bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Older Adults Pursue More Autonomy During Pandemic: An Explanation by Social Obligation
Authors: Tsang Hiu Ling Vivian , Mai Chunyan , Fung Helene 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Older adults are considered more vulnerable under the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, the pandemic also highlights the social obligation of all individuals, young and old. We investigated whether older adults pursued more autonomy during the pandemic than did middle-aged adults, and the moderating effect of perceived social obligation. One hundred and twenty-three Hong Kong citizens (62 females, Mage=60.59±13.28 years old) participated in this study in 2018 (before pandemic) and 2020 (during pandemic). Comparing these two waves, the results showed a larger increase of perceived importance of independence and autonomy among older adults than among middle-aged adults. Moreover, the age difference became stronger with a higher increase in expectation on social obligation, suggesting that the pandemic might make older adults feel more socially obligated to be independent and autonomous, so as not to be a burden on others. Future ageism-related studies should take the social obligation of older adults into consideration.
Everyday Needs Assessment for Cognitive Tasks: Challenges for Persons With Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Rogers Wendy , Mudar Raksha , Harris Maurita , Lydon Elizabeth , Ramadhani Widya , Czaja Sara , Boot Walter , Charness Neil 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
ENACT (Everyday Needs Assessment for Cognitive Tasks) is an exploration and discovery project to gather information on challenges in daily and community living experienced by individuals aging with compromised cognition due to mild cognitive impairment, traumatic brain injury, or post-stroke. We are exploring their challenges through a longitudinal needs assessment study involving interviews with older adults with cognitive impairment and their care partners. We will describe the study development process wherein we interviewed subject matter experts, including persons with professional (neurology, rehabilitation, gerontology) or personal experience with individuals who have cognitive impairment. Based on their collective insights, we selected the following categories of activities for the ENACT in-depth interviews: health, social engagement, transportation, domestic life, and leisure/recreation. The ENACT longitudinal data will provide insights to guide development of adaptive, context-sensitive technology-based supports for the AUGMENT, DREAM, and STRUMM projects described in this symposium, as well as other initiatives.
Social Support, Coping Behaviors, and Resilience Among African Americans During COVID-19
Authors: Park Sung 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Enduring structural inequalities in the United States by race have only become more apparent during COVID-19, as African Americans experienced significant health and economic challenges that far exceeded those observed among other racial and ethnic groups. Relying on multiple nationally representative surveys, this study examines the diversity of ways in which middle-aged and older African Americans’ managed the stress and pressures associated with the pandemic. I summarize the inequities faced by African Americans before and during COVID-19, as well as trends in the utilization of social support, coping behaviors, and degree of resilience. Furthermore, this study investigates the relationship between social support and coping strategies to multiple health outcomes over time. When appropriate, comparisons to other racial and ethnic groups are made. This research underscores the importance of considering social relationships and modifiable coping behaviors when studying African American aging and well-being during times of crisis.
GSA Managing Editors’ Perspective on Submission Dos and Don’ts
Authors: Jackson Kathleen , Jung Karen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
In this presentation, the managing editors of GSA’s peer-reviewed journals will discuss how the editorial offices operate and their roles in the publishing process. The topics will include how to navigate the ScholarOne submission system, why it is important to read the Instructions to Authors, and how authors can work with the editorial offices to increase the visibility and impact of their published articles.
Engaging Older Veterans With Serious Mental Illness in Physical Activity: In-Person, Remote, and Hybrid Models
Authors: Muralidharan Anjana , Havrilla Sera , Lucksted Alicia , Medoff Deborah , Fortuna Karen , Peeples Amanda 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Older adults with serious mental illness (SMI) have complex care needs across medical, psychiatric, cognitive, and social domains. This growing population exhibits high levels of medical comorbidity and sedentariness. Innovative interventions that promote holistic recovery for this group are needed, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Peer Education on Exercise for Recovery (PEER) is a peer coaching intervention, delivered by VA Peer Specialists (Veterans with lived experience of mental illness), to promote exercise and physical activity among older adults with SMI. This paper will present on three different models of PEER: fully in-person, fully remote, and a hybrid model with both in-person and remote elements. Preliminary data indicates that PEER is (1) engaging and well-liked, (2) associated with greater sustained increases in physical activity compared to an active control, and (3) can lead to sustained physical activity increases that are resilient to situational constraints such as physical distancing.
Diabetes Mellitus, Edentulism, and Trajectory of Cognitive Decline Among Older Adults
Authors: Wu Bei , Tan Chenxin , Plassman Brenda , Sloan Frank , Schwartz Mark , Adhikari Samrachana , Kamer Angela , Luo Huabin 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
We examined the impact of diabetes mellitus (DM) and edentulism on the trajectory of cognitive decline, using the Health and Retirement Study. We analyzed self-reported DM and edentulism collected in 2006 and cognition data from 2006 and its follow up waves through 2018. Among 15,709 eligible participants age 50+ in 2006, 65.96% had neither DM nor edentulism (Group 1), 15.12% had DM alone (Group 2), 13.79% had edentulism alone (Group 3), and 5.12% had both conditions (Group 4). Results from linear mixed-effects models show that in comparison to Group 1, individuals in Group 4 had the lowest level of cognitive function, followed by those in Group 3 and Group 2. Group 4 had a modestly faster rate of cognitive decline (p=0.052). This study illustrates that co-occurrence of DM and edentulism has a higher risk of more rapid cognitive decline with advancing age than the presence of each condition alone.
Perceived Physical Fatigability: A Prognostic Marker of Biological, Organ System, and Brain Aging
Authors: Glynn Nancy W , Simonsick Eleanor , Eldadah Basil 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Characterizing perceived physical fatigability enables researchers to quantify an individual’s susceptibility to experiencing fatigue in the context of a standardized physical task. This approach eliminates self-pacing, and is a less-biased, more sensitive means to measure the degree to which fatigue may limit activity. Our previous work with two validated measures of perceived fatigability, the Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale (PFS) and Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) at the end of a standardized 5-minute treadmill walk, are prognostic indicators of phenotypic aging. This symposium will present new directions related to greater fatigability as a marker of biological aging, organ system health and functioning, as well as brain pathology and structure. Specifically, Mr. Katz will explore the relationship between leukocyte telomere length, a marker of biological aging, with PFS fatigability in participants from the Long Life Family Study. The other four papers use data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) and RPE fatigability (RPE). Drs. Simonsick and Karikkineth investigate fatigability as an early marker of aging and disease related impacts on key organ systems, specifically diminished renal function as reflected in estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate and cardiovascular health evaluated as vascular stiffness. Ms. Liu and Dr. Schrack will share whether there are associations of perceived fatigability with brain health, specifically Alzheimer’s disease-related pathology (PiB) and changes in brain structure. Lastly, our Discussant, Dr. Eldadah, will critically review the presentations in the context of new directions in fatigability research.
Prospective Monitoring of Newly Marketed Drugs in Frail Older Adults Using Real-World Databases
Authors: Kim Dae , Patorno Elisabetta 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
In recent years several new drugs have been approved for treatment of heart failure and type 2 diabetes. Despite their life-prolonging benefits, uptake of new drugs is often slow among older patients with frailty due to under-representation of frail older adults in pivotal clinical trials and concerns for adverse events. To optimize pharmacotherapy, timely evaluation of the drug benefits and risks is urgently needed. We propose a novel drug monitoring framework that prospectively evaluates the effectiveness and safety of newly marketed drugs for frail and non-frail patients in real-world databases. This framework utilizes a validated claims-based frailty index (CFI) (range: 0-1; frail if ≥0.20) to find early signals for effectiveness and safety of new drugs by updating the analysis at regular intervals as new data become available. In this symposium, we present early results of this prospective monitoring framework for 2 new drug classes using Medicare claims data from the approval date until the end of 2017: 1) angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) (approved in July 2015) for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and 2) sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) (approved in March 2013) for type 2 diabetes. We first show the uptake of ARNI and SGLT2i over time among the eligible Medicare beneficiaries by clinical characteristics, including frailty. Subsequently we present the results of sequential cohort analysis for the effectiveness and safety results of ARNI and SGLT2i. After these presentations, the panel will discuss the strengths, limitations, and challenges of implementing our monitoring framework in real-world databases.
Recruitment of Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Utilizing Two Recruitment Techniques
Authors: Coates Martha , Sefcik Justine , Hathaway Zachary , DiMaria-Ghalili Rose Ann 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has limited in-person interactions and reduced access to research participants. To recruit older adults for a study on the impact of COVID-19 on physical, mental, and social wellbeing we utilized two recruitment techniques: 1) ResearchMatch, a free recruitment database, and 2) a convenience sample of residents in a retirement community. Messages were sent via ResearchMatch to 1,491 adults age 65 and over. In total, 228 individuals responded over 2 weeks; 194 responded in the first 24 hours. Eighty-four completed the online survey. For the retirement community, recruitment information was shared during a Zoom townhall meeting; 44 expressed interest and 30 completed the study (half over the phone with a research assistant). We will discuss differences between the older adults recruited by each strategy (e.g., the ResearchMatch group was highly educated; more staff needed to interview retirement community participants). Overall, these were effective recruitment techniques during challenging times.
Health and Social Determinants Associated With Delay of Health Care Among Rural Older Adults
Authors: Decker Autumn , Weaver Raven 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Delaying healthcare has the capacity to increase morbidity and mortality, especially among individuals with chronic and acute health conditions. Older adults in rural areas are more likely to have chronic health conditions and are more likely to delay care due to financial barriers than their urban counterparts. To further investigate these associations, we conducted descriptive, bivariate, and regression analyses using data from a needs assessment designed to identify health needs and service delivery gaps among an economically diverse eight-county region. A random sample of adults responded to the survey, with 1,226 respondents aged 60+ (mean age = 71). The majority of respondents were White, female, and had insurance coverage. Overall, 35% of respondents experienced a delay in healthcare. We used logistic regression to determine the associations of age, gender, number of health conditions, household income, distance from medical facility, and perceived quality of neighborhood with delay of healthcare. Individuals with younger age (p = .017), more chronic conditions (p &lt; .001), lower income (p &lt; .001), and lower perceived quality of neighborhood (p = .008) were more likely to experience a delay in healthcare. These findings highlight risk factors that were salient prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the pandemic has contributed to an increasing trend of delaying healthcare and may have amplified existing challenges. Findings may inform efforts led by healthcare providers and policy makers to facilitate timely and preventive healthcare use. Future research is needed to investigate the compounding long-term health implications of delaying healthcare.
I Think I Age Gracefully: A Focus Group Study of Successful Aging Conceptions Among Older Women Living With HIV
Authors: Rubtsova Anna , Taylor Tonya , Wingood Gina , Ofotokun Igho , Gustafson Deborah , Holstad Marcia 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Our previous quantitative research found high prevalence of self-rated successful aging (SA) among older (age ≥50) women living with HIV (OWLH) enrolled in the Women’s Interagency HIV Study (WIHS). However, little is known about how OWLH define SA. Most studies have examined SA among predominantly white men living with HIV. Therefore, the purpose of our qualitative study was to examine subjective understandings of SA among OWLH and, as a comparison group, older HIV-seronegative women at risk of HIV. Four focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted among 23 participants (12 OWLH, 11 HIV-seronegative). These women were recruited from WIHS participants previously enrolled in our quantitative study of SA, “From Surviving to Thriving” (FROST), at two WIHS sites – Atlanta and Brooklyn. At each site, we conducted two FGD – one with OWLH and one with older HIV-seronegative women in February-March of 2019. Participants were, on average, 56 years old (range, 51-70), 78% Black, and 60% with annual income ≤ $12,000. A team of coders conducted thematic coding of fully transcribed FGD using MAXQDA software. Several themes emerged. Both OWLH and older HIV-seronegative women defined SA as “aging gracefully,” i.e. accepting and celebrating aging after having survived hardships of earlier life (e.g., HIV diagnosis, drug use). They also emphasized taking care of themselves (e.g., taking their meds) and spirituality in their definitions of SA. In contrast to HIV-seronegative participants, who prioritized sobriety as taking good care of themselves, OWLH emphasized taking care of their HIV (e.g., “staying on top of your numbers”).
Making the Case for Advancing Age Inclusivity
Authors: Morrow-Howell Nancy , Schumacher John 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
How do you present the most effective case for promoting age-inclusivity to your campus leadership? Educational institutions differ in their missions and resources; and these factors affect their readiness to becoming more age-inclusive. This presentation suggests that the best approaches are tailored to intentionally and robustly advance your institution’s values, mission, and strategic plan as demonstrated through your proposed age-inclusivity initiative. We review the persuasive arguments for increasing the focus on age-inclusivity in higher education, including securing increasing external research and development funding, supporting employees and alums exploration of encore careers, attracting more students in light of demographic shifts, contributions to overall campus diversity, etc. Identifying the most compelling arguments for particular institutions, consistent with their missions, is connected to the various resources in the AFU toolkit. Finally, we show examples from a range of institutions who successfully made their cases for embracing age inclusivity and have not looked back.
Care Facilities for Older People With Long-Term Substance Use: Promising Practices From Sweden
Authors: Harnett Tove , Jonson Hakan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The stigma of alcohol and long-term substance use is well-known and may be even greater for older people. This is a presentation on “wet” eldercare facilities, i.e. care settings designed for older people with long-term substance use problems, where abstinence is abandoned for well-being. Wet eldercare facilities exist in several European countries and the Swedish ones have a hybrid formal organization: They target people over 50 years, but are regarded as nursing homes and residents lease their own flats inside the setting, which makes it correct to describe residents as tenants. Guided by symbolic interactionism, the aim is to analyze how residents in wet eldercare facilities manage to view these places in a positive light. Forty-two residents of four facilities were interviewed, revealing how the hybrid status of these places enabled residents to frame their situation as being “in the right place”, but for different reasons. Some framed the place as a nursing home, others as an ordinary flat. Although wet eldercare facilities are undisputedly linked to stigma and the inability to become sober, the formal hybrid organization enabled residents to construct less stigmatized characterizations of the place and of themselves. The study suggests that it is an (often-neglected) gerontological responsibility to counter stigma and improve the sense of dignity for older people living in stigmatized settings. Based on promising practices in the Swedish system, the study therefore presents strategies that enable older people to ascribe positive characteristics to themselves and to the place where they live.
COVID-19 and the Intersection of Race, Ethnicity, and Sexual Minority Status.
Authors: Beringer Robert , de Vries Brian , Gutman Gloria , Gill Paneet , Dault Helena 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The COVID-19 virus has caused millions of deaths and impaired physical and mental health and social disconnection for countless persons around the world; concomitantly, the pandemic has exposed and exacerbated the pervasive effects of racism and stigma experienced by Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC) and other marginalized/stigmatized groups. This study adopts an intersectional perspective examining multiple marginalized identities (i.e., the combination of LGBTQ and BIPOC status) and COVID-19 pandemic health stressors. We report on data from an online survey (conducted between Aug 10 and Oct. 10, 2020) focusing on current experiences and future planning during the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. LGBTQ respondents (n=415) indicated significantly higher levels of depression, loneliness, sadness, and isolation in comparison to heterosexuals (n=3916). Heterosexual white respondents (n=3446) reported significantly higher levels of acceptance in their community and reported greater happiness but also higher rates of feeling of isolation than heterosexual BIPOC heterosexuals (n=470) who reported significantly higher rates of feeling judged/shamed by others than the heterosexual white respondents. In contrast to our expectations, white LGBTQ respondents (n=366) reported significantly more depression, loneliness, anxiety, and sadness than their BIPOC LGBTQ peers (n=49). These findings are interpreted as reflecting a complex mix of the effects of marginalization (as experienced by LGBTQ persons in general), and privilege and relative deprivation (as experienced by heterosexual and LGBTQ white persons) along with resilience and the moderated expectations and experiences of BIPOC LGBTQ persons.
Cultural Continuity in a Reservation Nursing Home
Authors: Monaghan-Geernaert Pamela 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Throughout our lifespan we experience the culture of our families and communities. Our cultural selves guide our understanding of health and illness. However the health care system often ignores our culture in the delivery of care. This can have devastating effects on individuals and particularly the elderly. This presentation reviews a case study of a tribally owned and operated nursing home. The emphasis on maintaining cultural activities, feasting on traditional foods, offering sacred practices led to high satisfaction of the health care experience by residents and staff. Creating this environment was difficult and barriers in culturally responsive care delivery will also be discussed.
Sociocultural Factors Influencing the Management of Meningitis Among Older Adults in Kwara State, Nigeria
Authors: Mahmoud Kafayat , Issah Moshood , Bakare Hameed 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
During epidemic and non-epidemic seasons, the Kwara North, Nigeria, has consistently reported high incidence rates for meningitis, a disease which mostly affects older members of the community. Limited studies have investigated the nexus between climate change-meningitis and socio-cultural factors influencing the management and control of meningitis among the older adults. This study explored the lived experiences of older individuals with meningitis and relationships with their caregivers in Kaiama Local Government area of Kwara state, Nigeria. 15 participants, 6 men and 9 women, aged 65+ years were purposively selected, and in-depth interviews were conducted. Results indicated that most of the older adults believed that the disease is caused by spiritual or supernatural forces (such as witchcrafts, demons, evil spirits among others), and the treatment and management, using orthodox medicine of it has been hampered by certain socio-cultural beliefs. Due to beliefs about contagion, older adults are mostly left on their own, with adult children occasionally visiting their parents to provide care only to return to their own homes. Also, children visit with traditional healers who perform rites of purification and give older adults concoctions to use. The study concluded that meningitis is one of the leading causes of untimely death of some older adults in the study communities and it has been worsened by some socio-cultural practices. Based on this conclusion, the study recommended massive enlightenment of the general public about best practices in the treatment and management of the disease among the older members of the study communities.
Informal Caregiving Between Residents in LTC Facilities in India: Demanding or Rewarding Role
Authors: Balaswamy Shantha 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Research on caring for older adult with health problems by Informal caregivers (IC) in the community in developing countries like India is increasing. However, IC in institutions is largely unacknowledged. This exploratory study examines the perceived role, demands, and rewards of informal caring for residents in independent LTC facilities in South India. A total of 187 residents were interviewed in Tamil and Kannada using structured and open-ended questions on demographics, health, mental health, residents’ interactions, tasks performed and personal experiences. About 50% reported assisting other residents with ADLs, 30% helped with IADLs, and 75% provided emotional support. The caregivers’ appraisals as residents and their relationship with care-recipient was both positive and negative. In addition to socialization, personal accomplishment, caregivers reported emotional exhaustion, stress, and burnout. Implications related to paid and unpaid labor policy in LTC and reducing IC stress are discussed.