bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
WORKING AFTER AGE 65: THE IMPORTANCE OF PRIOR MENTAL HEALTH–RELATED SICKNESS ABSENCE AND DISABILITY PENSION
Authors: Martikainen Aleksiina , Alexanderson Kristina , Svedberg Pia , Farrants Kristin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
With rising retirement ages and higher numbers of people extending their working life in Europe, more knowledge is needed on labor market participation after the standard retirement age. In this prospective population-based cohort study, we studied all 65-69-year-olds (n=201,263) and ≥70-year-olds (n=93,751) who lived in Sweden in 2014 and had at least some income from work. Using nationwide register microdata and Cox proportional hazard regression, we examined the association of prior mental and somatic sickness absence (SA) and/or disability pension (DP) and exit from paid work after ages 65-69 and ≥70, respectively. We found a gradual decline in paid work participation during the follow-up; approximately 80% remained in paid work at least some time during follow-up in both cohorts and both sexes, while 41% worked throughout the follow-up. Mental SA/DP was less common in both cohorts (ages 65-69: 4% women, 1.7% men; ages ≥70: 0.1% women, 0.1% men) than somatic SA/DP (ages 65-69: 27.4% women, 21.8% men; ages ≥70: 3.1% women, 2.9% men). Further, mental SA/DP marginally hindered extension of working life after age 65-69 among women (HR 1.09; 95%CI 1.06-1.13) compared to women without this type of SA/DP. However, no significant association was found among men nor among women or men aged ≥70. Our findings underscore the importance of considering prior mental health factors and possible gender differences in understanding and addressing challenges related to work continuation beyond standard retirement ages.
LIFE-COURSE PERSPECTIVES ON MILITARY SERVICE EXPERIENCES, STRESS EXPOSURE, AND LATER- AND END-OF-LIFE OUTCOMES
Authors: London Andrew 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Gerontological and life-course researchers continue to address gaps in knowledge related to the lived experiences and later-life outcomes of aging veterans. Aging veterans are similar to and distinct from aging non-veterans, and there is heterogeneity in the military and civilian experiences of veterans that is important for researchers to consider. This symposium features five presentations that expand existing knowledge about aging veterans. Spiro and colleagues focus on the long-term persistence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and find it correlated with greater depression, anxiety, and disability, with worse health functioning and more mental health utilization. Kurth and colleagues examine stress exposure over a 20-year period and find a potential long-term advantage for aging combat veterans’ well-being related to reduced avoided arguments. Yorgason and colleagues study cognitive functioning and find that veteran status is associated with worse overall cognitive functioning, especially among veterans with PTSD. Ream and colleagues find that rural providers report their clients experience more unmet social needs, but also report positive factors associated with residence in rural areas. Additionally, they report that 80 percent of rural providers are interested in delivering a group-based intervention: Enhancing Social Functioning for Older Veterans with PTSD (ESVP). Berry-Stoelzle and colleagues focus on end-of-life and identify the level of associated support services, formal inclusion of families, group identity, difference in the perceived outcome, time since military service, and branch as factors influencing advance directive completion. Collectively, these papers underscore the enduring influence of military service experiences on the health and well-being of aging veterans. Aging Veterans: Effects of Military Service across the Life Course Interest Group Sponsored Symposium
DOES MILITARY VETERAN STATUS PREDICT COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING IN LATER LIFE?
Authors: Yorgason Jeremy , Erickson Lance , Marini Christina , Kaiser Anica Pless 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Stressful life experiences can impact cognitive functioning in later years. Military experiences in relation to later life cognitive functioning is not well understood, although some work has explored the impact of PTSD on cognition. Using data from 777 individuals who participated in the Life and Family Legacies study, we explored whether veteran status (n = 383) was associated with multiple facets of cognitive functioning (using subscales from the Minnesota Cognitive Acuity Screen – Orientation, Attention, Delayed Word Recall, Comprehension, Repetition, Naming, Computation, and Verbal Fluency). All but 2 Veterans in the sample were male, and males and older respondents had lower cognitive functioning scores. Results indicated that Veteran status among males was not predictive of any one cognitive functioning subscale after gender and age were taken into account, yet it was predictive of overall cognitive functioning. Additional analyses among male veterans explored the impact of combat exposure and PTSD on each cognitive functioning subscale. While combat exposure was not associated with any cognitive outcome, PTSD symptoms (as measured by the PTSD checklist – the PCL-C) were negatively associated with the verbal fluency subscale and with overall cognitive functioning (b=-.05, p=.021). Our preliminary analyses suggest that Veteran status is not necessarily associated with individual subscale measures of cognitive functioning but may be related to a broader overall measure. PTSD symptoms were also an important correlate of cognitive functioning among older male Veterans. Veterans, especially those with PTSD symptoms, may be at greater risk for cognitive declines in later life.
PERSPECTIVES FROM RETIRED AND EMERITI FACULTY ON STAYING ENGAGED IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Authors: June Andrea , Andreoletti Carrie , Swanson Helena 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
With the aim of continuing to strengthen age-inclusive initiatives across Central Connecticut State University, the present study used a survey methodology to explore the interest and ability of retired and emeritus faculty from CCSU to remain engaged with the university. In a preliminary analysis of results, respondents (N=38, M age = 73, 49% female identifying, 67% non-Hispanic White) were mostly full professors (69%) at the time of their retirement. Retirement dates ranged from 1999 to 2024, with an average of 26 years of service. The most common reason for retirement was feeling emotionally ready (31%) followed by feeling burnt out/campus climate issues (26%). Twenty eight percent reported that their retirement was accelerated by the COVID 19 pandemic. Not surprisingly, those whose retirement dates are more recent have remained more connected through teaching and mentorship. At least 50% of respondents felt at least slightly connected to CCSU, their prior department, and current faculty. However, there was greater variation in level of satisfaction with that level of connection. More than half of the respondents expressed support for and willingness to participate in a retired/emeriti professors association at CCSU. Overall, respondents expressed more interest in short, time limited opportunities to remain engaged with students compared to semester-long activities. Qualitative data analysis revealed additional context to the challenges of interacting with the university as a retired or emeriti faculty member as well as to the goals of any continued engagement. Plans to incorporate this data into future age-inclusive initiatives will be discussed.
EXPERIENCES OF SENIOR SCHOLARS AND PROFESSORS EMERITI AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA: ONLINE SURVEY FINDINGS
Authors: Porter Michelle , Kops William , Kauenhowen Cornelia 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Universities are unique in providing specific positions for retired academics to continue to work without pay. At the University of Manitoba (UM) in Winnipeg, Canada, there are two types of retiree positions: Senior Scholar (term) or Professor Emerita/Emeritus (lifetime/honorary). These positions allow retirees to engage in activities like supervising graduate students and conducting research. Supports (e.g., office or lab space) may be provided. However, anecdotal information and faculty consultations have suggested that new policies/procedures and initiatives may be needed to enhance their experiences and overall benefits for the university. An exploratory, online survey designed by age-friendly university committee members was completed by 78 current and past Senior Scholars and Professors Emeriti. Results revealed the many activities engaged in (most commonly reported: 78.7% writing, 70.7% research) as well as challenges experienced (e.g., parking, transitions resulting in temporary losses of email or other computer-related resources). While most (83.8%) indicated that they felt connected to the University, others indicated that they felt cut-off. Some also expressed the sentiment that “…the university/faculty does not initiate action to take advantage of my wisdom, experience and talents.” Respondents further indicated their acceptance of several possible recommendations for improvements for individuals in their positions, with the most popular being a website to highlight their work and accomplishments. Given the many benefits that they see for themselves and the University based, on their continued efforts in their retiree roles, changes are imperative to improve the age inclusivity for individuals at this career stage at UM.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND LONGEVITY IN EUROPE: A SCOPING REVIEW ON HEALTH CARE USE DURING EXTREME AIR TEMPERATURES
Authors: Enroth Linda , Kananen Laura , Tapola Ella , Pulkki Jutta 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Climate change together with increasing longevity pose challenges for social, economic, and ecological sustainability of the health care systems. The associations of hot and cold temperatures with higher mortality are well understood, but less is known of their impacts on health care utilization. This scoping review examines how extreme air temperatures are associated with healthcare use in 65+ populations in Europe. We screened peer-reviewed articles from six databases (Medline, Science Direct, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest and Greenline) published in English 2000-2022. The key search terms were air temperature, older people, health care services, and Europe. We screened 1,457 articles, reviewed 121 full-texts, and extracted data from 43 articles. Half of the articles examined heat exposure, ten cold exposure, and 12 examined both. Emergency hospital admission was the most commonly examined health service. 20 out of 33 (heat) and 16 out of 22 (cold) studies found a positive association between extreme air temperature and health care use. Most studies were patient-based and the most common conditions leading to health care use were cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Only three studies investigated the modifying impact of social vulnerabilities. They found a tendency that social and material deprivation contributes to a higher risk of health care use during extreme temperatures. Research on health care use under extreme temperatures varies in quality and mostly reflects exacerbation of underlying chronic conditions. There is a need for further research that uses large data sets, considers multidimensional modifying risk factors, and reports results separately for older people.
USING PHOTOVOICE TO GAIN A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF OLDER ADULTS EXPERIENCE OF CLIMATE CHANGE
Authors: Zhao Hui , Stewart Anne , Maphis Christine Fasching , Ezeokonkwo Francesca , Nelson-Faulconer Jennifer , Tanaka Tiffany , Winesberry Nehemiah 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Older adults are disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis. However, their concerns and how they perceive and respond to climate change, in their own words, remain unclear. We conducted a qualitative study employing an innovative autophotography process with semi-structured interviews to capture insights into older adults’ knowledge and beliefs regarding climate change issues. Constant comparison was used to analyze data. Seventeen community-based older adults living in Virginia Shenandoah Valley region were recruited and 14 of them completed the study. Participants were 67–85 years old white adults, with the majority holding a graduate degree. From the preliminary data analysis, four themes emerged around exploring older adults’ experiences and perceptions of climate change and each theme included sub-themes: 1) Perceived environmental issues impacting on health and life. Participants identified various specific concerns and priorities that older adults have regarding climate change, such as impacts on health or quality of life. 2) Barriers. Several factors hampered the effective addressing of climate change issues, including limited awareness, fixed mindsets, a lack of intergenerational conversation, and financial constraints. 3) Resilience and engagement. Older adults utilized resilience-building strategies that helped them cope with climate change-related challenges and empowered them to advocate for community resilience efforts. Our findings underscore the importance of further education about climate-associated risks. Including older adults in the conversation about climate change is crucial for promoting intergenerational dialogue and fostering mutual understanding and collaboration across age groups. Policy changes can facilitate effective actions on climate change-related issues.
INSTRUMENTAL ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING (IADLS) PREDICT PLASMA NFL LEVELS IN OLDER ADULTS WITHOUT DEMENTIA
Authors: Li Mengchi , Calderon Russell , Liu Sofia , Li Junxin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are crucial for the independent living of older adults. Subtle declines in IADLs have been associated with decreased cognitive function. Yet, the knowledge regarding the association of IADL and plasma Neurofilament light chain (NfL), a biomarker for neurodegeneration, remains limited. This study aimed to examine the cross-sectional association between IADL and NfL in 102 older adults without dementia (Age≥65 years, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)&gt; 17), using baseline data collected from a randomized clinical trial (NCT03959202). The sample was 70.3 ± 6.1 years old, with 79% being females, 61% being White American, 33% being Black or African American, 82% having intact cognition, and 18% having mild cognitive impairment. IADLs were assessed using the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale. Plasma NfL levels were examined continuously and dichotomously (≥ 75% vs. &lt; 75%) as the study outcome. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted with IADLs total score as the primary predictor and adjusting for age, sex, education, chronic conditions, and MoCA. Higher IADL (better function) was associated with lower plasma NfL level (β=-4.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -5.99, -2.06). The logistic regression model showed that 1 point increase in IADLs score was associated with 67% reduced odds of having high NfL (OR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.77). In conclusion, we found that higher instrumental activities of daily living were associated with decreased plasma NfL, suggesting a mechanism underlying functional decline and neurodegeneration in non-demented older adults.
BUILDING AN INTERDISCIPLINARY CAREER TO ADVANCE HEALTH PROMOTION FOR HEALTHY AGING
Authors: Hughes Jaime 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
As we all continue to age, the availability of evidence-based health promotion programs will be critical to healthy aging. Intervention science and implementation science are two disciplines at the heart of developing and advancing innovative, effective health promotion programs for use within diverse settings, practices, and populations. Both disciplines are highly interdisciplinary, influenced by principles in clinical geriatrics, behavioral medicine, developmental psychology, and organizational psychology. Specific health promotion programs like those focused on the adoption of healthy sleep and activity behaviors may be further influenced by additional principles, including those from behavioral sleep medicine, exercise physiology, and rehabilitation medicine. Cultivating a professional career designing and translating evidence-based health promotion programs such as these requires commitment, collaboration, and creativity. This presentation will feature completed and ongoing work belonging to a diverse research portfolio made possible by interdisciplinary training activities and research support (e.g., NIA, NHLBI, NCCIH), experiences in aging-focused leadership and professional networking (e.g., ESPO/GSA), and more than 15 years of work in applied care settings (e.g., VAHCS, academic learning health systems). This presentation will close with tips on how to access existing NIA and GSA/ESPO resources and supports for cultivating a successful career, including: leveraging professional networks and training opportunities within NIA and across NIH Institutes (ICs), engaging in professional service and leadership, and conducting embedded research across diverse academic, government, and community settings.
STRATEGIES TO AGE WELL: BUILDING A CREATIVE AND IMPACTFUL CAREER IN BRAIN HEALTH
Authors: Dotson Vonetta 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Dr. Vonetta Dotson is a gero-neuropsychologist with a program of a researched focused on understanding positive (e.g., exercise) and negative (e.g., depression) modifiers of brain health in diverse older adults in order to identify ways to reduce health disparities in cognitive and affective disorders in late life, thereby enabling every individual to age well. The work is designed to be translational in nature, with implications for the daily lives of older adults and for how we diagnose, treat, and prevent cognitive and affective disorders. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the Gerontological Society of American (GSA) have been instrumental in her professional accomplishments throughout her training and career, ranging from early GSA conference experiences and participation in the Technical Assistance Workshop (former name of the Butler Williams program) during graduate school, to her current NIA funding through various mechanisms including R01, R21, and U19 grants. This presentation will summarize Dr. Dotson’s scientific research accomplishments, the role of NIA and GSA in her career, and her more recent translation of her research to community outreach, including her start-up company, CerebroFit, that puts into action the latest research on lifestyle interventions for healthy brain aging and her book Keep Your Wits about You: The Science of Brain Maintenance as You Age, which provides lay audiences with science-based facts and practical tools to help readers develop healthy lifestyles to optimize their brain health.
GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRICS PROGRAMS: OBSERVATIONS FROM THE US DATABASE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA
Authors: Staley Mark , Masters Julie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Since its inception in 2022, the United States Gerontology and Geriatrics programs database developed and housed on the University of Nebraska-Omaha (UNO) Department of Gerontology website serves as a repository of educational programs at the undergraduate, graduate, and medical fellowship levels. Established to provide an easily accessible tally of programming and a resource for students, faculty, and professionals, the database is also intended to promote gerontological and geriatric programs across the U.S. Over time, the database has expanded to include Research Institutes, Nurse Practitioner programs, Medical Fellowships, Social Work programs, and designations including Age Friendly Universities (AFU) and Program of Merit (POM). With growth, the database is reviewed for accuracy, additions, and deletions. A troubling trend, however, has been the pausing and/or elimination of once healthy programs. In addition to presenting an overview of these observations (e.g., number of programs, changes), this session explores reasons for closure and what lessons can be learned for those still in operation.
DESPITE OUR BEST EFFORTS, THEY AREN’T BUYING WHAT WE’RE SELLING: RAISING HARD QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR FUTURE
Authors: Masters Julie 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In the 1970s, funding from the Older Americans Act was made available to establish gerontology programs at universities and colleges in anticipation of a growing aging population. The baby boom that led to early education programs and the building of schools and training of teachers was the driver behind visionaries who knew these same people would one day benefit from gerontological insights. Fast forward to 2024: 12,000 people are turning sixty-five each day. The long-expected demographic shift is here. The workforce to support the aging population, however, has fallen short, with demand outpacing supply in the public and private sectors. Nonetheless, many of the educational programs designed to prepare a well-prepared and sufficient workforce are struggling amidst a backdrop of academic budget cuts, revenue shortfalls, and the perennial issue of inadequate student/practitioner interest (Gurwitz, 2023). Hard questions must be asked if gerontological and geriatric education is to have a strong and sustainable future. This session poses several of these questions, examining such issues as branding (e.g., Gerontology Vs. Aging Studies), stand-alone and integrated delivery of educational programs, alliances (e.g., academic, community, corporate), preparation and credentialing (e.g., degrees, micro-credentialing, internships, practicum, on-the-job training), and career value (e.g., job types, status, compensation). The session concludes with the question, if not gerontology and geriatrics, who will be the champion for older adults?
EXTANT RESEARCH USING THE NATIONAL SURVEY OF OLDER AMERICANS ACT PARTICIPANTS: A SCOPING REVIEW
Authors: Okolie Tochukwu , Menne Heather 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Since 2003, the National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants (NSOAAP) has been collected annually for programs funded by Title III of the Older Americans Act (OAA). Covering six program modules including case management, congregate meals, home-delivered meals, homemaker, transportation, and family caregiver support, the NSOAAP data provides rich information for uncovering important issues pertaining to older adults and caregivers who utilize these services. Regardless of its promising content for advancing aging studies in the United States, there is a dearth of scholarly literature that has utilized this data source. Hence, this scoping review sought to map out extant peer-reviewed empirical articles that used data from the NSOAAP. Eight databases were searched with no time restriction, resulting in 42 citations. Two duplicate citations were resolved, leaving 40 articles for the initial title and abstract review. Additional three citations were identified through online searches and reference list review. After the title and abstract review, 33 articles were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. This study and its findings are based on 10 peer-reviewed empirical studies. Findings from the review showed that while there is a dearth in overall empirical studies using the NSOAAP, case management, homemaker, and transportation were the least studied. Caregiver services and congregate meal services were analyzed in 4 studies and home-delivered meals in 3 studies. This scoping review highlights the need for more research to understand the impact of the OAA service as measured through the NSOAAP across time.