bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THE AGING JOURNEY RAILWAY, ILLICIT DRUG (DE)RAILS, AND CARE: OLDER USERS IN BRAZIL AND PORTUGAL
Authors: Lourenço Maciane , Bueno Talita , Muniz Priscila , Pavão Robson , França Maria Gabriela , Da Silva Jaqueline , Ferreira Emiliane 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The study object was motivation to sustain self-care of older drug users. Objective: Analyze older drug users′ motivation to sustain self-care practices. Specific objectives: (i) To characterize social-demographic profile, physical and mental health of older illicit drug users. (ii) Describe everyday practices classified as self-care by older drug users; (iii) Discuss what helps and hinders older drug users′ motivation to sustain self-care. Methodology: Qualitative, descriptive, study using Grounded Theory (GT) to guide the process of data collection, analysis and discussion. Sixty individuals 60+ who used or are current users of illicit drugs were contacted through the snowball technique and interviewed in Brazil and Portugal. Data collection instruments were: (i) a semi-structured question guide; (ii) a spreadsheet for quantitative data collection; (iii) field notes; and (iv) memos were filled out throughout the research process, with the purpose to contribute with and enlighten data analysis and discussion. Results: From data submitted to GT analytical processes, 152 codes emerged, were grouped in 10 subcategories and three categories: “Life trajectory”; “Drugs” and “Health tensions and balance practices”. Conclusion: Data results on older drug users′ motivation to sustain self-care practices gave rise to the central category “the aging journey railway, drug (de)rails and care: ways in Brazil and Portugal” revealing self-care as key in the treatment, also highlighting significant individuals and therapeutic modalities as consubstantial influence for such maintenance.
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN ANXIETY AND PERSONALITY DISORDER FEATURES IN YOUNGER AND OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Noel Olivia R , Stone Lisa E , Segal Daniel L 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Introduction: Anxiety is a prevalent problem that has been found to be associated with multiple other mental disorders, functional impairments, and poor quality of life. Specifically, it appears that personality may play a major role in anxiety based on preferred dispositional coping methods and presence of normal and dysfunctional personality traits. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between anxiety and personality disorder (PD) features. It was hypothesized that anxiety would have positive associations with the avoidant, dependent, obsessive-compulsive, schizotypal, paranoid, and borderline PD scales. Method: Community-dwelling older adults (N = 130) and younger adults (N = 243) completed the Geriatric Anxiety Scale (GAS) and the Coolidge Axis Two Inventory (CATI) as part of a larger assessment battery. Correlations were computed between the GAS total score and the 14 PD scales from the CATI. Results: Results showed that anxiety was significantly and positively associated with all 14 PD scales. Specifically, as expected, the schizotypal (.52), paranoid (.55), avoidant (.56), obsessive-compulsive (.60), dependent (.62), and borderline (.69) PD scales were all significantly positively associated with anxiety. The remaining 8 PD scales also showed strong, positive correlations with anxiety: sadistic (.27), antisocial (.28), schizoid (.32), histrionic (.42), narcissistic (.44), passive-aggressive (.59), self-defeating (.64), and depressive (.69). Discussion: These results indicate that anxiety and abnormal personality traits are highly associated, showing a strong comorbidity. An implication is that PDs may play a role in the development of anxiety, or vice versa. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify temporal and causative relationships.
PERCEIVED NEIGHBORHOOD SOCIAL DISORDER, FRIENDS’ SUPPORT, AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMATOLOGY OF NON-MARRIED OLDER WOMEN
Authors: Cho Seungjong , Townsend Aloen 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
This study examined whether perceived neighborhood social disorder predicted depressive symptoms among non-married older women (N = 823) drawn from the 2016 Health and Retirement Study. It also tested the stress buffering effect of friends support. A negative binomial regression model showed that higher perceived neighborhood social disorder was associated with higher depressive symptoms. Presence of good friends in the same neighborhood and number of close friends were protective factors, but no stress buffering effect of friends support was identified. This study highlights the adverse effect of negative perceptions of the neighborhood social environment on non-married older women’s depressive symptoms.
MENTAL HEALTH POLICY OUTCOMES: AN EXAMINATION OF OLDER ADULTS’ MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE USE, 2002-2012
Authors: Ford Katy-Lauren , Kim Giyeon 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Objectives: Though several national-level mental health policies have been enacted and implemented over the past decade, older adults’ rates of mental health service (MHS) utilization remain low. We aimed to examine individual- and community-level factors that have fostered the most successful implementations of national mental health policies in recent years. Methods: We conducted a multilevel growth curve analysis to examine older adults’ MHS use using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey – Household Component, or MEPS-HC. We considered MHS use in the MEPS-HC for the period of 2002-2012, during which members of MEPS Panels 6-17 provided responses. We identified 8,416 respondents aged 65+ with mental health need, and examined the rates of actual MHS utilization among this sample as it varied by insurance status, rural/urban location, and race/ethnicity. Results: Analyses revealed that rates of older adults’ MHS use did not increase significantly over our examination period, regardless of race/ethnicity or rurality of location. Only insurance status was a significant predictor of change in MHS use rates over the years 2002-2012; t=3.93 (19), p&lt;0.001. Conclusions: Findings suggest that rates of MHS use remained stagnant over the decade examined, revealing problems with implementation of relevant policies for older adults. Additionally, our analyses highlighted that although there were no disparities in rates of MHS use by geographic location or race/ethnicity, there may be significant disparities in identified need for services among older adults. We make suggestions for ensuring greater efficiency and efficacy of efforts to improve older adults’ MHS use in the coming decade.
QUALITY OF LIFE IN OLDER ADULTS RECEIVING IMMUNE CHECKPOINT INHIBITOR THERAPY
Authors: Hoogland Aasha I , Eisel Sarah L , Irizarry-Arroyo Nathaly E , James Brian , Mansfield Jori , Lafranchise Elizabeth A , Jim Heather S 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have generated significant excitement for their ability to extend survival in patients with lung, head and neck, and other cancers. In older adults with cancer, emerging research suggests that ICIs improve overall and progression-free survival, but few studies have reported on quality of life (QOL). The goal of this study was to examine changes in QOL over time in older (65+ years) vs. younger (&lt;65 years) lung and head and neck cancer patients. Eligible participants scheduled to begin ICI for lung or head and neck cancer completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy General (FACT-G) every 2-4 weeks until disease progression. Controlling for cancer site, age group differences in QOL over time were evaluated using linear mixed models. A total of 80 lung cancer (mean age=66.5, 55% female, 55% aged 65+) and 55 head and neck cancer patients (mean age=61.5, 15% female, 45% aged 65+) provided consent. At baseline, patients with head and neck cancer reported significantly lower overall QOL, physical well-being, and emotional well-being compared to patients with lung cancer (ps&lt;.0001). Older patients had marginally higher baseline emotional well-being than younger patients (p=.07). Across groups, there were increases in social well-being (p=.04) and a trend toward decreasing physical well-being (p=.10) over time. Patients with head and neck cancer reported lower emotional well-being over time than patients with lung cancer (p&lt;.01). There were no age differences in QOL over time. Larger longitudinal studies are needed to better understand QOL in older patients receiving ICIs.
INCREMENTAL VALIDITY OF OPTIMISM AND PURPOSE FOR PREDICTING OLDER ADULTS’ DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS
Authors: Mitchell Lauren L , Erbes Chris , Arbisi Paul 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
After age 60, depressive symptoms tend to increase slowly over time on average across the population. However, individual trajectories vary, with some increasing more steeply, and others remaining stable. A broad array of psychological constructs have been demonstrated to predict depressive symptoms, including neuroticism, extraversion, optimism, and sense of purpose in life. It is important for psychologists to understand which among these factors are the strongest and most robust predictors. A substantial body of research demonstrates that Big Five personality traits are strongly associated with depressive symptoms (e.g., Hakulinen et al., 2015). Optimism and purpose are also associated with well-being (Carver et al., 2009; Pinquart, 2002), but it is not clear whether such associations could be accounted for by Big Five traits, which are also correlated with optimism and purpose. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (N = 14,021), we tested the incremental validity of optimism and purpose for predicting older adults’ depressive symptoms, controlling for Big Five traits and demographics. A latent growth curve modeling approach allowed us to examine associations with trajectories of depressive symptoms over six waves (approximately 10 years). Results demonstrated that both optimism and purpose are significantly associated with baseline levels of depressive symptoms, over and above the Big Five. However, only Big Five traits were associated with linear and quadratic slope in depressive symptom trajectories. These findings suggest that optimism and purpose are not redundant with Big Five traits for predicting depressive symptoms, and may be valuable targets for intervention efforts.
EVALUATION OF A TELEPHONE-BASED PROGRAM DESIGNED TO REDUCE LONELINESS IN OLDER VETERANS
Authors: Gould Christine E , Juang Christine , Huh Terri , Iyer Sowmya 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
We examined the benefits and challenges of implementing a program aiming to reduce older Veterans’ loneliness. The program helped connect older Veterans with others through telephone-based group activities. Thirty-four Veterans were enrolled in the program, of which 14 attendees called in to one or more activities. Data were collected at baseline, 3-months, and 6-months. Differences in baseline characteristics between attendees and non-attendees were calculated. Changes in Veterans’ perceived loneliness, depression, anxiety, and quality of life were evaluated. Client satisfaction were analyzed. Qualitative data analyses were conducted to identify perceived benefits and challenges of participating in this program. Attendees were more likely to be depressed and have limited environmental resources to promote quality of life than non-attendees. A significant decrease in loneliness was found among attendees from baseline to 3-months. Overall, Veterans were satisfied with this program and the services provided. Perceived benefits included a structured program with interesting topics to spend time on as well as the opportunity to socialize, exchange ideas, and connect with other Veterans. Perceived individual challenges (e.g., hard of hearing) and program-level challenges (e.g., complicated procedures) were observed. Results demonstrated that this telephone-based program is feasible and beneficial for older Veterans to reduce loneliness. Several barriers and challenges were noted, providing insight into ways to improve the implementation of this program.
DISCRIMINATION AND DEPRESSION IN MID- TO LATE LIFE: THE ROLE OF OPTIMISM
Authors: Perez Elliottnell , Dzierzewski Joseph , Ravyts Scott 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
he positive association between discrimination and depression is well-supported throughout the literature. Previous evidence exploring potential mechanisms suggest discrimination is associated with depression via changes in social cognition. The goal of the current study was to investigate whether optimism explained the relationship between discrimination and depressive symptoms in mid-to-late life. Furthermore, the study assessed whether this mediated relationship was moderated by race or sex. This study included cross-sectional and longitudinal secondary data analysis of 2453 middle-aged and older adults (M age=68.30,SD=8.93) from the Midlife in the United States study. Discrimination was measured using an 11-item count of the number of discriminatory events experienced. Optimism was measured using the 6-item Life Orientation Test. Depressive symptoms were assessed using a 7-item count of the number of symptoms experienced. Optimism mediated the relationship between discrimination and depressive symptoms cross-sectionally, 95% CI:[.012, .034], and longitudinally, 95% CI:[.008, .024]. There was no evidence of moderated mediation; however, sex did moderate the direct relationship between discrimination and depressive symptoms cross-sectionally, b=.10, 95% CI:[.001, .194], and longitudinally, b=.03, 95% CI:[.01, .05]. The current study extends the literature by providing cross-sectional and longitudinal support for optimism as a mechanism through which discrimination leads to depressive symptoms in older adults. Evidence also suggests that women experience greater depressive symptoms than men in response to discrimination. Future research may wish to examine the developmental course of observed relationships and the impact of multiple marginalized identities on these relationships.
MUSCLE WEAKNESS IS ASSOCIATED WITH DISABILITY AND CHRONIC MULTIMORBIDITY IN MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER AMERICANS
Authors: Peterson Mark , Faul Jessica 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: The objective of this study was to use nationally-representative data on Americans age 50+ to determine the association between grip strength and inflammation as independent predictors of incident disability, chronic multimorbidity and dementia. Methods: Older adults (n=12,618) from the 2006-2008 waves of the Health and Retirement Study with 8-years of follow-up were included. Longitudinal modeling was performed to examine the association between baseline grip strength (normalized to body mass: NGS) and high sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (≥3.0 mg/L) with incident physical disabilities (i.e., ≥2 limitations to activities of daily living), chronic multimorbidity (≥2 of chronic conditions), and dementia. Results: The odds of incident disability were 1.28 (95% CI: 1.19-1.37) and 1.27 (95% CI: 1.21-1.36) for men and women respectively, for each 0.05-unit lower NGS. The odds of incident chronic multimorbidity were 1.22 (95% CI: 1.06-1.18) and 1.12 (95% CI: 1.06-1.17) for men and women respectively for each 0.05-unit lower NGS. The odds of incident dementia were 1.10 for men (95% CI: 1.02-1.20) for each 0.05-unit lower NGS, but there was no significant effect for women. Elevated hs-CRP was only associated with chronic multimorbidity among women (OR=1.60; 95%CI: 1.26-2.02). Conclusions: Our findings indicate a robust inverse association between NGS and disability and chronic, multimorbidity in older men and women, and dementia in men. Elevated hs-CRP was only associated with chronic multimorbidity among women. Healthcare providers should implement measures of handgrip strength in routine health assessments and discuss the potential dangers of weakness and interventions to improve strength with their patients.
MULTIPLE CHRONIC CONDITIONS IN OLDER CANCER SURVIVORS WITH AND WITHOUT HIV
Authors: Koroukian Siran , Schiltz Nicholas , Rose Johnie , Cooper Gregory , Owusu Cynthia , Statler Abby , Moore Scott E , Markt Sarah 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: With more effective treatment for both HIV and cancer, longevity among persons living with HIV (PLwHIV) has improved significantly. However, little is known about whether the comorbidity profile of cancer survivors differs between PLwHIV and their HIV-free counterparts. To address this critical gap in knowledge, we compared the occurrence and combination of multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) among older cancer survivors by HIV status. Methods: We used national data from the 2014 Chronic Conditions Data Warehouse (CCW) as part of the Medicare Beneficiary Summary File, which flags 66 conditions, including HIV/AIDS, and history of common cancers (colorectal, lung, prostate, and leukemias/lymphomas). We limited our study population to men age 65 years or older who were cancer survivors. In addition to descriptive analysis, we conducted association rule mining (ARM) analysis to compare the prevalence of the most common MCCs among cancer survivors, with and without HIV. Results: We identified 1.3 million individuals, of which 1,901 (0.15%) were PLwHIV. Compared to their HIV-free counterparts, PLwHIV were younger (mean of 72.5 and 77.0 years); more were non-White (41.8% vs. 13.5%); and more of them presented with anemia (44.8% vs. 35.3%), chronic kidney disease (CKD, 41.9% vs. 26.6%), depression (26.6% vs. 13.9%), viral hepatitis (20.4% vs. 0.70%), and/or liver disease (10.7% vs. 4.8%; p &lt; 0.001 for all comparisons). ARM results showed a prominence of CKD in the most common top 5 combinations of conditions. Conclusion: Despite being younger than their HIV-free counterparts, PLwHIV with history of cancer carry a significantly greater comorbidity burden.
METABOLIC SYNDROME AND LATE-LIFE DEPRESSION AMONG MEXICAN AMERICANS: THE ROLE OF NATIVITY
Authors: Zhang Weihui 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MS) has been reported to predict depression. However, studies evaluating if there are differences by nativity status among Mexican Americans are scarce. This study aims to examine the association between metabolic syndrome and depression among Mexican-American older adults. We also evaluated the role of nativity, sociodemographic and health risk factors. We use three waves (2006-2013) from the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (HEPESE; N=1,542, mean age =83.45 in 2006). MS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Programme (NCEP-ATP III) using abdominal obesity, use of antihypertensive medication, and insulin. Depression was ascertained by self-report of a CES-D score greater than 16. We applied random-effect logistic regression models which accounted for inter-individual correlation and adjusted for age, sex, education, smoking, alcohol use, physical performance, and self-esteem. We also tested for interaction between MS and nativity. Approximately 30% of foreign-born and 22% of US-born reported depression. The prevalence of MS was higher in the Foreign-born when compare to the US-born (5.89% vs. 5.35%). In the total sample, MS was associated with a higher risk of depression (OR=4.34, p=0.007). Foreign-born Mexican Americans were more likely to have depression (OR=1.70, p=0.002) when compared to US-born; however, foreign-born with MS reported lower depression (OR=0.26, p=0.052) after adjusting for potential confounders. Our finding adds to the concept of “metabolic depression,” and further highlights the importance of evaluating nativity to explain the differences in physical and psychological health among a sample of the Hispanic population at old age.
COHORT DIFFERENCES AND 4-YEAR CHANGE IN EVERYDAY DISCRIMINATION AMONG OLDER AMERICANS
Authors: Wheaton Felicia V 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Experiences of everyday discrimination, such as being treated with less courtesy or respect, are associated with poorer mental and physical health in later life. Yet not much is known about cohort differences in experiences of everyday discrimination, nor how subjective reports of discrimination change over time among older adults. This study assessed cohort differences and 4-year change in everyday discrimination using data from the 2006 and 2010 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a nationally-representative study of Americans 50+. In both waves, participants were asked about 5 possible experiences of everyday discrimination: for example, “In your day-to-day life, how often have any of the following things happened to you? You receive poorer service than other people at restaurants and stores” and could respond from 0=never to 5=almost every day. Average everyday discrimination was lower for older cohorts compared with younger cohorts in both 2006 and 2010. Paired-samples t-tests showed that average everyday discrimination declined significantly over the 4-year period. However, it is unclear if changes are due to period or age effects. Implications of these findings will be discussed.
RACE, BIOLOGICAL AGE, AND COGNITION: THE SYSTEMATIC ASSESSMENT OF GERIATRIC ELEMENTS IN ATRIAL FIBRILLATION STUDY
Authors: Forrester Sarah N , McManus David D , Saczynski Jane S , Kiefe Catarina I 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is associated with dementia and cognitive decline. AF is less prevalent among Blacks than Whites, although AF-related complications are more common in Blacks. In the general population, all-cause cognitive decline and dementia are more prevalent among Blacks than Whites. Thus, studying diverse populations with AF may advance our understanding of racial disparities in cognitive functioning. We created a measure of multisystem dysregulation (weathering), which includes but is more encompassing than aging, and examined its association with racial differences in cognition using data from the SAGE-AF study, a prospective cohort of &gt;65-year olds with AF, at high stroke risk, and eligible for anticoagulation. Biological (as opposed to chronological) age among 974 participants was calculated using the Klemera and Doubal method using biomarkers representing physiological functioning, metabolism, and blood pressure. We defined weathering as the difference between biological and chronological age (weathering &gt;0 indicates that biological age is higher than chronological age). We measured the association between weathering and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score. Mean weathering (SD) was -0.7 (11.5) and 4.3 (12.6) for whites and non-whites, respectively. There was an interaction between race/ethnicity and weathering on cognition (P=0.004). In stratified analyses, higher weathering was associated with a lower MoCA score among both Whites and non-Whites but more so among non-whites (B = -0.09, 95% CI: -0.17, -0.02) for Whites (B = -0.03, 95% CI: -0.06, -0.01) for non-whites. Aging-related multisystem dysregulation is more strongly associated with worse cognition in non-whites than in whites.