bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aging With Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Exploration of Physical Activity Engagement
Authors: Waldron Danielle , Dugan Beth , Stokes Jeffrey , Coyle Caitlin , Kramer John 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) participate in physical activity (PA) infrequently compared to adults in the general population. This is problematic as individuals with ASD suffer from disproportionate physical and mental health co-morbidities as well as diminished life expectancy, but do not reap the physical and mental health benefits of PA. This study used data from the National Core Indicators-In Person Consumer Survey (n=4,370; age: 18-78) to analyze factors associated with both aerobic PA and muscle strengthening (MS) activity in adults with ASD receiving state Developmental Disability Services. This research used multilevel logistic regression modeling, with mediation and moderation analyses to explore personal and environmental factors associated with PA/MS in this population. Findings indicated the following significant associations between community engagement and PA and MS: community contact (OR=1.17; p&lt;0.001; OR=1.07; p&lt;0.001), community group participation (OR=1.83; p&lt;0.001; OR=1.91; p&lt;0.001), and employment/day program participation (OR=1.32; p&lt;0.05; OR=1.32; p&lt;0.001). Additionally, at older ages, participants were less likely to engage in PA and MS three or more times a week (OR=0.99; p&lt;0.05; OR=0.99; p&lt;0.05). These findings indicate that increasing age is associated with decreased PA and MS activity in this group, while community engagement may facilitate their PA and MS activity. While much remains unknown about the population aging with ASD, it is evident that they suffer from poorer health than the general population and have experienced lifelong difficulties with socialization and communication. Greater access to community engagement opportunities may promote this population’s healthy aging, as well as support their unique social needs.
Benefits of Volunteering for Middle-Aged and Older Adults: Comparison Between Types of Volunteering Activities
Authors: Chung Edwin K H , Lam Alfred H K , Yeung Dannii , Chung Ka Hung Edwin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
More middle-aged and older adults are often encouraged to volunteer (Gray et al., 2012). However, the effects of various volunteering activities on physical, psychological and cognitive health remain unknown. This study thereby aims to investigate such effects and the moderating effect of age in such associations. Data of 501 middle-aged and older Hong Kong Chinese adults (Mage = 53.06, SD = 4.55; and Mage = 70.46, SD = 7.34, respectively; range = 45 – 96) from a survey on Adult Development and Aging were analysed. Engagements in instrumental (e.g., food preparation, fundraising) and cognitively demanding volunteering (e.g., counselling, mentoring), hand-grip strength, life satisfaction, depressive symptoms, and cognitive functioning were measured. Factorial ANOVA revealed significant main effects of age group and volunteering type (F = 29.71, and F = 3.96, respectively, ps &lt; .001), and an interaction effect of age and volunteering type (F =1.80, p = .03) on health outcomes. Comparisons among the four volunteering types (no volunteering, instrumental volunteering, cognitively demanding volunteering, and both types) revealed that individuals engaging in cognitively demanding volunteering had better hand-grip strength, life satisfaction, and cognitive functioning, and lower depressive symptoms than those who engaged in instrumental volunteering (all ps &lt; .05). The health outcomes of instrumental volunteering were even worse than those who did not volunteer at all. These patterns were more prevalent in the middle-aged adults than in the older adults. Findings of this study indicated the beneficial effects of cognitively demanding volunteering, providing valuable directions for future programs on volunteering.
Addressing the Role of Smart Robotic Health Assistants Within the Human-Machine Frontier of Geriatric Healthcare
Authors: Firdausya Nadia , Bishop Alex , Carlson Barbara , Sheng Weihua 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Data for this study was acquired from three separate stakeholder focus group sessions involving nurse case managers (n = 5), social agency caseworkers (n = 5), and rural outreach providers (n = 5). Participants across all groups were asked to address the question: “When it comes to your work, what would you want a smart robot assistant to do for you?” Data from the three sessions were combined, transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed for thematic content. Three shared themes emerged, including health monitoring, behavioral intervention, and healthcare literacy. Relative to health monitoring, participants desired a robot that possessed functions in the form of “taking vital signs,” and “tracking water and food intake.” There was also a thematic agreement regarding behavioral intervention capabilities. Most notably, advisory stakeholders acknowledged a need for a smart robotic assistant to provide geriatric care recipients with “an alert or reminder to take medication.” This was viewed as an essential intervention for improving medication adherence. Healthcare literacy emerged as a final theme among advisory groups. In particular, participants noted that a smart robot should assist with bi-directional communication and translation of health care information and instructions as a way to “minimize impediments of care due to language barriers.” Findings will be further used to highlight how future integration of robotic health assistants represents a viable solution in helping geriatric healthcare workers work effectively alongside machines to meet the diverse care needs of older adults in both urban and rural settings.
Age-Cohort Differences in Longitudinal Associations Between the Rate of Internet Use and Memory Functioning
Authors: Raichur Vineet , Ryan Lindsay , Gonzalez Richard , Smith Jacqui 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Cross-sectional analyses of internet use patterns among older adults find that the rate of internet use is less with greater physical and memory difficulties. It is not clear, however, how age-cohorts differ in their internet use as physical and memory difficulties increase over time. In addition to factors such as increasing accessibility (cost) and social influences, the expansion and cognitive complexity of functions performed by the internet-enabled devices over time could influence internet use patterns. In this study, we investigate how the association between internet use and episodic memory difficulties over time varies between cohorts. We analyzed longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (N = 15,703 in 2002; Aged 51 and older) between years 2002-2016 using mixed effects logistic regression models. Immediate and delayed word recall measures were used to assess episodic memory. Rate of internet use in the sample increased from 30% in 2002 to 53% in 2016. Rate of internet use among younger age groups was significantly higher in the baseline year. Younger age groups also showed a significantly higher rate of increase in internet use over time. In general, internet use decreased with episodic memory impairment. In addition to these effects, the effect of episodic memory on the rate of increase in internet use over time is lower in younger cohorts. These results indicate that younger cohorts of older adults are more likely to maintain internet use as they continue to age and therefore could better utilize technology for communication, social interactions and health interventions.
Beyond Religiosity: A Model to Explain Spirituality Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Vogel Carlyn , Dobbs Debra , Small Brent 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Spirituality is difficult to define as researchers assign it different meanings and individuals’ perceptions can vary. For example, spirituality may connect to religiosity, while others consider religiosity a less significant part of spirituality. This study investigates factors outside of religiosity that are significantly associated with spirituality to inform the characteristics of the concept. Webster’s (2004) existential framework of spirituality was used to guide variable selection. The National Survey of Midlife in the United States wave three (MIDUS 3; 2013-2014; n = 2,594; Mage = 63.5, SD = 11, range = 39–92) was used to examine individuals’ reported levels of spirituality. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to examine factors related to low and high levels of spirituality compared to a moderate level. Participants with low spirituality were more likely to be male, less likely to be mindful, mediate/chant, feel a strong connection to all life, to indicate that they cannot make sense of the world, and to be religious. Participants with high spirituality were more likely to be female, have at least some college experience, be mindful, meditate/chant, feel deep inner peace, have a sense of deep appreciation, think that a sense of purpose is important for a good life, and have a high level of religiosity. Framed by Webster’s conceptual model, the current study observed that religiosity is significantly associated with spirituality and that other mindfulness-based aspects are also present within this concept. Incorporating mindfulness with religious efforts will more accurately and holistically address spirituality.
What Predicts Advance Care Planning Among Older Adults: Perceived Health or the Number of Chronic Conditions?
Authors: Wang YuHsuan (Olivia) , Enguidanos Susan , Wang Olivia 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Advance care planning (ACP) is associated with improved quality of death and better end-of-life care. Studies have found that both health status and chronic illness influence rates of ACP. However, little is known about the relative association of each factor with engaging in ACP. This study aims to identify the extent to which the number of chronic conditions and self-rated health predict engaging in ACP. We used data from the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally-representative longitudinal survey of older adults. The sample consisted of 2016 core interview respondents. We conducted logistic regression models to examine the association between self-rated health and the number of self-reported chronic conditions with three dependent variables: (1) ACP engagement (n=687), (2) AD completion (n=1671), and (3) assignment of health care proxy (n=1668), while controlling for demographic characteristics,. Samples were weighted. Analysis revealed that reporting more chronic conditions was associated with higher odds of advance directive completion (OR:1.21, p&lt;.001), ACP engagement (OR: 1.26, p&lt;.05), and assigning medical proxies (OR: 1.32, p&lt;.001). However, better self-reported health was associated with higher odds of having an AD (OR: 1.20, p&lt;.05) and assigning medical proxies (OR: 1.27, p&lt;.01). These findings suggest that greater number of chronic conditions increased the odds of having an AD, engaging in ACP and in assigning medical proxies; however, those reporting better health were more likely to have an AD and a medical proxy. Findings from this study point suggest that individuals with multi-morbidities may be more open to engaging in ACP discussions and activities.
Meaning of Aging, Gerotranscendence, and Successful Aging in Older Adults With Chronic Health Conditions
Authors: Troutman-Jordan Meredith 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Aging presents change in the form of opportunities and challenges, from common physical alterations, to major life events. Perception of such events is greatly shaped by one’s mental health, and is a major influence on gerotranscendence, a positive kind of aging involving redefinition of self, relationships, and proposed to be a precursor to successful aging. A mixed-methods cross-sectional descriptive design was used to study 50 older adults. Life Events Checklist, Gerotranscendence Scale, Herth Hope Index, and Successful Aging Inventory were administered. Mean participant age was 70.78 years; there were 9 males (18%), 41 females (82%), 13 were Black (26%), and 37 were White (74%). Participants reported a number of stressful events, most frequently transportation accidents, followed by other very stressful events or experiences, and sudden unexpected death of someone close. Gerotranscendence scores ranged from 0-10 (µ 6.88, a moderate score). Successful aging scores ranged from 40-79 (µ 62.33, a moderate score). A sub-sample of 6 participants engaged in semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed verbatim and subject to content analysis. Faith, displaced longing, temporal anticipation, proactive problem-solving/coping, and concern for future generations were emergent qualitative themes. Findings highlight opportunities for providers from multiple disciplines to target risks and possibilities for aging successfully and to promote hope, optimism, problem-solving skills, and gerotranscendence in all older adults, regardless of physical or functional health status.
Resilience in Young and Older Adults: Eudaimonic Well-Being Despite Life Challenges
Authors: Sharma Shubam , Bluck Susan , Liao Hsiao-Wen 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Although the types of events that occur across life phases may vary, experiencing multiple life challenges in a short time-frame can disrupt mental health (Zepinic, 2016). Maintaining self-continuity (i.e., sense of being the same person over time) when experiencing challenges may, however, foster resilience (Masten, 2001). This study investigated, in both young and older adults, whether: (1) experiencing multiple recent negative life challenges relates to lower current eudaimonic wellbeing, and (2) self-continuity acts as an internal resource for resilience. That is, whether having greater self-continuity ameliorates the negative association between frequent life challenges and well-being. Participants (N = 99 young, 87 older adults) reported all challenging events experienced in the last six years (Sarason et al., 1978). They also completed measures of eudaimonic Well-being (Ryff, 1989) and Sense of Self-continuity (past six years; e.g., Habermas & Köber, 2015). Older adults reported higher eudaimonic well-being than young adults (p &lt; .001). Young adults reported experiencing more challenges (p &lt; .001). Regardless, for both age groups, more frequently experiencing life challenges was associated with lower eudaimonic well-being (p &lt; .001). Self-continuity mediated the association between more frequent experience of challenge and lower eudaimonic well-being: β = .258, SE = .061, 95% CI [.138, .378] (p &lt; .001). Classic risk models focus on the negative effects of life’s inevitable challenges. Our findings, grounded in a resilient aging framework, support the idea that individuals of any age can use internal resources (i.e., strong sense of self-continuity) to maintain or re-establish well-being.
Binge Drinking, Depressive Symptoms, and Sleep Health in Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Lorenz Rebecca , Auerbach Samantha , Chang Yu-Ping 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Unhealthy alcohol consumption such as binge drinking and depression are common problems among adults. The combined effect of binge drinking and depression might contribute to negative health outcomes, such as accidents, addiction, or sleep problems. Previous evidence has indicated that alcohol consumption differs by age. However, little is known about the association between binge drinking, depression, and sleep health, and how age might play a role in this association. This study aimed to examine the association between binge drinking, depressive symptoms, and sleep health in middle-aged and older adults and characterize any age differences. A total of 5191 middle-aged and older adults from the 2014 Core Survey of the Health and Retirement Survey (HRS) data aged 50 to 80 were included for this study. Binge drinking was defined as the consumption of 5 or more drinks (men) and 4 or more drinks (women) per drinking day. Depressive symptoms were measured using a validated 8-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Sleep health was assessed using a composite measure. Age was grouped into middle-aged (50-64.9 years) and older (65-79.9 years) adults. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the associations between variables of interest. Our findings indicated that binge drinking and depressive symptoms negatively influenced sleep health among middle-aged adults, however this relationship was not found in older adults. Clinicians should simultaneously assess problematic alcohol consumption, depressive symptoms, and sleep health. Future research can develop and test age-specific interventions to reduce unhealthy drinking behaviors in middle-aged adults.
Daily Association Between Sleep and Stressors: Role of Caregiving at Work and Home
Authors: Harris Taylor , Vigoureux Taylor , Lee Soomi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Previous research shows that adults with children experience poor sleep. We know that poor sleep is associated with experiencing more frequent and severe stressors (i.e, subjective feelings of believing his/her life is uncontrollable, unpredictable and overloading) the following day. This study examined whether the sleep—stressor relationship is stronger for individuals with children than those without. Participants were 61 oncology nurses (92% female). Participants completed a background survey that assessed sociodemographic and work characteristics. Using 14 days of ecological momentary assessments, participants reported their sleep characteristics daily upon waking. Three times daily, they also reported whether they experienced any stressors and how severe those stressors were. Multilevel modeling was used to assess whether the sleep—stressor relationship was stronger in nurses with children than those without. After controlling for sociodemographic covariates, poorer sleep quality was associated with more severe stressors. This daily association was moderated by the presence of children (B=-16.89, p&lt;.01); the association was apparent for individuals with children (B=-5.74, p&lt;.05), but not for those without. The daily association for sleep quality and stressor frequency also differed by the presence of children (B=-0.22, p&lt;.01), although the slope for individuals without children did not reach the statistical significance. These findings suggest that individuals with children are at risk for experiencing a stronger linkage between poorer sleep and greater stressor severity. Improving sleep health among adults with children is critical for stress management. Future studies should examine whether age of children or number of children further influences the sleep—stressor relationship.
Cardiometabolic Risk and Biomarker Trajectories Among Older Adults: Findings From the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Wu Qiao , Crimmins Eileen , Ailshire Jennifer , Kim Jung Ki , Zhao Erfei 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The deterioration of the cardiovascular system is a process associated with aging. Most of the prior works have examined changes in cardiometabolic risk (CMR) while aging at the population level using cross-sectional data, but we study within-person changes for total CMR and separate risk factors, including pulse pressure, resting heart rate, C-reactive protein, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, waist circumference, and obesity. We examine 8-year changes (from 2006 to 2014) among respondents from the Health and Retirement Study biomarker sample (n=19,776). We use growth curve models to identify differences at baseline and the changes while aging, by age, gender, race/ethnicity, and education. Blacks, the old-old, the less educated, and current smokers have higher baseline CMR. The total CMR increases while people age over 8 years. HbA1c, waist circumference, and pulse pressure increase significantly with age. A reduction in total cholesterol can be observed and is likely due to medication. The CMR increase is no longer significant after accounting for socioeconomic status. The next step of this study is to focus on the disparity of risk distribution, in order to identify the individuals that are most in need of specific care and support.
Someone at Home: How Kinship Support Influences Aging-in-Place Decisions Among Childless Older Adults in Rural China
Authors: Hongzhou Chen , Lou Vivian , Chen Hongzhou 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background and aim: 80% of childless older adults in rural China choose to ageing-in-place (AIP) rather than moving to residential facilities, regardless the fact that they were financially constrained, scarily supported and some were physically disabled. This research explores the reason why AIP were prevailing preferred. Research design and Method: A qualitative method adopting constructive grounded theory approach was utilized in this research. 20 in-depth interviews were conducted among childless rural residents (aged 60 to 83 years old, 8 of them were over 75 years old) in Yunnan, one of the most economically disadvantaged provinces in China. Data was transcript and coded line-by-line, a in Vivo coding strategy was engaged to capture local language and meanings. Results: A phrase - ‘there’s someone at home’ - was used by rural childless older adults to explain their AIP decision, which demonstrating the role of kinship relations. Three sub-themes were emerged regarding to the phrase: 1) reciprocity, as the support were mutual and predictable; 2) justified conflicts, as older adults and ‘someone’ managing the support relation with subtle conflict; 3) unspoken agreement, as childless older adults being constrained by filial piety when negotiating for further support. All of sub-themes were related with sense of certainty. For participants who were over 75, growing old were “naturally” related with decreased social support. The daily-based kinship support and sense of certainty was particularly important among childless older adults who would like to choose AIP but still questioning the sustainability of self-reliance at an uncertain rural place.
Living Through Decline: Resident Perceptions of Change Within Cleveland’s Urban Neighborhoods
Authors: Langendoerfer Kaitlyn 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Despite the vast amount of research focused on neighborhoods within the environmental gerontology, very little attention has been paid to learning how older residents make sense of and describe the changes that have occurred within their communities over the course of their lives. The purpose of this study was to provide a space for residents to tell their stories of what it was like to live through neighborhood decline within Cleveland. Older adults are an ideal group for examining perceptions of neighborhood decline as they have the perspective to address both the historical changes of their neighborhood and the biographical changes of their lives. This study utilized data from 4 years of ethnographic observations with over 30 older (age 60+), African-American adults who have aged in place within Cleveland since their childhood. Additionally, multiple in-depth life history interviews were conducted with 13 long-term residents. Data was analyzed using grounded theory techniques for emergent themes. While each resident had their own unique perspective of neighborhood change, common themes emerged related to 1) institutional decline, 2) changes in safety and crime and 3) changes to the people living in their communities. The findings suggest that resident perceptions can help us better understand how neighborhood dynamics work their way into the lives of long-term residents. The results are particularly important as they provide the foundation for exploring how residents responded to neighborhood decline and why residents remained within their neighborhoods when so many others left.