bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Age and Well-Being Paradox Revisited: A Multidimensional Perspective
Authors: Hansen Thomas 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Much gerontological research has focused on the paradoxical observation that older people, despite their lower objective quality of life, report higher well-being than younger people. High well-being in old age is believed to be caused by adaptation, emotional regulation, and accommodative strategies. We aim to add nuance by examining whether the “paradox” holds across dimensions of well-being; for men and women; in young old and old-old age; and before introducing statistical controls (e.g for health and social factors). Using fixed effects models and 15-years panel data from the Norwegian NorLAG study (n=2,700, age 40+), we explore age-related changes in cognitive, affective, and eudaimonic dimensions of wellbeing. Results indicate a general pattern of stability well into older age, but negative changes in advanced age, cross-sectionally and longitudinally, and for each well-being measure. Declines in well-being are less pronounced and with a later onset for the cognitive compared with the other measures. Results are similar for men and women. Loss of health and partner are the main causes of declining well-being in older age. Findings suggest qualifications to the “well-being paradox”, e.g.: some dimensions of well-being remain more stable than others; across dimensions of well-being change is more negative in old-old than in young-old age; and patterns of increasing well-being in older age are more pronounced after controlling for age-related changes in health and social roles. We argue that the use of controls makes for false impressions of the psychological changes that actually occur when people grow older.
The Impact of the Financial Crisis on Entrepreneurship Among Older Adults
Authors: Kim Julie 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Older adults are assumed to be more averse to uncertainty than younger adults as economics and psychology studies based on prospect theory and related risk aversion theories show. Indeed, compared to younger adults, older adults engage in a smaller share of entrepreneurship. Yet adults 50 and over make up a steadily growing group of entrepreneurs in the US, and the 2008 financial crisis has not slowed them down. Sociological perspectives on older adults’ entrepreneurship consider disruption in the structural conditions of the labor market as a result of the economic crisis and a culture of active aging to argue that older adults’ entrepreneurial behaviors stem from structural and cultural roots. Analyses using 2003-2015 individual-level data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor show that an economic downturn did not thwart older adults’ entrepreneurial activities any more than it affected younger adults’ activities. Further, older adults’ odds of planning to start a business and actually starting a business were higher after the crisis than before the crisis. A closer examination reveals that older adults with less wealth generally have higher odds of pursuing entrepreneurship than other older adults. Meanwhile, wealthier older adults have higher odds of pursuing opportunity-driven entrepreneurship. Evidence suggests that the saliency of labor market conditions or the culture of active aging depends on older adults’ social location.
A Faith to Move Mountains? Childhood Abuse, Religious Change, and Mental Health at Midlife
Authors: Upenieks Laura 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Of all the various forms of adversity experienced during childhood, childhood maltreatment (emotional and physical abuse) is shown to have the largest impacts on mental health and well-being. Yet we still have a limited understanding of why some victims of early maltreatment suffer immense mental health consequences later on in the life course, while others are able to cushion the blow of these early insults. Using two waves of data from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS), this study considers change in religiosity as a buffer across three dimensions for victims of childhood abuse: religious importance, attendance, and the specific act of seeking comfort through religion. Results suggest that increases in religious comfort during adulthood are positively associated with adult mental health for victims of abuse, while decreases in religious comfort over time were associated with worse mental health. Changes in religious attendance and religious importance were not significant associated with mental health for victims of abuse. Taken together, my results show that the stress-moderating effects of religion for victims of childhood maltreatment are contingent on the stability or increases or decreases in religiosity over the life course, which has been overlooked in previous work.
Social Environment and Mental and Behavioral Health Outcomes in Older Adults: A Critical Review
Authors: De Main Atami Sagna , Xie Bo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Social environments are complex and critical to older adults’ health. Older adults are vulnerable to lack of social connectedness, social engagement and social contribution. 10-43% of community-dwelling older adults suffer from social isolation and loneliness in the United States. Despite the growing evidence on the impact of social environment on older adults’ health, it remains that the information about older adults’ social environment and its relationships to mental/behavioral health is fragmented. The purpose of this study is to determine the state of the science on social environment components (social connectedness, social engagement, social contribution) and mental/behavioral health (depressive symptoms, anxiety, psychological well-being, substance use, mental healthcare utilization) among community-dwelling older adults (65+ years). Five databases - CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, SocINDEX - were systematically searched using PRISMA guidelines to identify relevant articles from 1990 to 2019. Eleven articles are included in this review, illustrating relationships between social environment and mental/behavioral health. The studies found that poor social connectedness, social engagement, and social contribution were significantly associated with older age, poor perceived health, depression and anxiety symptoms, poor psychological well-being, hopelessness, having multiple chronic conditions, and functional limitations. Low social connectedness was significantly related to poor utilization of mental health services. No significant association was found between social environment and substance use in older adults. The findings of this review add to the literature related to social environment being relevant to older adults’ mental/behavioral health and highlight the need to further our understanding of their dynamic relationships and changes over time.
Conservation of Resources Theory: Technology and Caregiver Strain
Authors: Lee Shinduk , Ory Marcia , Dahlke Deborah Vollmer , Shubert Tiffany , Popovich Steve , Smith Matthew 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Using the Conservation of Resources Theory, this study examined how caregiver strain was influenced by care recipients’ use of falls alert wearables. Online survey data from 486 unpaid caregivers for adults aged 50 and older were analyzed. Structural equation modeling was used to test the following hypotheses: (1) caregivers with fewer financial resources would engage in fewer resource conservation strategies (e.g., care recipients’ use of falls alert wearables); (2) resource conservation strategy engagement would be associated less resource loss; and (3) the effect of resource conservation strategies on caregiver strain would be less salient than the effect of resources used on caregiving (e.g., time and social support). The hypothesized model had a good model fit (CFI=.910), with SRMR (.060) and RMSEA (.062) being close to .05. All hypothesized paths were statistically-significant, except for the direct effect of using falls alert wearables on social support (p=.076) and caregiver strain (p=.135). As hypothesized, higher income was associated with greater likelihood of using falls alert wearables (b=.10, p&gt;.022). Technology use was associated with less time spent on caregiving (b=-.16, p&lt;.001) and had statistically-significant indirect effects on caregiver strain (b=-.03, p=.008). The total effect of using falls alert wearables (b=.04, p=.394) on caregiver strain was less powerful than the effect of time (b=.20, p&lt;.001) or social support (b=-.28, p&lt;.001). Study findings suggest the benefits of using falls alert wearables to alleviate time-related burdens and downstream caregiver strain among unpaid caregivers. Future efforts should investigate the relative advantage of wearables for other caregiving purposes.
Friendships Forged in Fitness: An Ethnographic Exploration of Older Women’s Social Experiences in Water Aerobics
Authors: Howell Britteny , Wanner Samantha 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Research shows that participants, especially older women, are more likely to adhere to a fitness program when they have social supports. Gerontology research also demonstrates that the social relationships forged by older women at community and fitness centers can be long-lasting and provide a variety of supportive functions. Older adults respond well to pool- or water-based aerobic exercises that are safe on the joints and provide a comfortable environment away from the intimidating nature of the gym. Therefore, water-based classes provided at community fitness centers are well positioned to provide ample social opportunities to further reinforce continued physical activity for older women, resulting in health and quality-of-life improvements. This project is a 5-month ethnographic exploration of the social relationships created and maintained in the context of water-based fitness classes (water aerobics) at a local community center (YMCA) that is attended by a culturally diverse group of older adults. The friendships forged by women in the pool at the YMCA provide a variety of social supports that help to maintain healthy aging outcomes among participants. Drawing on components of Activity Theory and Social Support Theory, this presentation utilizes participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and questionnaires (N=35) to provide an anthropological “thick description” of the important role that fitness center friendships can form in the social lives of older women in the U.S.
Social Isolation and Loneliness: Moderators of the Relationship Between Sensory Impairment and Cognition
Authors: Huang Alison , Rebok George , Swenor Bonnielin , Pinto Jayant , Waite Linda , Deal Jennifer 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Hearing and vision impairment have been independently linked to accelerated cognitive decline in older adults, however there is limited evidence on the effect of dual sensory impairment (DSI) (both hearing and vision impairment) on cognition. Additionally, the impact of social isolation and loneliness, both correlates of DSI and independent risk factors for cognitive decline, on the DSI-cognition relationship has yet to be studied. Using data from the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (N=3,091), multivariable linear regression models were used to describe the cross-sectional relationship between self-reported functional sensory impairment (none, hearing only, vision only, DSI) and cognitive function, measured by the survey adapted Montreal Cognitive Assessment. We also included an interaction term in the model to investigate whether cognition is worse among older adults with sensory impairment who also are socially isolated or lonely. Participants in this sample are between 62-91 years with 15% reporting hearing impairment, 11% reporting vision impairment, and 7% reporting DSI. DSI was associated with significantly lower global cognitive function compared to no sensory impairment (-0.31 standard deviations (SD), 95% CI:-0.44 to-0.18), hearing impairment alone (-0.29 SD, 95% CI: -0.44 to -0.15), and vision impairment alone (-0.22 SD, 95% CI: -0.39 to -0.06). Furthermore, cognitive function was significantly worse among older adults with both DSI and smaller social networks (p-interaction &lt;0.05). No differences in the DSI-cognition relationship were observed by level of loneliness. These findings add to the limited research on the relationship between DSI, social isolation and loneliness, and cognition.
Out-of-Pocket Costs Attributable to Dementia: A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Oney Melissa , White Lindsay , Coe Norma 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) affects 5.5 million Americans, and is expensive despite the lack of a cure or even treatments effective in managing the disease. The literature thus far has tended to focus on the costs to Medicare, despite the fact that one of the main characteristics of ADRD (the loss of independence and ability to care for oneself) incurs costs not covered by Medicare. In this paper, we use survey data for 2002-2014 from the Health and Retirement Study to estimate the out-of-pocket costs of ADRD for the patient and their family through the first 8 years after onset of symptoms, as defined by a standardized 27-point scale of cognitive ability. A two-part model developed by Basu and Manning (2010) allows us to separate the costs attributable to ADRD into two components, one driven by differences in longevity and one driven by differences in utilization. We consider total out-of-pocket expenditures, as well as out-of-pocket expenditures by category (i.e. hospital, nursing home, doctor, prescription drug, and other). Our results suggest that the out-of-pocket costs of ADRD are quite substantial over the first 8 years after onset. We also find that out-of-pocket spending is decreasing over the first 8 years, similar to the trend seen in Medicare expenditures. The results of this study highlight the financial burden of ADRD, particularly for the population paying out-of-pocket for care.
Multiple Chronic Condition Combinations and Cognitive Task Performance
Authors: Ogletree Aaron , Katz Benjamin 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
A growing body of literature describes important advances in the study of chronic conditions, most notably a paradigm shift from the study of individual chronic conditions to the study of multiple chronic conditions (MCCs). Despite these advances, little research has explored MCC combinations, and almost no published research has explored how MCC combinations are related to cognitive outcomes in older adult populations. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, we categorized 17,349 older adults into one of 32 groups using self-reports of five of the most commonly diagnosed conditions. These included arthritis, diabetes, heart problems, hypertension, and respiratory problems. We utilized ANOVA to examine the associations between combinations of MCCs and performance on two cognitive tasks associated with executive function and fluid intelligence: verbal fluency and verbal analogies. Results demonstrated that older adults with a greater number of health conditions performed more poorly on both the verbal fluency (p&lt;.0001) and analogies (p&lt;.0001) tasks than those with fewer conditions. Some MCC combinations were associated with poorer cognitive task performance than other combinations: for example, older adults in the Heart-Hypertension-Respiratory group had an average score of 488.73 (SD=24.96) on the verbal analogies task and 14.06 (SD=7.06) on the verbal fluency task. Conversely, adults in the Arthritis-Heart-Respiratory group had average scores of 503.69 (SD=27.89) and 16.45 (SD=7.03), respectively, suggesting differential additive effects of MCCs. These findings demonstrate the complex associations of specific MCC combinations with cognitive performance and highlight the importance of better understanding the unique needs of older people with MCCs.
Implementation of Disaster PrepWise, an Online Disaster Preparation Tool for Older Adults
Authors: Thompson Lena , Henja Emily , Beckman Travis , Ashida Sato 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Older adults are less prepared for disaster situations than younger adults due to expenses, complicated preparation processes, and lack of support. We previously developed and tested a disaster preparedness program for older adults and showed its impact on improving preparedness and personal emergency support network. Using a 5-step community-engaged approach and in collaboration with our Stakeholder Advisory Board (SAB), we adapted this Disaster PrepWise program to an online platform and developed implementation plans within existing community-based service infrastructure. Community engagement processes allowed us to create an online tool that was considered “important” and “useful” by older adults and program deliverers. In terms of reach, 73 potential participants attended an introductory presentation and 47 participated. Those who participated were similar to those who did not in terms of gender and race. Twenty-seven participants completed surveys before and one-month after the program and reported engaging in an average of 2.9 additional recommended behaviors after intervention (t(26)=2.85, p=0.00). The major organizational barrier to adoption was limited staff time. Participating older adults reported adopting what they learned through the program in their daily life. Implementation process data showed multiple modifications made during delivery including delivery of the program in one instead of two sessions. The implementing organization reported their likelihood of maintaining this program within their practice as “extremely likely.” Community-engaged approaches and process data led to an acceptable and useful program and implementation strategies that helped enhance preparedness behaviors among older adults. Future work will focus on program dissemination and larger scale evaluation.
I Never Thought About Leaving: Why Residents Aged in Place Within Neighborhoods Experiencing Urban Decline
Authors: Langendoerfer Kaitlyn 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Despite the rich literature on “aging in place”, few studies have examined why older adults remain within neighborhoods that have experienced urban decline. This study defines “aging in place” as the process of aging within one’s neighborhood over the life course. Further, much of the literature surrounding disadvantaged, urban communities have concentrated on those who left and portray those who remain as trapped. This is particularly true for older African Americans. The purpose of this study was to understand what influenced older, African American residents to stay within their declining neighborhoods. Data was utilized from 4 years of ethnographic observations with 30 older (age 60+), African-American adults who aged within Cleveland. Additionally, multiple in-depth life history interviews were conducted with 13 of these residents. Data was analyzed using grounded theory techniques. All residents expressed a desire to remain within their neighborhoods and many indicated that they never thought about leaving. While each resident had their own reasons for staying, common themes emerged related to: 1) autobiographical insideness, 2) sense of identity, 3) home ownership, and 4) interdependent lives. This study has important implications for research related to aging in place and place attachment. For one, it provides a counter narrative to the dominant notion that residents of poor neighborhoods would leave if they had the resources to relocate. Additionally, by using a narrative method, the older adults were able to explain for themselves why they stayed and describe the meaningful lives they created despite neighborhood decline.
The Mediating Role of Optimism on the Relationship of Activities of Daily Living and Well-Being Among Older Adults
Authors: Cheng Kent Jason , McMaughan Darcy , Smith Matthew 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Limitations on activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) can be deleterious to an older person’s life satisfaction and overall feelings of wellbeing. This study explored the possible mediating role of optimism on relationship between changes in ADL/IADL and life satisfaction over time. Using 2006-2016 data from the Health and Retirement Study (n=11,869), growth curve modelling was used to account for intra-individual and inter-individual changes in life satisfaction trajectories. All models controlled for age, sex, marital status, years of education, self-rated health, labor force status, log of household income, and attrition. In the baseline model without optimism and with all controls, coefficients for ADL (Beta=-0.13, P&lt;0.01) and IADL (Beta=-0.12, P&lt;0.01) were negatively significantly associated with life satisfaction. When optimism was introduced to the model, coefficients for both ADL and IADL increased by 0.01 and remained statistically significant, which suggests some mediating effects. When interaction terms between ADL/IADL and optimism were introduced, coefficients for ADL and IADL became statistically insignificant. However, the interaction between ADL and optimism (Beta=-0.02, P&lt;0.05) was negatively significantly associated with life satisfaction. Findings suggest that optimism may protect against the negative impact of ADL/ IADL on life satisfaction. While changes in physical functioning and mobility may influence mental health status (e.g., depression, feelings of isolation), such consequences are not inevitable. Efforts are needed to highlight the positive aspects of aging and opportunities for life enrichment to increase morale and optimism among older adults.
Maybe She’ll Make Some Friends?: Family Members Cultivating Intimacy in Assisted Living
Authors: Fitzroy Andrea , Kemp Candace , Burgess Elisabeth 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Intimacy continues to be important in later life, including for older adults in long-term care settings such as assisted living (AL). Our past work shows that intimacy is a multi-dimensional process and can involve a variety of partners. Drawing on data from the qualitative longitudinal “Convoys of Care” study (R01AG044368), we extend this research to examine the role family members play in cultivating intimacy and close relationships of AL residents. Using a grounded theory approach, we analyzed 2,224 hours of participant observation, and formal interviews with 28 assisted living residents (aged 58-96) and their formal and informal care partners (n=114) from four diverse AL communities. Findings show that family members can play integral roles in residents’ experiences with intimacy, directly as relationship partners, and by facilitating or impeding residents’ contacts with others. Family members cultivated residents’ intimacy opportunities and experiences by direct engagement, resident advocacy, to non-involvement and disengagement. Family members’ roles in cultivating intimacy fluctuated over time, increasing at times of health concerns and family change. Perceptive family members considered older adults’ intimacy preferences when cultivating their intimate relationships. Family members concerned for the safety of their loved one sometimes acted as “gatekeepers” to intimacy by interfering in intimate relationships. We conclude with a discussion of implications for policy and practice aimed at improving the intimacy process and opportunities for older adults receiving long-term care.