bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Screening Older Adults for Hearing Loss in Primary Care: Insights of Patients, Providers, and Staff
Authors: Silberberg Mina , Singh Anisha , Bettger Janet , Dolor Rowena , Smith Sherri , Francis Howard 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Over one-third of older adults have a disabling hearing loss, with potentially severe implications for well-being. Hearing screening is not routine in primary care (PC) and patients are relied upon to report hearing concerns. We compared outcomes of three approaches to linking telephone-based screening with PC (providing information at PC visit, encouraging at visit, or completing at visit). This poster presents results of focus groups/interviews with providers and staff from participating clinics (n= 35), study enrollees who completed screening and were referred for diagnosis (n=14 ), and enrollees who did not complete screening (n=12). Results show that most patients had prior hearing concerns they had not reported to their PC. Patients forgot or were resistant to completing screening at home. Negative attitudes towards admitting hearing loss and using hearing aids were common; experiences of family and friends influenced many patient attitudes, both negative and positive. PC personnel wish to help, but are challenged by lack of time, space, and reimbursement for screening, and loathe to screen when specialty care and hearing aids are costly. Study results indicate that relying on patients to report hearing concerns is inadequate. Integration of hearing screening into PC would be helped by strengthening reimbursement for screening, specialty care, and hearing aids, and education of both providers and patients on other available treatments for hearing loss. Patients also require education on hearing aid technology. There is a need to address stigma associated with hearing loss, taking into consideration the influence of family and friends on attitudes.
Child’s Developmental Disabilities and Parental Well-being in Midlife and Old Age: Does Race Matter?
Authors: Lee Juha , Gao Manjing , Lee Chioun 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Having a child with developmental disabilities (DD) compromises parents’ health and well-being. We have little knowledge on whether the association is robust to the presence of exposure-outcome confounders and how it varies by race. Guided by life-course perspectives, we evaluate (1) the association between having a child with DD and parental well-being and (2) racial disparities in the likelihood of having a child with DD (differential exposure), and/or the effect of having a child with DD on parental well-being (differential vulnerabilities). We advance prior studies by including a wide array of parent’s early-life adversities (ELAs, e.g., poverty and abuse), which may link the predictor to the outcome. Using the core, Refresher, and Milwaukee samples from Midlife in the United States (N=9,640, 25% non-Whites), we conducted regression analysis with race as a moderator. Compared to having a healthy child, parents having a child with DD reported lower well-being even after controlling for ELAs. While the likelihood of having a child with DD (around 10%) is similar for both non-Hispanic Whites and African Americans, African American parents are more adversely affected by having a child with DD across most of the eudaimonic well-being indicators (i.e., autonomy, self-acceptance, positive relationships with others, personal growth, environmental mastery). The later-life well-being of racial minorities is disproportionally affected by having a child with DD. Future research avenues include identifying life-course pathways that contribute to this differential vulnerability.
If I’m Worrying About Getting Well, How Can I Get Well? Decision-Making among African Americans with Advanced CKD
Authors: Hamler Tyrone , Schmidt-Sane Megan , Huml Anne , Dobre Mirela , Taylor Donna 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an emerging major public health concern in the United States. Shared decision-making (SDM) has gained attention as an important area of inquiry in chronic kidney disease research. Few studies focus on shared decision-making or preferences of older African Americans during the advanced stages of CKD before the initiation of dialysis. The objective of this study was to understand decision-making preferences and shared decision-making among older African Americans with advanced chronic kidney disease who have yet to start dialysis. Methods: Data were collected from an outpatient clinic sample of older African Americans ≥ 55 years old (N = 10) diagnosed with advanced CKD. Participants were administered a survey with open-ended questions related to shared decision-making, CKD healthcare and general healthcare preferences (both open-ended and closed-ended questions), and participant characteristics. A thematic analysis framework was applied to identify themes and patterns in the data. Results: Several themes emerged in regard to shared decision-making and patient preferences including: complexity of CKD management, uncertainty of prognosis, barriers and facilitators to CKD self-management and SDM, diagnosis and dialysis information, elements of SDM, and the structural and social context of SDM related to racial inequities. Discussion: Participants identified a nuanced understanding of the concerns related to managing CKD. The complex and ever-changing nature of CKD was emphasized as participants discussed how they perceived their care needs. This study provides implications for social work practice, healthcare policy and interprofessional collaboration in the care of older African Americans.
The Importance of Person Centered Coaching on Physical Activity in Older Adults
Authors: Chiang-Hanisko Lenny , Graves Sue , Joseph-Rendel Jean , Newman David , D’Avolio Debroah 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and imposes a substantial social and economic burden on American society. Evidence suggests that physical exercise provides health-related benefits to reduced osteoarthritis pain, stress and depression. However, exercise alone may not be sufficient to make necessary lifestyle changes to reduce OA pain. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Person Centered Coaching (PCC) and Health Education (HE) on physical activity of exercising older adults with OA pain. 14 exercising older adults were included in this experimental, randomized, pre and posttest study. Age ranged from 69 -88 years (mean = 77) with most participants identifing as non-Hispanic whites, all currently retired and 71% female. Participants completed OA Diary, 3 PROMIS short-form instruments (Pain Interference, Perceived Stress and Instrumental Support) and Personal Growth Initiative Scale. Data was collected over six weeks to include baseline and post-intervention measurements using repeated measures analysis. The result indicated the PCC treatment group had lower scores on pain interference and perceived stress compared to the HE group. The PCC group also had increased higher level on personal growth and instrumental support compared to the HE group. The results suggest that additional interventions are needed to enhance exercise effectiveness in reducing pain, inflammation and stress. The intervention (PCC), has the potential to provide a positive impact on OA outcomes for exercising older adults by increasing self-knowledge and self-monitoring of OA pain, as well as facilitating persistence with exercise.
COVID Impact and Response in Rural Age-Friendly Communities
Authors: Oh Patricia , Wihry David , Crittenden Jennifer 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Maine is an age-friendly state with 72 communities enrolled in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities and another 25+ using a similar approach to engage residents and local organizations in community planning and development that enhances the health and well-being of older people. The majority (83%, n=60) of Maine’s age-friendly communities have fewer than 10,000 residents and only two have populations over 20,000. Before the pandemic, rural Mainers struggled to find safe and convenient transportation options, afford healthy food, access primary and secondary medical care, and participate in activities to stay physically fit and socially connected. Age-friendly community efforts attempted to address those issues by building on community strengths and assets to develop local solutions. The challenges of rural aging were amplified by the pandemic and reliance on older community leaders and volunteers, who were seen as an at-risk population and thus strongly encouraged to avoid social contact. This study offers a narrative exploration of how rural age-friendly communities responded to COVID-19. The leaders of 71 age-friendly communities were contacted by phone, email, or Zoom between May 15 and August 30. Thirty-nine of the communities (54.9%) actively partnered with residents and organizations to address needs during the pandemic. Identified themes described the challenges faced in developing an effective response and new opportunities to expand the age-friendly work in the community. Suggestions for developing new partnerships between age-friendly initiatives and local organizations were highlighted. A key practice implication is the vital importance of intergenerational collaborations in rural areas.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on senior-to-senior social engagement activities at a community space in Japan
Authors: Kazembe Neo , Kim Hongjik , Wang Cong , Higuma Shuichiro , Yang Yerim , Kim Taeeun , Ogino Ryogo , Takase Mai 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
A local community space in Japan, Chiki Kastudokan, has been hosting several senior-to-senior social activities for community-dwelling older adults with support from the University of Tokyo. The activities are aimed at fostering communication and social engagement through exercise, music, cafe, and craft. After the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic, these activities have been disrupted. We conducted a questionnaire survey between June and July 2020 to assess how the pandemic has affected 26 activities and identify support needs that can enable their continuity amid the pandemic (response rate: 77%). First, all 26 activities were suspended by the onset of COVID-19. Hosts of 8 (40%) activities devised alternative ways to engage participants at home. For instance, hosts of craft activities arranged and sent to participants crafting kits. Limited capacity in using online platforms like Skype or Zoom prevented virtual interaction of hosts and participants. Notably, hosts were anxious towards resuming activities amid the pandemic. They worried about their health (50%), of being criticized by friends and family(25%), and of infections spreading among participants (85%). Hosts wanted strategies to prevent infections during activities, and easy to understand infection prevention guidelines for participants. These findings reveal that COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected senior-to-senior activities at Chiki Kastudokan. The University of Tokyo could help hosts identify effective infection prevention strategies to use when hosting activities amid the pandemic. It could also provide ICT training to hosts and participants to enhance their capacity in using online platforms in case of future waves of COVID-19.
Impact of the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic on Older Adults’ Perceived Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity
Authors: Greenwood-Hickman Mikael Anne , Dahlquist Jacklyn , Cooper Julie , Rosenberg Dori 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Starting in March 2019, stay-at-home orders meant to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic have limited movement, activities, and services in Washington State. For older adults, who are the most sedentary age group, we hypothesized that these public health measures encouraged increased sedentary behavior (SB) and reduced physical activity (PA) levels. To explore this, we conducted 25 semi-structured interviews with a sub-sample of participants in an ongoing sedentary behavior reduction intervention. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and an iterative coding process was used to extract key themes related SB changes, PA changes, and other impacts of COVID-19 social distancing measures. Most participants reported an increase in SB due to limitations on leaving their home, canceled activities, increased free time in which to pursue indoor hobbies traditionally done in a seated posture (reading, sewing, tv, etc.), and feelings of depression or lack of motivation. Some participants suggested that these restrictions also led to a decrease in their PA and exercise levels due to cancelled fitness classes, loss of social support around exercise routines, and fear of leaving the house. However, other participants reported that the social distancing measures have allowed them to increase their PA levels, giving them more time to walk outdoors or pursue active outdoor hobbies like tennis, gardening, or home improvement tasks. In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic and associated social distancing measures have had varying impacts on participant perceived SB and PA levels. It is unclear how these changes will be maintained when pandemic restrictions are lifted.
Influence of COVID-19 on dementia caregivers living in community
Authors: Hwang Yeji , Rajpara Anjali , Talwar Sonia , Connell LaShauna , Ramirez Katie , Hodgson Nancy 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Community-residing persons living with dementia (PLWD) are a high-risk population for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) because of advanced age, comorbidities, and impaired cognition. While family caregivers report additional anxiety symptoms by caring for PLWD at home, little is known about their caregiving experience during the current COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of the COVID-19 on dementia caregivers. Study participants were recruited from parent study, the Healthy Patterns Clinical Trial (Hodgson; R01NR015226). Data were collected from June 13th to August 28th, 2020 via semi-structured telephone interviews. Thirty-four dementia caregivers participated in this study. Mean caregiver age was 59.2±12.7. Over 70% of the study participant reported worry about spreading COVID-19 to the PLWD and 41.2% reported that they have taken on additional caregiving duties for others in their family or network since COVID-19. In this sample, 61.8% of the dementia caregivers reported one or more anxiety symptoms. Independent t-tests were conducted to compare dementia caregivers who reported anxiety symptoms and those who did not report anxiety symptoms. Anxiety symptoms in dementia caregivers were related to poor physical function of their care recipients (p=0.036). However, anxiety symptoms of dementia caregivers were not related to either cognitive level (p=0.11) or number of neuropsychiatric symptoms of their care recipients (p=0.366). Health care professionals should be alert to the anxiety and concerns expressed by dementia caregivers in order to maintain and improve the well-being of both caregivers and their care recipients during this unprecedented pandemic.
Shifts in Older Adults’ Social Support during Early Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Fuller Heather , Huseth-Zosel Andrea , Sturn Emily , Carlson Shawn , Hofmann Brittany , Kinkade Emily , Van Vleet Bryce 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In recent months, older adults have faced great health risks due to COVID-19, yet social distancing measures may also heighten risks to their social well-being. This mixed methods study explores changes in older adults’ social support satisfaction and interpersonal connections across the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic. A Midwestern sample of 70 older adults aged 70-97 completed two phone interviews (April and June 2020) about their experiences with social distancing due to COVID-19. At both timepoints participants rated their satisfaction with social support and responded to open-ended questions about their interpersonal interactions, communication, and support in current daily life. Mean social support satisfaction significantly increased between the two interviews. Ensuing analysis of qualitative responses suggested this shift could reflect psychological adjustment to the circumstances or adaptation in methods of interpersonal connection over time. Emergent themes included: 1) increased family support and strain, 2) adaptable and flexible friendships, 3) isolation fatigue, and 4) communication through technology. Evaluation of change over time indicated divergent and shifting perceptions of social support as the pandemic endures. Findings suggest nuanced and diverse social support experiences amongst older adults, yet general patterns of initial shock to social support systems that subsided or adapted over time. Future research should build upon these findings to better understand older adults’ social support needs and seek to explore ways to best foster social connections during instances of forced social isolation or societal crises such as the current and ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic.
Social Isolation, Loneliness and Well-being in the Covid-19 Crisis: A Look at Nursing Home Residents in Luxembourg
Authors: Albert Isabelle , Hoffmann Martine , Kornadt Anna , Murdock Elke , Nell Josepha 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
During the COVID-19 crisis, older adults, in particular those with underlying health conditions, were at a special risk for severe illness and mortality, and efforts were made to shield them from exposure to the virus. While measures of physical distancing and reduction of in-person contacts were necessary to prevent contraction, they hit residents of care settings particularly hard since visits from family and friends were banned and the risk for loneliness and social isolation increased. In the present study, we therefore gave the voice to nursing home residents and focused on their perceived loneliness and subjective well-being during the crisis. We were both interested in difficulties but also in personal resources and resilience factors that might protect older adults from negative mental health outcomes and help to maintain subjective well-being. A sample of N = 76 residents in care homes in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg were interviewed by use of a standardized questionnaire during July and August 2020. Participants reported on their loneliness and life satisfaction during the crisis, on their self-regulatory strategies as well as on personal and social resources (e.g. self-efficacy, generativity, social support). Data will be analyzed by use of regression analysis to predict loneliness and well-being by risk and protective factors. Results will be discussed applying a life-span developmental and systemic perspective to understand the mutual interplay of individual, social and institutional resources to mitigate negative side effects of protective measures on care home residents.
Successful Transitions to Remote Assessments and Technology Installations due to COVID-19: The I-CONECT Project
Authors: Nguyen Khoa , McDonald Mattie , Scavone Colton , Mattek Nora , Kaye Jeffrey , Dodge Hiroko 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
I-CONECT is a randomized controlled clinical trial to examine the impact of social interaction delivered via video-chat on cognitive function (clinicaltrials.gov number: NCT02871921, project website: www.I-CONECT.org ). We aimed to enroll 320 community-dwelling socially isolated older adults (age &gt;=75 years). The recruitment of participants has started in 2018 and was ongoing when COVID-19 pandemic began. Video chat and telephone-based social interaction interventions did not change during COVID-19. However, new recruitment and cognitive assessments, which require in-person contact and deployment and retrieval of video chat devices in participant homes, were suspended due to the nature of our study population (i.e., older age, higher likelihood of comorbidities). Recently we were able to successfully switch to complete remote assessments including 1) telephone-based cognitive assessments using T-COG (Telephone Cognitive Assessment battery), and 2) contactless delivery of our study devices (Chrome books and electronic pill boxes) for subject self-installation. Our creative approach to self-installations includes color coded pictures and an easy-to-follow installation manual, accompanied by remote instruction and support via telephone. This poster introduces our remote assessment and installation protocol and participant and technical support team feedback regarding this new contactless protocol. This presentation provides useful guidance for future studies considering completely remote assessment and telemedicine approaches.
The First COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Restrictions: An Intergenerational Comparison of the Impacts
Authors: Glass Anne , Lawlor Lauretta 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
“Social distancing” and stay-at-home orders were enacted in many states in response to the spread of COVID-19. We sought to understand intergenerational differences in the impact of the initial COVID-19 restrictions on interactions, loneliness, and stress. Data was collected via online survey from individuals ages 18 and above during the period April 7-May 8, 2020. The predominantly female, White, and well-educated sample (n = 962) included 245 younger adults (YAs) ages 18-34, 374 middle-aged adults (MAs) ages 35-64, and 343 older adults (OAs) ages 65+, with overall mean age 51.67 (SD=20.257; range 18-96). Before the restrictions, 41% of these OAs infrequently/never interacted face-to-face with children, increasing to 74% after restrictions. Three quarters (77%) of YAs reported seeing OAs less often, but 42% reported increasing their connections with OAs via technology. About a third of MAs (35%) and OAs (36%) were lonely, compared to 48% of YAs (p = .003), and a higher percentage of YAs (57%) reported being “more lonely” now, compared to MAs (36%) and OAs (41%). OAs reported the least stress; 42% reported low/very low levels of stress compared to YAs (9%) and MAs (20%). All generations most often identified “being able to go places” as the thing they missed most, but it increased significantly with age (p &lt; .001), from YAs (32%), MAs (37%), to OAs (44%). More YAs (20%) than OAs (7%) reported missing “structure to their day.” Results of these intergenerational comparisons suggest the resilience of older adults is helping them during the current pandemic.