bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Attitudes Toward Aging, Physical Activity, and Functional Limitations Ten Years Later in Middle and Older Adults
Authors: Chen Yen , Holahan Carole , Holahan Charles 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Positive attitudes toward aging have been associated with better functional health (Bryant et al., 2012; Levy, Slade, & Kasl, 2002; Sargent-Cox, Anstey, & Luszcz, 2012). The current study examined the mediational role of regular leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) in this association among middle-aged and older adults. Participants were 2,209 adults ranging in age from 40 to 75 at baseline (M = 56.19; 51.2% women) from the second and the third waves of the Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS). The mediation model was tested in Mplus 7.4. The model tested the direct association and indirect association through LTPA of attitudes toward aging in MIDUS 2 with functional limitations in MIDUS 3 ten years later. Attitudes toward aging were measured as a latent variable with two indicators (subjective age and future health expectancies). Age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, marital status, and number of chronic conditions were included as covariates. Individuals with more positive attitudes toward aging reported less functional limitations ten years later (β = -.43, p &lt; .001). Further, more positive attitudes toward aging related to higher levels of LTPA (β = .20, p &lt; .001), which in turn predicted less functional limitations ten years later (β = -.10, p &lt; .01). The indirect effect of attitudes toward aging on functional limitations through LTPA was statistically significant (indirect effect = -.02, p &lt; .01). Positive attitudes toward aging operating through higher levels of LTPA may play an important role in functional health among middle-aged and older individuals.
Blue Zone Region Older Adults Mitigate ACEs and Other Chronic Stress Exposures
Authors: Alramadhan Fatimah , Bhuyan Manisa , Spencer Rhonda 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) has been linked to many negative health outcomes, including shortened lifespan. ACEs are prevalent in the US, where it is estimated that one in ten have experienced at least three ACEs. Knowing the adverse ACEs impact, it is important to understand mitigating factors, leading to healthier and longer life. Loma Linda, CA has been identified as a longevity hotspot region (LHR) and may provide insight into reducing impact of chronic stressors. Our purpose to interview LHR older adults regarding their childhood experiences to inform chronic disease prevention framework. We conducted a qualitative study with LHR community members. Childhood exposures and practices assessed using semi-structured key informant interviews (KIs), with questions informed by ACE International Questionnaire and supplemented with lifestyle and resiliency factor (RFs) questions. Data were audio recorded and transcribed. Integrative grounded theory methods guided coding and theming. Participants included 26 community members (14 aged 100 or older and 12 aged between 90 and 99) who reported numerous chronic stressors including ACEs and environmental exposures (i.e. household economic depression). Correlation analysis revealed overlapping of negative experiences. Several domains of protective themes (i.e. guiding presence, spirituality)—were identified in childhood, with potential to dampen chronic systemic inflammation—and many themes maintained across their life. Our findings show that even among older adults who are 90 or older there is a high prevalence of ACEs and stressors; however, many lifestyle protective factors were practiced by them, which may offset damage of stressors and positively influence health and longevity.
Diabetes, Disability and Mortality in Very Old Mexican Americans
Authors: Kelly Caroline , Markides Kyriakos S , Cantu Phillip 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This study examines the relationship between diabetes, disability and mortality for very old Mexican American, a rapidly growing and understudied segment of the population. Data comes from Wave 7 of the Hispanic EPESE which surveyed 1078 Mexican Americans ≥80 years old, living in the Southwestern United States. Measures included self-reported physician diagnosis diabetes, ADL disability, demographic characteristics, and other self-reported comorbidities. Severe diabetes was defined as being diagnosed more than 10 years ago and/or taking insulin. Diabetes and mortality were studied over a five-year follow-up. Participants with diabetes are more likely to be disabled, 55% prevalence compared to 46% in non-diabetics. Even when controlling for demographic characteristics and comorbidities, the predicted probability of ADL disability in diabetics is 54% compared to 45% in non-diabetics. Logistic regression analysis showed an odds ratio (OR) of 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-2.02 of any ADL disability among diabetics, controlling for demographic characteristics and comorbidities. Stroke and arthritis were significantly associated with ADL disability as well, OR 2.59, [1.6-4.2] and 1.53 [1.15-2.04] respectively. Diabetics had greater odds of mortality, OR 1.25, than non-diabetics, and among diabetics, severity was predictive of mortality OR 1.38. Gender was an insignificant predictor of mortality. Diabetes prevalence in the very old Mexican American population is increasing and is associated with increased disability and mortality. Increased awareness of the prevalence of diabetes in this population and thus the increased potential of disability is needed to decrease the burden of disease and increase quality of life.
Tracing the Past: Renewing Life Narratives Through Robots
Authors: Ueda Anna , Takahashi Hideyuki 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The study explores the effectiveness and efficacy of using robotics in clinical settings to facilitate Life Review. Life Review is a process in which subjects retrospectively analyze major life events with a conversation partner in order to find meaning and to synthesize a narrative. In this experiment, Life Review was conducted with 5 elderly subjects and two types of partners: a human and a robot. The partners utilized a set of trigger questions to review past events with their subjects. Two sequences of Life Review, each comprising four sessions, were completed. Four sessions involved a human partner, and four involved a robot partner. The recorded correspondences in Life Review were transcribed, and the utterances of the participants with the two partners were compared and analyzed qualitatively. This preliminary study was the first attempt to explore the benefits of conducting Life Review with robotic conversation partners. The results showcased distinct differences between a human partner and a robotic partner. Specifically, subjects in sessions with a human partner showed stronger awareness of generational gaps between the human partner rather than the robotic partner. In contrast, sessions with a robotic partner included more universally transmissive values. The outcome suggests Life Review with robots can potentially provide elderly patients greater safety and comfort in telling their unique life narratives. The usage of robotic partners in Life Review provides a promising and novel research area into improving and re-imagining mental health access and outcomes for patients.
Promoting Healthy Aging Through Policy Change on the Federal Level: Strategies for Scholars and Clinicians
Authors: Hernandez Alison , van Heumen Lieke , Li Luming , Gualtieri Marie , Stanley Ivorie , O’Neill Lisa , Kusmaul Nancy 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Influencing health policy change is a significant focus for scholars and clinicians in the aging field. Nevertheless, they seldom receive formal training on how to influence the policymaking process effectively or how to translate their clinical and research experiences to inform policymakers best. Exposing scholars and clinicians to the policymaking process can advance their effectiveness as they seek to realize meaningful change to promote healthy aging of our population. This poster presentation focuses on providing scholars and clinicians with strategies to understand and influence the federal policymaking process. The presentation addresses the current policy environment in which federal health and aging policy is made and describes challenges to this process. Four strategies are identified to help scholars and clinicians influence the policymaking process: 1) identify a problem and any relevant policy that corresponds to the issue, 2) identify evidence-based solutions that relate to quality improvement, population health, or reducing per capita cost of healthcare, 3) grow relevant networks, meet experts, build relationships and connect with key stakeholders, 4) identify potential unintended consequences or barriers to the implementation of policy. By providing examples, this how-to aging and health policy road map provides context and guidance to stakeholder engagement, frameworks, and methods that can be used to engage in the policymaking process. The final part of this presentation explores ways to integrate health policy training and experience into scholars’ and clinicians’ professional development.
COVID-19 Transition: Does virtual exercise maintain physical function?
Authors: Jennings Stephen , Manning Kenneth , Pearson Megan , Mateas Catalin , Hall Katherine , Bettger Janet , Morey Miriam 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background: In March 2020, COVID-19 mandates to restrict face to face exercise and group based gatherings were enacted. These mandates were enforced within most states in the US. Gerofit, a facility-based exercise program for older Veterans in Durham, NC, transitioned to remote virtual exercise instruction to accommodate continuity of care. Objectives: To explore whether remote virtual exercise (RVE) can sustain physical function within individuals previously participating in onsite face to face exercise (OFF). Methods: Physical function assessments performed during OFF were compared with assessments conducted remotely over virtual platform. Assessments included the 30-second arm curl, the 30-second chair stand, time to complete five chair stands, and either 6-minute walk or 2-minute step test. All assessments for RVE were completed via a remote virtual platform. Only participants enrolled in both OFF and home based RVE with functional assessments within 6-months of pre and post COVID-19 transition were compared. Descriptive comparisons, opposed to statistical, were reported due to the limited sample size. Results: Fourteen OFF Gerofit participants were reassessed remotely within the first 6-months of transitioning to RVE (12 male, 2 female, mean age 73.1, mean body mass index 31.5). Functional assessments between OFF versus RVE were arm curls (21.0 vs 20.4 repetitions), chair stands (15.0 vs 17.5 repetitions), and time to 5 chair stands (9.0 vs 8.4 seconds). Cardiovascular function, reported in normalized percentiles (46.4%tile vs 58.9%tile) Conclusion: Among older Veterans engaged in regular structured exercise, physical function was preserved with transition to virtual exercise.
Front-line Perspectives from Aging Services Providers on the COVID-19 Pandemic and Older Community Residents
Authors: Raveis Victoria , Torres Anderson , Arce-Bello Jane , Atmore-Dolly Donna , Nickerson Allison 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Older urban residents’ daily lives have been broadly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Rapid acceleration of COVID-19 cases in mid-March 2020, forced the shuttering of senior centers in New York City’s (NYC) five boroughs. Center programming was suspended, including congregate meals for older adults. As centers, a focal point for social interaction, closed, older community residents experienced social isolation, compounded further by social distancing. Key informant interviews with the leadership of community-based multi-service agencies, provided frontline perspectives on essential programmatic services NYC’s oldest residents needed, challenges encountered, and strategies implemented to adjust to issues emerging from the pandemic. Alternative meal delivery plans were devised by the City and aging services agencies initiated wellness outreach calls and also facilitated access to technological resources to maintain social connections. Various advocacy and policy-relevant insights emerged from these experiences. Specifically, a priority in preparedness planning should be on solutions addressing the social isolation precipitated by the pandemic that older adults experienced. Technology may help. Devoting more programming to activities enabling older adults to utilize accessible technological resources is key. Efforts implemented during the pandemic have demonstrated that with preparation and access to resources, virtual communication is a feasible option for the older population. With limited access to alternative neighborhood food sources, devising a contingency plan for adequate food delivery services to replace congregate meals also merits attention. Overall, the pandemic’s widespread impact highlights the importance of creating an infrastructure that builds upon older persons’ strengths, while addressing their vulnerabilities, enabling them to thrive.
Online Social Environment Impacts Feelings of Social Connection in Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Derynda Brittany , Goodyear Mary , Kushner Jade , Cook Nicole 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Evidence suggests that nearly one-third of older adults experience loneliness and/or social isolation; an increase in these rates during the current pandemic is anticipated. The Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI) at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in South Florida has worked to engage seniors in fun learning activities and social opportunities since 1977. When “stay at home” orders went into effect in March, 2020 the LLI moved to online program delivery via Zoom. To understand the implementation of zoom among LLI members, NSU students, researchers and LLI member advisory committee developed a cross-sectional research study using an online survey that was administered to LLI members three months post-zoom implementation in May, 2020. Results among the 127 responders demonstrated that a majority of members were not comfortable using zoom (57%) especially the chat, reactions or camera features. More than 80% of responders did report that zoom helped them keep their spirits up. Respondents had specific feedback to improve Zoom programming including Youtube videos on use, retraining, training on features (e.g. chat, camera, reaction), closed captioning, program reminders and links sent out more frequently and within 30 minutes of start time. There were also several comments about internet connectivity, identifying opportunities for router and internet plan education. Finally, respondents noted new opportunities to enhance virtual programming including engaging speakers from across the nation and world. In summary, direct feedback from seniors on how to improve the online social and learning environment is pivotal to improving experience, programming and social connection during COVID-19.
Positive Subjective Health of Older Homeless and Older Irish Travelers: a Participant-Led Approach
Authors: Carroll Bridin , Walsh Kieran 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Older people experiencing homelessness and older Irish Travellers (OTOH) are both over-represented in the cohort who use acute health services. Impending health care reform in Ireland will be based on primary care models, meaning home and community care will be, for the first time, underpinned by a regulatory framework. For these reasons, this study aims to gain a nuanced understanding of how OTOH, as marginalised older people, might be best served by new home care and community care models. Using a qualitative, voice-led approach, a life course and structural determinants lens is employed to probe the health conditions, experiences and expectations of OTOH, as well as their perceptions and values around the concept of ‘home’. The research processes and outcomes of one of five phases of research are presented in this paper: participant-led research. In this phase, five OTOH were trained and assisted to complete a short research project which fed into the goals of the wider study. Emergent findings suggest that social connections underpin health and well-being for OTOH, throughout the life course, and presently. This was also seen as a fundamental element for healthy and positive ageing. In addition, ‘home’ was defined with reference to the presence (or absence) of familial or other social connections. This study represents an important contribution to scholarship on old age social exclusion. It is entirely novel in its approach to focusing on OTOH health and wellbeing. The outputs of this study also have important implications for upcoming health reform policies in Ireland.
Trends in Deaths of Despair Among Older Adults, 1999-2018
Authors: Sun Peter , Lawlor Edward , Morrow-Howell Nancy , Park Sojung , McBride Timothy 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
“Deaths of despair” (DOD) is a new phenomenon that includes deaths attributable to suicides, drug overdoses, and alcohol-related liver diseases. While many studies have focused on the rise of DOD in midlife, there is little research that focuses on the trends of DOD in later life. To address this gap, we used publicly available data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to carry out descriptive and spatial analyses of DOD among older adults (aged 65 and over) from 1999 to 2018. Nationwide, we found that DOD rates of older adults increased from 2009 (44.7 deaths per 100,000) to 2018 (57.4). This increase was notable among male older adults who were Black non-Hispanics and White non-Hispanics (WNH); however, Hispanic populations saw a 4.8% decrease in DOD between 1999 and 2018. Of the WNH decedents in 2018, alcohol-related liver diseases were the most common cause of death (55%), followed by suicides (36%) and drug overdoses (9%). Additionally, 55% had a high school degree or less, 22% had some college but no bachelor’s degree (BA), and 22% had a BA or more. Geographically, we found that DOD was concentrated in the West in 1999 but has since then spread nationwide. In 2018, the highest rates of DOD among WNH were in the western and southern states. These findings suggest that attention to deaths of despair cannot be limited to midlife; policies and program interventions aimed at slowing this epidemic must include people in later life as well.
Commitment and Attachment to Pet and Emotional Well-Being Among Low-Income Pet Owners
Authors: Li Ke , Tang Fengyan , Rauktis Mary 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Pets play an important role in older adults’ lives, as people treat pets as their companion and family members. Owning a pet has been believed to be beneficial; however, previous literature demonstrated mixed results of the effects of pet on people’s well-being. Using data collected from 392 food pantry users in Pittsburgh, this study examined the relationships of pet ownership, attachment and commitment with emotional well-being, and investigated whether sociodemographic profiles conditioned those relationships. emotional well-being was assessed by global mental health, positive functioning, perceived negative feelings, and perceived positive feelings. Commitment to pet was measured by a 10-item scale adapted from the Miller-Rada Scale about the likelihood of giving up pet under various difficult circumstances. Attachment to pet was measured by the 23-item Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale about emotional ties to pet. About two-thirds of respondents (66%) were pet owners. Multiple regression analysis showed that pet owners perceived fewer positive feelings (e.g. happy, joyful) than non-pet owners. However, among pet owners, a higher level of pet attachment was associated with more positive feelings. Gender and education significantly moderated the effects of pet ownership on emotional well-being, as male and employed respondents were more likely to benefit from owning a pet. Moreover, the positive effects of attachment and commitment to pet were stronger among respondents with higher levels of education or in the labor force. future studies need to investigate how to promote the benefits of pet companion and address the challenges faced by low-income pet owners.
Effects of Household Size and Partner Status on Financial Well-Being and Financial Exploitation
Authors: McLaughlin Jessica King , Anderson Elizabeth , Taeckens-Seabaugh Ashley , Greenfield Jennifer , Chess Eric , King Jessica 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Social isolation and loneliness are significant risk factors for older adults (adults over the age of 50) for a multitude of reasons. This study explored the connections between social isolation, vulnerability to financial exploitation, and financial wellbeing in a sample of older adults. Using the concept of precarity as a guiding framework, this study assessed behaviors that expose individuals to financial exploitation as well as indicators of financial wellbeing in individuals with varying degrees of social isolation. One-hundred-eight community-dwelling older adults completed a pen-and-paper survey containing measures of risk to financial exploitation and financial wellbeing. Participants were predominantly female (75.9%), White (90.7%), and highly educated. Fifty-eight participants were unpartnered (53.7%) and 67 participants (62%) lived with at least one other person. Chi-square analyses resulted in a significant association between partner status and being a victim of financial exploitation (χ2(1) = 10.842, p≤.001). Furthermore, there was an association between social isolation and engaging in certain behaviors that put someone at risk for financial exploitation (such as reading junk mail). As for measures of financial wellbeing, partner status was significantly associated with feelings of financial freedom (χ2(3) =8.608, p =.035). These findings indicate that socially isolated individuals may be at greater risk of financial exploitation and have lower levels of financial wellbeing, such as feeling unprepared for retirement (χ2(2) =7.358, p =.025). The results of this study highlight the risks involved with social isolation and indicate further research is needed into ways to mitigate these negative effects.