bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adult Personal Network Characteristics Associated with Early Life Adversity
Authors: Briggs Janae , Child Stephanie 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Early life adversity (ELA) is associated with poor health through social and economic pathways. ELA also shapes cognitive and emotional development, including self-perception, social attachment and mental well-being. As such, ELA may shape later life health through social relationships, yet few studies have examined these associations. Data from the UC Berkeley Social Network Study were used to examine ELA measured retrospectively and current personal network characteristics among young (21-30 years) and older adults (50-70 years). ELA was operationalized as a summary of six experiences occurring before age 18 (e.g., parents’ divorce/separation, violence/drug use in the home, etc.). Personal network characteristics included objective measures, such as the number of ties who provide or receive various types of support, and subjective assessments about the adequacy of support received. Multivariate regression models adjusted for gender, race/ethnicity, and level of education. Among young adults, ELA was associated with more ties who rely upon the ego for support (b=0.15, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.28, p=0.02). Among older adults, ELA was associated with more ties named as either an advisor (b=0.14, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.21, p=0.02) or difficult/demanding (b=0.12, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.21, p&lt;0.01). Furthermore, ELA was associated with less confidence in family support available (b= -0.09, 95% CI: -0.16, -0.03, p&lt;0.01) and fewer emotionally close family members (b= -0.18, 95% CI: -0.32, -0.03, p=0.02) among older adults. In conclusion, clear differences emerged in network characteristics by exposure to ELA, particularly among older adults. The findings highlight potential pathways through which ELA patterns later life health.
Loneliness, isolation and living alone associate with psychological well-being among the older adults in Taipei
Authors: Hsu Hui-chuan 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the clustering of loneliness, isolation, and living alone, the risk factors and the associations with psychological wellbeing. Methods: The data were from the 2019 Taipei City Senior Citizen Condition Survey collected by face-to-face interviews, which included aged 60 and above community-based and institution-based samples. The completed sample was 3,853 persons. Loneliness, isolation, and living arrangement were analysed by cluster analysis to define the Loneliness-Isolation-Living Alone clusters. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the related factors to LIL clusters. Results: Four clusters of the older adults were identified and named as following: Connected (44.1%), Alone /Institutionalized (9.2%); Lonely (10.7%); and Isolated (22.0%). Compared with the Connected cluster, the Alone/Institutionalized cluster was more likely to have higher education, more IADL difficulties, more diseases , lower economic satisfaction, more likely to be males, having no spouse, and no children; the Lonely cluster was more likely to poor self-rated health, lower financial satisfaction, feeling less age-friendliness, more likely to be older, female, and no spouse; the Isolated cluster was more likely to have lower education, reported poorer self-rated health, lower economic satisfaction, and being older. The Alone/Institutionalized cluster and the Lonely cluster had higher depressive symptoms; the Alone/Institutionalized, Lonely, and Isolated clusters reported lower life satisfaction and had higher risks of cognitive impairment. Discussion: Loneliness, isolation, and living alone jointly associate with psychological health and well-being. High risk older populations may need social care and encourage social participation to promote health and wellbeing.
An Action Research Method for Generating Human-Centered COVID-19 Caregiving Interventions
Authors: Leonard Natalie , Carmichael Alicia , Jackson Jeannette , Huang Linde , Doshi Aalap , Leggett Amanda , Robinson-Lane Sheria , Gonzalez Richard 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Caregiving for post-intensive care COVID-19 patients is an important determinant of successful recovery, including the reduced likelihood of ICU readmission. With possible ICU readmissions coinciding with a second wave of the pandemic, researchers and clinicians at the University of Michigan sought to develop a patient and caregiver-informed intervention that was remote, accessible, and could be immediately delivered. The resulting study, Health Enhanced by Adjusting and Recovering Together, reinforces these imperatives common in action research frameworks. Action research, emerging itself from a tumultuous time (1930s-40s) paralleling the COVID-19 pandemic, is a pragmatic research approach with the explicit goal of resolving a community problem or enacting social change--and doing so quickly. Here, we demonstrate a unique method for rapid intervention development that intertwines elements of (a) Human-centered design, for the purpose of a people-focused outlook, (b) Action research, for the purpose of rapid intervention, and (c) Traditional qualitative analysis, for the purpose of knowledge creation. The result of this combined method is an efficiently developed intervention that, while imperfect, is a user-centered, contextually-relevant viable product that can be quickly disseminated, tested, and further refined. The method presented is timely and relevant to other clinical and research teams addressing caregiving during the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID Transitions: Characteristics of older adults who engage or do not engage in virtual exercise
Authors: Mateas Catalin , Bettger Janet , Jennings Stephen , Manning Kenneth , Hall Katherine , Pearson Megan , Morey Miriam 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background. Exercise is a crucial component of maintaining good health in older individuals. The COVID-19 stay-at-home orders forced Veterans actively engaged in facility-based exercise to stop attending in-person group exercise programs like Gerofit. Objective. To compare the characteristics of Veterans who enrolled (E) or declined enrollment (DE) in the transition from a facility-based exercise program, Gerofit, to a virtual Gerofit-to-Home (GTH) program. Methods. Gerofit is a supervised exercise “VA Best Practice” program for older Veterans implemented at 17 VA medical centers around the country. At the time of COVID-19 mandated closures, 1149 Veterans were actively engaged in facility-based programs and invited to attend GTH classes. Comparisons between those enrolling and those declining enrollment were performed by t-tests. Results. Three hundred and eight of 1149 (27%) Veterans made the transition to telehealth delivered classes, with several sites having enrolled participants aged in their mid-nineties. Age was not associated with GTH adoption rates (74.0 vs. 74.7, p=not significant for E vs. NE). Body mass index (31.3 vs. 30.5 kg/m2, p&lt;0.05), gait speed (1.19 vs. 1.12 m/s, p&lt;0.001), arm curls (20.8 vs. 19.5, p&lt;0.001), and chair stands (14.7 vs. 13.2, p&lt;0.05) were higher in individuals actively participating in GTH compared to those that never enrolled. Conclusions. Some older adults can adopt a virtual approach to group-based exercise, demonstrating its feasibility. Further research is needed to improve GTH implementation for lower functioning individuals. Virtual group-based exercise could reduce negative health effects associated with isolation due to lack of in-person exercise.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Family Caregivers
Authors: Kilaberia Tina , Bell Janice , Bettega Kristen , Mongoven Jennifer , Kelly Kathleen , Young Heather 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected human life in unprecedented ways. Lives of older persons and their families have been especially adversely affected. Eleven Caregiver Resource Centers (CRCs) support family caregivers across the state of California, providing services such as assessment, counseling and respite. This presentation is part of a larger evaluation study and addresses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on family caregivers and systems supporting them. We interviewed directors, clinical staff and family consultants (n=35) from CRCs across diverse communities and geography in California, conducting semi-structured focus group interviews by Zoom. Questions explored perceptions of staff about effects on caregivers and implications for systems of support for caregivers. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using the Dedoose software. Caregiver effects included increased isolation, higher stress, loss of support, neglected health needs, and accelerated technology adoption. Caregivers at particular risk were those facing multiple demands and experiencing compromised resources under the pandemic, such as closure of adult day care. System effects included challenges with hastened virtual delivery, disruption in services, and new opportunities to serve clients virtually. Community resources, such as internet connectivity, exacerbated disparities for family caregivers. We make recommendations to mitigate these challenges including technology platforms to support service delivery and education, training and preparedness for both caregivers and providers. These recommendations are relevant to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and adaptable to other crisis situations such as natural disasters.
A Scoping Review of How Financial Hardship Is Measured Among Older Adults in the United States
Authors: Tucker-Seeley Reginald , DoyLoo Ryan , Steinberg Leora 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The association between socioeconomic status and health/healthcare related outcomes across the life course is well established; however, the specific mechanisms that underlie this complex association are not well understood. There have been calls in the health disparities literature for greater explication of the socioeconomic factors associated with differential outcomes for racial/ethnic minorities and socioeconomic groups. Recent research offers an expanded notion of socioeconomic circumstances by including indicators of financial hardship; however, there has been little conceptual and measurement clarity for gerontology research. To fill this gap, we conducted a scoping review of how financial hardship has been defined and measured in research with older adults. Using an adapted version of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol, N=25 articles were identified through the following indexes: PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Sociological Abstracts, and Embase. Articles were included if they were published after January 1, 2000, published in the United States, and conducted with adults aged 50 and older. Our study found neither a consistently used term for nor a definition of the financial hardship experience; however, two key domains were consistently measured across studies with older adults: food insecurity and medical expenses were measured in N=9 and N=13 studies, respectively. Greater conceptual and measurement clarity in research on financial hardship among older adults helps to unpack the complex ways in which socioeconomic circumstance are experienced, make comparisons across studies measuring the financial hardship experience, and to identify the specific aspects of financial hardship for intervention.
Safe Exercise at Home Website: Keeping Older People Active during COVID-19
Authors: Hill Anne-Marie , Said Cathy , Sherrington Cathie , Hill Keith , Batchelor Frances , West Courtney , Mackintosh Shylie , Callisaya Michele 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background Physical distancing restrictions, including recommendations to ‘stay home’ during the COVID-19 pandemic has restricted exercise opportunities for older adults. Our group of academic and clinical physiotherapists and a communications expert identified the need to support safe exercise at home to minimise the impact of these restrictions. The project aimed to develop an online, publicly available resource to support older adults to exercise at home. We met virtually and: a) developed home exercise programs for people at three levels of functional ability; b) developed simple advice about exercising safely, exercise intensity, and staying motivated; and c) reviewed and selected online exercise programs and resources for consumers and health professionals to access. Examples of older adults keeping active during the pandemic were sourced to provide motivation. Website content was made available to download and print to increase accessibility. Modifications were made after consumer and international advisor feedback, the website was endorsed by the Australian Physiotherapy Association. Content is updated as restrictions are modified and in response to feedback received. Google Analytics was used to evaluate website usage. The website was launched on 5 May 2020, 35 days after the group’s initial meeting. In the first 9 weeks of website availability 20,608 users accessed the website, with 14.6% being returning users. There were 27,513 sessions and 74,927 page views. Most users were from Australia (80.74%), followed by Denmark (5.15%) and USA (3.85%) We present this example of the benefits of time-critical collaboration to facilitate rapid translation of evidence into practice.
Social Distancing with Older Adults: Comparing Pre- and Post-Pandemic Preferences in Children
Authors: Lapp Juliana , Bauer Jenny , Scholz Lea , Steltmann Sonja , Lange Marit , Schenker Lena-Emilia , Bellingtier Jennifer 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic has made age more salient, and the media has included numerous ageist messages (Bronwen, 2020), included messages aimed at children (e.g., “stay home to protect grandma and grandpa!”). When the pandemic reached Germany in March, we halted data collection on a project assessing ageism in children ages 4 to 8. In July, the situation had improved and testing resumed following hygiene protocols. We report findings from a simulated-behavioral measure where 45 children were asked to plan a party. One task involved asking the children to place pictures of ten party guests, plus themselves, around two party tables. We then assessed how many seats away the younger and older adult guests were placed, on average, from the child (i.e., social distance). Although, we anticipated that the pandemic might lead children to further distance themselves from older adults, our results, thus far, indicate similarity between pre- and post-pandemic preferences. At both occasions older adult guests were seated, on average, one seat further away from the child then younger adult guests. The guest chosen to sit closest to the child was younger on 88% of occasions, whereas the guest chosen to sit farthest away from the child was older on 64% of occasions. Preference for younger adults was confirmed in a second task where children selected teammates for a game. On average, children’s teams consisted of 70% younger guests versus 30% older guests. Findings indicate a social preference for younger, versus older, adults in children irrespective of the pandemic.
Views on Aging and Well-Being in the Covid Crisis – A Longitudinal Study in Luxembourg
Authors: Kornadt Anna , Hoffmann Martine , Murdock Elke , Nell Josepha , Albert Isabelle 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
During the Covid-Crisis, stereotypes of older adults as helpless and vulnerable were spread, and intergenerational conflict was stirred more or less openly. We thus focused on perceived ageism during the crisis and its effects on well-being and health of older adults. Since views on aging are multifaceted and can be both, risk and resource for individual development, we assessed people’s self-perceptions of aging (SPA) as social loss, continued growth and physical decline and subjective age (SA). We hypothesized that people with SPA of social loss and physical decline would be more susceptible to negative effects of perceived ageism, whereas those with SPA of continued growth and younger SA would be less affected. NT1 = 611 community-dwelling adults aged 60 – 98 (Mage = 69.92 years) were recruited in June 2020 online and via phone in Luxembourg. In September 2020, participants will be contacted again for a follow-up. Analyses with cross-sectional data show that participants who felt more discriminated reported lower life satisfaction after the onset of the crisis (r = -.35) and worse subjective health (r = -.14). SPA of social loss and higher SA increased the negative effect of ageism on well-being (beta = -.57) and subjective health (beta = -.53), respectively. Our results point to mid- and long-term consequences of age discriminatory and stereotype-based crisis communication for the well-being of older adults and the importance of individual SPA in critical situations.
Working Conditions Supporting Person-Centered Care of Persons Living with Dementia in Long-Term Care Homes
Authors: Savundranayagam Marie , Docherty-Skippen Susan , Basque Shalane 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of person-centered dementia care and working conditions that support such care in long-term care (LTC) home settings. Personal support workers (PSWs), known also as certified nursing assistants, provide the most direct formal care for persons living with dementia. However, little is known about the working conditions that enable person-centered care. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to examine the working conditions and the impact of those conditions on PSWs in LTC homes. PSWs (N=39) employed at one of five LTC homes in southwestern Ontario, Canada participated in a series of one-hour focus groups before, during, and after Be-EPIC, a person-centred communication training program for formal caregivers of persons living with dementia. Using an interpretive description investigative framework, textual data from focus group conversation transcripts were open-coded into categories. Overarching themes were interpreted inductively. Study credibility was enhanced through investigator triangulation. Three themes emerged related to working conditions of PSWs: dementia care is complex, lack of trained staff to provide person-centered dementia care, and residents’ families are not situated in the residents’ care circle. Four themes emerged related to the impact of current working conditions of PSWs: occupational burnout, poor resident care, frustrated and disengaged families, and PSWs leave their role. The findings offer opportunities for employers to ameliorate working conditions to support person-centered care. We conclude with specific workplace recommendations that respond to the complexity of dementia care and the associated occupational stresses PSWs experience in the current LTC environment.
An Exploration of Online Exercise Participation of Older Manitobans During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Porter Michelle , Lee Mikyung , Barclay Ruth , Cornish Stephen , Dunn Nicole , Ripat Jacquie , Sibley Kathryn , Webber Sandra 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person exercise programs for older people were temporarily closed, and some were replaced with online exercise. We explored the online exercise experiences of older people in Manitoba, Canada, using an online survey. We recruited a convenience sample (≥ 65 years), primarily through community organizations, and 745 people (57.5% female) consented. About 38.2% reported participating in online exercise during the pandemic. Most used pre-recorded classes (80.4%), from their local community (79.7%), and YouTube was the most used platform (57.4%). Almost all (82.7%) found the classes had the right variety and intensity. Of those who had participated in online exercise, 67.0% said they would participate in an online exercise class outside of a pandemic time. Participants like the following aspects better about online exercise: no transportation arrangements, it doesn’t matter what they wear, no travel time, and they like to exercise without others seeing them. However, they also miss being with and socializing with others, and they reported feeling unsafe when the instructor cannot see them. Of those who did not participate online, several reasons were given: they prefer to exercise with others in the same room, they prefer to exercise with an instructor directly present, no appropriate device, and their internet is not reliable. Many also provided examples of future circumstances when they might participate online, including: when the weather is not conducive to outdoor exercise, and if they can overcome technical issues. Lessons learned from this study can help those delivering online exercise in the future.
Predictors of Hospitalization in Veterans with COVID 19 Infection
Authors: Ruiz Jorge , Ruiz Sergio , Fernandez Marlena , Cevallos Victor , Jumani Yaseen , Morisetti Manasa , Hasanain Sahar , Mintzer Michael 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Frailty, a clinical syndrome characterized by vulnerability to stressors resulting from a loss of physiological reserve across multiple systems, is a common condition that affects older adults. In patients with COVID 19 infection, frailty may place older adults at higher risk for poor clinical outcomes including hospitalizations. The aim of this study was to determine independent variables associated with all-cause hospitalization in Veterans with COVID 19 infection. This was a cross-sectional study nested within a retrospective cohort study of Veterans who contracted COVID 19 as detected by PCR. A VA Frailty Index (VA-FI) was generated at baseline as a proportion of morbidity, function, sensory loss, cognition and mood and other variables from electronic health records. The VA-FI categorized Veterans into non-frail (FI&lt;.21) and frail (FI≥.21). At the time or after the COVID 19 testing, hospitalization data was aggregated, and proposed variables were subjected to stepwise backward logistic regression. Likelihood ratios were obtained, and those with p&lt;0.05 were identified as independent risk factors for hospitalization. A total of 2621 Veterans with COVID 19 infection were identified during the study period with a total of 650 hospitalizations. Mean age was 54.99 (SD=16.71) years, 59.80% White, 87.60% male, 25.10% frail. The independent factors associated with hospitalization upon backward logistic regression were age (OR=1.049, 95%CI:1.041-1.057), frailty (OR=2.350, 95%CI: 1.797-3.074), African American race (OR=1.467, 95%CI:1.188-1.812), schizophrenia (OR=0.401, 95%CI:0.235-0.686), and substance abuse (OR=0.602, 95%CI:0.476-0.762). In veterans with COVID 19 infection, age, frailty, race (African American), schizophrenia, and substance abuse were predictors of all-cause hospitalization.