal narratives in both identifying and reconciling traumatic experiences. This study examined morals and values of participants, traumatic experiences either lived or witnessed, and reconciliation of trauma as demonstrated by the coherence of participants’ linguistic and paralinguistic communication. Linguistic analysis included the use of evaluative and emotional language; linguistic devices such as crowding, topic maintenance, and humor; and lessons learned from trauma and the reconciliation process. Prosody was analyzed as a paralinguistic indicator of trauma and reconciliation using audio recordings of semi-structured interviews. The primary findings revealed that highly coherent language is present among participants with distinct content when comparing episodes from youth and reflections of experience in old age. The unique differences demonstrated overall strength of veterans’ narrative identity throughout their lives. Strength of identity and coherence of language indicated adequate reconciliation of traumatic events. Reconciliation of trauma was also evident in veterans’ participation in the study and generative behavior described in testimonial language.
THE 4MS IN PRIMARY CARE: THE GERIATRIC INTERPROFESSIONAL TEAM TRANSFORMATION IN PRIMARY CARE (GITT-PC) MODEL
Authors: Moran Daniel
Published: November 2019

GITT-PC is a Dartmouth GWEP developed program that builds on lessons learned from the original GITT program funded by the John A. Hartford Foundation in the 1990s. GITT-PC improves delivery of healthcare to older adults in primary care by training healthcare professionals in team functioning, rapid cycle QI, and evidence based geriatric practice. The program capitalizes on the role of nursing and other healthcare disciplines. To maximize sustainability, it focuses on Medicare-reimbursable visits, including: the Annual Wellness Visit (AWV), Chronic Care Management (CCM), Advance Care Planning (ACP), and Transitional Care Management (TCM). The model’s standardized approach to implementation begins with practice assessments and two trainings. Practices participate in a data-driven, virtual learning collaborative with monthly data collection and learning sessions. Since 2015, GITT-PC has been implemented in 14 sites in northern New England, 10 sites in upstate New York, and nationally through five other GWEP awardees across the country.
A CHANGING INDUSTRY IN A CHANGING WORLD: LONG-TERM SERVICES WHERE ARE YOU GOING?
Authors: Applebaum Robert A , Nelson Matt , Straker Jane , Harrington A Katherine , Bowblis John R
Published: November 2019

From its name to the type and setting of care provided, the world of long-term services and supports has changed dramatically in the last two decades. Using 26 years of longitudinal data from the state of Ohio this presentation describes how the long-term services system is different from the one that existed in the early 1990’s. Data come from 13 biennial surveys of Ohio nursing homes and residential care facilities (95% response rate) and comprehensive resident and home care participant data on user characteristics and utilization rates. Findings show large changes in where services are provided and who receives services. For example, Ohio, as has most other states, has changed the ratio of its older population using Medicaid long-term care, going from 91% nursing home users in 1993, to more than half using home and community-based services in 2017. At the same time the sheer number of admissions to Ohio nursing homes increased from 70,000 to more than 220,000 and Medic are admissions increasing from 30,000 to 145,000, painting a picture of today’s nursing home as a short-term care provider. These massive changes indicate an industry in transition. What will this mean for the future of the home care and nursing home industries? What will tomorrow’s system of long-term services and supports look like? Building on more than two decades of findings the presentation will tackle the question of where long-term services is going in the future.
TECHNOLOGY IN LONG-TERM CARE: DOES IT FACILITATE THE WORKFORCE OR IMPROVE SATISFACTION AND RETENTION?
Authors: Chapman Susan A , Spetz Joanne , Miller Jacqueline
Published: November 2019

Emerging technological advances hold potential for individuals and caregivers to help an aging population in the home or long term care settings and has the potential to alter workforce needs and potentially mitigate the rising workforce demand. The purpose of the proposed research was to research available technologies that may facilitate, replace, or enhance recruitment, training, and retention of the LTC workforce. This qualitative study included environmental scan and literature search identifying 62 companies meeting criteria for potential impact on the workforce. Categories included wearables, robots, sensors/alerts, health/social data collection and tracking, family/caregiver communication services, online care management, online worker training, and facility or home health staffing systems. Thematic analysis findings of telephone interviews with 12 national and international companies included: 1) most development focused on software rather than hardware, 2) company founders generally had a tech background and start up experience along with personal family caregiving experiences, 3) data collected in the home often did not connect directly to the health care team, 4) payment was generally out of pocket to individuals or facilities under subscription services or contracts 5) worker retention improved when system allowed better client to worker matching, more control over shift scheduling, and more efficient staffing. There was little rigorous research on the impacts for care and services or which will have the greatest potential impact on the workforce providing direct care. Reimbursement from federal and private payers is minimal to date yet demand for government payment may grow.
METHODS, THEORY, AND INNOVATION A BAYESIAN ANALYSIS OF EVIDENCE IN SUPPORT OF THE NULL HYPOTHESIS IN GERONTOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY (OR LACK THEREOF)
Authors: Brydges Christopher , Bielak Allison A
Published: November 2019

Objective: Non-significant p values derived from null hypothesis significance testing do not distinguish between true null effects or cases where the data are insensitive in distinguishing the hypotheses. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Bayesian analyses in gerontological psychology, a statistical technique that can distinguish between conclusive and inconclusive non-significant results, by using Bayes factors (BFs) to reanalyze non-significant results from published gerontological research. Method: Non-significant results mentioned in abstracts of articles published in 2017 volumes of ten top gerontological psychology journals were extracted (N = 409) and categorized based on whether Bayesian analyses were conducted. BFs were calculated from non-significant t-tests within this sample to determine how frequently the null hypothesis was strongly supported. Results: Non-significant results were directly tested with Bayes factors in 1.22% of studies. Bayesian reanalyses of 195 non-significant t-tests found that only 7.69% of the findings provided strong evidence in support of the null hypothesis. Conclusions: Bayesian analyses are rarely used in gerontological research, and a large proportion of null findings were deemed inconclusive when reanalyzed with BFs. Researchers are encouraged to use BFs to test the validity of non-significant results, and ensure that sufficient sample sizes are used so that the meaningfulness of null findings can be evaluated.
UNCOVERING DEEPER MEANING: APPLYING MULTIPLE METHODS OF DATA ANALYSIS IN NARRATIVE INQUIRY WITH OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Meraz Rebecca , Osteen Kathryn , McGee Jocelyn S
Published: November 2019

Personal narrative is at the heart of how humans share information, represent identity, and convey ideas. Using narrative inquiry, researchers may gain some insight into an individual’s personal understanding of the events in their life. Although many narrative investigations report themes from study data, there is no single, well defined approach to data analysis in narrative research. We describe how applying multiple methods of systematic evaluation to narrative data leads to a deeper and more holistic understanding of told stories about medication-taking decisions among older heart failure (HF) patients. In this paper, we share a more holistic interpretation of the decision making process by applying Riessman’s thematic, structural, and performance analysis provided a method for analyzing the data beyond the spoken words. Data was transcribed verbatim then arranged according to the essential discourse between the participant and researcher, the intact story, and the story elements needed to facilitate each method of evaluation. The data analysis process outlined in this article contributes to the academic discourse and knowledge supporting the use of multiple methods of systematic evaluation to uncover deeper meaning in narrative data. In clinical practice, care should be guided by a deeper and holistic understanding of the decisions patients make about whether to take or not take a HF medication.
EVERYDAY TECHNOLOGY: A USEFUL SERVANT BUT DANGEROUS MASTER FOR PARTICIPATION IN SOCIETY?
Authors: Gaber Sophie N , Gaber Sophie N , Nygard Louise , Brorsson Anna , Kottorp Anders , Wallcook Sarah , Charlesworth Georgina , Malinowsky Camilla
Published: November 2019

With an increasingly technological society comes an assumed ability to use Everyday Technologies (ET) in order to participate in activities and places in public space, e.g. operating ticket machines to access public transport. This study addresses a mismatch between a growing dependency on ET and evidence that people with dementia experience increased challenges using ET. The aim is to explore how ET-use and perceived risk relate to participation in public space, among people with and without dementia. People with dementia and without dementia, aged 55+, were interviewed using questionnaires including the Participation in ACTivities and Places OUTside the Home questionnaire, across Sweden (n=69) and the UK (n=128). The Swedish and UK findings show small but significant associations between total participation in places within public space, and i) ET-use, and ii) perceived risk in public space. Furthermore, people with dementia participated in fewer places within public space than those without dementia.
PERSONALITY TRAITS AND VERBAL FLUENCY IN 10 COHORTS
Authors: Terracciano Antonio , Sutin Angelina R
Published: November 2019

Personality traits are associated with cognitive outcomes across the lifespan, including cognitive function in young adulthood and risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in old age. This study examined the association between the Five Factor Model personality traits and verbal fluency in 10 cohorts (11 samples) that totaled more than 90,000 participants (age range 16-101). Meta-analysis indicated that participants who scored lower in Neuroticism, and higher in Extraversion, Openness, and Conscientiousness retrieved more words, independent of age, gender, and education. These associations were consistent across semantic and letter fluency tasks. Moderation analysis indicated that the associations between personality and semantic fluency were stronger in older samples (except for Openness) and among individuals with lower education. This pattern suggests that these associations are stronger in groups vulnerable to cognitive impairment and dementia. Personality traits have pervasive associations with fluency tasks that are replicable across samples and age groups.
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN PERSONALITY TRAITS AND COGNITIVE RESILIENCE IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Graham Eileen K , James Bryan , Mroczek Daniel K
Published: November 2019

There are considerable individual differences in the rates of cognitive decline across later adulthood. Personality traits are one set of factors that may account for some of these differences. The current project explores whether personality traits are associated with trajectories of cognitive decline, and whether the associations are different before and after a diagnosis of dementia. The data will be analyzed using linear mixed effects regression. Across these goals is a focus on replicability and generalizability. Each of these questions will be addressed in four independent longitudinal studies of aging (EAS, MAP, ROS, SATSA), then meta-analyzed, thus providing an estimate of the replicability of our results. This study is part of a registered report of existing data that is currently under stage 1 review.
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN PERSONALITY TRAITS AND COGNITIVE RESILIENCE IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: James Bryan D , Mroczek Daniel K , Graham Eileen K
Published: November 2019

There is often discordance between brain pathology and dementia diagnosis. Some individuals maintain cognitive function throughout their lives but show high burden of neuropathology after death (e.g. amyloid plagues, neurofibrillary tangles, vascular disease, Lewy bodies, and/or TDP-43). Conversely, some demonstrate significant decline and receive a dementia diagnosis, while showing minimal neuropathology at autopsy. The current study seeks to understand these resilience/vulnerability profiles, with a focus on individual differences. That is, are individuals with certain personality characteristics (e.g. high openness, low neuroticism) more/less likely to have cognitive resilience or vulnerability? Using psychosocial and autopsy data from the Rush Memory and Aging Project and the Religious Orders Study, this study uses a resilience index based on residuals derived from regressing global cognition on global pathology, then entering personality traits as predictors of cognitive resilience. The analysis plan will be submitted to the Journal of Gerontology’s special issue on pre-registration of existing data.
RACIAL DISPARITIES IN COMMUNITY- AND INSTITUTION-BASED LONG-TERM SERVICES AND SUPPORTS
Authors: Fabius Chanee D
Published: November 2019

Long-term services and supports (LTSS) are services provided to individuals with functional limitations and chronic conditions who need assistance to perform daily activities such as bathing, dressing, preparing meals, and administering medications, and can be provided in community settings via services such as home health, as well as institutions such as nursing homes. Racial disparities are persistent across systems of LTSS, with older adults of color receiving lower quality care and experiencing worse health outcomes than their white counterparts. Given the increasing diversity of the aging population, and the need to ensure equity in quality and health outcomes in LTSS, there is a greater need for more understanding of how experiences of care vary across multiple settings for diverse groups of older adults and the people who help them. This symposium will feature 5 presentations that provide novel insight regarding racial disparities in community- and institution-based LTSS. We focus on racial differences in functional needs and disparities among those receiving home health services and living in nursing homes. Individual presentations will describe 1) race and gender differences in physical functioning needs of older adults; 2) disparities in home health quality across racially diverse and low income geographic areas; 3) racial disparities in nursing home residents overtime; 4) racial and ethnic disparities in rates of 30-day rehospitalization from skilled nursing facilities among Medicare Fee-For-Service and Medicare Advantage patients; and 5) the impact of the unequal burden of care provided to minority nursing home residents by staff of color.
CARE BASED ON PREFERENCES: EXPERIENCES OF RESIDENTS
Authors: Roes Martina , Purwins Daniel , Stacke Tobias , Manietta Christina , Bergmann Johannes
Published: November 2019

To provide person-centered care, professional caregivers need to know about the individual preferences of the persons being cared for. Since there were no comparable instruments available, we translated the PELI (Preferences for Everyday Living Inventory) and tested the culturally translated version in German nursing homes. Besides testing for reliability and feasibility in German care settings, were are asking for satisfaction in fulfilling of the preferences and reasons for personal or institutional barriers that hinder adherence to the preferences. Furthermore, to determine the level of understanding and meaning of preferences, we interview a few residents and their close relatives in a cognitive interview. Preliminary results of the perspective of the care recipient will be presented.
(UN)EQUAL BURDEN OF CARE: STAFF PERSPECTIVES ON NURSING HOME CARE AND QUALITY OF LIFE FOR RESIDENTS OF COLOR
Authors: Akosionu Odichinma C , Shippee Tetyana P , Davila Heather , Thao Mai See , Waiswa Moses , Skarphol Tricia
Published: November 2019

Racial disparities in quality of care (QoC) and quality of life (QoL) for nursing home (NH) residents persist even as the proportion of minorities is significantly increasing. Staff of color are a growing part of the long-term care workforce and staffing is a key component for delivering quality care. This study looks at staff (n=60) perspectives on resident QOL through semi-structured interviews, using thematic analysis in six Minnesota high proportion minority NHs. Key findings show that staff of color are concerned about the QoC and QoL residents of color experience, and take extra steps to provide care that goes beyond addressing their clinical needs. This agency of providing extra care is a factor in burnout among staff of color. More research on how this unequal burden of care impacts QoC/QoL is important to address the disproportionate role that staff of color play in reducing disparities in resident QoC and QoL.
SOCIAL COHESION AFFECTS THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN FRAILTY AND DISABILITY IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Xie Boqin
Published: November 2019

The relationships between physical frailty and perceived neighborhood social cohesion (PNSC) and functional disability among community-dwelling older adults are poorly understood. This study aims to (1) examine the associations of frailty and PNSC with disability; and (2) evaluate low PNSC as a risk factor in the association between frailty and disability. A sample of 1645 older adults using multi-stage sampling method in Shanghai were randomly selected in this cross-sectional study. Frailty operationalized as Cardiovascular Health Study criteria (OR=2.4, 95%CI 1.16-4.96 for pre-frailty; OR=7.28, 95%CI 3.37-15.73 for frailty) and PNSC measured as Neighborhood Cohesion Scale (OR=1.81, 95%CI 1.23-2.67) were independently associated with basic and instrumental activities of daily living disability. A significant interaction of frailty and PNSC on disability (F (2, 66)=4.31, P=.014) was found, using a two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Compared to robust individuals with high PNSC, pre-frailty with high PNSC was not significantly associated with disability while pre-frailty with low PNSC was associated with approximate 4-fold increased prevalence of disability (OR=3.87, 95%CI 1.46-10.24, p=.006). Frailty with high PNSC was associated with higher likelihood of disability (OR=6.47, 95%CI 2.35-17.87) and frail individuals with low PNSC stood out with 10-fold increased prevalence of disability (OR=9.94, 95%CI 3.50-28.26). All analyses were controlled for demographical and clinical covariates. Our results suggest high level of social cohesion serves as a buffer against the impact of physical frailty on functional disability. These findings notably imply to the development of interventions for older frail adults from the neighborhood perspective.
FEASIBILITY AND ACCEPTABILITY OF DETECTING COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AND DEMENTIA IN PRIMARY CARE PRACTICES
Authors: O’Conor Rachel , Benavente Julia Yoshino , Curtis Laura , Arvanitis Marina , Gershon Richard , Wolf Michael
Published: November 2019

As the age of the US population increases, so does cognitive impairment (CI); therefore early detection of CI is critical for ensuring its appropriate management. As part of a NINDS Consortium to detect CI and dementia in primary care (DetectCID), we are implementing and evaluating a brief 2-step CI detection paradigm (MyCog), that can be delivered in clinics with diverse populations via the electronic health record (step 1) and iPad (step 2). We conducted focus groups with 25 clinicians and administrative leaders from academic and community primary care practices to 1) understand how CI is being assessed, and 2) evaluate the feasibility of implementing the MyCog paradigm into existing primary care workflows. Several key themes emerged from the discussions. No proactive detection strategy for CI was regularly used outside of the Medicare Annual Wellness Visits (AWV); variable assessments including the Minicog, MoCA, or MMSE were used to fulfill the AWV requirement. Regarding the feasibility of our MyCog Paradigm, our 2-step process was positively received, with the brief case-finding step 1 satisfying AWV requirements and replacing the longer assessments currently being used. Clinicians preferred that step 2 be self-administered due to limited clinician time for wellness visits, and highlighted logistical challenges such as room availability and storage and maintenance of the iPad. Overall, clinicians felt that the identification of CI was valuable and supported standardization, but indicated regular case finding was unlikely without clear guidance on clinical decision-making.
SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH COMMUNITY-LEVEL SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF MORTALITY IN OLDER ADULTS: AN ASSESSMENT OF RHODE ISLAND CITIES AND TOWNS
Authors: Cohen Steven A , Broccoli Julia , O’Neill Heather , Greaney Mary L
Published: November 2019

Addressing the causes of place-based health disparities among older adults have focused on understanding social determinants of health on a large geographic level, such as region, state, or county. However, there is a growing realization for the need to understand how place-based characteristics at smaller geographic areas relate to population health and contribute to successful aging. The purpose of this study was to assess the magnitude of the associations between place-based social determinants and life expectancy (LE) among older adults and related measures. Methods: LE at age 50 (LE50) and age 65 (LE65), and the age-specific mortality rate (ASMR) for ages 65+ (ASMR65) were calculated from mortality data (2009-2011) from the Rhode Island (RI) Department of Health (RIDoH) using abridged life table methods for each RI city/town. City/town-specific LE and ASMR were linked to the US Census, RIDoH, and other databases that include social determinants: demographics, household composition, wealth, education, environment, food insecurity, crime, transportation, and rural-urban status. Bivariate and partial correlations were examined between city/town-level LE50, LE65, and ASMR65. Results: LE50, (range: 29.3-34.0 years) was most strongly associated with the percent of the population with at least a bachelor’s degree (r=0.652, p<0.001), per capita income (r=-0.632, p < 0.001), and percent multigenerational households (r=-0.489, p=0.003). The associations between both LE65 and ASMR65 and examined social determinants were more attenuated, however. Discussion: These results highlight substantial place-based disparities in mortality and potentially addressable social determinants that could improve population health for older adults and reduce place-based disparities among neighboring communities.