bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EXPLORING THE CAREGIVING CAREER: VARIATIONS IN SPOUSES’ CONCERNS
Authors: Savundranayagam Marie Y , Terrana Kaitlyn 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Caregiver identity theory posits that family caregivers’ relationship identity changes across five phases of the caregiving career. As the career unfolds, the relationship identity changes from one comprised primarily of the spousal role (phase 1) to one comprised equally by spousal and caregiver roles (phase 3), and one comprised primarily by the caregiver role (phase 5). This study investigated whether spouses/partners’ most important concerns about caregiving varied across the caregiving career. Participants included 135 caregivers of spouses/partners with a chronic condition. They were asked to identify their most important concern related to caregiving, along with demographic questions. Thematic analyses of their concerns yielded eight themes focused on the caregiver or dyad. Caregiver focused themes included burden, providing best possible care, worry about ability to care, physical health, financial concerns, and needing/managing help. Dyadic themes were communication and relational deprivation. Differences across the caregiving career were found in terms of ranked proportion of concerns. The most common concerns in phase 1 were equally distributed across communication, needing/managing help, and providing best possible care. Phase 2’s most common concern was providing the best possible care. Phase 3’s most common concern was worry about ability to care. The most common concerns in phase 4 were equally distributed across burden and worry about ability to care. Phase 5’s most common concern was burden. Findings reveal there are differential concerns across the caregiving career that align with a greater focus on relational factors earlier in the career and caregiver burden later in the career.
PERSONAL GROWTH AFTER GRAY DIVORCE: A LONGITUDINAL VIEW ON THE DISSOLUTION OF LONG-TERM MARRIAGES
Authors: Recksiedler Claudia , Loter Katharina , Becker Oliver Arránz , Perrig-Chiello Pasqualina 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Going through a divorce is one of the most stressful life events across the life course with far-reaching ripple effects for individuals’ physical, mental, and often financial well-being. For some individuals, however, coping with marital dissolution and adapting to new social roles may lead to considerable gains in their reorientation in life and stimulate their personal development. This is captured in the concept of personal growth, which has been studied primarily in the context of becoming widowed, and through a cross-sectional lens. In our study, we track trajectories of personal growth after ending a long-term marriage of at least 15 years. We focus on divorce among adults in their second half of life because rates of grey divorce have been on the rise since the 1980s, yet longitudinal research on personal growth after marital dissolution remains sparse. We further examine whether trajectories of personal growth vary by gender, SES, reasons of divorce (e.g., sexual infidelity or drifted apart), and social support. Data stem from a Swiss panel on intimate relationships and marital dissolution among long-term married individuals conducted between 2012 and 2016 (N = 530). Random-effects group-specific growth curve models yielded similar—and slightly decreasing—trajectories of personal growth for divorced women and men over time. However, highly significant gender differences indicated that women showed higher levels of personal growth over the whole observation period. Because gender differences seemed to be fueled by social capital rather than economic assets, we discuss these results through the lens of a linked-lives perspective.
ADVANCING THE MEASUREMENT OF INTERGENERATIONAL CONTACT: BEYOND ATTITUDES TOWARD AGING
Authors: Turner Shelbie , Hooker Karen , Jarrott Shannon E 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
In our presentation, we will offer insights into our process of creating and validating a comprehensive theory- and evidence- informed measure of intergenerational contact that expands beyond the measurement of age-related attitudes. While attitudinal shifts are an important construct related to intergenerational contact and its impact on ageism, efforts to “Reframe Aging” require a more nuanced understanding of the mechanisms by which intergenerational contact can have positive impacts on individuals, families, and communities. Intergenerational contact is dynamic; it varies both between- and within- people, dyads, and places, as well as over time. Our measure includes quantity and qualities of intergenerational contact, including the extent to which the contact is between family vs. non-family members. Unlike existing measures of intergenerational relationship, ours reflects young persons’ and older adults’ intergenerational relationships. A psychometrically valid instrument of intergenerational contact is an essential first-step for determining how aging can be reframed through intergenerational interactions.
GRANDPARENTHOOD AND RISK OF MORTALITY: FINDINGS FROM THE HEALTH AND RETIREMENT STUDY
Authors: Ellwardt Lea , Hank Karsten , Leon Carlos F Mendes de 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Grandparenthood is a significant social role for older adults and may have important health implications. Parenthood itself has been associated with some protective health effects, although findings have been mixed. Whether grandparenthood is associated with important long-term health effects such as mortality is largely unknown. This study examines the grandparenthood-mortality nexus, and whether it is modified by gender and education. Longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) were used, comprising twelve biennial follow-up waves from 1992 to 2014 with linked data on vital status derived from the National Death Index. Submodules assessed participants’ family structure during follow-up. The sample included 24,325 participants aged &gt; 51 years with at least one child. Cox proportional hazard models were used to test the association between grandparenthood and mortality risk with adjustment for socio-demographic variables, for social variables including characteristics of and contact with children, and for health variables, including measures of overall, functional and mental health. Stratified models assessed these associations separately by gender and education. Grandparenthood was associated with a substantially increased mortality risk in women (fully adjusted HR = 1.65; 95% CI 1.27-21.14), and increased with larger number of grandchildren. No significant association was found for men (fully adjusted HR=1.25; 95% CI 0.97-1.62). Mortality risks associated with grandparenthood were highest among grandparents with low levels of education. The findings are among the first to suggest a potential grandparenthood survival “penalty”, especially for grandmothers. Higher levels of education appear to mitigate this negative survival effect among grandparents.
PARENTAL ABSENCE AND GRANDPARENT CAREGIVING IN THE WAKE OF THE CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN OPIOID EPIDEMIC
Authors: Ho Jessica Y 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The contemporary American drug overdose epidemic has wreaked havoc on individuals, families, and communities across the country. As increasing numbers of middle-aged adults become addicted to or die from drugs, grandparents may be called upon to provide care for their grandchildren. However, few studies examine the broader social impacts of the drug overdose epidemic. This paper fills this gap in the literature by examining whether the opioid epidemic has contributed to increased grandparental care provision and coresidence. I use data from the 2000 Census and the 2011-2015 American Community Surveys, and data on drug overdose mortality (a measure of the epidemic’s severity) and socioeconomic indicators. I find consistent and robust associations between increases in drug overdose mortality and increases in: children’s likelihood of experiencing parental absence from the household, grandparent-grandchild coresidence, and grandparental provision of custodial care. Fixed-effect estimates correspond to an additional 158,138 grandparents coresiding with grandchildren, and a 3% increase in the proportion of coresident grandparents who are primarily responsible for their grandchildren. These associations are stronger among younger (aged 30-64) versus older (aged 65+) grandparents. This paper leverages multiple measures and nationally-representative data to demonstrate that increases in precarious family arrangements, vulnerability, and the burden of caregiving among older adults are occurring in response to the opioid epidemic. These findings suggest that the epidemic is placing considerable and unexpected strains on older adults’ financial and emotional resources at a time when they themselves may be requiring care, retiring from the labor force, and experiencing declines in health.
AUGMENTATION INDEX IS A PREDICTOR OF CEREBRAL BLOOD FLOW ACROSS GLOBAL GRAY MATTER IN THE ELDERLY
Authors: de la Colina Adrian Noriega , Atef Badji , Joubert Sven , Bherer Louis , Lamarre-Cliche Maxime , Gauthier Claudine , Cohen-Adad Julien , Girouard Hélène 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Arterial stiffness and blood pressure (BP) are contributors to cognitive decline and dementia. Lower global cerebral blood flow (CBF) is one of the earliest manifestations of biological alterations linked to cognitive decline, nevertheless the best cardiovascular predictor of CBF in gray-matter (CBF-GM) remains to be identified. Our objective is to determine the best predictor of CBF-GM levels amongst cardiovascular parameters. Eigthy-four healthy participants between 60-80 years-old were evaluated. The measured parameters for arterial stiffness were the carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) and the augmentation index (Aix), measured by applanation tonometry (SphygmoCor). Mean systolic BP (SBP) was monitored over 24-hours and analyzed following Hypertension-Canada’s guidelines(2018). The coefficient of variation for 24-hours SBP was calculated by dividing the standard deviation by the mean. Resting CBF-GM was quantified from pseudocontinuous arterial-spin-labeling using Neurolens 2.0(pcASL), and acquired on a 3T scanner (MAGNETOM Prisma-Fit). We created multiple linear regression models for each independent variable (cf-PWV, Aix, mean-SBP in 24 hours and the coefficient of variation of 24-hours SBP) using age, sex, schooling and body mass index as covariates. Multiple linear regression models demonstrated that two independent variables could predict CBF-GM levels: a)PWV (p=0.010) and b)Aix (p=0.006). In this cohort, we demonstrated that while PWV and Aix are both predictors of CBF-GM levels, it is Aix which has the highest predictive value and could be a useful tool to understand the interplay between lower CBF-GM and arterial stiffness. These results also indicate that Aix may be a good therapeutic target to preserve brain health and cognition.
READMISSION RISK BY INSURANCE TYPE FOR PATIENTS WITH HEART FAILURE IN SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES
Authors: Daddato Andrea E , Miller Edward A , Nadash Pamela , Tyler Denise , Boxer Rebecca S 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is a leading cause of potentially preventable hospital readmissions for Medicare beneficiaries from skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). This research seeks to determine if a HF patient’s insurance type (Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) vs. Medicare Advantage (MA)) influences their risk for readmission within 30 days of hospital discharge to a SNF. MA beneficiaries receive benefits through managed care plans with restricted networks, but typically expanded benefits. This research is particularly timely in light of CMS’ new penalties under the Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) directed at SNFs for 30-day rehospitalizations. Outcomes data on readmissions from a randomized controlled trial of HF Disease Management in SNFs conducted from 2014-2017 were used to evaluate the risk of readmission. Patients with HF receiving SNF care were enrolled and followed for 30 days from SNF admission. Patients were recruited from 29 primarily for-profit (93%) SNFs that contracted with an average of 4.07 (±5.48) MA plans. Of the 340 study participants followed, 62% had FFS Medicare coverage (n=212) and 38% had MA (n=128). In total, 23% (n=79) of patients experienced at least one readmission within 30 days of hospital discharge. FFS patients had a higher risk of rehospitalization within 30 days of hospital discharge than MA patients (25% vs. 20%), but the association between insurance type and rehospitalization was not statistically significant (p-value=0.177). Findings suggest that insurance type may be an important risk factor for rehospitalizations for patients with HF from SNF; however, a larger sample will need to confirm this relationship.
FACTORS INFLUENCING AMERICAN ELDERS’ FORMAL CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Chen Haiping , Ma Fengzhi 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Summary: Today’s American elders are increasingly being seen as an asset to society through civic engagement. A new challenge facing America now and in the years ahead is how to tap such asset. Formal organizations should play a leading role in institutionalizing American elders’ civic engagement. Due to a structural lag between social changes and organizational practices, however, many organizations are not ready to engage the large number of American elders. To address this issue, formal organizations first need to know which factors affect American elders’ civic engagement and then are able to come up with effective solutions. Although some studies have investigated the contributing factors of American elders’ civic engagement, there are very few systematic syntheses of these factors from various different studies. To fill this gap, the authors conducted a mixed methods systematic literature review using meta-summary. Through electronic search of five databases and hand search of bibliographies, 22 articles were used in final analysis based on eligibility criteria, including 19 quantitative studies, two qualitative studies and one mixed methods study. Findings: The review identified six themes and 28 factors related to American elders’ civic engagement. These themes encompassed socio-demographic factors (eight factors), health status (four factors), program characteristics (four factors), engagement opportunities (three factors), engagement outcomes (five factors) and social capital (four factors). Applications: Formal organizations are advised to develop relevant competencies to capture the influences of identified factors. Social workers are also required to develop multilevel competencies to better engage American elders with the organizational settings.
THE VALUE OF US: EXPRESSIONS OF TOGETHERNESS IN COUPLES WHERE ONE SPOUSE HAS DEMENTIA
Authors: Swall Anna , Williams Christine , Hammar Lena Marmstål 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Living with dementia involves both illness and health and involves self-care and care by others. As most persons with dementia are living in their ordinary housing, dementia affects not only the person with the disease, but also the life of the family, commonly the partner. Research show that spouse carers feel like they are losing their partners due to an inability to share thoughts, feelings and experiences as a couple. Aim: The aim of the study was to describe spouse’s experience of their togetherness when one spouse has dementia. Method: The sample consisted of eighteen recorded conversations between 15 persons with dementia and their spouses. The filmed conversations were transcribed verbatim and then analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Findings: One overarching theme arose from the data “Dementia preserved and challenged the value of “us”. Being a couple trying to preserve a sense of togetherness and have the relationship they wished for could be seen as a challenge when one spouse was living with dementia. Conclusion: Based on our results, we suggest that practitioners should help couples to reinforce or strengthen their bonds as a couple to maintain well-being. Future studies should examine couplehood under differing conditions such as long versus short term relationships. Prior relationship quality may also be a factor influencing the sense of couplehood following a serious health challenge such as dementia.
NEIGHBORHOOD AGE COMPOSITION AND SELF-RATED HEALTH: FINDINGS FROM A NATIONALLY REPRESENTATIVE STUDY
Authors: Lehning Amanda , Lehning Amanda J , Mattocks Nicole , Kim Kyeongmo , Smith Richard J 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Neighborhood age composition is an understudied area. Furthermore, existing empirical and conceptual work is conflicting, with some indicating neighborhoods with more older adults are beneficial and other scholarship suggesting it can be detrimental. Using data from 7,197 older adults from the first wave (2011) of the National Health & Aging Trends Study combined with census tract data from the National Neighborhood Change Database, we examined the association between neighborhood age composition and self-rated health. Findings from logistic regression models indicate those living in neighborhoods with a growing concentration of older residents are significantly more likely to report lower self-rated health compared to those living in a neighborhood in which older adults overall are declining (β=1.51, p &lt; .05) or are becoming diluted by younger residents (β=.66, p &lt; .05). Results have implications for interventions promoting aging in place, particularly for those who may be stuck in place in age-concentrated neighborhoods.
OBSERVING SUPPORT INTERACTIONS BETWEEN PARENTS AND CHILDREN IN ADVANCED AGE
Authors: Meystre Claudia , Jopp Daniela , Darwiche Joëlle , Boerner Kathrin , Spini Dario 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Studies on support exchanges in older parent-child dyads have so far not used observational approaches. Rather, they have mostly relied on self-report/questionnaire approaches. However, support exchanges represent a dyadic phenomenon that goes beyond individual perspectives on the quality of support; thus, self-reports offer only a part of the picture and are subject to bias (e.g., memory bias). In contrast, observations are better suited to capture specific support behaviors and allow for studying the dyad “in action.” Our study purpose was to examine mutual support during interactions between older adults and their children, and to investigate the links of support behaviors to relationship quality and health. Fifty dyads living in Switzerland, composed of individuals aged 70 and over and the child involved in their care, participated in a standardized interaction task: The parent described and discussed a personally challenging situation with the child for ten minutes; then roles were reversed. The videotaped interaction was analyzed using the Social Support Behavior Code Adapted for Elders (Meystre et al., submitted). Relationship quality and subjective health were assessed via standardized questionnaires. Various types of support were observed, ranging from positive to negative. Children provided more informational support than parents. Dyads with poor relationship quality showed more informational support. Better participant health was associated with fewer negative behaviors. In sum, observing the dyads in real time offered unique insights into interacting patterns of support among older parents and their children, and enabled us to capture the nature of their relationship above and beyond individual self-reports.
RACE DIFFERENCES IN THE CONSEQUENCES OF ADULT CHILDREN’S PROBLEMS ON MOTHERS’ PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING
Authors: Stepniak Catherine , Suitor J Jill , Gilligan Megan , Pillemer Karl , Rurka Marissa 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Adult children’s problems have been found to be strong predictors of older parents’ psychological well-being, regardless of whether the sources of the problems are psychological or physical health, life circumstances outside of the children’s control, or children’s poor life decisions. Further, this pattern remains regardless of the number or proportion of offspring with problems, or whether children with problems were favored or disfavored by their parents. One important question that has not been addressed is whether the impact of children’s problems differs in Black and White families. Race disparities in health and other life circumstances lead Black adult children to be at greater risk of experiencing problems than are their White counterparts. Thus, Black mothers are at greater risk of having adult children with problems; however, increased exposure does not necessarily lead to a stronger impact of children’s problems on well-being. Alternatively, it can be argued that due to stronger kin networks and higher levels of religiosity, children’s problems may have a weaker impact on Black than White mothers’ well-being. In this paper, we use mixed-methods data collected from 101 Black mothers and 295 White mothers as part of the Within-Family Differences Study to explore differences in the impact of adult children’s problems on mothers’ depressive symptoms. Preliminary analyses of quantitative and qualitative data suggest that mothers’ interpretations of the circumstances surrounding their children’s problems, rather than support or type of problem, play a greater role in the impact of those problems on well-being in Black than White families.
REASONS FOR GRANDFAMILY FORMATION: CHANGING PATTERNS OVER 15 YEARS
Authors: Wallace McKenzie , Jeanblanc Alexandra B , Musil Carol M 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
As the number of grandparent-headed households continues to rise, it is vital to examine the changing impetus for the formation of grandfamilies. We compared the reasons for caregiving of custodial grandmothers from a current study (2017-2019: N=236) to a previous study (2002-2003: N=183) to determine whether reasons for caregiving have shifted over the 15 year period. Participants were asked to describe the reason for caregiving in an open ended question. The responses were coded into 17 categories. The percentage of participants who described each category as being a reason of caregiving were compared to determine any changes in reasons for caregiving. In both samples drug use and abandonment were the top reasons for caregiving. While abandonment shows no change (30% vs 28%), the current study shows a significant increase in drug use (40% vs 21%). The frequency at which child services was involved increased from 10% in the original sample to 28% in the current sample. Instances of violence in the home significantly increased from the original study (0.5%) to the current study (12%). Other reasons, child abuse, death of a parent, financial strain, parental health, and relationship strife, remained similar between the two samples. These data may represent an increase in family life events, but also greater willingness to disclose disruptive family life events. The substantial increase in drug use and violence as reasons for grandparents to become caregivers is concerning and suggests critical direction for clinical practice, research, and policy change to support grandparent caregivers.