bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From the Nathan Shock Centers Coordinating Center: Biology of Aging for Nonbiologists
Authors: Austad Steven
Published: December 2020

Advances in the biology of aging that promise to dramatically extend the healthy length of human life are now appearing at a breathtaking rate. At the same time, baseless claims of research breakthroughs in maintaining youth have exploded on electronic media. It often difficult for people outside basic aging research to keep track of what is real, what is imaginary, progress. This symposium brings together four scientists working in some of the most exciting research areas to update attendees in terms that will be understandable to anyone. Our speakers were carefully selected both for their scientific achievements and for their outstanding skill as science communicators. Matt Kaeberlein (University of Washington) will discuss some of the most exciting emerging pharmacological interventions that delay or prevent multiple features of aging. Nathan LeBrasseur (Mayo Clinic) will update us on a specific type of pharmacological intervention – senolytics – which target aged, nonfunctioning cells distributed throughout the body to broadly improve and extend health. Morgan Levine (Yale) will discuss how newly discovered molecular clocks give us more accurate information on our real biological age than does our birth certificate and will explain the research significance of these clocks. Melissa Harris (UAB) will update us on progress in stem cell biology. The promise of stem cells to treat and possibly reverse multiple aspects of aging are real, but perhaps no area of research has been more abused by hyperbolic claims. Dr. Harris will separate the real hope from the false hype.
How Characteristics of Florida’s Assisted Living Communities Impact Services and Recreational Activities Offered
Authors: Brown Jocelyn , Pupo Daniel
Published: December 2020

There are currently 3,090 assisted living communities (ALCs) serving older adults throughout the state of Florida. The services (e.g. physical therapy) and recreational activities (e.g. cooking classes) offered within these communities likely differ depending on a variety of characteristics such as location, licensure type, and profit status. The goal of this work is to determine how these characteristics influence the number and types of services and activities are offered within Florida’s ALCs. Data on the services and recreational activities, location, and characteristics of ALCs were collected from the state Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) website. Counties were classified as rural or urban and based on data from the 2010 U.S. Census. Linear regressions were used to model the associations. The results indicated that rural-based ALCs provided significantly fewer services and activities, compared to urban-based ALCs. ALCs that were for-profit, with more licensed beds and with a limited nursing service license showed increasing numbers of services and activities, while ALCs with limited mental health licenses showed significant decreases. ALCs that are rural, non-profit or that hold limited mental health licenses to provide fewer services and recreational activities for residents than ALCs without these characteristics. Policymakers and administrators should work to ensure that residents living within these communities have adequate access to services and activities by addressing administrative, logistical, and financial barriers.
Targeting Senescent Cells to Counter Aging and Aging-Related Conditions
Authors: LeBrasseur Nathan
Published: December 2020

In response to various forms of age-associated damage, cells can enter a state of senescence. Senescent cells can compromise the health and function of a tissue, and their accumulation with advancing age is believed to contribute to age-related diseases and geriatric syndromes. In preclinical models (i.e., mice), selective elimination of senescent cells through either genetic approaches or a new class of pharmacological agents, termed “senolytics”, has been show to effectively delay, prevent, or reverse the onset and/or progression of pulmonary disease, osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, diabetes, cognitive decline, and several other conditions. Thus, considerable efforts are underway to optimize pharmacological strategies and test their effectiveness in human populations. This seminar will highlight the state-of-the-science of senolytic drugs, and the opportunities and challenges for early phase clinical trials in humans.
Aging Clocks
Authors: Levine Morgan
Published: December 2020

While chronological age is arguably the strongest risk factor for death, disease, and disability, same-aged individuals remain heterogeneous in their susceptibilities to these various outcomes. One explanation is that chronological age is an imperfect proxy of the degree of biological aging an individual has undergone. Thus, defining measurable estimates of ‘biological age’ (in contrast to chronological age) has become a major initiative in Geroscience research. Such biomarkers of aging, or ‘aging clocks’ will 1) help identify underlying mechanisms of aging, 2) enable identification of at-risk individuals prior to disease onset, and 3) provide outcomes to assess efficacy of interventions. In this session, I will describe the various aging clocks, how they were developed, and what they track. I will also describe how aging clocks can facilitate research both within and outside of the biological sciences.
Reframing Aging in the SDGs Era: The Role of Nonprofits in Helping Older Persons and Holding Governments to Account
Authors: Maromoto Mika
Published: December 2020

With five years gone since the adoption of the UN Agenda for Sustainable Development, the global community is moving far too slowly toward achieving its 2030 objectives for older persons. Achieving proper rights and wellbeing for older persons requires strategic and concerted action. The WHO Decade of Healthy Ageing initiative is one useful step toward defining the diverse physical, psychological, social and healthcare needs of older persons. But government leadership remains weak, and the nonprofit sector plays the key role spearheading advocacy efforts toward the SDG motto of “leave no one behind.” The urgent needs of older persons – whether fighting ageism, upholding the rights of people living with dementia, or promoting lifelong learning and contributions to society - can best be met by societies that “reframe aging” and craft creative and innovative solutions. This presentation showcases NGOs that are leading the way in cultivating such transformative solutions.
User Attitudes Toward Research and Development of Technologies: Perspectives From Three Generations
Authors: Schmidt Steven , Fristedt Sofi , Löfqvist Charlotte , Iwarsson Susanne
Published: December 2020

New technologies are being touted as solutions to many societal challenges not least of which are ageing and health. However, the rapid development of new technologies is proceeding with little input from older adults. This presentation highlights the perceptions and attitudes of three age cohorts related to the continuous technological advancement of products intended to support active and healthy aging. Participants were 30-39 (n= 639), 50-59 (n=703), 70-79 (n=779) years-old randomly sampled from the Swedish population registry. Results showed both similarities and difference across generations. For example, 24%-35% of older adults would like to use home monitoring devices (e.g. fall sensors, smart home devices) to support active and healthy aging, compared to 35%-56% of younger groups. More than 82% of all groups highlighted the importance of involving intended users in the development process. Results can be used to support the needs and desires of current older adults and future generations.
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Authors: Sefcik Justine
Published: December 2020

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Engaging End Users in Designing Systems and Hardware for a Socially Assistive Robot
Authors: Cacchione Pamela , Mucchiani Caio , Lima Kristine , Mead Ross , Yim Mark , Johnson Michelle
Published: December 2020

Development of low-cost robots to assist older adults requires the input of end users: older adults, paid caregivers and clinicians. This study builds on prior work focused on the task investigation and deployment of mobile robots in a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly. We identified hydration, walking and reaching as tasks appropriate for the robot and helpful to the older adults. In this study we investigated the design specifications for a socially assistive robot to perform the above tasks. Through focus groups of clinicians, older adults and paid caregivers we sought preferences on the design specifications. Using conventional content analysis, the following four themes emerged: the robot must be polite and personable; science fiction or alien like; depends on the need of the older adult; and multifaceted to meet the needs of older adults. These themes were used in the design and deployment of the Quori robot.
Information Quality Assessment Framework for Online Dementia Care Resources
Authors: Smriti Diva , DiMaria-Ghalili Rose Ann , Gitlin Laura , Sarcevic Aleksandra , Yan Erjia , Huh-Yoo Jina
Published: December 2020

Persons with dementia and caregivers can benefit from online resources. The quality and accessibility of these resources, however, can vary. We present work on the Information Quality Framework for Online Dementia Care Resources. To develop the framework, we first empirically examine resources being retrieved with query terms developed with a medical librarian. Searching one of the possible keyword combinations related to living with dementia on Google “Alzheimer AND financial planning” returned 18,900,000 results. Among the top 13 results on the first page of the search results, six were websites of government or non-profit organizations, four were for-profit companies, and three were advertisements. Out of eight unique organizations and companies, two provided support through online communities, but only one is active. The next steps include developing systematic ways to evaluate the credibility and accuracy of these resources, and search and test broader topics of dementia care resources online.
Findings From the Understanding Patterns of Healthy Aging Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Project
Authors: Brennan-Ing Mark , Plankey Michael , Gustafson Deborah
Published: December 2020

In 1984, the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) was started to identify factors in the HIV epidemic related to disease risk and treatment progression among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in four urban areas in the US: Baltimore, MD/Washington, D.C.; Chicago, IL; Pittsburgh, PA, and Los Angeles, CA. MACS participants complete biannual study visits involving HIV testing, biometric screenings, and psychosocial data collection. In 2015 a MACS sub-study, the Understanding Patterns of Healthy Aging among MSM Project (HAMSM), was started to better understand resiliencies promoting well-being among MSM age 40 and older, including those with HIV. HAMSM has helped us to understand aging trajectories among MSM, and provides a unique combination of physiological and psychosocial data that can inform efforts to support MSM in healthy aging. This symposium will present emerging findings from the HAMSM study. Our first paper examines the relationships between psychological connection to the gay community (PSOC) and developmental regulatory strategies associated with health behaviors and more positive self-appraisals. The second paper examines how PSOC is related to HIV risk reduction behaviors, and if there are differences in such behaviors based on HIV status. Our third paper considers how self-perceptions of aging (age discrepancy, aging satisfaction) are related to frailty and frailty transitions, and if these relationships differ by HIV status. The final paper examines the relationship of social support to frailty among MSM by HIV status. Implications of these findings for research, policy, and programs targeting MSM will be discussed.
Social Support and Frailty in HIV Positive and Negative Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Graf Laura , Friedman Mackey , Meanley Steven , Egan James , Brown Andre , Ware Deanna , Plankey Michael , Haberlen Sabina
Published: December 2020

Social support is linked to a myriad of positive health outcomes, yet little is understood about its potential role on frailty development among older men who have sex with men (MSM). We evaluated data from 929 MSM aged 40-81 years enrolled in the MACS Health Aging sub-study. Social support (Social Provisions Scale[SPS-24]; range 24-96) was high, though slightly lower among the HIV-positive versus HIV-negative men (median: 80 vs. 82, p=0.12). Each SD increase in social support associated with a 21% decrease in incident frailty (Fried phenotype), independent of age, race, and education (aIRR=0.79, IQR[0.65, 0.97]), though attenuated after adjustment for depressive symptoms. This protective association was observed to be strongest among HIV-positive MSM. High social support is a strength among older MSM, which associates with positive frailty outcomes. Assessing and strengthening social support systems may have potential as a psychosocial component of frailty interventions.
Sex and Text: Queering Older Men’s Sexuality in Contemporary U.S. Fiction
Authors: Armengol Josep
Published: December 2020

This paper will explore the representation of men’s aging experiences in contemporary U.S. fiction. While most gender-ed approaches to aging have focused on women, which has contributed to the cultural invisibility of older men, this study focuses on men’s aging experiences as men, thus challenging the inverse correlation between masculinity and aging. To do so, the study draws on a selected number of contemporary U.S. male-authored fictional works, which question the widely-held assumption that aging is a lesser concern for men, or that men and women’s aging experiences may be simply defined as opposed. The literary corpus includes male authors from different backgrounds so as to illustrate how (self-)representations of aging men vary according not only to gender but also class (Richard Ford), race (Ernest Gaines), and sexual orientation (Edmund White), amongst other factors. The presentation will thus end up challenging the conventional equation of men’s aging processes with (sexual) decline, exemplifying their plurality as well as irreducible contradictions.
Raising Our Voices: The Impact of a Dementia Choir on Well-Being and Quality of Life
Authors: Sheets Debra , MacDonald Stuart , Smith Andre
Published: December 2020

Stigma represents one of the biggest barriers to living well with dementia following diagnosis. Social isolation is common as roles, friendships and opportunities to participate in the broader community disappear. An intergenerational dementia choir is a joyful activity that offers opportunities for learning, friendships and purposeful engagement towards common goals (e.g., regular social engagement, public concerts at season’s end). Data collection involved surveys and interviews with 32 dyads comprised of persons with dementia (PwD) and caregivers, as well as focus groups with 29 high school students. Results illustrate the development of a choir community across weeks of participation with far reaching benefits. Both caregivers and PwD experienced reductions in health risks and improvements in quality of life. Students’ understanding of dementia became more positive over time and new friendships developed. The discussion focuses on the need for meaningful and inclusive community activities for PwD and their caregivers.
Risk Factors of Orofacial Pain Symptoms Among Older Adults at the End of Life
Authors: Pei Yaolin , Wu Bei
Published: December 2020

The aims of this study were to examine the prevalence of orofacial pain symptoms in Chinese older adults at the end of life, and to investigate risk factors related to orofacial pain. The sample derived from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), a national respresentative sample of the oldest-old. The results showed that the 6-month prevalence of pain when chewing or biting at the end of life was 11.1%, and the rate was 5% for jaw joint pain/facial pain. Lower SES, smokers, and having chronic diseases were associated with having orofacial symptoms. Unexpectedly, the results revealed that dentate older adults (retain at least one natural tooth) who brushed their teeth more often were more likely to have orofacial symptoms. Older adults have poor oral health, particularly at the end of their life. This study highlights the importance of improving oral health for vulnerable older adults.
Social Stratification and Tooth Loss Among Migrant and Non-Migrant Middle-Aged and Older Adults in China
Authors: Qu Xiaomin , Wu Bei , Yu Jiaojiao , Zhang Haidong
Published: December 2020

This study investigated the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and tooth loss in middle-aged and older adults by migrant status. The sample included 2,390 participants aged 45-65 from the 2017 Urbanization and New Migrant Survey conducted from 10 cities in China. Results from the negative binomial regression and the marginal effect analysis showed that education, income, and residence in a developed city were negatively associated with tooth loss for non-migrants and migrants with high levels of education. These associations were not found to be significant for migrants with low education levels. The findings suggest that SES plays a more significant role in tooth retention for migrants with higher education levels compared to those with lower education levels. These results may largely be due to different levels of health literacy and unequal access to dental care services. Tailored intervention needs to be target migrant populations with low SES.
From Micro to Macro: Exploring Preference-Based Person Centered Care from Multiple Perspectives
Authors: Abbott Katherine , Williams Kristine
Published: December 2020

Advancing our knowledge related to honoring nursing home resident preferences is a cornerstone of person-centered care (PCC). While there are multiple approaches to providing PCC, we focus on resident preferences as assessed via the Preferences for Everyday Living Inventory (PELI). The PELI is an evidenced-based, validated instrument that can be used to enhance the delivery of PCC. In this symposium, we explore the perspectives of a variety of stakeholders including nursing home residents, staff, and the impact of preference-based care on provider level regulatory outcomes. First, we present a comparative study of preference importance among n=317 African America and White nursing home residents that found more similarities than differences between the two groups. Second, a content analysis of the responses from n=196 interviews with nursing home residents details the barriers and facilitators connected to their levels of satisfaction with their preferences being fulfilled. Third, perspectives from n=27 direct care workers explore the concept of pervasive risk avoidance to the delivery of PCC. Fourth, systems-level practices, such as shift assignments and provider schedules are identified as barriers to successfully fulfilling resident preferences from the perspectives of n=19 staff within assisted living. Our final presentation utilizes a fixed-effects panel regression analysis with n=551 Ohio nursing home providers to explore the impact of PELI use on regulatory outcomes such as substantiated complaints and deficiency scores reported in the CMS Nursing Home Compare data. Discussant Dr. Kristi Williams will integrate findings, highlighting implications for policy, practice, and future directions. Research in Quality of Care Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.
Communicating Guatemalan Villagers’ Experience of Aging Through Photography of Local Aging Advocates
Authors: Perkinson Margaret
Published: December 2020

What does it mean to grow old in a remote Guatemalan village? How do locals perceive the experience and meaning of later life, and how can a non-local access those perceptions? Volunteers from the village church’s committee on aging learned PhotoVoice methodology to document townspeople’s experiences of aging. Team members reassembled to discuss reasons for selecting a particular subject, how the photos’ contents related to their own lives, what the images said about aging in their village, and possible actions to consider in response. Qualitative analysis of the discussions revealed perceptions and meanings attached to family relationships, living environments, work and leisure activities, and health issues of their older subjects. The images evoked exchanges, commentary, and reflections among group members, creating an “eliciting context” in which processes of negotiated, shared meaning-making regarding later life emerged.
Comparing Analytical Methods for Gut Microbiome and Aging: Gut Microbiota and Body Weight in the MrOS
Authors: Shardell Michelle , Parimi Neeta , Langsetmo Lisa , Orwoll Eric , Shikany James , Kado Deborah , Cawthon Peggy
Published: December 2020

Gut microbiome datasets comprise microbial taxa relative abundances that necessarily sum to 1; analysis ignoring this feature may produce misleading results. We assessed 163 genera from the first batch of Microbiome Ancillary Study (n=530) stool samples and examined associations between microbiota and body weight. We compared conventional Bayesian linear regression (BLR) and network analysis to their compositional counterparts, adjusting for past weight and other covariates. Conventional BLR identified Roseburia and Dialister (positive association) and Coprococcus-1 (negative association) after multiple comparisons adjustment(P<.0125). No conventional network module was associated with weight. Using compositional BLR, men with higher Coprococcus-2 and Acidaminococcus had higher weight, whereas men with higher Coprococcus-1 and Ruminococcus-1 had lower weight (P<.05), but findings were non-significant after multiple comparisons adjustment. Two compositional network modules with respective hub taxa Blautia and Faecalibacterium were associated with weight(P<.01). Findings depended on analytical workflow; compositional analysis is advocated to appropriately handle the sum-to-1 constraint.
Towards a Greater Contextualization of Music and the Arts in Aging and Cognitive Disorders
Authors: O’Neill Desmond
Published: December 2020

There is an increasing prominence of arts and cultural interventions related to aging and cognitive disorders in the scholarly literature and at gerontological conferences. However, the mechanisms of the salience and relevance of aesthetics, culture and leisure in the lives of older people remains unclear. One aspect which has emerged is that of aesthetic deprivation and its consequences for well-being. This symposium aims to provide perspectives from a range of researchers involved in programs of research and implementation to try to contextualize and better understand the perspectives of older people, arts practitioners and therapists the place and context of arts, culture and leisure in optimal aging.
ARTZ @ Jefferson: How Arts-Based Experiences Support People With Dementia as Mentors and Aid in Dignity Preservation
Authors: Shifrin Susan , Gelo Florence , Mitchell Anne
Published: December 2020

ARTZ @ Jefferson positions people with dementia and care partners as authorities about their lived experiences; arts-based experiences assist them in communicating with and mentoring health-professions students about those lived experiences. Since Spring 2016, over 100 students have been mentored by people with dementia and their care partners. Their first encounters take place in museum galleries, through facilitated conversations about works of art. Over the next six to eight weeks, students and mentors build relationships through group meetings and individual conversations. Post course surveys demonstrated that nearly 100% of students indicated their increased ability to value listening and listen to others, enhanced the healthcare provider/patient relationship, and prioritized patients’ life experiences. The majority of mentors noted that student interactions added to their quality of life, social engagement and sense of purpose. Preliminary outcomes suggest that arts-based experiences establish mutual respect and empathy between people with dementia and students.
Technology in Exercise Interventions for Older Women: Acceptability, Adherence, and Special Considerations
Authors: Halloway Shannon
Published: December 2020

Women aged 65 years and older participate in less moderate-vigorous physical activity (PA) than men of this age group, which increases the risk for a myriad of chronic health problems. Interventions that utilize a lifestyle approach to increase PA in everyday life are preferred by women compared to structured exercise, but long-term adherence is a challenge. Technology (e.g., wearables, social media, computers) can be efficiently leveraged as motivational tools in lifestyle PA interventions. However, the unique needs of older women must be considered. Thus, the purpose is to examine the: (a) types of technology that were successfully integrated into existing PA intervention studies designed for older women; (b) acceptability and adherence to technological approaches by older women; and (c) additional considerations needed for special populations, including older women with chronic health problems. The efficiency and scalability of technological approaches with clinical and public health implications will also be discussed.
The Effect of a Personalized Automated Exercise Guidance System on the Improvement of obesity
Authors: Noh Yeonsik , Chang Jae-Seung , Chon Ki , Yoon Hyungro , Jeong In Cheol , Kong In Deok
Published: December 2020

This study introduces a personalized automated exercise guidance system for the efficient reduction of obesity. The proposed system was composed of wearable biometric devices and exercise-machine control systems connected with the integrated database server. It was designed for providing customized exercise prescription (intensity, repetition, frequency, etc.) according to ACSM guidelines for obesity based on real-time biosignals feedback and an individual’s exercise capacity. Nineteen subjects participated in evaluating the proposed system, and we found that the risk factors (body composition, hemodynamics, blood enzymes, and exercise variables) related to obesity were statistically significantly improved. Other exercise prescriptions for chronic diseases and symptoms will be able to adapt to the proposed system so that we believe it would be substantially helpful to improve geriatric diseases and symptoms by using technology-driven exercise.
Technology, Yoga, and Hallway Walks to Maintain Function and Self-Efficacy During the Home-Bound Months of Winter
Authors: LeBard-Rankila Kim
Published: December 2020

Winter months present individuals with a unique challenge, decreased daily movement that can lead to decreased physical and emotional health. Snow and ice cause hazardous walkways and driving conditions that can lead to falls and decreased travel out of the home. For those that live in states that have four seasons, when spring comes many of them have spent a large majority of their daily lives indoors for 3-5 months. This isolation can cause decreased daily movement, aggravate medical conditions, challenge healthy eating habits, and cause social isolation. Participants for this study live in a 32-apartment building, which all occupants are independent with daily living skills and are 60 years or older. The study assessed if motivational texting, yoga in the apartment’s community center, and short hall-way walks can help maintain or increase self-efficacy. Flexibility, hand-grip strength, and perceived quality of life were assessed.
Advocates for African American Elders: Engaging Older Adults in Education and Research
Authors: Lincoln Karen
Published: December 2020

Advocates for African American Elders (AAAE) is an outreach and engagement program at the University of Southern California, providing culturally competent health education for older African Americans throughout Los Angeles County (LAC). Founded in 2012 to address racial disparities in health outcomes, AAAE partners with community-based agencies, government, and health plans to address the persistent growing needs of older African Americans. AAAE educates and disseminates information about healthcare policies and resources through fact sheets, educational forums, and the AAAE website. It collaborates with local healthcare providers to improve outreach, education, and care, and assesses service needs and resources via surveys in LAC. The program engages in community-based participatory research to provide real-world solutions for improving health outcomes and build community research capacity. This presentation will highlight AAAE’s community-based approach to raising awareness, increasing knowledge and access to healthcare resources, and improving health outcomes for older African Americans and their families.
Community-Engaged Research of Older Pacific Islander Adults: Results From the PIHS and the NHPI NHIS
Authors: Panapasa Sela
Published: December 2020

Despite the well-established need to measure and address the growing issue of disparities among older minority populations, little is known about the prevalence and correlates of disability, morbidity, and mortality among older US Pacific Islander adults. This paper discusses culturally appropriate approaches for conducting evidence-based research on a representative probability sample of older Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults interviewed as part of the Pacific Islander Health Study and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander National Health Interview Survey. Important strategies that increase response rates and respondent participation when engaging this multi-ethnic and culturally diverse special population in research are highlighted. The model describes successful methodologies that combine CBPR approaches of community engagement with more traditional survey design methods. The findings from this work emphasizes the importance of representative data on hard-to-survey populations to illustrate granular differences in health outcomes within underrepresented populations that are not reflected in national health surveys.
Relation Orientation and Ageism: A Cross-Cultural Comparison Between Chinese and Americans
Authors: Zhang Xin
Published: December 2020

Attitudes toward older adults were negatively associated with ageism. However, whether this association is universal or cultural specific remained unknown. On the basis of well-documented cultural difference in relation orientation between westerners and easterners, this study aimed to investigate whether participants of different cultural background would show different association between ageism and attitudes toward close vs. non-close older adults in a sample of 211 Chinese (Mean age = 33.27) and 241 American (Mean age = 34.56) younger adults. Multiple regressions were conducted, and as expected, attitudes toward older adults (of different relation orientation) were found to be associated with ageism differently in two cultures. For American participants, attitudes toward both close and non-close older adults significantly correlated with ageism, while only attitudes toward close older adults were significant predictors of ageism in Chinese sample. This result had important implications for understanding and intervening ageism with people of different culture background.
HIV and Aging Comes into the Spotlight: 2013 to Now
Authors: Taylor Tonya
Published: December 2020

I have had the pleasure of serving as Co-Convener of the HIV, AIDS and Older Adults Special Interest Group (SIG) for seven years (2013 to now). During this time, we witnessed an increase in NIH funding opportunities, most notable was the Multidisciplinary Studies in HIV/AIDS and Aging FOA. NIH also renewed its support for two prominent longitudinal HIV cohort studies (now knowns as the Combined Cohort Study) because of their unmatched ability to provide insight on the effects of HIV infection and aging. Individuals older than 50 years of age are now included in AIDS and HIV prevention clinical trials. And, in 2008 the AIDS Institute launched the first National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day (Sept 18th). During this period, the SIG continued to raise awareness about HIV and aging through sponsored symposia and Webinars, and participants for the SIG participated in the first HIV and aging GSA Momentum Discussion. Part of a symposium sponsored by the HIV, AIDS and Older Adults Interest Group.
Effect of Longevity Genetic Variants on the Molecular Aging Rate
Authors: Sebastiani Paola , Gurinovich Anastasia , Song Zeyuan , Zhang William , Monti Stefano , Millman Sofiya , Barzilai Nir , Perls Thomas
Published: December 2020

We conducted a genome-wide association study of 1317 centenarians from the New England Centenarian Study and 2885 controls using >9M genetic variants. The most significantly associated variants were correlated to 4131 serum proteins in 224 study participants. The genetic and protein associations were replicated in a genome-wide association study of 480 centenarians and ~800 controls of Ashkenazy Jewish descent and a proteomic scan of approximately 1000 participants of the same study. The analysis replicated a protein signature associated with APOE genotypes and confirmed strong overexpression of BIRC2 (p < 5E-16) and underexpression of APOB in carriers of the APOE2 allele (p< 0.05). The analysis also discovered and replicated associations between longevity variants and slower changes of protein biomarkers of aging, including a novel protein signature of rs2184061 (CDKN2a/CDKN2B in chromosome 9). The analyses show that longevity variants correlate with proteome signatures that could be manipulated to discover healthy aging targets.
Geographical Residency and Quality of Life in Adults with and without Hearing Loss
Authors: Hay-McCutcheon Marcia , Yang Xin
Published: December 2020

There is an increased interest in the impact that hearing loss has on general well-being, including overall quality of life (QOL). The Quality of Life Inventory (QOLI), the Charlson Comorbidity Index and an Accessibility to Health Care questionnaire were administered to 108 participants. For adults with hearing loss who did not have access to hearing health care, lower QOL scores were reported compared to those with access to hearing health care, but this finding was not significant. Effect size calculations indicated that adults with hearing loss who lived in the most rural regions of Alabama, had lower reported QOL scores than their counterparts who had hearing within normal limits. Finally, those with higher incomes, who were older, and who had fewer physical disorders reported higher QOL compared to those with lower incomes, were younger, and who had more physical ailments. Part of a symposium sponsored by the Mental Health Practice and Aging Interest Group.
GSA Managing Editors’ Perspective on Submission Dos and Don’ts
Authors: Jackson Kathleen , Jung Karen
Published: December 2020

In this presentation, the managing editors of GSA’s peer-reviewed journals will discuss how the editorial offices operate and their roles in the publishing process. The topics will include how to navigate the ScholarOne submission system, why it is important to read the Instructions to Authors, and how authors can work with the editorial offices to increase the visibility and impact of their published articles.
Literacy and Cognitive Function in the Context of Marriage: A Study of Older Mexican Couples
Authors: Saenz Joseph
Published: December 2020

Many studies have reported that literacy is associated with favorable cognitive outcomes in late-life. Few have evaluated whether the cognitive benefits of literacy extend to a spouse’s cognitive ability. Among married husband-wife dyads from the 2012 Mexican Health and Aging Study (n=4,078 dyads), literacy was assessed as self-reported ability to read and write. General cognitive ability was assessed using performance across several cognitive domains. Approximately 11% and 15% of husbands and wives, respectively, could not read or write. For both husbands and wives, both own literacy, and having a spouse who could read and write were independently associated with better cognitive ability even after accounting for both partners’ education. Literacy may represent an important form of capital that may be beneficial to preserve cognitive function among older adults. Benefits of spousal literacy may operate by facilitating access to resources such as information and cognitive stimulation.
Physiological Dysregulation and Aging: Implications for Health Equity
Authors: Forrester Sarah , Kiefe Catarina , Thorpe Roland
Published: December 2020

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are a major public health issue that affect the magnitude and prognosis of many diseases in the U.S., including cardiovascular disease and cognitive disorders of aging. These associations are especially deleterious among minority persons in the US due to consistently unfavorable social determinants in this population including socioeconomic position, residential segregation, and quality of education. Physiological dysregulation measures the “true global state” of an individual that includes, but goes beyond, chronological age, reflects the health burden produced, in part, by SDOH, and is associated with the development and prognosis of disease. A better understanding of how and when physiological dysregulation occurs may allow us to prevent or reverse dysregulation among the most vulnerable aging populations leading to improved health equity in cardiovascular and cognitive outcomes.
Advance Care Plans for Sexual Minority Older Adults: Disparities Across Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Individuals
Authors: Wardecker Britney , Matsick Jes
Published: December 2020

To ensure preference-based care, health providers advise individuals to establish advance care plans (e.g., power of attorney, valid will; NIA, 2018). Though important for all individuals to prepare for declining health, it is critical for bisexual older adults to establish plans given they evidence more health problems compared to heterosexual, lesbian, and gay counterparts (Fredriksen-Goldsen et al., 2016). To assess factors related to having advance care plans, we used data from sexual minority older adults (n=158) in the Health and Retirement Study (2016). Bisexual individuals reported a lower number of valid wills than lesbian and gay participants, t(152)=3.80, p<.001. This finding is particularly alarming given bisexual people are the numeric majority of sexual minorities and experience elevated health problems in older age. We will discuss mechanisms of disparities, the need for research on end-of-life care for sexual minorities, and implications for improving healthcare providers role in facilitating care plans.
Sexual Orientation, Femininity, and Attitudes Toward Menstruation Among Women: Implications for Menopause
Authors: Matsick Jes , Kruk Mary , Wardecker Britney
Published: December 2020

Women differ in how they psychologically respond to the end of menstruation and onset of menopause (Lorber & Moore, 2002); however, little empirical evidence exists for understanding how sexual orientation and gendered dynamics contribute to menopausal experiences. Do women’s attitudes toward the cessation of menstruation vary by sexual orientation? Using data from the Midlife in the U.S. Study (MIDUS, Wave 2; N=2,951), we test how sexual orientation relates to attitudes toward menstruation cessation through norms and values surrounding womanhood (i.e., “traditional femininity concerns,” such as worries about fertility and attractiveness). Cisgender heterosexual women, compared to sexual minority women, expressed greater regret of menstrual periods ending, and heterosexual women’s heightened concerns about traditional femininity mediated the association between sexual orientation and regret, b=-.09, 95%CI [-.176,-.008]. This research yields implications for understanding aging stigma and women’s health, and we discuss how menopause may be differently experienced by women based on sexual orientation.
Coping With Hurricane Matthew: Lessons Learned on the Importance of Relationships
Authors: Gibson Allison , Engelhardt Ethan , Murphy Erin
Published: December 2020

The effects of natural disasters are daunting among older populations, especially those with intersecting vulnerable social locations, such as low-income aging racial/ethnic minorities. Yet, there is a paucity of literature on these experiences. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of this population before and during the 2016’s Hurricane Matthew. Using a modified grounded theory approach, study participants were recruited through a snowball method and through flyers that were posted throughout affected communities. Semi-structured interviews were used in this study. The analysis focused on the identification of themes. The study aimed to gain knowledge of the experiences of 15 aging minorities with Hurricane Matthew (n=15). The sample was primarily 73.3% females, with a mean age of 69, and of racial/ethnic minorities (53.3% Black and 46.7% Hispanic). All participants self-identified as low-income. The main theme that emerged from this study on how low-income aging minorities cope with natural disasters was the reliance on social capital and the importance of human relationships. The results suggest that in the context of having low-income, aging minority rely on a range of support. Some support came through information and tangible help they received from family, friends, church community, and neighbors. Bridging social capital came from federal and non-profit agencies as well as help received from their employers. Pre-disaster planning should focus on supporting older populations in building social capital. This may be especially beneficial for low-income, aging minority, who may lack adequate financial resources on which to rely.
Clark Tibbitts Award Lecture
Authors: Hancock Cynthia
Published: December 2020

The Clark Tibbitts Award lecture will feature an address by the 2020 award recipient, Jan Abusharkrah, PhD, FAGHE. AGHE’s Clark Tibbitts Award was established in 1980 and named for an architect of the field of gerontological education. The award is given each year to an individual or organization that has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of gerontology and geriatrics education.
Development and Validation of a Community Assessment Tool for Diverse Rural Family Caregivers
Authors: McCarthy Michael , Hustead Morgan Lee-Regalado , Bacon Rachel , Garcia Yolanda Evie , Dunn Dorothy , Williamson Heather , Baldwin Julie
Published: December 2020

The aging of the United States population has led to an increase in the prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). Many individuals with ADRD receive care from family members and friends who, themselves, experience poor health outcomes. ADRD family caregivers from diverse backgrounds are frequently underserved by health and social service systems. However, research suggests that diverse caregivers possess culturally-based strengths that serve as protective factors against poor outcomes. This presentation reports findings from a study to develop and validate a community assessment of the needs, assets, and resources of rural Latinx and Native American ADRD family caregivers. Initial assessment items were based upon validated measures developed for diverse ADRD and comparable caregiver populations. A Delphi process was used to obtain ratings from a 9-member expert panel (ADRD policy makers, providers, and family caregivers) about the degree to which the assessment was: (1) inclusive of different cultural groups; (2) respectful of cultural values and norms; (3) comprehensive with respect to needs, assets, and resources, and; (4) relevant to the lived experiences of diverse rural caregivers. Experts also provided qualitative feedback about modifying phrases to make the assessment more relevant to diverse respondents, removing sections, and adding items and response options to better reflect rural life. After two formal rounds of review and multiple iterations, between 77% and 100% of experts agreed that all sections of the assessment met criteria. Findings highlight the benefits of a systematic process for developing and validating community assessments for diverse, rural populations.
Aging, Senescent Cells, and Senolytic Drugs: The Path to Translation
Authors: Kirkland James
Published: December 2020

Senescent cells (SC) accumulate with aging and at causal sites of multiple chronic disorders and diseases, including those accounting for the bulk of morbidity, mortality, and health expenditures. SC do not replicate. Some SC release factors that cause tissue dysfunction, the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Transplanting small numbers of SC into younger mice to above a critical threshold leads to frailty, early onset of multiple age-related diseases, and premature death. A report in 2004 showing caloric restriction causes both healthspan extension and delayed SC accumulation prompted us to begin efforts to discover senolytic drugs, agents that selectively eliminate SC. We used a hypothesis-driven, mechanism-based strategy to discover senolytics, reasoning that senescent cell anti-apoptotic pathways (SCAPs) exist that defend SC against their own SASP, allowing them to survive, despite killing neighboring cells. Senolytics cause SC apoptosis by transiently disabling these SCAPs. Because SC take weeks to re-accumulate, senolytics can be administered intermittently – a “hit-and-run” approach. Senolytics delay, prevent, or alleviate frailty and cardiovascular, neuropsychiatric, liver, kidney, musculoskeletal, lung, eye, hematological, metabolic, and skin disorders as well as complications of organ transplantation, radiation, and cancer treatment in pre-clinical models. As anticipated for agents targeting the fundamental aging mechanisms that are “root cause” contributors to multiple disorders, potential uses of senolytics are protean, potentially alleviating over 40 conditions in preclinical studies, opening a new route for treating age-related dysfunction and diseases. We review the discovery of senolytics and potential strategies for translation into the clinic. Early trials indicate effectiveness of senolytics in humans.
Margret M. and Paul B. Baltes Award
Authors: Silverstein Merril
Published: December 2020

The lecture will be given by the2019 Baltes Award recipient, Allison Bielak, PhD, FGSA, of Colorado State University. The recipient of the2020 Baltes Award is William J. Chopik, PhD. The Margret M. and Paul B. Baltes Foundation Award in Behavioral and Social Gerontology recognizes outstanding early-career contributions in behavioral and social gerontology. The award is generously funded by the Margret M. and Paul B. Baltes Foundation.