bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LIFE AFTER 100: IS GOD THE SECRET TO A SATISFYING AND PURPOSEFUL LIFE?
Authors: Firdauysa Nadia , Bhatta Jyoti , Bishop Alex J , Finchum Tanya , Grice James 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Data from N = 111 centenarians (M = 100.88; SD = 1.48) residing in Oklahoma was used to examine patterns in the relationship between the God oriented vs. non-God oriented longevity secrets and subjective well-being. Observational Oriented Modeling (OOM) was then used to conduct an ordinal analysis using concatenated ordering to produce degree of fitness between data and underlying patterns in life satisfaction and purpose-in-life across three time points. OOM is a data analysis method used to evaluate fitness of proposed patterns to data called PCC. Results indicated that centenarians maintaining a God-oriented longevity secret fit a decreased pattern in life satisfaction (PCC = 25.00, c-value = .09); whereas centenarians not maintaining a God-oriented longevity secret fit the same pattern (PCC = 49.18, c-value = .06). Meanwhile, centenarians having a God-oriented longevity secret fit a decreased pattern of purpose-in-life (PCC = 71.43, c-value =.12); whereas centenarians having a non-God oriented longevity secret fit the same pattern (PCC = 53.45, c-value = .28). In comparison to centenarians who acknowledged something other than God as the secret to their longevity, those who cite God as the reason for longevity tend to proportionately maintain a more satisfying view of life, yet experience a deteriorating sense of purpose over time. Results indicate that longevity secrets reflect divergent patterns in subjective well-being among persons living beyond 100 years. This has implications relative to how geriatric practitioners design interventions, services, or programs to enhance quality-of-life for long-lived adults.
SUBJECTIVE HEARING IMPAIRMENT AND LONELINESS IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Huang Alison , Deal Jennifer A , Rebok George W , Pinto Jay , Waite Linda J , Lin Frank 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Loneliness in older adults is most often attributed to marital and living status, social life factors, and physical health. Hearing impairment, however, is an understudied, potentially modifiable risk factor for loneliness. Older adults with hearing impairment experience difficulties with communication and social functioning, which also could contribute to loneliness. For this analysis, we used data from Wave 2 of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project. Participants (N=3,174) were a nationally representative sample of community dwelling older adults aged 62 - 91 years. Poisson regression models with robust variance were used to model the cross-sectional relationship between self-reported hearing impairment and loneliness. We found a dose-response relationship such that individuals reporting very good/good and fair/poor hearing had a 9% [95% CI: 0.93 - 1.28] and 26% [95% CI: 1.10-1.46], respectively, higher prevalence of loneliness compared to individuals reporting excellent hearing, adjusting for chronic conditions, functional and cognitive ability, and demographic factors. Results were robust to exclusion of participants who reported hearing aid use. These findings suggest that self-reported hearing impairment is a strong factor associated with loneliness in older adults. Given the negative implications of loneliness on multiple facets of mental and physical health, functional ability, and premature mortality, efforts to further explore hearing impairment as a causal and modifiable risk factor for loneliness should be undertaken.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN THE MECHANISM OF INVOLUNTARY RETIREMENT ON LONELINESS
Authors: Shin Oejin , Lee hyunjoo , Park Sojung , Kang Ji Young 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Involuntary retirement is known to be associated with long-lasting negative effects on well-being compared to voluntary retirement. However, little is known about complex mechanism connecting the path from social contexts and psychological factors of retirees, especially involuntary retirees to later year well-being. Also, despite the well-known gendered pattern of preretirement employment histories over the life course in general, gender differences in the pathway on well-being after involuntary retirement is still unclear. Drawing on the stress process theory, this study examined gender difference on the pathway linking involuntary retirement (primary stressor) to loneliness through material/physical vulnerability (secondary stressor) and social support/self-efficacy (coping resources). Data are from the 2014 HRS with 2,087 retirees aged 65+. Two-step structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to examine the significance of the specific effects of multiple mediators (material/physical vulnerability, coping resources). For male retirees, involuntary retirement was associated with a higher level of loneliness mediated through physical vulnerability and social-efficacy. For female retirees, involuntary retirement was directly associated with loneliness as well as indirectly associated through 1) material vulnerability connected to low social support, and 2) physical vulnerability related to low social support and low social-efficacy. The different impact of involuntary retirement may be due to differences in work history, previous work quality, and accumulated financial condition across gender. The results suggest important gender specified implications for social policy and practice for involuntary retirees.
EXPLORING THE EFFECTS OF RURAL AND URBAN LIVING ON LONELINESS AND REINSTITUTIONALIZATION
Authors: Ligus Kaleigh , Grimaldi Alexandra , Robison Julie 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The following study employs secondary data from the Money Follows the Person Rebalancing Demonstration (MFP) in Connecticut (CT) to assess relationships between rural and urban living on loneliness and reinstitutionalization among an older adult (65+) sample. MFP is a federal initiative to help states transition people from institutional settings to the community. Older adults (n=1,301) who transitioned from institutional care to the community between 2009 and 2015 were surveyed 6, 12 and 24 months after transition. Rurality was determined according to the CT State Office of Rural Health and US Census Bureau definitions: urban area (UA), urban cluster (UC) and rural, utilizing 2017 CT Population data. SPSS was used to conduct chi-square tests and one-way ANOVAs to examine relationships. Almost half of participants (48%) resided in UAs, another 43% lived in UCs and 8% lived in rural towns. A statistically significant relationship was found between rural and UC groups and loneliness, indicated by a three-item modified version of the R-UCLA loneliness scale. Rural residents reported lower rates of loneliness (3.84 out of 9) than did UC (4.61) or UA (4.64) residents. However, a significantly higher percentage of rural residents (44%) reported at least one instance of reinstitutionalization at 24 months compared to UC (36%) or UA (30%) residents. Multivariate analyses seek to clarify these contradictory results. The findings of this study have the potential to further inform the literature regarding loneliness and connections between reinstitutionalization among older adults living in rural and urban environments.
DOES A PERCEIVED CONNECTION TO A NEIGHBORHOOD REDUCE LONELINESS?
Authors: Johnson Kimberly J , Adeniji Dolapo O 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
This study investigated whether perceived neighborhood quality was associated with chronic loneliness for adults 60 and older in the United States. Although loneliness can be episodic and overcome, chronic loneliness has been identified as a social determinant of health. Utilizing ecological systems theory we hypothesized that higher levels of neighborhood social cohesiveness would be associated with lower odds of chronic loneliness. We postulated that the networks available to people in the proximal area where they live could provide social opportunities for reducing loneliness. This idea was consistent with prior findings indicating the salience of neighborhoods for retirees, but inconsistent with research indicating the importance of a confidant in reducing loneliness. Data from the 2008 and 2012 Health and Retirement Study Psychosocial Surveys were used (n = 3530). Loneliness was measured using the 3-item scale developed by Hughes and colleagues in 2004. Findings from unadjusted logistic regression indicated that loneliness was inversely related to neighborhood cohesion as measured by an index of the trustworthiness, friendliness and helpfulness of neighbors and cleanliness, occupancy, lack of graffiti, and sense of belonging in the area (OR = .73, p &lt; .001). When demographic and health-related factors were entered into the model the odds of being lonely were significantly lower for those with higher ratings of social cohesion (OR = .83, p &lt; .001). These findings were consistent with the idea that neighborhoods are an important social place for older persons and interventions at the neighborhood level may be more effective than individualized treatment plans.
PARTICIPATION AND SOCIAL CONNECTIONS IN A RECREATIONAL SENIOR SOFTBALL LEAGUE
Authors: Tarabochia Dawn S 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Senior only communities have long been an option for adults over a certain age. A variety of activities and clubs are often available to residents of these communities. The purpose of this research project was to understand the lived experience of recreational softball players regarding players decision to play senior softball and to determine what social opportunities were associated with recreational senior softball leagues. A phenomenological research study was constructed to seek further inquiry into two research questions associated with this project. Participants were members of a senior living community and members of a recreational senior softball league. Convenience and snowball sampling techniques were utilized, and 25 interviews were conducted. The interview transcripts were analyzed for phenomenological themes by the research team. The researchers used Van Manen’s (1990) hermeneutical approach to analyze data. Trustworthiness was established by the use of a peer reviewer to assess the themes for accuracy. Themes associated with the first research question indicate that interviewees participated in softball for a variety of reasons, including having played softball as a younger adult, wanting to maintain a level of physical fitness, and for the social connections that participation in a softball league provided. Themes associated with the second research question found that participants enjoyed many social benefits from playing softball, including informal and formal social opportunities. In conclusion, the willingness and opportunity to play senior softball provided older adults the ability to maintain a certain level of physical activity and to engage in meaningful social interactions.
SERVICE LEARNING AS A MEANS TO ENHANCE CONNECTIONS TO OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Getz Marjorie A 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Aging is a distinct part of the life cycle. College students enrolled in courses in gerontology often have difficulty relating to aging, that part of life not yet experienced. They may not fully appreciate that adults become more unique, not more similar, as they age. We describe courses in an undergraduate gerontology certificate program that incorporate experiential learning activities with older adults across a hierarchical sequence of courses. These courses feature service learning opportunities focused on increased understanding of course content, broader appreciation of the discipline and improved sense of civic responsibility. Much like the course content of the curriculum, the incorporated experiential learning opportunities for each course level fit a hierarchy leading to student competence and skills development needed for success in the final independent practicum. For the described courses, students provided community service, experienced direct contact with older adults and used reflective practices to integrate course content into service learning activities. We report on qualitative data obtained from students enrolled in the foundational course, Biophysical Aspects of Aging and the third level course, Aging and Mental Health. Content analyses of reflective essays identified five themes: (a) insights about the realities of aging in America (b) perceptions concerning personal negative stereotypes about older adults; (c) feelings of accomplishment/awareness of new skills in providing community services; (d) understandings related to the importance/value of community service; and (e) successes in integrating the course work on aging into service-learning experiences. Other experiential learning activities incorporated into this gerontology certificate program are highlighted.
UNDERGRADUATE EXERCISE AND AGING STUDENTS KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTIONS REGARDING OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Davis Tracy , Zechner Michelle 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The aging population presents far ranging implications and opportunities for individuals, families, policy makers, and healthcare providers. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates an increase in the population aged 65+, which is projected to reach 83.7 million by 2050. With this changing demographic environment, human services and health care professionals with specialized training in aging are needed, regardless of career goals all students deserve exposure to aging education. Undergraduate students have varying knowledge and attitudes towards older adults. Many times undergraduate students have had limited interactions with older adults and their attitudes and perceptions are based on interactions with grandparents and other relatives. In order to better understand undergraduate student’s knowledge and attitudes regarding older adults we surveyed a group of 50 undergraduate students enrolled in an exercise and aging course offered through the Department of Kinesiology and Health. Students were surveyed using the Facts on Aging Quiz (Breytspraak & Bandura, 2015) and the Aging Semantic Differential (ASD) (Rosencranz & McNevin, 1969). Preliminary findings suggest that students have relatively low knowledge about older adults, as the average score of the Facts on Aging Quiz was 30.4 out of 50 (SD= 3.86). However, scores on the ASD indicate that the student have generally more positive attitudes towards older adults (M=74.29; SD=20.9). At the end of the semester the same students will be surveyed again to evaluate the impact of the course. Findings from this study will be used to augment course content to increase student knowledge and attitudes about older adults.
MAKING IT WORK: SECURING A GERONTOLOGY INTERNSHIP FOR THE NONTRADITIONAL DISTANCE EDUCATION LEARNER
Authors: Im Katherine 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Some gerontology programs have required students to complete internships in order to satisfy the “interactional” Category II Competencies for gerontology as outlined by AGHE in 2014. For many non-traditional learners, a required internship in gerontology poses major challenges that may contribute to declines in enrollment and retention. Non-traditional learners are often older, employed, and have multiple responsibilities that compete for their time. This is especially true for students who attend university from a distance. This presentation reports the challenges faced by non-traditional, online students at a large state university who have an interest in gerontology. For these learners, the internship requirement is a deterrent to becoming a gerontology major. Challenges include student constraints, identifying potential placement sites in remote locations, and negotiating a complex administrative process. I review the programmatic measures taken to address these challenges and discuss the ways in which the internship process can be facilitated for non-traditional students. By developing a better process for securing internships, students have more freedom to focus on workplace learning. In addition, prospective gerontology students may come to regard the internship as an excellent opportunity for professional growth rather than a burden , thereby improving retention and interest in the major.
ADVANCE CARE PLANNING ASSIGNMENTS IN UNDERGRADUATE COURSES: EXAMINING STRESS APPRAISALS, COPING, AND RESPONSES
Authors: Templeman Maureen , Marino Victoria R , Dobbs Debra J , Haley William E 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
A common assignment in undergraduate aging courses requires students to consider or complete advance care plans for themselves. Due to the sensitive nature of this topic, it is important to consider student appraisals of such assignments. Using the transactional model of stress and coping, the current study used content analysis to examine student reactions to considering their own advance care planning. Participants included 151 students, diverse in race/ethnicity, in a Psychology of Aging undergraduate course at a large public university in the United States. Students were first exposed to course material related to death, dying, and bereavement, in addition to detailed advance directive forms, and were subsequently asked to discuss the importance of, and their preparedness for, their own advance care planning via a written assignment. Codes represented primary and secondary appraisals, coping efforts, and responses, and data was analyzed using ATLAS.ti software. Findings suggest that primary appraisals (perception of effect on well-being) ranged from positive to threatening, and secondary appraisals (perception of coping resources) focused on availability of internal and/or external resources. Themes such as traumatic experiences with death, feeling ill-prepared due to lack of knowledge or experience, and welcoming the opportunity to consider completing advance care plans emerged. Overall, results suggest that when designing assignments that require completion of advance care plans among undergraduate students, students should have the opportunity to discuss personal concerns first, and that some initial class activities should focus on preparatory tasks rather than just completion of advance care plans.
SERVICE LEARNING TO INCREASE EXERCISE IN OLDER ADULTS: TESTING A GROWTH MINDSET INTERVENTION
Authors: Coats Abby L Heckman , Wang Zhaoming , Miller Therese 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Exercise is one of the best ways to maintain psychological and physical health in late life (Kohl et al., 2012). However, many older adults experience barriers to developing an exercise routine, such as fear/anxiety, limited perceived control, and lack of self-efficacy (Bock et al., 2014). Recently, successful psychological interventions to encourage exercise have been demonstrated (Brothers & Diehl, 2017; Lachman et al., 2018). Inspired by this success, we developed a service learning activity to address this community-based problem. Undergraduate psychology students visited local senior centers. During the visits, the students implemented an intervention to increase physical activity in older adults. Traditionally-aged undergraduate students ate lunch with the older adults and engaged in informal discussions. Then, after establishing rapport, they implemented an exercise-boosting intervention to the experimental group. (A control group did not receive the intervention.) The older adults in the experimental group heard quotes from peers explaining how they had overcome barriers to exercise. The peers’ stories included growth-mindset language (Yeager, Paunesku, Walton, & Dweck, 2013), such as an initial reluctance to exercise, followed by hard work and finally implementing a successful exercise regimen. Then the older adults wrote their own letters to a peer, explaining how they have overcome barriers in the past and how they could continue to do in the domain of exercise. This activity was helpful for both the older adults and the undergraduate students, as documented by qualitative interviews and questionnaire responses. The students reported more positive attitudes about aging after the activity.
DAILY FLUCTUATIONS IN SUBJECTIVE AGE AND MENTAL HEALTH: THE ROLES OF CHRONOLOGICAL AGE AND ATTITUDES TO AGING
Authors: Segel-Karpas Dikla , Shrira Amit , Bodner Ehud 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Studies indicate that subjective age – individuals’ perception of their own age as older or younger than their chronological age, is related to their depressive symptoms. Less is known about the role that attitudes towards aging might play in this regard. 334 participants (age 30-90, M=58.15) reported their subjective age and depressive symptoms every day for a period of 14 days. Attitudes to aging were measured at baseline. Results indicated that daily subjective age was related to daily variation in depressive symptoms. Furthermore, we found that attitudes to aging (psychosocial losses, gains and physical changes) moderated the subjective age-depression relationship, such that it was stronger when psychosocial losses were high, and when physical changes and gains were low. The moderating effect of losses was especially prominent for older participants. This indicates that the general perception of aging moderates the toll that feeling old takes on mental health.
CO-OCCURRENCE OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT AS REPORTED BY DEMENTIA FAMILY CAREGIVERS
Authors: Pickering Carolyn E , Yefimova Maria , Maxwell Christopher 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Understanding the co-occurrence or overlap among multiple forms of elder abuse and neglect (EAN) is important for designing effective interventions. This paper reports patterns of family caregiver’s daily behaviors related to physical assault, psychological mistreatment, and neglect. Majority of participants self-reported at least one EAN behavior (74%), with most reporting using multiple forms of EAN over the 21-day period (52%). On a given day, psychological mistreatment and neglect were more likely to happen in isolation, while physical assault was more likely to co-occur with psychological mistreatment. The mixed model’s intra-class coefficient suggests the daily context, rather than personal characteristics, explain the variance in the use of EAN. These findings highlight the importance of never minimizing a single event of EAN reported in clinical practice, give the high rate of polyvictimization, and reinforces the need to understand why caregivers use one form of EAN over another on a given day.
A MIXED-METHODS STUDY ON THE INFLUENCE OF CHINESE CULTURE ON CAREGIVING AND IMPACTS OF CSMP
Authors: Wu Jinli , Liu Mandong , Zhang Geng , Chi Iris 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
As a pilot study, the CSMP utilizes a mixed-methods design to tackle a lack of previous evidence and form a well-rounded perspective, using a randomized controlled trial with pre, post and 3-month follow-up assessments and focus group discussions. The CSMP not only targets cultural practices that exacerbates caregiving burden but also forms its basis upon Chinese culture and philosophies. New cultural factors together with previously-identified ones surfaced in discussions, including guanxi (Chinese relationship), renqing (favor), mianzi (self-esteem), social status, respect of authority, communication pattern, age respect, and more. The implications of cultural factors are discussed, together with corresponding areas for future improvement in CSMP and suggestions for professions working with this population. On the other side of the coin, participants who finished the CSMP achieved statistically significantly lower depression level, higher self-efficacy, and lower caregiver burden, compared to the control group.