bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DETERMINANTS OF GENERAL WELL-BEING IN BLACK MALES WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS
Authors: Atakere Darlingtina
Published: November 2019

Over the last decades, considerable attention has been directed towards examining the well-being of people living with chronic illness. The presence of one or more chronic illnesses challenges their quality of life and general well-being, thus, impacting their abilities to function physically, psychologically, and socially. I investigated reports of general well-being in Black males with chronic illness(es) in a sample of N=242 participants. The males were aged 35–63 and identified as Black/African American males. The participants responded to items assessing general well-being; ethnic identity; self-esteem; active coping; the presence of chronic illness(es); and additional demographic, social and ecological characteristics. Analyses of responses indicated that marital status, ethnic identity, self-esteem are significant determinants of general well-being in Black males with chronic illness(es). Data further showed active coping to be negatively correlated with well-being. I discuss the implications of results for the understanding of health outcomes among this marginalized population.
PUBLIC POLICY ISSUES OF SIGNIFICANCE TO THE BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Authors: Leiser Scott
Published: November 2019

This presentation will cover public policy issues of significance to the aging population, focusing on the perspective of the biological sciences and on policies that may improve physical and mental health.
POLICY PRIORITIES: PERSPECTIVES FROM THE BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Authors: Pillemer Karl
Published: November 2019

This presentation will cover public policy issues of significance to the aging population, focusing on the perspective of the behavioral and social sciences and on policies that may improve physical and mental health.
AGING AND MITOCHONDRIAL DISEASE: SHARED MECHANISMS AND THERAPIES?
Authors: Bitto Alessandro , Tung Herman , Ying Kejun , Smith Daniel L , Kayser Ernst-Bernhard , Morgan Philip G , Sedensky Margaret M , Kaeberlein Matt
Published: November 2019

Mitochondrial disease describes multiple pathologies characterized by a wide array of disease symptoms and severity, caused by mitochondrial dysfunction in one or multiple organs. Aging organisms display a similar variety of disease phenotypes, which are often characterized by mitochondrial impairment. Despite the heterogeneity of aging phenotypes, several interventions have been identified which can increase lifespan and delay the onset of age-related diseases in multiple organisms. Two age-delaying interventions, rapamycin and acarbose, dramatically suppress pathology in a mouse model of mitochondrial disease caused by depletion of the NADH-Ubiquinone Oxidoreductase Complex (Ndufs4-/-). This model recapitulates human Leigh syndrome, a childhood mitochondrial disease. Upon treatment with either drug, disease suppression is accompanied by a remodeling of nutrient metabolism and restoration of the NAD+/NADH ratio in the brain without affecting the electron transport chain. Thus, we propose that metabolic derangements induced by mitochondrial dysfunction may be a shared mechanism of aging and mitochondrial disease.
TURNING THE OXYGEN DIAL AS A THERAPY: HYPOXIA TREATMENT FOR MITOCHONDRIAL DYSFUNCTION
Authors: Jain Isha
Published: November 2019

Mitochondrial disease affects 1 in 4800 live births, with little in the way of therapies. We found that chronic hypoxia extends the life of a Complex 1 disease model by 5-fold. Starting hypoxia therapy at a late-stage of disease can even reverse the MRI-detectable lesions. At the other extreme, mild hyperoxia greatly exacerbates disease and leads to death within several days. These findings have now led to a phase 1 clinical trial in healthy volunteers, with the ultimate goal of human translation. We believe we have identified a new mode of treatment that will be broadly applicable to different forms of mitochondrial dysfunction, ranging from rare inborn errors of metabolism to more common, age-associated pathologies. We believe that “turning the oxygen dial” to low or high oxygen will serve as a novel therapeutic for a range of conditions in the coming years.
INTEGRATING FRAILTY AND COGNITIVE PHENOTYPES: THEORY, MEASUREMENT, APPLICATIONS
Authors: Xue Qianli , Buta Brian , Ma Lina , Ge Meiling , carlson Michelle
Published: November 2019

The fact that frailty and cognitive impairment are associated and often coexist in older adults has led to the popular view of expanding the definition of frailty to include cognitive impairment. However, there is great variability in approaches to and assumptions regarding the integrated phenotypes of physical frailty and cognitive impairment. By reviewing the theoretical underpinnings of three integrated phenotypes of physical and cognitive impairments, this talk advocates the incorporation of biological theories in phenotype development that helps determine shared and distinct pathways in the progression to physical and cognitive impairments.
PHYSICAL FRAILTY, COGNITIVE FRAILTY, AND THE RISK OF DEMENTIA IN THE GAIT AND BRAIN STUDY
Authors: Montero-Odasso Manuel , Adamson Yanina S , Muir-Hunter Susan , Doherty Tim , Casas-Herrero Alvaro , Camicioli Richard , Wells Jennie , Speechley Mark
Published: November 2019

Cognitive-frailty has been proposed as a distinctive entity which preludes dementia. We examined the relationship between physical frailty, cognitive status, and gait performance as predictors of cognitive decline and incident dementia. Using a cohort study of 252 community older adults free of dementia at baseline, we found that participants with frailty had a higher prevalence of cognitive impairment (77%) compared to those without (54%, p=0.02) but the risk of progression to dementia was not significant. Adding cognitive impairment to the frailty phenotype (cognitive-frailty) predicted further cognitive impairment and progression to dementia. However, when the slow gait component of frailty was combined with baseline cognitive impairment, it showed the highest risk of progression to dementia (HR: 35.9; 95%CI: 4.0–319.2; p= 0.001). Frailty and Cognitive impairment are common and co-exist in the same individuals. However, slowing gait seems to be the frailty component driving the association with future dementia.
ACCREDITATION FOR GERONTOLOGY EDUCATION COUNCIL: OVERVIEW AND EXPERIENCES TO DATE
Authors: Sterns Harvey L
Published: November 2019

This presentation will describe the accreditation process that was developed by a special committee under the sponsorship of the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education. With support from The Russell & Josephine Kott Memorial Charitable Trust, the committee developed materials to guide the evaluation process and an operations manual, formed a Board of Governors, registered as an independent non-profit and gained approval as a 501C3 entity. This resulted in the official formation of the Accreditation for Gerontology Education Council. Three schools have gone through the accreditation process. Results of the process will be described and lessons learned will be discussed. Refinement of the process is ongoing. There is a marketing committee that has reached out to additional schools, and new applications are being accepted.
WHANAUNGATANGA AND FILIAL PIETY: INTERGENERATIONAL EXCHANGES IN CONTEMPORARY MAORI AND KOREAN CULTURES
Authors: Park Hong-Jae , Anglem Jim
Published: November 2019

Every culture has its own tradition of intergenerational exchange based on accepted norms, while the meanings of traditional filial values have evolved over time. This paper aims to identify the various forms of filial care, support and respect for older people in Maori and Korean cultures, and reconceptualise current ways of intergenerational exchanges in both physical and virtual contexts. Data were collected through a qualitative inquiry framework consisting of 32 individual interviews and 5 ethnographic observations in New Zealand and South Korea. Thematic analysis of the data was used to identify themes and patterns from the participants’ perspectives and experiences in the multilingual research context. In this cross-cultural study, for Māori participants, whanaungatanga (family relationships) was recognised as a core value that places whanau (family) at the centre of whakapapa (human and non-human relations). For Korean participants, their tradition of filial piety has continued to constitute a major component of familism mindsets and practices, while their ability to support their parents and maintain connections to their ancestors varied. Being knowledgeable about the traditional values of intergenerational solidarity helped generations feel connected and supported by each other, although both monetary and non-monetary support for one’s elders has come under strain due to the impact of changes in family ties and social dynamics. Technological developments have reshaped traditional filial practices, offering new ways of intergenerational exchanges. Redefining whanaungatanga and filial piety can provide a theoretical basis for developing the concept of extended social work through avoiding excessive individualism and culture-blind approaches.
ASSESSMENT OF THE AGEC STANDARD DEMONSTRATING STUDENT LEARNING
Authors: Maiden Robert J , Abushakrah Jan
Published: November 2019

Addressing the gerontology program’s experience in measuring and integrating the competencies in their curricula is a fundamental challenge in program evaluation. Using the AGHE Gerontology Competencies for Undergraduate and Graduate Education is the key. We will demonstrate how one identifies the learning outcome measures across the curriculum based on the competencies by adumbrating a four-step process. First, it entails developing a written statement of the key learning outcomes, expressing them in objective, measurable terms. Second, the learning outcomes are assessed. Third, the results of the assessments are posted in a matrix format across a four or five year period. Fourth, the results of the learning outcome assessments are discussed, evaluated, and implemented in a formative process to improve teaching and learning. In addition, the results can be applied in a summative way to evaluate and improve the gerontology program.
LIVING IN RURAL CONTEXTS: TOWARD A CRITICAL INTERDISCIPLINARY PERSPECTIVE ON RURAL AGING
Authors: Walsh Kieran , Skinner Mark
Published: November 2019

Despite a growing focus on rural ageing, international literature in this field remains underdeveloped in critical and interdisciplinary perspectives. Reflecting traditional divisions across geographic, gerontological and health literatures, how we understand experiences of growing older in rural settings can still be characterised by a narrow, applied approach. This has implications for our capacity to disentangle multifaceted lived realities from rural contexts, and macro socio-economic and structural environments. There then remains questions about the ways in which the study of rural ageing needs to develop to direct policy, research and practice agendas to be a more critical reflection of these complexities. This symposium aims to draw together interdisciplinary critical perspectives on ageing and rurality as a means to advance this development. It will consider different theoretical approaches and major cross cutting challenges in relation to rural ageing. Burholt and Scharf will examine how critical gerontology has raised awareness of the heterogeneity of rural ageing across social justice elements of demography, resources, recognition and representation. Keogh and Walsh address these same elements in relation to the empirical intersection of exclusion and change in the production of a new rurality for older people. Cutchin and Rowles present a pragmatist theoretical perspective to encapsulate the essence of rural integration within an ever-changing milieu. Poulin et al. offer a critical approach to rural gerontological health that emphasizes intersectionality in the formation and development of older adult health. Herron and Skinner explore the intersectional construction of dementia and mental health in rural settings for older adults.
LEVERAGING CRITICAL RURAL GERONTOLOGY TO IMPROVE RURAL GERONTOLOGICAL HEALTH
Authors: Poulin Laura , Hanlon Neil
Published: November 2019

A critical approach in rural gerontology has led to a better understanding of the complex interplay between older adults unique aging experiences and the multidimensional and dynamic communities in which they live. The evolution of critical rural gerontology will be explored, outlining why a similar approach is needed in rural gerontological health. In particular, rural gerontological health literature must expand beyond a deficit focus that homogenizes older adult health experiences and recognize the complexities of negotiating older adult health within multidimensional rural spaces. Inherent in this approach is recognizing the intersectionality of older adult health as well as the need to study rural gerontological health as an experience enhanced and inhibited by interactions within and across formal health services, informal social services and informal care. This approach will contribute to innovations in policy and practice addressing the burgeoning interest of how to effectively care for older adults in rural settings.
EXPLORING THE CRITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS OF ARTS-BASED APPROACHES IN RURAL DEMENTIA CARE
Authors: Herron Rachel
Published: November 2019

People living with dementia can experience significant barriers to meaningful participation in their communities, particularly in underserviced rural and small-town settings. Drawing on a multi-method pilot study employing observations, diaries, focus groups and interviews in rural Canada, we examine the potential of an innovative dance program developed by Baycrest Health Sciences and Canada’s National Ballet School, to transform the experiences of people living with dementia and the rural places in which they live. Our findings identify moments, processes, and places of transformation throughout the program including moments of individual self-expression; changing interactions with staff, volunteers, and carers; and changing relationships with home and community. We argue that art-based programs can challenge dominant assumptions about people living with dementia and contribute to the creation of more just health and social care in rural places. In doing so, we illustrate the value of critical arts-based approaches to aging in rural places.
OPEN SCIENCE IN GERONTOLOGY: IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLISHING
Authors: Isaacowitz Derek M
Published: November 2019

One big push in open science is to change journal practices to encourage a more transparent and replicable scientific record. I will start by considering why these issues are important from the perspective of a journal editor. The Transparency and Openness Promotion Guidelines were developed as a modular way for journals to encourage and/or require certain practices by authors before submitting. I will describe the TOP guidelines and will recount my experience in working to bring the Journals of Gerontology: Psychological Sciences to Level 1 of the TOP guidelines. Despite the challenges involved in changing journal practices to encourage and/or mandate greater use of open science practices, these changes will likely be coming to more journals in gerontology and beyond in the coming years, making it important for authors to be aware of changes in expectations and practices.
PREREGISTRATION TO FACILITATE A REPLICABLE SCIENCE OF AGING
Authors: Boot Walter R
Published: November 2019

Psychology and other sciences have been in the midst of a replication crisis. One proposal to address this crisis is the preregistration of studies, including study hypotheses, methods, measures, and analysis approaches to reduce false positive findings resulting from “experimenter degrees of freedom.” This talk will explore the benefits, and also the challenges, of preregistration, along with common misconceptions about preregistration. A preregistration case study will be presented involving a series of experiments exploring different hypotheses regarding the mechanism behind changes in attentional processing associated with aging (http://doi.org/10.1525/collabra.26). This talk will present a brief tutorial of how to preregister studies and where to preregister them. The importance of preregistration for intervention studies will be emphasized.
LAUNCHING STANDARDIZED GERIATRIC SURGERY PROGRAMS: THE ALPHA AND BETA PILOTS
Authors: Zhang Lindsey
Published: November 2019

Then Coalition for Quality in Geriatric Surgery has completed both alpha and beta pilots which represent the initial efforts to launch this national quality initiative to improve the care of all older adults undergoing operations. The alpha phase included hospital stakeholders rating the feasibility of implementing standards related to evidence-based high quality surgical care for older adults on the topics of eliciting patient goals, completing a preoperative frailty risk assessment, educating healthcare professional about care specific to older adults, and implementing postoperative age-friendly care models. The beta pilot phase required 9 medical centers nationally (including an academic hospital, an urban medical center, a Kaiser hospital, a VA hospital and a rural hospital) to implement the evidenced based standards for high quality surgical care of older adults. Site verification visits were completed in the Summer 2018 which evaluated the effectiveness of each medical center’s ability to implement each of the standards.
ALLEVIATING LONELINESS AT 100: IS RELIGION A SOLUTION?
Authors: Bishop Alex J , Randall Kevin
Published: November 2019

Data from N = 154 centenarians residing in Oklahoma were assessed using the Duke University Religious Index (DUREL). Items assessing religious salience (α=.76) were employed to create a binary measure of high (N=56 or 36.4%; M= 29.77, SD=4.65) and low (N=49 or 31.8%; M=25.10, SD=6.58) religious salience (RS). A series of ANCOVA analyses were then conducted controlling for education, race, self-reported health, and self-care capacity relative to the binary outcome RS. Significant differences for both the corrected model and the pairwise comparisons using Bonferroni adjustment emerged in favor (p ≤.001) of the high RS group (M HI =29.60; M LO=25.29) for life satisfaction and social provisions (M HI =82.43; M LO=76.62). However, the RS group was also significantly higher (p =.004) in reported loneliness (M HI =34.56; M LO=31.63). Implications of the findings for reducing loneliness among centenarians reporting high religious engagement are further highlighted.
SAFE AND EFFECTIVE PAIN CONTROL FOR GERIATRIC PATIENTS: A MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH DURING THE OPIOID EPIDEMIC
Authors: Gurvich Tatyana
Published: November 2019

Opioid use is at a crisis level. According to the CDC, an estimated 20 % of patients presenting to physician offices with non-cancer pain receive an opioid prescription (1). According to the Administration on Aging and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the population of older adults who misuse opioids is expected to double by 2020. Today’s mandate to reduce opioid use and to manage patients safely with adjuvant medications comes with many challenges in geriatrics. Many patients have comorbidities which limit the use of adjuvant pain medications. A careful balance must be achieved, in order to provide good pain management and improve quality of life in this patient population. This symposium will explore multidisciplinary approaches to managing pain in geriatrics to reduce opioid use and manage safe opioid use where necessary. Pharmacological strategies for adjusting dosing and managing compliance will be discussed. Cooperative education to improve prescribing practices along with patient education to improve safe use, are important elements. Adjunct use of physical therapy and integrative medicine are also discussed as viable and effective adjuncts or alternatives to traditional pain management. You will learn how to use medications safely, utilize physical therapy to its maximum potential and learn more about innovative integrative medicine techniques, all of which decrease pain and improve function and most importantly quality of life. (1) Daubresse M, Chang HY, Yu Y, et al. Ambulatory diagnosis and treatment of nonmalignant pain in the United States, 200-2010. Med Care 2013; 51:870-8
SAFE PHARMACOLOGIC APPROACHES TO PAIN MANAGEMENT IN GERIATRIC PATIENTS
Authors: Gurvich Tatyana
Published: November 2019

We are in the midst of an opioid crisis, but have more patients in pain than ever before. Seniors have painful conditions such as chronic back pain, arthritis, neuropathy and fibromyalgia. As many as 50% of older Americans have pain daily from more advanced disease. CDC guidelines mandate that we use opioids less and adjuvant medications more. But using adjuvants in this patient population adds an extra layer of complexity. Some are not well tolerated contributing to cognitive decline, some have to be dose adjusted for declining kidney or liver function. Some medications are safe but underutilized by this patient population. Strategies for safe opioid use will be discussed from both provider and patient perspectives. A review of adjuvant medication will be provided focusing on safe medication use in seniors. Prescription and over-the-counter and alternative medications will be reviewed.
ANALYSIS OF REST-ACTIVITY RHYTHMS AND RISK OF INCIDENT MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AND DEMENTIA IN OLDER WOMEN
Authors: Stone Katie L , Stone Katie L , Blackwell Terri , Zeitzer Jamie , Yaffe Kristine , Ancoli-Israel Sonia , Redline Susan , Tranah Gregory J
Published: November 2019

In older adults, desynchronized circadian rhythms have been associated with medical illness, including Alzheimer Disease. Activity, which can be easily measured using actigraphy over consecutive 24-hour periods, is a valid marker of entrained sleep phase and correlates with entrained endogenous circadian phase. We compare results of both parametric and non-parametric analyses to test the association of rest-activity patterns with incident MCI and dementia in 2132 older women who had 2 or more 24-hrs periods of actigraphy data collected at baseline. Follow-up neuropsychological testing approximately 5 years later is used to classify women as normal, MCI, or dementia. Logistic regression models are adjusted for age, clinic site, race, education, body mass index, functional status, comorbidities, medication use, and health habits. Results suggest the importance of overall amplitude and rhythmicity, as well as timing of activity patterns over the 24-hour day as risk factors for incident MCI/dementia.
INTEREST GROUP SESSION—PATIENT/PERSON ENGAGEMENT IN RESEARCH INTEREST GROUP (PPER-IG): STRENGTH IN AGE: ENGAGING OLDER ADULTS AS HEALTH RESEARCHERS THROUGH COMMUNITY-BASED PARTNERSHIPS
Authors: Sörensen Silvia , Allen Rebecca S , Nooraie Reza Yousefi
Published: November 2019

The lack of clear translation of health research to improving older under-served patients’ lives presents a serious problem. Studies of aging rarely include the older adults themselves in the process of conceptualizing questions, implementing the research, and applying and evaluating the results. Lack of input particularly from marginalized and minority older adults may compromise the relevance and accuracy of health research findings. In this symposium, we present the design and evaluation of two projects funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), in which older adults are trained to understand research language, culture, and methods, and are subsequently incorporated into research projects in a variety of roles. Silvia Sörensen will describe the “Engaging Older Adult Learners as Health Researchers” (ENGOAL) in Rochester, NY. This program provides six months of weekly classes and 4-6 months of research apprenticeships for older adults. Dorine Otieno and Kate Kondolf will describe evaluation results from both quantitative and qualitative analyses. Rebecca Allen will describe the design and implementation of “Sharing Opinions and Advice about Research (SOAR) in the Deep South,” a partnership of The University of Alabama with community stakeholders from Sumter and Holt County to recruit and train community members to assist in the formulation of research questions based on the needs of their communities. Allen and Dragan will present the evaluation results from this project with regard to implementation and graduate education. Reza Yousefi-Nooraie will synthesize the insights from these projects and add the perspective of a social network analyst.
PROJECT SOAR PARTNERSHIPS: EXPLORING ADVANCE CARE PLANNING AMONG RURAL AFRICAN AMERICANS
Authors: Allen Rebecca S , Payne-Foster Pamela , Oliver JoAnn S , Spencer Christopher H , Dragan Deanne M
Published: November 2019

Sharing Opinions and Advice about Research (Project SOAR), funded by PCORI, trained individuals living in under-resourced and underserved communities how to evaluate and provide advice to scientists about recruitment procedures, survey items, and intervention components for implementation in their communities. In partnership with the HELLO Project (Van Scoy, Green, & Volpe, 2019), Project SOAR community partners recruited 50 rural African American adults to consider their values, plans, and treatment preferences near the end of life while playing the HELLO game. Community and research partners along with a HELLO Project representative facilitated questionnaire completion and the process of the HELLO game to promote advance care planning. Tables of 10 participants held facilitated discussions for each HELLO game item and recorded their individual wishes and plans in HELLO booklets. Community participants had difficulty completing questionnaires without assistance; however, all were engaged and accepting of game-like discussions regarding advance care planning.
EVALUATING THE ENGAGING OLDER ADULT LEARNERS AS HEALTH RESEARCHERS PROJECT II
Authors: Otieno Dorine , Kondolf Kate , Jackson Phyllis , Duckles Joyce , Seshadri Sandhya , Moses George , Young Doreen , Sörensen Silvia
Published: November 2019

We discuss the evaluation of the Engaging Older Adult Learners as Health Researchers (ENGOAL), a program designed to educate older adults from underserved and underresourced communities about geriatric health and research methods, enabling them to become Research Partners. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected for evaluation from 21 participants aged 53-79. We used All Aspects of Health Literacy Scale (AAHLS, King’s College, London) and an adaptation of Stanford Patient Education Research Center Chronic Disease Self-Efficacy Scale to assess pre-post and follow-up changes, using repeated measures analyses. Results suggest notable increases in self-efficacy, but only small improvements in subjective health literacy. Themes identified through qualitative analysis of interviews with participants included: (1) Finding our Voices (2) Race and Health (3) Faith and Health (4) Communicating with Providers and (5) Sharing and Advocacy. Emerging community leadership of participants are further evidence of confidence gains in our participants.
STUDENTS’ LEARNING IN COMMUNITY-BASED PARTICIPATORY RESEARCH: THE POTTED PLANT PROJECT IN PROJECT SOAR
Authors: Dragan Deanna , Mitchell Jermaine , Allen Rebecca S , Payne-Foster Pamela , Oliver JoAnn , Spencer Christopher
Published: November 2019

Sharing Opinions and Advice about Research (Project SOAR), funded by PCORI, trained individuals living in under-resourced and underserved communities how to evaluate and provide advice to scientists about recruitment procedures, survey items, and intervention components for implementation in their communities. Moreover, graduate students learned community-based participatory research (CBPR) procedures and interacted with communities in implementing their own research projects. Students worked with the urban Holt community in western Alabama on issues of food insecurity due to pollution and concerns about growing vegetables and herbs in the soil. Students participated in the Potted Plant Project and plant give away, collecting questionnaire and health data. Students reported finding the fluid nature of research during this community event both stressful and rewarding. Students also identified how familiarity with CBPR procedures enhanced their clinical service provision in the community. Discussion will focus on future graduate training needs in implementation of CBPR.
OVERVIEW OF NIA RESEARCH
Authors: Hodes Richard
Published: November 2019

Dr. Hodes will provide an overview of the latest research in basic biology, neuroscience, behavioral and social science, and geriatrics and clinical gerontology supported by the NIA.
PHYSICAL-MENTAL-ORAL-COGNITIVE HEALTH IN OLDER KOREAN AMERICANS: A MULTISITE STUDY
Authors: Jang Yuri , Park Nan Sook , Rhee Min-Kyoung , Yoon Hyunwoo , Cho Yong Ju , Kim miyong T , Chiriboga David A
Published: November 2019

Using data from surveys with older Korean Americans (n = 2,150) conducted at five sites in the U.S. (California, New York, Texas, Hawaii, and Florida), the present study explored the status of physical/mental/oral/cognitive health and its determinants. For each health domain, we examined how self-rating (excellent/very good/good/fair/poor) of health was associated with other domain-relevant indicators (e.g., the number of chronic diseases, symptoms of depression, problems with teeth or gums, or cognitive performance) and sociocultural factors (e.g., socioeconomic status, acculturation, social network, and social cohesion). Geographic variation was also considered. The correlations between self-ratings and domain-relevant indicators in all health domains were significant but moderate. A series of multivariate regression models of self-ratings of physical/mental/oral/cognitive health not only confirmed the effect of the domain-relevant health indicators but also demonstrated a critical contribution of sociocultural determinants. Implications for older immigrants were discussed in terms of place, culture, and context.
PREVALENCE AND CORRELATES OF MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AND DEMENTIA IN OLDER KOREAN AMERICANS
Authors: Lee Hochang , Kim Miyong , Walsh Peter , Kim Kim B , Han Haera
Published: November 2019

With a high prevalence of well-established risk dementia risk factors (e.g. tobacco, alcohol use, hypertension, and diabetes), there is a dire need for data on prevalence and correlates of cognitive impairment and related service utilization among older Korean Americans. Memory and Aging study of Koreans (MASK) is a two-stage epidemiological survey with two-step sampling strategy to obtain a representative sample. We screened 1,118 older Korean Americans (mean age: 70.7, female: 67.2%) with a Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Exam, and 118 persons sampled from two levels of performance on the MMSE underwent the second stage clinical evaluation that included the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease (CERAD). Preliminary analysis estimated that community prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in this population was 28.4% (CI: 18.2%-41.5%) and dementia was 7.2% (3.8% - 13.2%). Correlates of cognitive impairment, and potential barriers to the services will be discussed during this presentation.
AGING-IN-COMMUNITY MODELS AND PROGRAMS: PROGRAM AND POLICY PLANNING STRATEGIES
Authors: Hou Su-I , Graham Carrie , Greenfield Emily
Published: November 2019

This symposium introduces key aging-in-community models and programs, with a particular focus on program and policy planning strategies. Villages are a new, consumer-directed model that aim to promote aging -in-community through a combination of facilitated social engagement, member-to-member support, volunteer opportunities, and collective bargaining for services. Dr. Graham from the University of California will share results from both a national survey of Village directors and a survey of village members, summarizing Village organizational development trends and members’ perceived impacts. Dr. Gilcksman from Philadelphia Corporation for Aging will share how older adults who do not participate in a Village create their own informal social and service network to maintain themselves and to accomplish the same goals as a Village, building community at the neighborhood level. Additionally, Dr. Hou from the University of Central Florida will discuss lessons learned on program planning strategies among older adults participating in three programs promoting aging-in-community: a university-based lifelong learning program (LLP), a county neighborhood lunch program (NLP), and a Florida Village program as a comparative case study. Finally, Dr. Glass from the University of North Carolina Wilmington will share the current trend of the new senior cohousing model, promises and challenges for older adults providing mutual support to each other as they age together. This symposium will further discuss strengths and weakness, and planning strategies of the various AIC models and programs.
REMAINING SOCIALLY CONNECTED AT 100 AND BEYOND REDUCES IMPACT OF LONELINESS ON NUTRITIONAL STATUS
Authors: Jung Seung Eun , bishop Alex , Kim Seoyoun , Hermann Janice
Published: November 2019

Understanding factors influencing centenarians’ nutritional status can offer insight into effective nutrition interventions to improve quality of life among this population. This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the moderating role of social support in the relationship between loneliness and nutritional status among Oklahoma centenarians (n=140). Nutritional status was assessed with the Mini Nutrition Assessment (MNA). Perceived social support was assessed with the 24-item Social Provisions Scale. Loneliness was examined with the 10-item UCLA loneliness scale. Ordinal logistic regression revealed that those who lacked social support were more likely to be at risk for malnutrition (OR=2.28, p<.05). Further, the interactive model revealed that centenarians who reported lack of support and loneliness were almost 2.8 times as likely to be at risk for malnutrition compared to their socially embedded counterparts (p<.01). Findings suggest that nutrition interventions offering centenarians opportunities to feel socially connected could improve their nutritional well-being.
THE VILLAGE MODEL, WHAT’S NEXT?
Authors: Graham Carrie , Scharlach Andrew
Published: November 2019

Researchers at UC Berkeley will present some key findings of their research on Villages spanning the last decade. First, results of a longitudinal study of operational Village organizations in the US (conducted in 2009, 2012, and 2016) reveals that the Village model has expanded and developed over time, with some changes in organizational structure. A national survey of Village members (N=2000) shows that Village remain homogeneous, and impact different types of members in different ways, with older, more frail members perceiving more quality of life benefit, while younger, healthier members perceive more benefits in the areas of social engagement. Finally, two studies looking at Village retention/participation show that issues such as lack of diversity, focus on social engagement can be barriers to inclusion, retention and ultimately, scalability of the model.
MY PARENT’S BODY IS SACRED: LATINO PERSPECTIVES ON BRAIN DONATION FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE RESEARCH
Authors: Montoya Yadira , Balbim Guilherme M , Glover Crystal M , Marquez David X
Published: November 2019

Brain donation is a critical part of advancing research addressing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Latinos are at a higher risk of developing ADRD compared to non-Latino Whites. However, there is limited knowledge regarding causes and mechanisms related to ADRD health disparities among Latinos partially due to lower research participation and brain donation rates. Family members play a pivotal role in increasing brain donation rates, particularly, among underrepresented groups. In this study, we examine the perceptions of brain donation among adult children of older Latinos. We invited Latino men and women (N=15) with a parental-figure who was 65 years and over to participate in one of three focus groups. During the focus groups, participants discussed the meaning of brain donation for research, reasons to donate or not, and their reactions to the possibility of their parental-figure being a brain donor. All focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed with transcripts used for data analysis. We used a Grounded Theory Approach to analyze focus group data. Results yielded three themes: (1) social and cultural factors influencing a family’s willingness to support organ donation; (2) lack of knowledge about the brain donation process; and (3) recommendations for engaging more Latinos in ADRD research and brain donation. Findings provide insight into how family participation may facilitate increased brain donation rates in ADRD studies among older Latinos. A main recommendation for researchers is to adopt a family-centered approach throughout the research process with a focus on addressing information gaps - from recruitment to dissemination.
ASIAN OLDER ADULTS’ ONLINE AND OFFLINE HEALTH INFORMATION PREFERENCES AND BEHAVIORS
Authors: Xie Bo , Shiroma Kristina
Published: November 2019

Older adults living in Asia or of Asian origin have unique preferences for information that require special attention. This symposium focuses on the health information preferences and behaviors of Asian older adults. Song et al. investigated the relationship between Internet use and perceived loneliness among Older Chinese using from survey data collected in the 2015 wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), a national study involving 12,400 households in Mainland China. Multiple regression results suggest that older Chinese Internet users perceived significantly less loneliness compared with their age peers who were non-Internet users. Zhang et al. investigated the role of information and communication technologies in supporting antiretroviral therapy (ART)-related knowledge seeking among older Chinese with HIV. Their cross-sectional survey data were collected from 2012 to 2013 in Guangxi, China. The results suggest that less than 5% of the participants sought HIV-related information via computers. Patients less knowledgeable about ART were more likely than those more knowledgeable to consult medical professionals about the disease via cell phones. Shiroma et al. report findings of a systematic literature review conducted in spring 2019 that examined Asian ethnic minority older adults’ preferences for end-of-Life (EOL) information seeking and decision making. The results suggest Asian ethnic minority older adults are understudied in the literature on EOL information and decision making, especially in terms of their unique cultural contexts. Du et al. examined how health information obtained from different types of social networks affect osteoporosis self-management behaviors among older White and Asian women.
END-OF-LIFE INFORMATION PREFERENCES OF ASIAN OLDER ADULTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Authors: Shiroma Kristina , Davis Nathan , Xie Bo
Published: November 2019

Older adults of Asian ethnic minority groups are often underrepresented in the literature on cultural aspects of end-of-life (EOL) decision making. This literature review aimed to systematically investigate the cultural aspects of EOL decision making for aging adults of Asian ethnic minority groups. In February 2019, systematic searches were conducted in PubMed using MeSH terms “end-of-life”, “decision-making”, and “culture OR cultural”. Articles with human subjects, full text in English, published in the past 10 years, with original, empirical findings were included. After multiple rounds of screening, the final sample included 22 results, with sample sizes ranging from 11 to over 9 millions representing South Asian, Chinese, Korean, Taiwanese, Singaporean, Asian and Asian/Pacific adults. The findings suggest the literature on older Asian adults is present, but limited. Future research is needed to explore cultural aspects of Asian ethnic minority groups in respect to older adult’s information preferences in EOL decision-making.
THE ROLE OF ICT IN ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY-RELATED KNOWLEDGE SEEKING AMONG OLDER CHINESE LIVING WITH HIV
Authors: Zhang Yao , Li Xiaoming , Qiao Shan , Zhou Yuejiao , Shen Zhiyong
Published: November 2019

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) enables HIV patients to reduce disease progression. ART adherence is closely related to patients’ knowledge about the medical treatment. This study investigated the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in supporting ART-related knowledge seeking among older Chinese with HIV, using cross-sectional data collected from 2012 to 2013 in Guangxi, China. Of the 2987 HIV patients, 688 were 45 years or older and going through ART. We used an 11-item scale (α=0.69), which was developed based on existing literature, to assess ART-related knowledge to obtain a composite score (0-11). Less than 5% of the participants sought HIV-related information via computers. Patients with lower ART-related knowledge were more likely to consult medical professionals about the disease via cell phones than those with higher scores (8.28 vs. 9.45, p < 0.001). The results suggest that future interventions should integrate cell phones to promote ART-related knowledge dissemination among older patients.
CHOT STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
Authors: Puro Neeraj
Published: November 2019

As the Senior Student Representative for the Social Research, Policy, and Practice Section for GSA one of the goals is to organize a symposium that would be beneficial for students and junior researchers. In this section, we will have a student who was involved in CHOT to speak about his experience. Neeraj Puro is a doctoral candidate who has been involved in several CHOT projects during his academic career. The CHOT has helped fund his doctoral work and allowed him to travel and present at more conferences. The projects that he was involved in helped him with early publications and assisted when he was out in the career market. He will speak about his experience; what he learned, and his opinion about the process. He will reflect on this program from a student/junior researcher’s perspective and how it has influenced his doctoral journey and the beginning of his career.
CORRECTING GLUTATHIONE DEFICIENCY IN AGING: IMPACT ON MITOCHONDRIA, STRENGTH, INFLAMMATION AND METABOLIC DEFECTS
Authors: Sekhar Rajagopal , Taffet George E , Fielding Roger
Published: November 2019

Aging is associated with deficiency of Glutathione, the most abundant, intracellular, antioxidant protein, but underlying mechanisms are unknown and interventions limited. This symposium is primarily focused on the results of placebo-controlled, double-blind randomized clinical-trial (RCT) on the impact of correcting Glutathione deficiency in older humans on mitochondrial impairment, oxidative stress, strength, inflammation, and insulin resistance. Dr. Jahoor’s presentation will serve as an introduction by discussing mechanisms underlying Glutathione deficiency and validation of a novel nutritional intervention based on supplementing glycine and N-acetylcysteine (GlyNAC) to correct Glutathione deficiency in older-humans. Dr. Sekhar will present the results of a pilot 16-week pilot randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial in older humans investigating the effect of supplementing GlyNAC (vs. placebo) to improve Glutathione levels and oxidative-stress in 24 older-humans and 12 young-humans on impaired mitochondrial fuel-oxidation (MFO) and other defects. The trial met its primary objective that that GlyNAC supplementation (and not placebo) significantly improved Glutathione deficiency and corrected impaired MFO (and defects in its molecular regulation), and also significantly improved gait-speed (increased 19% increase to match young-humans), muscle-strength, exercise-capacity, and lowered oxidative-stress (80%) inflammation (IL-6 83%, TNF-alpha 58%), and insulin-resistance (68%). Dr. Taffet will discuss age-induced diastolic heart failure, and the effect of supplementing GlyNAC (vs. NAC alone) in aged 24-month old mice with diastolic heart-failure, impaired myocardial MFO and cardiac-inflammation. Collectively this symposium on Glutathione and Aging will highlight the discovery that supplementing GlyNAC to correct Glutathione deficiency in older-humans has significant health benefits, and could be a novel nutritional-intervention in aging.
GLUTATHIONE DEFICIENCY AND OXIDATIVE STRESS IN AGING: METABOLIC MECHANISM AND TARGETED INTERVENTION
Authors: Jahoor Farook , Taffet George E , Sekhar Rajagopal V
Published: November 2019

The free-radical theory of aging suggests that age-related functional decline is mediated by increases in free-radical induced oxidative-stress. Cells normally depend on antioxidants for protection against oxidative-stress. Glutathione is the most abundant endogenous intracellular antioxidant protein composed of 3 amino-acids, cysteine, glycine and glutamic-acid, and is known to be deficient in older-humans. We investigated Glutathione kinetics in older humans using a stable-isotope tracer-based approach, and found that compared to younger humans, older-humans had severe Glutathione deficiency as a result of decreased synthesis caused by limited availability of glycine and cysteine, and associated with elevated oxidative-stress. Orally supplementing glycine and cysteine (provided as N-acetylcysteine) at doses of 1.33mmol/kg/d and 0.81mmol/kg/d respectively for 2-weeks corrected their intracellular deficiency, normalized Glutathione synthesis rates and lowered oxidative-stress to levels in younger controls. These results suggest that short-term supplementation of GlyNAC at these doses can successfully correct intracellular Glutathione deficiency in older-humans.
DOES AGE AFFECT CREATIVE PROCESS AND STYLE? A COMPARISON OF OLDER AND YOUNGER VISUAL ARTISTS
Authors: Ardelt Monika , Orwoll Lucinda
Published: November 2019

This study investigated differences in the creative process and style between 85 older (age 60-89 years, M=72.39) and 63 younger (age 27-58 years, M=41.95) visual artists who were nominated as artistically creative exemplars. Answers to open-ended survey questions were coded and compared by age group. Results of t-tests showed that the described creative process and style were similar for older and younger artists, with many being inspired by their environment or ideas and engaging in an intuitive and visual style. However, younger artists were more likely than older artists to be inspired by ideas, words, life, and the work process and to use an intuitive, expressionistic, eclectic, spiritual, and textured style. Interestingly, younger artists were more likely to believe that older artists have greater artistic experience, maturity, willingness to take risks, and understanding of the art world, whereas older artists tended to think that young artists are more original.
LATENCY/PATHWAYS, FUNCTIONALISM/MORPHOGENESIS: CONTRASTING PARADIGMS OF LIFE-COURSE INEQUALITY AND CHANGE
Authors: Dannefer Dale
Published: November 2019

Attention to dis/advantage during childhood has become a major interest of life-course studies. It has been a force in advancing attention to inequality over the undifferentiated “normal aging” versions of life-course and gerontological research, making clear the irreducible importance of the presence/ absence of key resources in accounting for life-course outcomes, from early onward. Explanatory strategies set forth within this work often contrast “latency/early origins” models (with explanation anchored in the early years) with “pathways” models (which examine the independent effects of adult life-course circumstances). This paper argues that these two types of models actually are aligned with distinct conceptual paradigms that imply fundamentally different understandings of aging in society (“functionalist/organismic” and “systemic/morphogenetic”). The differential implications of these two models for the relation of cumulative dis/advantage and social change is explored.