bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CARE DEPENDENCY: EXPERIENCES AND EXPECTATIONS OF COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Jukema Jan S , Veldhuis Sharon Oude , Alphen Jacqueline Van , Jorritsma Jopie , Lange Frits De
Published: November 2019

“Not to be a burden” is a common phrase used by community-dwelling older adults in discussing their dependency on others in care for their daily life. This attitude may lead to conflicts with relatives, neighbors, or professionals when in their opinion, care is necessary and, ultimately, may result in unmet care needs. The goal of this study is to gain a better understanding of how older adults experience their increased dependency on others and to contribute to the development of an ethic of care. Thirty-two participants of a larger research sample (n=64) from a descriptive qualitative research were purposefully selected, resulting in an equal distribution of the following variables: gender, living situation, living with or without partner, and having children or not. From a multiphase qualitative analysis with five researchers, including two senior citizens four themes emerged: (1) relationships in the context of care; (2) experiences with giving, receiving and asking for care; (3) future perspectives towards receiving and asking for care; and (4) actual practices of caregiving and receiving. Our study clarifies how community-dwelling older adults deal with the changes in their dependency on others. The study results highlight particular dynamics which appear, at least, partly in contrast with current policy regarding care at home. Moreover, it contributes to an empirical refinement of the concepts of dependency and interdependency in an ethic of care. Further studies are needed to clarify the influential factors on asking for care in diverse groups of older adults and the response from their network.
LATER-LIFE LIVING ARRANGEMENTS OF CHILDLESS AMERICANS: A LIFETABLE APPROACH
Authors: Raymo James , Xu Xiao , Liang Jersey , Kim BoRin , Ofstedal Mary Beth
Published: November 2019

The large body of research on living arrangements at older ages pays little attention to the growing population of childless men and women. We begin to fill this gap by using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) over a period of 14 years (2000-2014) to describe the number of years between ages 65-90 that childless Americans live in four different living arrangements: alone, with spouse, with others, and in a nursing home. Because the number of childless HRS respondents is not large (n = 835 in 2000), we first estimate sex-specific single decrement life tables by race/ethnicity and by educational attainment. We then use Sullivan’s method to calculate living arrangement-specific life expectancy for each group, thus providing a comprehensive descriptive portrait of sociodemographic differences in living arrangements across older ages for childless Americans. Preliminary results show that differences in living arrangement-specific life expectancy by race/ethnicity and educational attainment primarily reflect group differences in mortality. The proportion of later life spent in different living arrangements is generally similar across racial/ethnic groups and education levels. This stands in contrast to large racial/ethnic and educational differences documented in earlier studies of older Americans with at least one living child. Results also show that the proportion (and years) of later life spent living alone is substantial, especially for women (over 50%). We discuss the potential implications of these findings with reference to both projected trends in the childless population and research on associations between living arrangements and health of childless older Americans.
REFRAMING AGING: PRACTICES AND MEASURES TO HARNESS THE STRENGTH OF INTERGENERATIONAL NETWORK TIES
Authors: Jarrott Shannon E , Hooker Karen , Morrow-Howell Nancy
Published: November 2019

GSA and other agencies have undertaken to “Reframe Aging” to reduce pervasive global ageism, which has been associated with negative attitudes towards and disinterest in working with older adults and poor health in old age. Familial and non-familial intergenerational contact, that is between members of non-adjacent generations, provides valuable opportunities to reduce ageism through relationships. However, much of the research on intergenerational relationships focuses on attitudes, usually those young people hold about older adults and aging. We propose that attention should shift towards measuring the relationship and giving voice to both younger and older partners. Presenters will address a range of intergenerational relationships focusing on their measurement as a means to advance the Reframing Aging initiative, including examples, challenges, and recommendations. Jarrott will provide an overview of the Reframing Aging initiative and address measurement of non-familial intergenerational relationship. This will be complemented by Pillemer’s focus on how universities can reframe aging through intergenerational network ties, including the Cooperative Extension System. Mendoza and Fruhauf will shift attention to familial connections, focusing on grandparent-grandchild caregiving relationships. Turner, Hooker, and Jarrott will present new efforts to develop a validated theory- and evidence-informed measure of intergenerational relationships that can be completed by young and old persons. Discussant Morrow-Howell, past GSA President, will address how a long history of diverse intergenerational solutions can support efforts to reframe aging through enhanced measurement tools and strategies.
REFRAMING AGING: UNIVERSITIES AS AN ENGINE FOR EVIDENCE-BASED INTERGENERATIONAL APPROACHES
Authors: Pillemer Karl
Published: November 2019

Societal changes are decreasing opportunities for youth to engage with older adults. Geographical mobility, the digital divide, and the growth of age-segregated communities for older people increase age segregation. The lack of interaction can lead to negative attitudes and stereotypes among young and older people. A solution is increasing meaningful contact between youth and older adults. This presentation proposes that higher education can play a unique role in reframing aging through intergenerational programs. Colleges and universities can integrate innovative bodies of research and practice, foster more rigorous research designs to study the effectiveness of intergenerational programs; and discover new ways to provide youth with needed skills and knowledge on how to interact with older adults. The national Cooperative Extension System is presented as a model for how evidence-based practice in intergenerational programs can be translated to communities, with a focus on collaborative program design, evaluation, and broader uptake.
AN MDS 3.0 BEHAVIORAL INDICATOR: RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY WHEN MEASURING BEHAVIOR SYMPTOMS OF DEMENTIA IN CLCS
Authors: Curyto Kim , Jedele Jenefer M , Mach Jennifer J , Mohr David C , Wray Laura O , Eaker April , Intrator Orna
Published: November 2019

Persons with dementia frequently demonstrate behavior symptoms of dementia (BSD), associated with poorer outcomes. A measure of BSD was created for routine use in VA Community Living Centers (CLCs). Reliability and validity of Minimum Data Set (MDS 3.0) behavior items was established using exploratory factor analysis and a multitrait, multimethod correlation matrix. 385 CLC residents with BSD were assessed using validated measures of BSD, depression, and anxiety, and team ratings of the frequency and severity of target behaviors identified for intervention. Factor analysis on MDS items closest to baseline resulted in two stable factors. MDS behavior factors related to validated clinical measures in predicted ways at baseline and post-intervention. MDS distress behavior factor sensitivity to change was evaluated by using change score correlations with validated clinical measures. The MDS distress behavior factor can be used routinely, evaluate the impact of intervention effectiveness, and provide quality improvement feedback.
FACILITY CHARACTERISTICS, STAFF INJURY, AND DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR REPORTING RATES IN VA COMMUNITY LIVING CENTERS
Authors: Mohr David , Curyto Kim J , McConeghy Kevin W , Jedele Jenefer M , Vance Kelly
Published: November 2019

Facility characteristics’ influence on staff injuries was evaluated from 2013-2018 for 105 VA CLCs. Nursing hours, nurse skill-level, resident case-mix (percent of residents with mental health or other conditions) and facility size were evaluated in a multivariable regression model. Overall the average injury rates per year were 2.7 (standard deviation 4.3) and 1.5 (2.7) in STAR-VA enrolled vs. never enrolled sites (p=0.04). Statistically significant predictors for higher staff injury rates included percent of residents with dementia, larger bed facilities, and more mental health employee coverage. Lower staff injury rates were associated with facilities with more short-stay residents. After adjustment for facility characteristics, STAR-VA sites were not an independent predictor for staff injury rates. Sites selected for enrollment in STAR-VA have higher overall injury rates which may be due to facility differences in size, staffing and proportion of residents with dementia. Implications for training and monitoring CLC sites will be discussed.
VARIATIONS IN SUSTAINING IMPLEMENTATION OF STAR-VA: THE ROLE OF KNOWLEDGE RESERVOIRS AND OTHER FACTORS
Authors: Sullivan Jennifer L , Curyto Kim , adjognon Omonyêlé l , Pendergast Jacqueline , Wray Laura O , Karel Michele
Published: November 2019

Variation in STAR-VA sustainability across 20 trained VA Community Living Centers was explored using prospective qualitative methods utilizing the knowledge reservoirs framework including seven domains: People, Routines, Artifacts, Relationships, Information space, Culture, and Structure. We conducted directed content analysis of transcripts to identify facilitators and barriers of successful program sustainment. We found that people, usual routines, information sharing, and team relationships were the most often mentioned facilitators by CLC staff. Common reported barriers were people, team relationships, and work culture. Overlap was found in knowledge reservoirs acting as both facilitators and barriers at the same site, most often for people/teams, team relationships, and work culture. Results will be used to develop a sustainability intervention focused on addressing reported barriers. Most notably, a focus on having the appropriate team members, positive team relationships, usual routines, and a supportive work culture are critical for STAR-VA sustainability efforts.
ASPREE SUB-STUDIES
Authors: Woods Robyn L , McNeil John J , Murray Anne
Published: November 2019

To maximize opportunities provided by a large-scale clinical trial, we established sub-studies during the ASPREE trial to investigate specific areas of interest to the health of older persons. A biobank now stores multiple aliquots of blood, urine or saliva collected from >15,000 healthy ASPREE participants across the US and Australia, most at baseline (pre-randomization) and/or after 3 years post- randomization. Other sub-studies included ALSOP (ASPREE Longitudinal Study of Older Persons; sets of questionnaires administered every 2 years focused on medical or social issues) and neuroimaging projects with brain MRI and retinal vascular imaging to investigate anatomical changes linked with cognitive or cerebrovascular outcomes. Further sub-studies addressed the impact of aspirin on cerebral microhemorrhages, age-related macular degeneration, age-related hearing loss, severe sepsis, and falls and fractures. Biomarker analyses underway include plasma androgens in older women and DNA sequencing of the cohort to investigate contributions of genomics to aging health and disease.
PROFESSIONAL QUALITY OF LIFE, LONELINESS, AND EMPATHY IN PROFESSIONAL CAREGIVERS
Authors: Beadle Janelle , Boron Julie Blaskewicz , Masters Julie
Published: November 2019

Retaining professional caregivers is an ongoing challenge for home care agencies. Thus, understanding emotional factors associated with caregiver burnout is critical. While professional caregivers are at risk for burnout and loneliness, less is known about how these factors relate to empathy and professional quality of life. Professional caregivers (n=31) currently employed at two U.S. non-skilled home care agencies participated by completing several questionnaires. Surveys included: UCLA Loneliness Scale (loneliness), Interpersonal Reactivity Index (empathy), and the Professional Quality of Life Scale (compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, and burnout). Participants were adults (M=56.8, SD=11.5, Range=24-75 years; 90.3% female) who had obtained an Associates degree (education years: M=14.2, SD=1.7). Overall, participants reported average to high levels of loneliness (M=37.5, SD=9.8), and emotional (M=23.2, SD=3.7) and cognitive (M=20.3, SD=4.6) empathy. Caregivers generally reported positive feelings about their work (compassion satisfaction: M=42.8, SD=5.0) and low levels of burnout (M=17.1, SD=4.2). In contrast, they reported relatively high levels of compassion fatigue (M=17.7, SD=4.0). Burnout was positively associated with compassion fatigue (r=.7, p<.001), and loneliness (r=.5, p=.004), whereas a negative association was found between burnout and cognitive empathy (r=-.5, p=.008). Using a linear regression, the associations between compassion fatigue, loneliness, and cognitive empathy were examined in relation to burnout. This model was statistically significant (r2=.72; F change (3,21)=17.8, p<.001), but only compassion fatigue (p=.002) and cognitive empathy (p=.002) were significant predictors of burnout. This study highlights the importance of the contributing role of socioemotional factors to burnout experienced in a professional caregiving setting.
NOT ENJOYING THE MEAL WAS ASSOCIATED WITH DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS, DESPITE THE SIZE OF SOCIAL CONNECTIONS
Authors: Takase Mai , Murayama Hiroshi , Hirukawa Sayaka , Tanaka Tomoki , Ono Sachiko , Minami Sugimoto , Kimata Mari
Published: November 2019

Conventional studies report that the enjoyment of the meal is related to likelihood of contracting depressive mood. The Japanese assisted living facilities currently support seniors build social connections to maintain their health and well-being, but psychological feeling during mealtime is often left unquestioned. Because seniors engage in conversation with tablemates while dining, the feeling during mealtime should not be ignored. This study aimed to explore the relationship among social connection, enjoyment during mealtime, and depressive mood. A cross-sectional questionnaire study was performed for independent residents at assisted living facility in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The size of social connection (the number of facility residents that one can easily talk to) and enjoyment during the meal were assessed by a single item, respectively. The 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale was used to measure depressive symptoms. The analysis included 190 questionnaires. A logistic regression analysis showed that enjoyment during mealtime was associated with less likelihood of depressive symptoms, but the size of social connection was not, after adjusting for socio-demographics and health conditions. Moreover, a significant interaction between social connection and enjoyment during mealtime was observed. This indicated that greater size of social connection was inversely related to depressive symptoms among those who enjoyed the meal; however, among those who did not enjoy the meal, the likelihood of depressive symptoms were stably higher despite the size of social connection. The findings suggested that along with helping seniors build social connection, care takers should focus on improving the dining environment of seniors.
LIVES WORSE THAN DEATH: ADULT CHILDREN ARE POOR AT ESTIMATING PARENTS’ QUALITY-OF-LIFE VALUATIONS
Authors: Pichiello Matthew , McDarby Meghan , Kozlov Elissa K , Carpenter Brian
Published: November 2019

Adult children often help older parents make medical decisions when their health is compromised. To do so in a way that respects parent values requires children to know how their parent views health states and consequent quality of life. The current study compared older parent and adult child valuations of quality of life in different health contexts. Families consisted of older parents (n = 37) and their adult children (n = 66). Parents rated perceived quality of life in 14 compromised health states on a scale from 1 (difficult but acceptable) to 5 (not worth living). Children estimated how their parent responded to each health state, yielding an index of their knowledge of parent perceptions. Overall, parents described all compromised health states as less acceptable than adult children thought they would, t(99) = 2.19, p < .05. Notably, parents believed situations that caused financial or emotional burden to their family were much less acceptable than their children estimated. Children were more knowledgeable about parent valuations for more extreme circumstances, such as living with a feeding tube. Within families, children demonstrated only slight knowledge about parent quality of life valuations (kappa = .081). Across the entire sample of families, there was a broad range of knowledge (kappas = -.181 – .351), but at best, knowledge was still only fair. Results from this study suggest that adult children may underestimate the impact of compromised health states on parent estimations of quality of life, which could affect collaborations on healthcare decisions.
INFERRING ADL BEHAVIORS FROM HIGH DENSITY, AMBIENT, INTERNET OF THINGS SENSOR DATA USING MACHINE LEARNING
Authors: Keohane Susann M , Gerard Scott N
Published: November 2019

To address the growing desire for older adults to age-in-place, there has been an influx of research and development in telehealth services that utilize smart home and ambient assisted living (AAL) technology. AAL technology is designed to care for, remotely monitor, and support healthy aging. The challenge with AAL technology is to accurately classify an older adults’ activities and provide a baseline for detecting changes in physical and cognitive state. We employ (1) rules-based, (2) Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) and (3) auto-encoders (a type of neural network) to infer activities of daily living and instrumented activities of daily living behavior from low-level Internet of Things sensor data. We apply our techniques to a large dataset over 5 older adults in independent living apartments, for over 5 months with 30 to 50 ambient sensors per apartment. Findings highlighted three main themes: (1) lessons learned, (2) an evaluation of the various approaches employed, and (3) a semi-automated methodology to label large volumes of raw sensor data.
WOULD YOU RATHER BE AT HOME OR IN A HOME? AN EXPLORATION AND COMPARISON OF OLD-AGE SOCIAL CONNECTEDNESS
Authors: Berlin Melissa
Published: November 2019

Aging-related changes challenge older adults’ experience of social connectedness and increase their risk of perceived isolation. As seniors cope with these changes, they often face the question of whether to age in place or move to a senior living facility. While many studies explore these scenarios separately, there is little research comparing these two living arrangements. Therefore, this study examined the following questions: how do older adults experience social connectedness and perceived isolation? How does this experience vary between older adults living alone in private homes and those living in assisted living facilities? I conducted 16 qualitative interviews with middle-old and old-old women (ages 75+) who lived alone in a private home or in an assisted living facility in southeast Michigan. The themes that emerged revealed differences in three aspects of social connectedness; interactions, relationships and belonging. Community dwelling respondents’ interactions were characterized by intentionality, with minimal investment in forging new or deeper relationships and an emphasis on belonging to the world in terms of awareness, contribution, and cognitive ability. Assisted living respondents’ experiences where characterized by availability of interactions and casual relationships within the facility and an emphasis on belonging to the facility community, while positioning oneself between the status of resident and staff. Surprisingly, neither group reported a notable degree of perceived isolation. Both had adapted their social connectedness expectations to reflect their current situation. These findings have meaningful implications for older adults facing decisions about where to age, as well as for the communities that serve them.
SOCIAL CAPITAL AND HOME- AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICE UTILIZATION AMONG URBAN OLDER CHINESE ADULTS
Authors: Peng Changmin , Burr Jeffery A , Kim Kyungmin , Lu Nan
Published: November 2019

Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) are increasingly important for older adults who want to maintain their independence and remain in their communities. Although HCBS systems have been developed widely in many western countries and in some countries in Asia, China is just beginning to grapple with its rapidly aging population by offering HCBS in a limited fashion. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between structural (e.g., citizenship activities, volunteering) and cognitive (e.g., social trust, a sense of belonging) social capital and HCBS utilization among older Chinese adults. The study also examined the mediating effect of structural social capital for the the relationship between cognitive social capital and HCBS utilization. We frame the study within the Andersen behavioral model of health services utilization and argue that within this framework social capital is an enabling factor. We analyzed survey data from 456 community-dwelling older adults living in the Gusu district of the city of Suzhou, China in 2015. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized relationships. The results showed that both cognitive and structural social capital were significantly associated with HCBS utilization. Structural social capital also served as a mediator between cognitive social capital and HCBS utilization, even after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and other relevant covariates. The findings supported the utility of employing Andersen’s behavioral model and social capital theory for better understanding older Chinese adults’ utilization of HCBS. Interventions for increasing social capital may be useful for improving HCBS utilization in Chinese urban communities.
TESTING THE RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF THE RESIDENT SATISFACTION INDEX
Authors: Holmes Sarah D , Galik Elizabeth , Resnick Barbara
Published: November 2019

Understanding residents’ life satisfaction in assisted living (AL) is essential for creating supportive environments that are targeted toward the needs and desires of residents. Unfortunately, few measures have been developed and tested to evaluate residents’ life satisfaction in AL. The purpose of this study was to test the reliability and validity of the Resident Satisfaction Index (RSI) which was designed to measure residents’ life satisfaction in AL. Baseline data was used from a study testing the Dissemination and Implementation of Function Focused Care in AL. A total of 501 residents from 54 AL facilities were included in the sample. Based on Rasch analysis, there was evidence of internal consistency with an alpha coefficient of 0.95 and validity based on INFIT and OUTFIT statistics which ranged from 0.4 to 1.6. Item mapping showed the easiest item to endorse was item 10 which referred to perceptions of staff’s kindness. The hardest item to endorse was item 17 which asked about staff’s responsiveness to residents’ needs. Differential item functioning (DIF) analysis was done to examine differences in item responses by age, gender, and cognitive status. The measure was equally appropriate for those with and without mild to moderate cognitive impairment and between males and females, 5 out of 22 items were answered differently based on gender. 117 (23%) participants scored so high in satisfaction that they could not be differentiated. Findings support the reliability and validity of the measure although we recommend adding more difficult items to better differentiate between residents.
EXPERIENCES RESEARCH ON CANCER-RELATED FATIGUE AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Hannum Susan M , Smith Katherine , Beeler Dori M , Owczarzak Jill
Published: November 2019

Among older cancer patients, cancer-related fatigue is a common chronic problem that may result in functional dependence and decreased quality of life. Currently, there exists no standard of care for managing fatigue among cancer patients, pressing the need for further research and the development of novel interventions. Our research followed the validated DIPEx (Database of Patient Experiences) methodology, which utilizes in-depth, narrative interviews to create a rich and broad archival resource of patient stories to highlight commonalities and differences in illness experiences. We interviewed 9 older women (aged 60+ years) who have been diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer (Stage I-IV (IV only if clinically-stable). Interviews were audio and/or video-recorded and transcribed for analysis of emergent themes using MAXQDA qualitative software. Four primary themes have emerged from the data: (1) fatigue is a distressing side effect of treatment for which patients do not feel adequately prepared; (2) information about fatigue and how to deal with it is not systematically provided within the oncology setting; (3) patients develop their own systems for managing fatigue and general energy levels (e.g., limiting activities, using blocks of time strategically, etc.); and (4) social support for fatigue varies. Education about cancer-related fatigue and its management represents an unmet need among older breast cancer survivors. The development and implementation of both clinician training initiatives and patient-facing educational and engagement interventions represent important next steps in supporting the care needs of cancer patients and survivors.
δ PREDICTS GENERAL PSYCHOPATHOLOGY
Authors: Royall Donald R , Palmer Raymond F
Published: November 2019

“δ” is a transdiagnostic omnibus dementia severity measure derived from general intelligence (i.e., Spearman’s “g”). It can be estimated in any cognitive battery that contains a measure of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). As dementia’s essential cognitive impairment, δ may also explain the appearance of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD). Alternatively, the latter may be associated with orthogonal domain-specific cognitive impairments, unrelated to δ and therefore to dementia. The δ homolog ”dDx” was tested as a predictor of one year prospective BPSD among n = 723 participants in the Texas Alzheimer’s Research and Care Consortium (TARCC). Twelve Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI-Q)-rated BPSD were themselves submitted to confirmatory factor analysis resulting in a well-fit bifactor model rating general psychopathology (p), positive (+) and negative (-) symptoms. dDx and orthogonal cognitive factors rating memory (MEM) and executive function (EF) were regressed onto prospective p, (+) and (-). dDx was strongly associated with p (r = -0.59, p <0.001). MEM was associated only with (+) (r = 0.14, p <0.001). EF was associated only with (-) (r = -0.23, p <0.001). This is the first demonstration of p in the geriatric literature. p’s strong association with δ suggests that general psychopathology arises from dementia itself. In contrast, (+) and (-) symptoms may arise from regional insults, e.g., to temporo-limbic and frontal circuits (respectively). No such regional pathology is likely to impact δ or p, as they are “indifferent” to their indicators and must derive from global Central Nervous System (CNS) features.
POLICIES FOR PRESERVING THE WORK ACTIVITY OF PEOPLE IN RETIREMENT AGE IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN BULGARIA
Authors: Savova Zaharina A
Published: November 2019

Demographically, aging of the world’s population is a fact that requires the implementation and development of integrated, active policies for the inclusion of older people in economic and social life. In response to this challenge, an international UN plan for active aging was adopted in Madrid in 2002. By adopting this plan, all EU member states are committed to contribute to active aging by integrating the rights and needs of older people into national economic and social policies. The European Commission formulates the concept of active aging as adopting a healthy lifestyle, longer labor market participation, later retirement, and retention after retirement. In recent years managers of higher education institutions in Bulgaria have been pursuing a policy of preserving the labor and intellectual potential of retired research and teaching staff. There are different practices and activities aimed at preserving this valuable resource built for decades. This paper outlines the main activities and evaluation of the effectiveness of the Mentoring Program for Shared Experience and Knowledge. This pilot program was implemented over a five-year period from 2012 to 2017. It involved teachers in pre-retirement and retirement age working in higher education institutions. Monitoring and evaluation of the different forms of activities included in the program were made. The benefits for all participants have been derived. The results and the analysis made support the initial suggestion that the program is an opportunity for gradual withdrawal from work activity, preserving social well-being and successful adaptation to retirement from active labor activity.
AGE-RELATED DIFFERENCES IN INHIBITION INVESTIGATION OF SIMON AND FLANKER CONFLICTS IN ERPS
Authors: Scrivano Rachel , Kieffaber Paul
Published: November 2019

It is unclear whether or not older adults experience more difficulty managing cognitive conflict by inhibiting distracting stimuli and/or ignoring irrelevant information than younger adults. A common procedure used to measure inhibitory function is through the use of congruent and incongruent stimuli. Specifically, past literature that used tasks like the Simon and flanker have found differing effects on reaction times and various event-related potential (ERP) amplitudes and latencies, suggesting that either inhibitory function is a unitary mechanism or multifaceted. Moreover, research exhibits uncertainty for whether or not age influences deficits to inhibitory function. Therefore, the present study sought to investigate these research questions by combining the Simon and flanker tasks into one unique task. The study’s behavioral results indicate that older adults have greater difficulty with cognitive conflict in both Simon and flanker tasks due to significantly prolonged reaction times during incongruent trials. Furthermore, reaction time data posits that there are no significant age-related differences between the Simon and flanker task. This finding indicates that through the use of these tasks, inhibitory function is a unitary mechanism. In addition, preliminary electroencephalogram data shows that younger and older adults process the task’s information similarly. These initial findings can further inhibition research through its use as benchmarks for the measurement of cognitive change and deficit identification in older adults.
SOMATIC COMPLAINTS, A KEY FACTOR OF DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH SUBJECTIVE MEMORY
Authors: Haavisto Wonjeong , Boron Julie Blaskewicz , Willis Sherry , Schaie Warner
Published: November 2019

Prior research found depressive symptoms and subjective memory to be associated with objective memory (OM) performance. One key factor of subjective memory, as measured by the Memory Functioning Questionnaire (MFQ), is General Frequency of Forgetting (GFF). However, few studies focused on identifying specific factors of depressive symptoms when examining associations between depressive symptoms, subjective memory and OM. Using structural equation modeling, cross-sectional associations of factors in the CES-D (depressive symptoms) to the MFQ (subjective memory) and OM were investigated in the Seattle Longitudinal Study (mean Age=72.39; SD=8.28; mean Education=15.12; SD=2.76; 58.4% female). Differential associations of the CES-D factors with the MFQ factors [n=389; RMSEA=.031; CFI=.973; TLI=.966] and the GFF subscales [n=389; RMSEA=.033; CFI=.971; TLI=.964] resulted. Only the CES-D somatic complaints factor was significantly associated with the GFF factor (β= -.45, p <.001), suggesting that people with more somatic complaints reported more memory concerns. The CES-D somatic complaints factor was negatively associated with the frequency of forgetting in daily life (β=-.36, p< .001) and forgetting while reading subscales (β= -.33, p < .001), indicating individuals that reported more somatic complaints experienced more frequent memory failures when performing daily activities and reading. Overall, a key CES-D factor, somatic complaints, emerged as influential to subjective memory, whereas there was no relation to OM. Further study of the longitudinal associations between the CES-D factors and subjective and objective memory is essential to determine the potential impact on memory deficits.
LONGITUDINAL ASSOCIATIONS OF DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOM AND SUBJECTIVE MEMORY FACTORS WITH OBJECTIVE MEMORY PERFORMANCE
Authors: Haavisto Wonjeong , Boron Julie Blaskewicz , Willis Sherry , Schaie Warner
Published: November 2019

Prior research demonstrated a history of depressive symptoms predicted oncoming memory deficits, and that self-evaluation of memory was associated with forthcoming memory difficulties. However, prior work lacks consistent consideration of multifaceted depressive symptoms in regards to longitudinal associations with objective memory (OM). Structural models were examined to determine how latent factors of depressive symptoms (via the CES-D) and SM factors predicted memory deficits at later time points when taking into account baseline OM performance [n=270; RMSEA=.034; CFI=.974; TLI=.965] in the Seattle Longitudinal Study (mean Age=70.33; SD=7.29; mean Education=15.30; SD=2.72; 61.9% female). The somatic complaints CES-D factor showed a significant longitudinal association with OM performance after seven years (β = -.25, p < .05), while none of CES-D factors showed cross-sectional associations with the baseline OM. The general frequency of forgetting SM factor was positively associated with OM performance at baseline (β = .26, p < .001), suggesting that those performing better at recalling words reported fewer memory problems. None of SM factors showed longitudinal associations with OM measured seven years later, indicating that self-evaluation of memory had no impact on future memory deficits. Overall findings suggested that a key CES-D factor, somatic complaints, was detected and that people endorsing more somatic issues experienced greater memory decline over a seven year period. Thus, extending prior work, the current study suggests that although both subjective memory and depressive symptom factors showed concurrent associations, only a specific factor of depressive symptoms, somatic complaints, was influential in regards to predicting later memory performance
EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING AND SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING ACROSS AGE
Authors: Falzarano Francesca , Minahan Jillian , Yazdani Neshat , Siedlecki Karen L , Salthouse Timothy
Published: November 2019

Higher levels of subjective well-being (SWB) are associated with myriad of positive outcomes, including better physical health. Several variables have been shown to predict SWB, including cognitive functioning. The relationship between aspects of SWB (positive affect, negative affect, and life satisfaction) and cognition were examined in participants (N = 5, 125) between the ages of 18- 99 years from the Virginia Cognitive Aging Project (VCAP). Participants completed a battery of cognitive tasks, including tests of verbal episodic memory, processing speed, reasoning, spatial visualization, and vocabulary. Cross-sectional analyses were conducted using structural equation modeling, using full information maximum likelihood estimation. In the models, the five latent cognitive constructs simultaneously predicted each of the SWB outcome variables separately. Age, education, gender, and self-rated health were included as covariates. Results show that reasoning was a significant unique predictor of negative affect (-.30), vocabulary was a significant unique predictor of positive affect (-.21), and spatial visualization was a significant unique predictor of life satisfaction (.21). Age moderation was examined by dividing the sample into three age groups (younger, middle-aged, and older). There was some evidence of age moderation. Namely, spatial visualization was a significant unique predictor of life satisfaction in the younger sample only. Reasoning and processing speed predicted negative affect in the younger group, whereas only reasoning predicted negative affect in the older group. In conclusion, in a large community-based sample spanning adulthood, there is evidence that cognition predicts aspects of SWB but there is variation across SWB outcome variables, and across age.
EXPLORING THE WITHIN-PERSON COUPLING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BLOOD PRESSURE AND COGNITION IN OLDER AFRICAN AMERICANS
Authors: Byrd DeAnnah R , Gamaldo Alyssa A , Allaire Jason C , Whitfield Keith E
Published: November 2019

We examined the within-person relationship between systolic blood pressure (SBP) and cognition and whether this association is moderated by hypertension status and stress level. Analysis was conducted on 50 (39 women and 11 men) community-dwelling African Americans ranging in age from 50 to 80 years (M = 65.40, SD = 8.53). Participants’ blood pressure and cognition (i.e., executive function, memory, perceptual speed, inductive reasoning, constructional praxis, and language) was assessed on 8 different occasions over a 2-week time period. Stress was measured at baseline using the Elderly Life Stress Inventory. Findings show on days systolic blood pressure increased above an individual’s average level, their memory performance also tended to improve on that day. A significant 3-way interaction was further observed; such that on occasions when an individual’s systolic blood pressure was above his or her personal average, their executive functioning performance (i.e., Letter Fluency test) was significantly better, particularly for participants who on average had a high SBP (or were hypertensive) and reported a history of high stress. These results suggest that higher levels of blood pressure are related to better cognitive performance among middle age to older African Americans. These counterintuitive findings may be attributed to the inclusion of a selective sample of resilient African Americans who have survived despite having adverse health conditions. This association may also arise from stress induced high effort coping, which is needed to perform well on cognitive tasks but also increases blood pressure.
AGE OF MUSIC ACQUISITION IMPACTS MEMORY FUNCTIONING IN OLDER ADULT MUSICIANS
Authors: Strong Jessica V , Milberg William , McGlinchey Regina , Leritz Elizabeth
Published: November 2019

Music playing is an involved activity, activating many areas of the brain and relying on integration of multiple cognitive processes simultaneously. Older adult musicians have been found to experience some cognitive benefits compared to non-musicians, seemingly related to their musical training. However, we still do not understand what factors of musical training may be driving these differences. The current study sought to isolate age of acquisition from “dose” of playing (i.e., amount of time spent playing) to explore music learning as a skill acquired during a sensitive period. Participants (n=48) were middle aged and older adults who self-reported on musical experiences, demographics, and underwent extensive neuropsychological assessment of all major domains. The sample was divided into Early Age of Acquisition (≤9 years old), Late Age of Acquisition (>9), and Non-Musicians. Results showed that musicians who began formal training at the age of 9 or younger, had significantly higher scores on tests of verbal memory (California Verbal Learning Test – II: Immediate Recall – p = 0.04, partial η2 = 0.14, Short-Delay Free Recall - p = 0.03, partial η2 = 0.16, Long-Delay Free Recall - p = 0.03, partial η2 = 0.15). Results are discussed in the context of a sensitive period for acquiring musical education, and implications of these results on cognitive aging.
EFFECTS OF OBESITY ON EXECUTIVE FUNCTION AND MEMORY IN MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Fiscella Andrew J , Andel Ross
Published: November 2019

Obesity has been linked to multiple conditions including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and metabolic syndrome. While the relationship between obesity and these diseases is well-established, the relationship between obesity and changes in cognitive function is less clear. This study examined the effects of overweight and obese status on performance in tests of executive function and memory. It was hypothesized that overweight and obese individuals would perform worse than normal weight individuals. Data from 547 individuals who participated in the Midlife in the United States Refresher cohort were used. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were employed as measures of obesity. Both variables were examined continuously and categorically (from NHBLI-defined cutoffs). Z-scores were computed for each cognitive test and averaged together to create separate composite scores for executive function and memory. When measuring BMI and WC continuously, higher BMI was significantly associated with lower executive function (B=-0.010, p=.029); no significant association between executive function and WC was found (p=.162). When measuring BMI and WC with clinical thresholds, participants with overweight or obese WC had significantly lower executive function (p=.030). No overall association between BMI-based thresholds and executive function was found (p=.682). Memory did not differ between overweight/obese participants and healthy weight controls with continuous or clinical threshold specifications. These findings suggest that: 1) obesity may relate to poorer executive function but not worse memory, and 2) the way in which obesity is measured reflects saliently in the results. Future researchers should consider conducting sensitivity analyses with different obesity criteria.
SUBJECTIVE AGE AND COGNITIVE, PHYSICAL, AND PSYCHOSOCIAL HEALTH IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Sprague Briana N , Troutman Sara B W , Bickhart Sara E , Jiya Nathanael , Ross Lesley A
Published: November 2019

Subjective age predicts cognitive, physical, and psychosocial function in older adults independent of objective age. However, the stability of this association is unknown. The goals of this study were to determine whether (1) subjective age was stable across eight years and (2) if subjective age predicted cognitive, physical, and psychosocial function in older adults. This study used data from a nationally-representative longitudinal cohort study (Health and Retirement Study) of 3,084 older adults aged 65-96 measured biannually from 2008 – 2016 with at least two waves of data. The main predictor was the proportion of subjective age compared to one’s objective age. The outcomes were dementia status (TICSm), physical function (grip strength, walk speed), and psychosocial function (Self-Perceptions of Aging). On average, the sample reported feeling 15% younger than their objective age. Among older adults who reported feeling older than the sample average, there were significant deficits in TICSm, walk speed, and self-perceptions of aging, but not in grip strength. Older adults who feel older than average have poorer cognitive, lower limb physical, and psychosocial function, and these deficits are exacerbated when those individuals feel even older compared to their own average. These results suggest that instability in subjective aging is particularly disruptive for those already at risk for poor aging, so interventions targeting the most vulnerable could promote healthy aging.
PERFORMANCE ON COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING RELATED TO SUCCESSFUL AGING
Authors: Ruvalcaba Neyda Ma Mendoza , Merino Elva Dolores Arias , Villavicencio Maria Elena Flores , Rodriguez Díaz Melina
Published: November 2019

Introduction The cognitive functioning, as a general measure, is a criterion commonly used to define and operationalize successful aging. (Project-Conacyt-256589) The aim of this study is to analyze cognitive function and its relationship with the successful aging in older adults. Methods Population based, random sample included n=401 community-dwelling older adults 60-years and older (mean age=72.51,SD=8.11 years,59.4% women). Cognitive functioning was assessed by a comprehensive battery including working memory(Digit Span Backward WAIS-IV), episodic memory, metamemory(self-report), processing speed(Symbol Digit WAIS-IV), attention(TMT-A), executive functioning(TMT-B), learning potential(RAVLT), language(FAS), visuospatial skills(Block Design WAIS-IV). Successful aging was operationalized in accordance with Rowe & Kahn definition (no important disease, no disability, physical functioning, cognitive functioning, and being actively engaged). Sociodemographic and health data were also asked. Data were analyzed in SPSSv24. Results In total 11.2% were successful agers and 11.4% had Mild Cognitive impairment. Global cognitive functioning was significantly related to the achievement of successful aging criteria. Specifically, the more successful agers showed a significant (p′s<.05) better performance on learning potential, working memory, metamemory, processing speed and attention. Executive functions were not related to successful aging criteria. None cognitive domain was related to the being actively engaged criteria. Better visuospatial skills were showed in older adults meeting the criteria of being free of disability and high physical functioning. Conclusion Knowledge generated by this study reveals the role of specific domains of cognitive functioning in successful aging, and sets a scenario to promote successful aging, through alternatives centered in the improvement of cognition in the older adults.
COGNITION OLDER ADULTS WITH PREDIABETES EXPERIENCE ACCELERATED NEUROCOGNITIVE DECLINE
Authors: Furlano Joyla , Nagamatsu Lindsay
Published: November 2019

Type II diabetes (T2D) is associated with neurocognitive decline beyond normative aging, and thus older adults with T2D are at high risk for developing dementia. However, the extent to which similar deficits occur in prediabetic older adults is not well understood. While few studies have shown that prediabetic older adults experience some cognitive decline, further research is needed to determine the specific cognitive domains affected and the degree to which this decline occurs. Moreover, structural and functional brain changes that may occur with these deficits is currently unknown in this population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess cognitive function and brain health in prediabetic older adults. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of older adults (aged 60-80) with prediabetes (FPG 6.1-7.0 mmol/L) and healthy aged-matched controls, examining 1) cognitive performance, 2) functional brain activation as measured by fMRI, and 3) structural measures such as volume of the hippocampus. Based on our cross-sectional analysis, prediabetic older adults show impaired cognition (e.g., memory), as well as decreased hippocampal volume and activation. Therefore, we conclude that older adults with prediabetes experience brain decline, and could benefit from lifestyle interventions to prevent or delay the onset of such decline.