bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Volunteering and Cognitive Health Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Friendship
Authors: Peng Changmin , Burr Jeffrey , Han Sae Hwang , Kim Kyungmin , Mutchler Jan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
We lack knowledge about the underlying mechanisms that link formal volunteering to cognitive health. Friendships can be formed and improved through volunteering. Friendship is also beneficial to cognitive health as it often involves sharing information and promoting social interactions. This study investigated the potential mediating role of friendship (i.e., the number of close friends and the quality of friendships) for the association between volunteering (i.e., volunteering status and volunteering hours) and episodic memory among middle-aged and older adults in the United States, using data from the 2014 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (N = 6,029). Moderated mediation models were employed to test the mediation role of friendship for the association between volunteering and cognition for two age groups, middle-aged adults (age 50-64, n = 2,441) and older adults (age 65+, n = 3,588). The results showed that the quality of friendships, but not the number of close friends, mediated the relationship between volunteering (both status and hours) and episodic memory for middle-aged adults. However, mediation effects of friendship were not discovered for older adults. Our findings emphasize the important role of the quality of friendship in understanding the cognitive benefit of volunteering among middle-aged adults. For older adults, the nonsignificant effects of friendship may be consistent with socioemotional selectivity theory, suggesting that older adults may not use volunteering to expand their social networks. Instead, they may participate in volunteer work for other reasons in the context of shrinking social networks.
The Relationship Between Subjective Age, Health Status, and Advance Care Planning
Authors: Engel Ilana , Baker Tamara 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Current data show that how old a person feels, or subjective age (SA), may be associated with improved well-being and functioning, less cognitive impairment, and longer life. Yet, the relationship between SA and advance care planning (ACP) has yet to be examined. This is all the more important when determining the role SA has in end-of-life decision-making. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study (Wave 13, 2016), this study aimed to examine whether SA is associated with having a living will (LW), having a LW with life-limiting care, and having assigned a durable power of attorney. The sample included 3,165 participants 51+ years of age (mean age = 65.67; SD = 11.79). Analyses were conducted assessing the predictive value identified social, behavioral, and health factors have for ACP. Results from binomial logistic regression analyses indicated that participants who endorsed feeling older than their chronological age were similarly likely to have engaged in ACP as those who felt younger. As demonstrated previously, older chronological age was significantly associated with higher utilization of ACP (ps &lt; .05). Those with cancer and women were significantly more likely to have a LW (ps &lt;.05). The present study did not find evidence to support a significant relationship between SA and ACP. Lower overall engagement with ACP and treatment for specific conditions, such as cancer, may be more influential in determining who utilizes ACP. Future research should explore how SA may serve as a protective factor and/or a psychological mechanism that influences engagement in ACP.
Perspectives of Productive Aging: How Occupations Affect Health and Well-Being of Older Adults in Retirement
Authors: Cole Marilyn , Macdonald Karen C 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
A predicted surge in the aging population presents a major challenge for public health in the USA. As occupational therapy researchers, we wondered how continued engagement in productive occupations affected the health and well-being of older Americans. Today’s retirees already understand the basics of successful aging, such as maintaining physical and mental fitness, and continuing an active lifestyle. Productive aging represents the next step: choosing roles and occupations that keep them engaged with others and their communities. As suggested by Clark (Jackson, Carlson, et al., 2012), occupations have the potential to provide a protective barrier to declining health, thereby lowering health care costs for the older population. Our Productive Aging qualitative studies (1 & 2) explore the lived experiences of life transitions, challenges, and adaptive skills implemented by participants (ages 65-80) in their own productive occupations. The findings of this follow-up study confirm and enhance themes of our first study (Cole & Macdonald, 2015): 1) prominence of the self-manager role, 2) intentionally maintaining social connections, and 3) engaging in self-fulfilling activities. Additional findings reflect current technology effects and elaborate how participants have met health challenges by adapting activities and environments (self-management), and using social resources (connections) to help them remain engaged in the occupations that give their lives meaning. Cole, M., & Macdonald, K. (2015). Productive aging: An occupational perspective. Thorofare, NJ: Slack, Inc. Clark, F., Jackson, Carlson, et al. (2012). Effectiveness of Lifestyle Intervention in promoting well-being of independently living older adults. Journal of Epidemiology and Community health.
Day-to-Day Variability in Loneliness: Associations With Age, Sleep Duration, and Health Symptoms
Authors: Witzel Dakota , Turner Shelbie , Stawski Robert 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Research has suggested that high day-to-day intraindividual variability (IIV) in positive emotions has negative impacts on well-being. Little research has explored the impact of IIV in negative emotions, particularly loneliness - a known risk-factor for poorer health in old age. With an estimated 25-29% of older adults reporting feelings of loneliness, it is imperative to examine age differences in the presence of IIV in loneliness and how this relates to sleep and physical health symptoms. Using data from the National Study of Daily Experiences (N=2022, Mage=56.24, Range=33-84), we examined whether (1) age was associated with IIV in loneliness, (2) greater IIV in loneliness was associated with lower average sleep duration and more physical health symptoms, and (3) age differences moderate the extent to which IIV in loneliness impacted the previous outcomes. Preliminary results indicated that age was associated with decreased IIV in loneliness (p&lt;.001). Additionally, increased IIV in loneliness and age was associated with significantly fewer physical health symptoms (ps&lt;.05) but was not reliably associated with sleep duration. Finally, age and IIV in loneliness did not interact to predict either physical health symptoms or sleep duration. Older participants diminished IIV in loneliness – and lack of differential vulnerability to IIV in loneliness – is consistent with theoretical models of older adults’ socioemotional regulation (i.e., socioemotional selectivity theory). Contrary to expectations, a higher variability in loneliness was related to lower average physical health symptoms. Discussion will focus on the meaning and importance of IIV in loneliness for older adults’ health.
Low Frequency Extension Filter and ActiGraph-Calculated Sleep Intervals in Older Adults
Authors: Hicks Hilary , Laffer Alex , Losinski Genna , Watts Amber 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Actigraphy has become a popular, non-invasive means of continuously monitoring physical activity and sleep. One optional setting, the low frequency extension (LFE) filter, reduces the movement threshold to capture low acceleration activity that is common in older adults. This filter significantly alters physical activity outcomes (e.g., step counts), but it is unclear if this has implications for sleep interval calculations that rely upon accurate differentiation between physical activity and sleep. We investigated the effects of the LFE filter on wrist-worn sleep estimates in older adults. Participants were 9 older adults who wore the ActiGraph GT9X on their non-dominant wrist for 7 days in a free-living environment. Raw data was processed with and without the LFE filter enabled, and sleep intervals were calculated by a proprietary ActiGraph algorithm. Paired samples t-tests demonstrated that the LFE filter generated significantly later bedtimes, fewer minutes spent in bed, shorter sleep duration, and fewer awakenings during the night compared to when the filter was disabled (all p &lt; .043). Use of the LFE filter did not lead to differences in arise time, sleep latency, efficiency, or wake after sleep onset (all p &gt; .052). While the LFE filter was designed to improve accuracy of physical activity estimates in more sedentary populations, these findings suggest that the LFE filter also has the potential to impact sleep estimates of older adults. Researchers using ActiGraph-calculated sleep would benefit from careful consideration of this software-dependent impact.
Examining Cardiovascular Disease Risk Profiles Among Older Adults With and Without Fibromyalgia
Authors: Serpas Dylan , Cherry Barbara , Zettel-Watson Laura 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Preexisting chronic health conditions may be confer increased CVD risk, specifically fibromyalgia (FM), a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, stiffness, and concentration problems. CVD risk increases with normal aging; however, characteristics of FM are suggested to exacerbate health profiles in normal aging processes that may contribute to increased CVD risk. Method: The sample included 221 older adults (M=63.40, SD=8.86; 82% female; 88% White/European American) and 55% reported an FM diagnosis. CVD risk factors were entered separately in a five-block hierarchical binary logistic regression model as predictors and included: cardiorespiratory fitness using the six-minute walk, BMI, standing and lying mean arterial pressure (MAP), and depression using the Beck Depression Inventory. Results: Logistic regression analyses revealed that poorer cardiorespiratory fitness (OR=.99, 95% CI=.99-1.00, p=.001), greater depressive symptoms (OR=1.35, 95% CI=1.19-1.53, p&lt; .001) and lower standing MAP (OR=.98, 95% CI=.96-1.00, p=.036) were associated with higher odds of an FM diagnosis. However, no differences in lying MAP (OR=1.02, 95% CI=1.00-1.04, p=.137) or BMI (OR=1.02, 95% CI=.95-1.10, p=.644) for an FM diagnosis emerged. Discussion: These data support the importance of examining the health profiles of persons with FM in the context of CVD risk. Experiences of FM may produce distinct health profiles with characteristics that serve as both protective and risk factors in the context of CVD.
Factors Associated With Pain Interference Among Black and White Older Adults
Authors: Fullwood Dottington , Fillingim Roger , Johnson Alisa , Gell Nancy 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Pain interference (PI) is an indicator of pain impact and is associated with physical performance (PP). However, factors associated with PI among older adults are not well described, including associations with PP and racial differences. This study explored PI among older adults by race. Data were obtained from the 2013 Pain Supplement of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (N= 1,202; 59.9% female, 23.0% Black non-Hispanic). Interviews included questions on sociodemographics, multi-morbidities, pain intensity (0-10 scale), and PI overall. Participants were also asked “In the last month, how much did pain interfere with ADLs, household activities, going outside, shopping, social activities and walking, which was used to create a PI index (Range 0-18). Physical performance measures assessed balance, gait speed, and chair stands (Short physical performance battery; SPPB). Logistic and multivariable regression analyses were conducted to determine associations among PI with PP, pain intensity, and race. Older Black adults experienced higher pain intensity (3.90 vs. 3.03) and demonstrated greater PP limitations (5.4 vs. 7.1 SPPB score) compared to older White adults (p&lt;0.001). Higher scores on the PI index were associated with worse PP, higher pain intensity, depression, multi-morbidity, and White race (p &lt;0.001), independent of confounders. Similarly, more PI overall was associated with White race, higher pain intensity, worse PP, and multi-morbidity (p&lt;0.001). Despite higher pain intensity and worse physical performance, older Black adults reported lower PI than White older adults. Additional exploration is needed to discern the paradoxically lower PI among older Black adults, including potential resilience factors.
Good, Bad, and Ugly: Partner Support and Quality of Life Among Couples Facing Skin Cancer
Authors: Butner-Kozimor Laura , Savla Jyoti 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
When older adults in partnered relationships face a skin cancer diagnosis of one partner, couples may rely on one another for support. Previous studies have found that perceived support can influence one’s adjustment to the stressors associated with the skin cancer diagnosis, as well as influence the overall quality of life. Using dyadic data from 30 older couples (Mage = 70; SD = 7.25), this study examined positive and negative relationship-focused support strategies each partner provided and effects on the dyad’s quality of life. Dyadic path analyses simultaneously examined the impact of support received by one’s partner and its association with their own quality of life (actor effects) and their partner’s quality of life (partner effects). Positive support received by either partner, in the form of active engagement, was not associated with quality of life. In contrast, negative support in the form of protective buffering received from supporting partners was associated with poorer quality of life for themselves (β = -.37, p = .05) as well as for partners with skin cancer (β = -.43, p = .01). Similarly, overprotection, also a negative support strategy, by supporting partners was associated with poorer quality of life for partners with skin cancer (β = -.63, p &lt; .001). Findings illustrate that not all types of support are beneficial for the overall couple relationship and couple outcomes. Implications for practice and interventions for older couples facing a cancer diagnosis will be discussed.
Investigating Head and Neck Cancer Survivors’ Experience of Survivorship Care
Authors: Seaman Aaron , Saeidzadeh Seyedehtanaz , Kendell Nicholas , Christensen Alan , Thomsen Timothy , Reisinger Heather , Pagedar Nitin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) accounts for 4% of all cancers diagnosed in the US, with 75% in adults over 55 years of age. HNC survivors must deal with the long-term consequences of the cancer and its treatments, which can have significant long-term physical, psychosocial, and financial consequences, dramatically impacting survivors’ lives. While research has identified the unmet needs of HNC survivors, there has been little examination of HNC survivors’ experiences living with a cancer history and engaging in survivorship care. To explore survivors’ experiences and their attitudes toward their survivorship care, we conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 22 HNC survivors whose survivorship care was managed within the HNC program of an academic tertiary care institution. Participants’ mean age was 65 years old, ranging from 33 to 86. The majority of the participants were male (68%), white (96%), married (81%), and had some college education or a higher degree (81%). One third of participants (n=7) had rural residence, as defined by the Rural-Urban Continuum Codes. Participants reported a wide range of experiences based on multiple factors: cancer site, staging, and treatment; their expectations prior to treatment; and personal and social context. They varied in their approaches toward understanding and incorporating the impacts of their cancer experience, from physical side effects of treatment to social impacts. They described the importance of survivorship care both in physical and social terms. We discuss the implications of these results for future interventions to improve HNC survivorship care delivery.
Perception of Neighborhood Characteristics During Childhood and Cognitive Health Among Older Adults in China
Authors: Peng Changmin , Han Sae Hwang , Burr Jeffrey 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Neighborhood environments shape the availability of resources for social engagement and social interaction, which are associated with better health outcomes. However, these contextual factors are also considered sources of potential social distress and tension, increasing the risk of subsequent health deficits, including cognitive decline. Our understanding of the linkage between childhood neighborhood environments and cognitive functioning in later life is limited. This study employed three waves of nationally representative data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011-2015; N = 11,105) to investigate the relationship between self-reported neighborhood social cohesion during childhood (i.e., neighborhood safety, neighbors willing to help, and close-knit neighborhood) and cognitive functioning (Chinese version of TICS). We employed latent growth curve modeling to test hypotheses relating to life course models of childhood conditions and later life cognitive functioning (the long arm of childhood). The results showed that perceptions regarding the willingness of neighbors to help and close-knit neighborhood characteristics during childhood were positively associated with levels of later life cognitive function. Further, growing up in a neighborhood characterized by the willingness of neighbors to help others was negatively associated with the rate of cognitive decline, net of childhood and adulthood covariates. Self-report of neighborhood safety during childhood was unrelated to cognitive function (level and change). These findings underscored the long-term ramifications of childhood conditions as potential risk factors for later-life cognitive health. Social cohesion at the neighborhood level as experienced during childhood may be a protective factor for healthy cognitive aging among older Chinese adults.
Personal Support Networks of Older Adults in Relation to Their Perceptions About Disaster Management
Authors: Ashida Sato , Thompson Lena , Hejna Emily , Obot Sefonobong , Schneider Haley 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Personal support networks are essential in ensuring the health and well-being of older adults especially in handling disaster situations. This study assessed the characteristics of personal support networks of older adults in relation to their perceptions about disaster management. Adults between ages 63 and 88 from Eastern Iowa participated in a survey prior to receiving a disaster preparedness education program. About half (47%) were living alone, 66% were female, and 53% had a high school diploma or fewer years of education. Forty-seven participants identified 308 support network members, with an average network size of 6.55 members ranging from 2 to 17. A greater number of network members with whom participants discussed disaster/emergency plans was associated with higher perceived response efficacy (preparation/planning “will help handle the situation better”; r=0.45, p=0.002), lower perceived barriers (preparation is “difficult to do”; r=-0.34, p=0.021), and higher self-efficacy to handle disaster situations (r=0.32, p=0.030). Having more members who would help “if something went wrong” was associated with higher self-efficacy to prepare (r=0.44, p=0.002) and to handle disaster situations (r=0.34, p=0.021). Fatalistic perception that nothing can help handle disaster situations was associated with having fewer people who provide emotional support (r=-0.559, p=.003) and who participants trust (r=-0.46, p=.018). Older adults’ social support network members may partly determine their perceptions regarding the importance of and their ability to prepare for emergency and disaster situations. Future studies may evaluate whether activating network member support and discussion would lead to increased motivation and preparedness among older adults.
Physical and Social Neighborhood Environments and Well-Being
Authors: Takayama Midori , Ishioka Yoshiko , Sugawara Ikuko 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Existing research has found effects of neighborhood environment on well-being. However, it is still not clear what features of neighborhood environments affect well-being for older adults and whether the impact of the environment varies depending on the health and economic conditions. In this study, we examined the relations between 4 physical and social neighborhood-context factors, that is, the availability of neighborhood physical resources (e.g. community centers and libraries), the walkability and accessibility, the availability of social resources (e.g. culture and recreation programs, and social care services), and the social inclusion (e.g. participation in decision making, and positive social attitude toward older adults), and individual-level well-being. Moreover, we examined the health and economic disparities of effect of neighborhood environments on well-being. We used data from locally representative longitudinal study of older Japanese aged 74 to 86 (N = 1388). Results from multi-level linear regression showed that after controlling individual variables having inhibitory/facilitatory effects of well-being, the availability of physical resources was associated with higher well-being score. Especially among older adults who had financial strains, the availability of physical environment had a positive effect on well-being more strongly. For older adults who had better physical functions, accessibility and walkability were associated with higher well-being score. The social inclusiveness was associated with higher well-being score among those who had no financial strain. These important findings demonstrate the need for more research exploring the underlying mechanisms. The potential benefits of this approach provide a basis for developing models of maintaining well-being for older adults.
Social Participation and Depressive Symptoms Among Chinese Retirees
Authors: Xu Ziyao , Sun Na 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
With the rapid growth of the older population in China, the number of retirees is expanding. The retirement transition can lead to the loss of roles/challenge self-identity, increasing the risk of depression. Social participation may have a protective role in the context of retirement. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between social participation and depressive symptoms among Chinese retirees. Using cross-sectional data from the 2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS), we investigated 1949 retirees (Mean age = 66.11, SD=0.37). Social engagement was measured by summing participation in 10 social activities (e.g., interacting with friends, volunteering). Depressive symptoms were measured using the CESD-10; a score ≥ 10 was used to define depression. Participants, on average, engaged in 1.42 (SD=0.06) social activities and 16.8% of them had depression. Results of logistic regression indicate a significant relationship between social participation and depressive symptoms (p=0.014). For every additional social activity, the odds of depression decreased by 17%, holding age, gender, marital status, education, total income, and numbers of chronic diseases constant. Social activity is associated with depression among Chinese retirees. Future studies should explore the effects of specific types of activities on the mental health of Chinese retirees.