bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING DIFFICULTIES AND TOILETING AMONG OLDER GHANAIANS: AN APPLICATION OF WHO-ICF FRAMEWORK
Authors: Awuviry-Newton Kofi , Tavener Meredith , Wales Kylie , Kowal Paul , Byles Julie 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The aim of the study was to analyze the prevalence of activities of daily living (ADL) difficulties among older Ghanaians and specifically how one ADL, toileting difficulty, predicts care and supports needs using the World Health Organization International Classification of Disability and Health framework (WHO-ICF). Toileting difficulty requiring upper extremity strength is among ADLs that can lead to functional loss of independence among older people globally. A sample of n=5,096 adults aged 50 years and older from the WHO Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Ghana Wave 1 was used to analyze difficulties with ADLs and toileting. Level of difficulty was assessed against 22 other functioning items from the interview. Out of the 22 functioning items, climbing one flight of stairs without resting was the most difficult activity to be completed by older Ghanaians, and difficulty eating being the least endorsed item. Toileting was ranked the 16th in terms of reported difficulty and was related to other ADLs. Logistics multivariate regression was used to analyze data. Including significant variables from the univariate analysis in parsimonious model based on WHO-ICF framework, age, self-report health, memory, bodily pain, short distance vision, stroke, neighborhood trust, toilet facility type, and religious meeting attendance, were significantly independently associated with toileting difficulty. Gender was significant at the univariate level but became insignificant after adjusting for body function and structural variables. Toileting difficulty was associated with factors across different components in the WHO-ICF making the WHO-ICF an appropriate tool for understanding health and disability.
INCREASING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY POST-KIDNEY TRANSPLANT: A PILOT RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Authors: O’Brien Tara , Russell Cynthia , Hathaway Donna 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Older kidney transplant recipients are at risk for graft failure and death due to lack of physical activity. Physical activity after transplant is the most modifiable non-pharmacological factor for improving physical function. One personal system intervention called, SystemCHANGE™ in combination with activity trackers, holds promise for increasing physical activity among this population. The purpose of this pilot randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the efficacy of SystemCHANGE™ on increasing average daily steps in older (age 60 and over) kidney transplant recipients from baseline to 6 months. The intervention group met monthly to implement a successful personal system solution based on their daily routines and step-data collected from the activity tracker. The control group received monthly educational information on healthy living with a transplant. Participants were randomized 1:1 to the intervention or control group. The sample consisted of 31 participants (n = 15 intervention, and n = 16 control). No significant differences were found at baseline among the groups for demographics, self-efficacy and health outcomes (blood pressure, weight, waist circumference, 6 minute Walk Test). However, the intervention group had greater increase in the average daily steps from baseline to 6 months (mean ± SD: 1511 ± 2320) as compared to the control group (181 ± 2419). The between-group difference was of medium effect size (d = .56).The data suggests SystemCHANGE™ in combination with activity trackers may be feasible for older kidney transplant recipients to enhance daily steps.
RELATIONSHIP OF AGING EXPECTATIONS, GOAL CONGRUENCE, AND ACTIVITY TO MUSCLE FUNCTION IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Taani Murad H , Sima Christina , Apchemengich Immaculate , Kaplan Andrew , Fendrich Michael , Schiffman Rachel , Strath Scott 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Poor muscle function is a major source of disability among older adults and leads to negative health outcomes including falls and fractures, exacerbating healthcare cost. This study was undertaken to understand: a) the characteristics of muscle function; and b) the relationship of self-management process variables (expectations regarding aging, goal congruence, and self-efficacy for physical activity) and physical activity self-management behavior to muscle function in a sample of older adults (N = 65) 75-93 years of age living in Continuing Care Retirement Communities. Using a descriptive correlational design, muscle function was measured with the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test and physical activity level with ActiGraph GT3X. Questionnaires included Expectations Regarding Aging and goal congruence scales and Physical Activity Assessment Inventory to assess self-efficacy. Pain was assessed by the PROMIS Pain Intensity 3a. Most participants (77%) performed poorly on the SPPB test. Controlling for pain, expectations regarding aging, goal congruence, self-efficacy and physical activity explained 46% of the variance in SPPB score. The model demonstrated that self-efficacy and light-intensity physical activity significantly explained 24.6 % of the variance in SPPB score; suggesting that low self-efficacy and decreased levels of light-intensity physical activity were significant predictors of low SPPB score. The findings demonstrate the need for more research documenting the underlying processes and risk factors for reduced muscle function. The potential benefits of this approach provide a basis for designing interventions to improve muscle function and delay the transfer to more restrictive living environments.
MOBILITY TRAJECTORIES, HEALTHCARE SATISFACTION, AND PERCEIVED DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Mueller Collin , West Jessica S 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Although functional mobility limitations are associated with increased healthcare needs in later life, little research explores how older adults with varying functional mobility trajectories experience healthcare quality. To this end, we explore the effects of functional mobility trajectories on differences in healthcare treatment satisfaction, perceived disability discrimination in healthcare settings, and perceived everyday disability discrimination. We analyzed 9 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (n=29,284, 1998-2014, ages 50-84). First, we estimate age-specific group-based trajectories of functional mobility across age using finite mixture models. Second, we use multinomial logistic regression to identify sociodemographic factors that place individuals at elevated risk of membership in each group. Third, we explore how membership in one disability trajectory group over another affects healthcare satisfaction, perceptions of everyday discrimination in the context of healthcare treatment settings, and perceived discrimination in everyday life. Regression models include clustered standard errors to account for heteroscedasticity across repeated observations of individuals over time. We identify six group-based trajectories of functional mobility limitation among aging Americans. Black, female, and less-educated Americans are at higher risk of membership in disadvantaged trajectories, characterized by more rapidly increasing counts of functional mobility limitations, than their counterparts. Disadvantaged functional limitation trajectories are associated with lower levels of healthcare satisfaction, higher levels of perceived physical disability discrimination in healthcare treatment settings, and higher levels of perceived physical discrimination in other contexts of everyday life. The present study advances our knowledge of how older adults experience healthcare settings and discrimination across functional mobility status trajectories.
EXAMINING GENDER DIFFERENCES IN RELIGIOUS INVOLVEMENT AND DEPRESSION IN LATER LIFE
Authors: Santiago Hailey J , Curtin Caitlin , Stengel Julia , Thompson Edward H , Futterman Andrew 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
This study examines gender differences in a causal model of religious motivation, religious participation and depression. Using a random sample of 287 community-dwelling older adults living in Worcester, MA, the model hypothesizes that motivations for religious involvement (intrinsic vs. extrinsic) differentially predict religious participation (organizational and non-organizational) as well as depression at both initial and 12-month assessments. In this model, participation also mediates direct relationships between religious motivation and depression. Religious motivation and participation are assessed using standard measures (e.g., Allport & Ross, 1967; Ainlay & Smith, 1982), and depression is assessed both by self-report (CESD and by interview (Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression derived from the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia, SADS). Using MPlus, confirmatory analyses of the model were conducted separately in male and female samples. The model which includes both direct effects of religious motivation and participation on depression and with religious participation as mediating variable demonstrated reasonably good fit to the data in both male and female samples (e.g., CFI=.956 and .943, respectively). Consistent with previous research (e.g., McFarland, 2009), gender differences in the models emerge. For example, men report higher levels of religious participation and less depression than women. In addition, older men demonstrate stronger positive associations between extrinsic religiousness and organizational participation and a more negative association between extrinsic religiousness and depression, than older women. Elucidating the structural relationships among religious orientation, religious participation, and depression in older adults benefits our understanding of vulnerability and treatment of depression in this population.
RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE AS A KEY FACTOR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF LATE-LIFE TRUE BELIEF
Authors: Prusak Austin , Iapalucci Margaret , Walsh Eoin , Wolfram Ann-Kathrin , Futterman Andrew 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Hoffer (1951) argued that “true believers” are individuals who cannot tolerate questions about their views. In terms of “true” religious believers, such individuals would not be able to tolerate questions about religious doctrine. In this study, we examine potential causes of religious “true” belief in later life. Using a model of religious orientation developed by Allport (1950) and Batson (1991), we defined “true” religious believers as those individuals who describe deep and broad religious commitments (score high on measures of intrinsic religious orientation) but refuse to question or doubt their commitments (score low on quest religious orientations). Using logistic regression analyses, we examined predictors of religious true belief in a sample of 357 denominationally diverse older adults living in New England. Predictors in the model included denominational affiliation, religious knowledge, organizational and non-organizational religious participation, and religious experiences, as well as non-religious factors such as personality traits (NEO), severity of illness and self-rated health, overall life stress, and other background factors (SES, gender, age) Of these 14 predictors, one factor in particular stood out as a particularly robust predictor of membership in the “true” believer group (n=47) – high scores on self-reported religious experience. Religious life experiences may be influenced by cohort and personality, resulting in extremely high scores of the individual on the intrinsic orientation scale and extremely low scores on the quest scale; together these embody the “true believer”.
DETECTION OF DEPRESSION USING THE UCLA THREE-ITEM LONELINESS SCALE IN OLDER CHINESE
Authors: Liu Tianyin , Wong Gloria H Y , Tang Jennifer Y M , Lu Shiyu , Leung Dara , Sze Lesley , Sing Joyce , Lum Terry 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Loneliness is a significant and independent risk factor for later life depression. This study aimed to validate the Chinese version of the UCLA 3-item Loneliness Scale and to ascertain the cut-off point in detecting depression in community-dwelling older adults. The English version of the UCLA was translated into Chinese by six experienced social workers, clinical psychologists and researchers, and content validity was established by consultation and revision with 10 older adults. 1,919 older adults aged 60 years and over (average age = 76.3±8.0) were recruited from local NGOs, they were interviewed for demographic information, and assessed using the 3-item loneliness scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Cronbach’s α of the Chinese loneliness scale was 0.87; the average score was 4.0 ± 3.0 out of 9, and it significantly correlated with living alone (r = 0.18, p &lt; 0.001), unmarried (r = 0.12, p &lt; 0.001), no emotional support (r = 0.14, p &lt; 0.001), and depression (r = 0.41, p &lt; 0.001). Using PHQ-9 cut-off score of 5 for mild and above depression, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.73 ± 0.1 (p &lt; .001, 95% CI 0.71-0.76) with 77% sensitivity and 61% specificity. We determined a cut-off point of 3 for loneliness using the Youden index, which revealed better sensitivity over alternative definitions of loneliness. A cut-off point of 3 in the Chinese UCLA 3-item loneliness scale can reliably identify possible depression in community-dwelling older Chinese.
LONELINESS AND HYPOCHONDRIASIS AMONG OLDER ADULTS: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF INTOLERANCE OF UNCERTAINTY AND ANXIETY
Authors: Moore Jenna M , Archuleta William P , Helphrey Jessica H , Smith Leah N , Sawyer Jennifer , Rose III David W , Reed Christopher , Barnett Michael D 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Loneliness is prevalent among older adults and is associated with adverse outcomes for health and mortality. Additionally, researchers have suggested that loneliness may cause a person to direct attention inward and become preoccupied with bodily symptoms which may subsequently lead to health anxiety. However, little extant research has examined the association among older adults. In this study, we proposed a loneliness model of hypochondriasis in which loneliness contributes to hypochondriasis through intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety. Healthy, community-dwelling older adults (N = 280; 64.4% female; age range: 65-95; M = 76.08, SD = 7.59) completed an interview survey. Loneliness was associated with higher hypochondriasis and had an indirect effect on hypochondriasis through intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety. Lonelier older adults may have an activated threat system which prompts greater intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety and thereby results in greater hypochondriasis.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN CARE USE IN THE NETHERLANDS: CHANGES BETWEEN 1995 AND 2016
Authors: Aaltonen Mari , Deeg Dorly , van Groenou Marjolein Broese 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
In recent decades, care policy in the Netherlands reduced budgets for residential care and formal home care, which increased the demand for informal care. Women use formal care more often than men, but we lack information on the extent to which the gender gap in care use is explained by differences in individual chracteristics and changes in care policy. Data from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam (LASA) were employed to explore the gender gap in the use of informal, formal and private home care, community services, and residential care in the years 1996-2016, analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE). The data consisted of 9,497 observations, gathered from 3,369 respondents aged 65-85. Women used all types of formal care more than men. The gender differences persisted even when individual characteristics were taken into account; however, only in residential care the differences diminished after care preferences were included in the analysis. During the study years, the gender gap increased in formal home care and in non-use of care, as women increasingly used formal home care and the proportion of men without care expanded. The gender gap in informal care use reversed, with men using more informal care during the earlier years and women using more in the later years. The persistent and even increasing gender differences in care use deserve further exploration of the role of gender in current care culture. The growing gender gab in non-use of care raises concern for older men and their possible increase in unmet care needs.
COASTAL RETIREMENT: IT’S ALL FUN AND GAMES UNTIL THE HURRICANE HITS
Authors: Glass Anne P , Blair Jenni , Nichols Judith 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Many people dream of retiring to the beach. Twenty-four individuals who retired from out-of-state to a beach area in southern North Carolina had previously been interviewed regarding their retirement process and decision to move to this destination. Hurricane Florence brought major flooding and devastation to the area in September 2018. Shortly after, 10 participants agreed to complete a second interview and data collection about their hurricane-related experiences. This sample consisted of 8 women and 2 men, average age of 74.4 (range=68-88), and all were white. Nine evacuated, including one who went to a shelter. This project provided a unique opportunity to compare answers about stress levels and how they felt about their choice to move to the area, before and after the storm. Six and five rated their stress high/very high just prior to, and during Florence, respectively, but stress levels returned to low/very low for 90%. Two stated the storm caused them to rethink their decision to move; one now says she feels ambiguous about her move and would probably not choose it again. Stress caused by uncertainty was a thread across all interviews. Anxiety and concern were experienced, but no one reported fear. Neighbors played an important role pre-, during, and post-storm. No participants had significant damages, although one had a break-in; all expressed gratitude. They reported some lessons learned to apply the next time. These findings will be of interest to planners and others. They also demonstrate the resilience of older adults in dealing with natural disasters.
SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS: A LATENT CLASS APPROACH TO COSTING HEALTH SERVICE ENGAGEMENT IN AGING POPULATIONS
Authors: Douglas Elaine , Bell David 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Social isolation and loneliness are associated with poorer health status and poorer health outcomes. Little is known the impact on health service usage, and its inherent cost, although it is considered to be higher. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to determine profiles (population groups) of loneliness and social isolation in older people (aged 50+, n=1,057) using model-fit criteria. Loneliness was measured using the UCLA Loneliness Scale and social isolation used a measure of social networks and social contact. We then analysed the socio-demographic, perceived health, and health behaviour of these profiles using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. The survey data (HAGIS, 2016/17) were linked to retrospective administrative health data to investigate patterns of repeat prescription use (from 2009) and health service usage (from 2005) and their associated costs. Our results highlight the distinction and inter-relation between social isolation and loneliness (including associations with socio-demographic and health characteristics), and the variation in health service usage and costs between the population groups. LCA profiles may help focussed targeting of these groups for health interventions. Further, the data-driven approach of LCA may overcome some of the limitations of indices of social isolation and loneliness. As such, this will extend the existing methodological approaches to quantitative analyses of social isolation and loneliness and demonstrate the benefits of using linked administrative health data. Significantly, this study incorporates the social and financial cost of social isolation and loneliness on health and its implications for health services.
CREATING THE CT GERONTOLOGY CONSORTIUM TO BRING FACULTY AND STUDENTS TOGETHER TO PROMOTE GERONTOLOGICAL EDUCATION
Authors: Barmon Christina , Oakes Claudia E , Fedus Donna , Michalowski Erica , June Andrea , Andreoletti Carrie 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Although commonplace for faculty across universities to collaborate on research, it is less common to bring faculty and students from different institutions together for pedagogical purposes. In this poster, we describe the development of the Connecticut Gerontology Consortium, comprised of gerontology instructors at several academic institutions. We created this consortium in order to 1) develop a support network for faculty interested in teaching about aging, and 2) to support collaboration on efforts to promote creative, interdisciplinary student experiences that foster a passion for gerontology. In addition, we describe one endeavor, a student project, from the planning stages to post-project reflections. The intercollegiate and interdisciplinary “Careers in Aging” project brought together 62 students from four academic institutions with a broad range of experiences and interests. Students were assigned to groups from different schools to investigate careers in the aging network in Connecticut. Each student group interviewed a professional, delivered a presentation about their career path and day-to-day experiences, and created an informational brochure about the profession. Students indicated that they valued the experience of learning about the aging network and engaging with other students who shared an interest in gerontology. However, they cited challenges in communicating with students from other classes and at other institutions. This project has the potential to build networking opportunities for students as well as strengthening the community of gerontology professionals. The presentation will include lessons learned and how the consortium plans to move forward.
UTILIZING UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH TO INFORM COMMUNITY RESOURCES FOR OLDER ADULTS: A SERVICE-LEARNING PROJECT
Authors: Barnett Amanda E , Olinger Sara 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Engaging undergraduate students with aging-focused community resources is critical for preparing students to work with older adults and make positive contributions to aging societies. During the fall, 2018 semester, undergraduate students in a human development course on middle and late adulthood partnered with a county aging and disability resource center (ADRC) in Wisconsin to evaluate and update several of their existing programs and resources using empirical research. Upon completion of this project, students synthesized course material to meet all course learning objectives such as: (1) critically analyze physical, psychological, and sociological processes of aging across categories of difference (e.g. cultural, ethnic, class); (2) evaluate social policies and their multigenerational implications for midlife and older adults; and (3) construct a personal position on aging that integrates theory, research, and policy to demonstrate a sensitive and competent approach to working with midlife and older adults. Students researched, wrote reports, and presented to ADRC staff on the impact of social isolation on older adults, best practices for home visitor and transportation programs serving older adults, cognitive competency tools and best practices for utilizing memory assessments, grief supports and groups for family caregivers, and best practices for supporting veterans as they age. The outcome of these projects are research-based recommendations for any ADRC to consider when developing and implementing related programs. All stakeholders (students, professor, and ADRC staff) were satisfied with the process and outcomes of the project. Strengths and challenges of carrying out such a collaborative project will be reviewed.