bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aging and Financial Capacity: Cognitive Correlates of an Early Indicator of Functional Decline
Authors: Wild Katherine , Marcoe Jennifer , Sharma Nicole , Siqueland Mary , Mattek Nora , Karlawish Jason , Kaye Jeffrey 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Financial capacity describes the ability to make and carry out sound financial decisions sufficient to meet an individual’s needs for health and well-being. Impairments in financial capacity have been shown to be one of the earliest functional changes in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), the precursor to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Recent developments using online automated monitoring of financial transactions promise a new way to identify the earliest signs of cognitive decline. We examine the feasibility of using secure online technology to link ongoing financial activity monitoring data with other objective measures of function and cognition in a cohort of independent living older adults. To date, 73 older adults (mean age = 76.8, MoCA = 25.9) have enrolled and are participating in a 12-month online financial monitoring program that tracks account activity and generates alerts for unusual or irregular transactions. At baseline participants are administered a battery of neuropsychological tests and the Financial Capacity Instrument (FCI), a measure of financial capacity using tasks of everyday financial activity. Financial monitoring data are collected continuously, and are summarized and reported monthly. Younger participants had more online transactions and higher FCI scores. FCI total score was positively correlated with animal fluency (p &lt; .02), Trails A (p &lt; .03) and B (p &lt; .0001), and visual memory (p &lt; .0008). Number of online transactions in one month was correlated with FCI score, and Trails B (faster time to completion). Lower MoCA scores were associated with higher number of alerts per month.
Gerotranscendence as a Factor of Active Aging: Predictors and Outcomes
Authors: Strizhitskaya Olga 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The image of modern aging had changed. While before ageing was associated with degenerative processes, today more older adults become active and meaningful members of the society. Still more knowledge is needed to help the majority of older adults to age in active and positive way. Solid body of research shows that in ageing the value of subjective factors dramatically increases. Gerotranscendence that suggests important positive personality changes to occur in aging, could be one of such mechanisms. The aim of the present study was to investigate which psychological characteristics were important for development of gerotranscendence and which positive outcomes it might cause. Participants were 200 older adults aged 60-89 (69% females). Methods: Gerotranscendence scale (Strizhitskaya), self-actualization test (Shostrom), Self-acceptance test (Pantileev), Psychological well-being scale (Ryff), Scale of social activity (Strizhitskaya). Our results confirmed in consistence with literature that higher scores on self-acceptance and self-actualization favored development of gerotranscendence. We also found that developed gerotranscendence positively affected psychological well-being. New in our research was that we showed that people who demonstrated higher scores on gerotranscendence were more interested in maintaining social activities; they were interested in participation in social life of their community and were trying to continue active and meaningful social participation. The final model fitted the original data (Chi-square=12,168; df=11; p=0,103; CFI=0,944; GFI=0,973; RMSEA=0,051; PCLOSE=0,503). Thus gerotranscendence had positive effects on older adult’s functioning and social participation.
Understanding Wisdom: An Investigation of Gender Difference in Old Age
Authors: Hartikka Kathryn 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Understanding wisdom contributes to a larger dialogue on how best to serve older adults as they go through the aging process. Namely, by identifying gender differences in wisdom conceptualization, research can further gather information regarding the complex, implicit definitions. To investigate how older men and women differ in conceptualizing wisdom, semi-structured qualitative interviews with seven men and eight women (age range: 64-86 years) who scored above average on the Three-Dimensional Wisdom Scale (3D-WS), the Adult Self-Transcendence Scale (ASTI), and the Foundational Values Scale (FVS) were compared. In-depth analysis of semi-structured interviews uncovered spiritual and non-spiritual experiential-based knowledge, “good” or spiritual-based decision-making, and a selfless care for others as common themes among women. Men invoked similar themes, such as spiritual-based decision-making and experiential-based knowledge, yet also differed in conceptualizing wisdom by emphasizing themes such as growth through hard times and overcoming obstacles. Men also considered wisdom to be related to an open-mindedness about life and rarely noting selfless care for others as a characteristic of wisdom in contrast to female respondents. The findings confirm earlier quantitative research results on implicit wisdom theories that men are more likely than women to have a cognitive understanding of wisdom, whereas women are more likely than men to characterize wisdom as an integrative construct.
When Cancer Meets Dementia: The End-of-Life Caregiving Experience for Older Adults With Comorbid Dementia and Cancer
Authors: Ling Gigi C C , Chow Amy Y M 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Older adults with comorbid dementia and cancer is an increasing phenomenon with the aging population worldwide. Caregivers of these older adults might have a totally different and unique end-of-life caregiving experience. This is because all physical and behavioral signs and symptoms of dementia and cancer may interact with each other and complicate the caregiving experience. The aims of this study was to understand and examine the end-of-life caregiving experiences for older adults with comorbid dementia and terminal cancer from the perspective of family caregivers. Twenty-one caregivers were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview that examined the end-of-life caregiving experiences, its impact and how they coped with the challenges they faced. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. The essential meaning of the phenomenon is understood as “grieving thrice, suffering dually and becoming one”, characterized by how caregivers understood the meaning of togetherness after going through the time of recurring losses from dementia through cancer to death and experiencing ambiguous sufferings dually with their loved one. Ambiguous sufferings were not “there” before the diagnosis of cancer but emerge in the context of comorbid dementia and cancer and in the connection with the caregivers making interpretation and appraisal of their internal and external resources. These important findings fill in the knowledge gap in the literature related to end-of-life caregiving experience for older adults with comorbid dementia and cancer; and may guide the development of appropriate interventions to support the older adults and their caregivers in a holistic approach.
Cognitive Decline and Financial Well-Being: Evidence From the Cognitive Economics Study
Authors: Zhou Yuci 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Maintaining financial well-being is important for older adults, as they are generally decumulating wealth at this stage of life. We use survey data from the Cognitive Economics Study (CogEcon, 2008-2017) and Cognition and Aging in the USA Study (CogUSA, 2007-2014) to investigate the impact of cognitive decline on financial well-being of older adults in the United States. In our sample (N = 976), with an average starting age of 65 years old, we use linear regression, then add results including a control function approach to correct our estimates for sample selection and attrition. In particular, those who have poor health outcomes (including death) disproportionately attrit from the study and may bias the results of a naïve regression. The naïve regression results yield no relationship between cognition and financial well-being; however, after controlling for attrition, we find that a decline in crystallized intelligence is associated with a decrease in financial well-being, and changes in fluid intelligence are not associated with changes in financial well-being.
Awareness of Age-Related Change, Future Time Perspective, and Implications for Goal Management in Older Adulthood
Authors: Wilton-Harding Bethany , Windsor Tim 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
How people manage their goals is central to adaptation across the lifespan. However, little is known about the individual difference characteristics that predict how and why people use different self-regulatory strategies. The present study aimed to investigate associations of perceived age-related gains and losses, and their interaction, as predictors of flexibility in goal management in older adulthood. We also examined whether future time perspective (FTP) mediated the relationship between AARC and goal flexibility, such that awareness of aging impacts perceptions of time remaining, impacting how individuals evaluate and manage their goals. A community-based sample of 408 adults aged between 60 and 88 years was recruited via an internet-based research platform. Participants completed questionnaire measures of AARC-gains, AARC-losses, FTP, goal disengagement, and goal re-engagement. A flexibility index reflecting tendencies toward use of both goal disengagement and re-engagement strategies was also analyzed. Although AARC-losses was associated with lower goal re-engagement and goal flexibility, this association was weaker among those with higher AARC-gains, indicating that AARC-gains may be protective in the relationship between AARC-losses and goal management. Furthermore, the association between AARC and goal management was mediated by FTP. Higher AARC-gains were associated with more open-ended FTP, which was associated with higher goal re-engagement and lower goal disengagement. On the other hand, higher AARC-losses was associated with more restricted FTP, which was associated with lower goal re-engagement, and higher goal disengagement. Results suggest that subjective awareness of aging (particularly awareness of gains), has important implications for goal management in older adulthood.
Measuring Self-Perceptions of Aging: Differences Between Measures When Predicting Health Outcomes
Authors: Boeder Jordan , Tse Dwight 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The majority of self-perceptions of aging (SPA) research uses either a combination of the Age-related Cognition (AgeCog) scales of Ongoing Development and Physical Loss, or the Attitudes Towards Own Aging (ATOA) subscale to assess views on aging. Although these scales are used interchangeably, the valence (positive/negative) and the specificity of the view on aging (domain-based/general) being assessed are not consistent. This study investigates how different measures of SPA relate to one another and whether they differentially predict various types of health outcomes (psychological/physiological; well-being/ill-being). Data from the 2008 and 2014 waves of the German Aging Survey (DEAS; n=3,745), a population-based representative survey of adults aged 40 to 95, was used to examine the relationship between the AgeCog scales and the ATOA subscale, as well as the differences in the types of health outcomes each predicts. The correlations between the AgeCog scales and the ATOA were higher than the correlation between the AgeCog scales (p &lt; .001). The AgeCog scale of Ongoing Development significantly predicted psychological health outcomes across a six-year period, while the AgeCog scale of Physical Loss and the ATOA subscale predicted both physiological and psychological health outcomes. Evidence supports using the AgeCog scale of Ongoing Development to predict domain-relevant, psychological health outcomes. However, the multidimensionality of SPA is best measured by the ATOA subscale or a combination of the two AgeCog scales. Both forms of measurement were found to maximize the amount of explained variance for psychological and physiological indicators of well-being and ill-being.
When Social Isolation Might Save Your Life: An MIT AgeLab Study of Living Through the COVID-19 Crisis at Age 85 and Over
Authors: Miller Julie , Patskanick Taylor , D’Ambrosio Lisa , Raue Martina , Balmuth Alexa , Coughlin Joseph 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Previous research shows that social isolation is associated with increased mortality rates among older adults. However, in the face of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), social distancing was prescribed as a potentially lifesaving measure, particularly for older adults. In this session, MIT AgeLab researchers will present findings from a mixed methods study with the MIT AgeLab 85+ Lifestyle Leaders, a panel study of octogenarians and nonagenarians that began in September 2015. In March 2020, AgeLab researchers began conducting a series of telephone interviews (n=15) with Lifestyle Leaders and collected quantitative data via an online survey (n=25). Together, the interviews and survey inquired about Lifestyle Leaders’ attitudes and behaviors related to COVID-19, as well as their uses of technology throughout the crisis. Findings suggest that fears about the impacts of coronavirus transcended multiple domains of the Lifestyle Leaders’ lives, including their physical, socioemotional, and financial wellbeing. Lifestyle Leaders were asked about functional and emotional repercussions of social distancing and other precautions they had taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and to protect themselves from contracting the virus. Special attention was paid to differences in lived experiences of the COVID-19 crisis among Lifestyle Leaders who were living independently versus those who were living in assisted living or continuing care retirement communities. Findings from this study suggest that socially-connected emergency preparedness measures will become increasingly important for the growing number of octogenarians and nonagenarians.
Combining frontal tDCS with walking rehabilitation to enhance mobility and cognition: a pilot clinical trial
Authors: Clark David , Chatterjee Sudeshna , Skinner Jared , Lysne Paige , Wu Samuel , Rose Dorian , Woods Adam 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Walking function is compromised with older age, particularly for cognitively demanding complex walking tasks. Frontal lobe brain networks are important to both complex walking and cognitive function. There is a need for interventions that target this brain region. This pilot study assessed a novel intervention to enhance both walking and executive function in older adults. The primary hypothesis was that eighteen sessions of frontal lobe tDCS combined with complex walking rehabilitation would be feasible, safe, and show preliminary efficacy for improvements in walking and cognition. Eighteen participants were randomized to one of three intervention groups: active tDCS and rehabilitation with complex walking tasks (Active/Complex); sham tDCS and rehabilitation with complex walking tasks (Sham/Complex); or sham tDCS and rehabilitation with typical walking (Sham/Typical). Outcome measures included multiple tests of walking function, executive function, and prefrontal activity during walking measured by functional near infrared spectroscopy. For the walking tests, effect sizes for Active/Complex were generally higher than for Sham/Complex. The Sham/Typical group exhibited walking test effect sizes that were often larger than either of the complex walking groups, possibly due to higher intervention step count. For the executive function tests, effect sizes were largest for the Active/Complex group. Improvements in prefrontal activity during walking were observed, as conceptualized by the Compensation Related Utilization of Neural Circuits Hypothesis. These preliminary findings support that tDCS combined with complex walking rehabilitation in older adults is feasible and may enhance both walking function and executive function.
Torque and Velocity Dependence of Muscle Fatigue in Aging
Authors: Fitzgerald Liam , Martin Anthony , Nagarajan Rajakumar , Kent Jane 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Old age generally leads to smaller, weaker and slower skeletal muscles. To address the independent effects of weakness vs. slowing on fatigue in aging, we used a custom ergometer in a whole-body, 3 tesla magnetic resonance system to quantify knee extensor size, torque, velocity, power and intracellular energetics at baseline and during two 4-min fatiguing contraction protocols; one in which contraction velocity was constrained and torque varied (i.e., torque-dependent contractions; isokinetic, IsoK), and one in which torque was constrained and velocity varied (i.e., velocity-dependent contractions; isotonic, IsoT). On separate days, 10 young (27.5±1.2 yrs, 6 men) and 10 older (71.2±1.6 yrs, 5 men) healthy adults completed the IsoK (120°∙s-1, 0.5 Hz) and IsoT (20% maximal torque, 0.5 Hz) protocols, with continuous measures of intracellular [Pi], pH, and [H2PO4-]. At baseline, contractile volume (803.5±72.3 vs. 1,125.6±109.9cm3), specific IsoK torque (0.035±0.004 vs. 0.058±0.007Nm.cm-3) and IsoT velocity (121.4±11.6 vs. 176.3±8.0deg.s-1) were greater in young than older (p≤0.023). Fatigue (%initial specific torque) was greater in young than older for IsoK (40.1±3.0 vs. 61.2±5.3%, p=0.0028), and accompanied by greater [Pi] and [H2PO4-] and lower pH in the young (p≤0.001). For IsoT, fatigue (%initial velocity) was not different between groups (young: 56.5±5.5 vs. older: 47.2±4.9%, p=0.661), despite lower pH and greater [H2PO4-] in young than old (p≤0.001). Collectively, these results reveal that normalizing dynamometer outputs to assess age-related differences in fatigue obscures baseline differences in muscle weakness. Further, our results suggest the contractile machinery may be less sensitive to changes in pH in older than young.
Do Automatic Habits Predict Physical Activity Engagement in Older People?
Authors: Andrews Sophie , Parekh Dinaz , Brady Brooke , Delbaere Kim , Killcross Simon , Anstey Kaarin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Sufficient physical activity is crucial to maintaining independence, health and wellbeing during ageing, yet physical inactivity is common in older people. Identifying factors associated with physical activity engagement is essential to develop novel approaches to increase activity in older people. Automatic, context-dependent habits may play an important role in physical activity behaviour. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between physical activity behaviours and their automaticity in older people. 123 community dwelling Australians aged over 65 – 88 years (M=72.2; 81 women), recruited from participant registries, hospital noticeboards and community groups, completed an online questionnaire. Current physical activity levels were measured using the Incidental and Planned Exercise Questionnaire, and automaticity of those physical activity behaviours were measured using the Self-Report Habit Automaticity Index. Participants also reported demographic information, body mass index (BMI), medical history and current mood symptoms. Participants reported an average of 2.28 hours planned walking (SD=2.33), 5.81 hours planned moderate/vigorous exercise (SD=4.02), and 20.5 hours incidental activity (SD=15.52) per week. Multiple regression analyses revealed that after controlling for age, gender, BMI and depression symptoms, higher automaticity scores were associated with more hours per week of planned walking (p=.012), moderate/vigorous exercise (p=.038), and incidental activity (p=.017). Supporting older people to make their physical activity more habitual could therefore be an effective approach to increase levels of physical activity in this population.
Web-Based Physical Activity Intervention for COPD: Differences Between Rural and Urban Veterans
Authors: Robinson Stephanie , Shimada Stephanie , Richardson Caroline , Moy Marilyn 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Physical activity is recommended for all patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a disease prevalent among older adults. Rural Veterans often lack access to in-person services to support behavior change. Technology can be used to overcome these barriers. This secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial compared engagement (weekly website-logons) and efficacy (step-count change) measures of a 4-month technology-based physical activity intervention between rural and urban Veterans with COPD. Rural-urban commuting codes (RUCA) were used to classify participants (N=239; mean age=66.7±8.84 years) as ‘rural’ or ‘urban’. Participants were randomized 2:1 to a pedometer and website with iterative, individualized step-count feedback and goals, motivational and informational messages, and an online community (intervention group, n=155, 45.8% rural) or to receive a pedometer-alone (waitlist-control group, n=84, 44% rural). General linear modeling estimated the adjusted effect of rurality on intervention response. There was no significant rural-urban difference in weekly website-logons (3.33 vs. 3.17; p=.364). There was a significant interaction between rurality and group on step-count change (p=.045). Among rural participants, both intervention and controls increased their step counts (567.32 vs. 732.30; p=.769). Among urban participants, the intervention group demonstrated a significantly higher change in step-counts compared to controls (1052.67 vs. -313.57; p=.008). Results suggest that rural participants increased their step-counts similarly whether they received a pedometer alone or used the intervention, whereas only urban participants who used the intervention increased their step counts. It is possible that simply receiving the pedometer alone was sufficient for behavior change in the rural participants.
How Adolescent Sports Participation, Family, and School Resources Impact Later-Life Physical Activity Levels
Authors: Arpawong Thalida , Gatz Margaret , Gruenewald Tara , Zavala Catalina , Seblova Dominika , Manly Jennifer , Lapham Susan , Prescott Carol 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Engaging in physical activity (PA) in adulthood has multiple protective health effects in later ages. However, unknown are the extent to which PA habits are laid down earlier in life and persist into adulthood, and the extent to which greater opportunities for PA during adolescence stem from differences in socioeconomic status (SES) which then affect opportunities for PA. We investigated potential mechanisms underlying these relationships using the longitudinal Project Talent Twin and Sibling Study (assessments in 1960 and 2014). With this design, we are able to hold genetics constant by modeling relationships between monozygotic twins (who share 100% of their genes) and therefore isolate effects of contextual factors on later-life PA (mean age ~70). We found that higher family SES (ß=.39, p&lt;.0001) and sports participation in adolescence (ß=.05, p&lt;.0001) predicted PA 55 years later, adjusted for gender and physical limitations. This held true when partialling out genetic variation that could otherwise explain these relationships. More education also predicted later-life PA (ß=.12, p&lt;.0001) separately from family SES and partially mediated the effect of family SES on PA. While school-level resources (e.g., availability of sports and recreation opportunities) did not predict later life PA, they did associate with adolescent sports participation (ß=.26, p=0.007). Overall, later-life physical activity was influenced by earlier life sports participation and education, with family rearing resources being more important than high school resources. As twin pair correlations suggest gender differences, future research will examine whether family or school resources differentially benefit males or females for later-life physical activity.