bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HOW WELL DO INSTITUTIONALIZED ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT UNPAID CAREGIVERS MATCH THE EXPERIENCES OF HOME CARE CLIENTS?
Authors: Funk Laura , Kuryk Kaitlyn , Spring Lauren , Keefe Janice 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Despite efforts to acknowledge diversity among unpaid caregivers, research, advocacy, practice and policy tends to be based in, and to reproduce, normative expectations and assumptions about who provides unpaid care and what this support looks like. The objective of this analysis is to generate unique insights into unpaid caregiving by exploring the situations of older adults receiving publicly funded home care and their experiences of accessing unpaid support. The analysis draws on case study interviews with twelve home care clients, their unpaid caregiver, home care aide and case coordinator, conducted at three points in time, before and after the Covid-19 pandemic (129 interviews). Analysis indicated only one participant had access to a caregiver that aligned with normative conceptualizations. Rather, situations arose in which: a) family members grappled with physical or mental health challenges limiting their participation in care (sometimes meaning the client is themselves a caregiver, or the caregiver is also receiving home care services); b) caregivers facing burnout sought to delimit their participation in care; c) family members’ participation was limited by older adults’ reluctance to accept their help; d) caregivers were largely unavailable, unreliable, or peripheral; or e) client’s unpaid support networks were diffuse without a clearly identifiable ‘caregiver.’ Findings are used to nuance and problematize normative assumptions about caregivers. Discussion highlights the need for research, policy and programs related to unpaid caregiving to better reflect the lived realities of unpaid support for older adults and often overlooked sources of diversity in caregiver circumstances and roles.
HCBS CARE COORDINATION AND BACKUP CARE PLANS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN KANSAS
Authors: LaPierre Tracey , Wendel-Hummell Carrie , Babitzke Jennifer , Sullivan Darcy , Olds Danielle 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Backup care plans are a requirement of Medicaid-funded Home and Community Based Services (HCBS), but research on the effectiveness of backup care plans is lacking. The COVID-19 pandemic posed a prolonged emergency situation in which HCBS recipients may have needed to utilize their backup care plans. Data about experiences with HCBS services during the pandemic in Kansas came from 100 surveys of HCBS service recipients and 70 in-depth interviews with service recipients, direct support workers, family caregivers, and providers. One-third of HCBS recipients reported not having a backup care plan. Of those that had a backup care plan, less than half agreed that their plan prepared them for the pandemic. Yet, this was a time of great need for back up care, as participants widely reported increased difficulty finding and retaining direct support workers, as well as periods when their workers or caregivers were unavailable due to quarantine and other pandemic factors. 39% of service recipients reported going without care for 2 weeks or more, largely due to not having a primary or backup worker. In interviews, study participants reported that the quality of backup care plans and care coordination declined with the introduction of managed care in Kansas, with care coordination undergoing additional strain during the pandemic. These findings point to a need to better engage HCBS stakeholders in the development of backup care plans, update them more frequently, and ensure they are appropriate for long-term emergencies.
EFFECT OF SEMAGLUTIDE ON PHYSICAL FUNCTION, BODY COMPOSITION, AND BIOMARKERS OF AGING IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Cortes Tiffany , Robbins Ronna , Serra Monica , Espinoza Sara , Musi Nicolas , Barrus Hannah , Brown Kevin , Campos Annalis 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Insulin resistance and obesity are associated with sarcopenia and functional decline, but these important outcomes are not usually considered when choosing medications for diabetes or body weight management. Semaglutide is a GLP1 receptor agonist that typically results in average reductions in hemoglobin A1c of 1.5% and weight loss of 12%. The aims of this project are to (1) determine if semaglutide can improve physical function and muscle mass in older adults with prediabetes or diabetes and (2) elucidate whether these changes are associated with changes in inflammatory and age-related biomarkers in blood, adipose, and skeletal muscle. To accomplish these aims, we are conducting a 20-week open label, randomized trial with older adults with prediabetes or diabetes and who are overweight or obese. As of March 2024, we have enrolled 20 older adults, 50% women, with an average (standard deviation) age of 76.7 (4.7) years, BMI 32.9 (3.9) kg/m2, and hemoglobin A1c 6.0 (0.4) %. Participants are randomized 1:1 to receive either semaglutide 1mg plus lifestyle counseling or lifestyle counseling only for 20 weeks. Measures of physical function (6 minute walk, short physical performance battery, and grip strength), body composition (lean and fat mass via DXA), and aging biomarkers (IL6, TNFα, and CRP) are obtained at baseline and at end of study. We hypothesize that this study will provide insight on the role of GLP1 receptor agonists in overweight and obese adults with prediabetes or diabetes on important clinical outcomes beyond glycemic control. This study will be completed May 2024.
SUBJECTIVE COGNITIVE DECLINE: FINE MOTOR DUAL-TASK OUTCOMES AND CHANGES IN CEREBRAL OXYGENATION
Authors: Salzman Talia , Kapilan Kaya , Tobón Diana , Fraser Sarah 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) describes individuals who report cognitive complaints but perform normally on neuropsychological assessments. While the trajectory between SCD and objective cognitive impairments remains unclear, cognitive complaints are an important diagnostic criterion for mild cognitive impairment and dementia. An alternate method to measure cognitive function is dual-tasking. Dual-tasks, composed of a cognitive and motor component, may be more sensitive at detecting early cognitive declines and when paired with neuroimaging, capture changes in brain function. This study recruited older adults (70.0 ± 6.6 years) with SCD (n=24) and controls (n=18) who completed a working memory and finger tapping dual-task. In addition to completing a neuropsychological battery, finger tapping accuracy, cognitive response accuracy, and prefrontal cortex activity using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) were measured. Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to compare each variable across cognitive status (SCD, controls) and condition (single, dual-task). Findings revealed no differences in global cognition between the SCD and control group (p=.588). Despite this, greater prefrontal cortex activation was observed in the SCD group compared to the controls during the dual-task condition (p=.016). Cognitive and motor performance were worse in both groups as measured by lower tapping accuracy (p=.041) and response accuracy (p &lt;.001) during the dual- compared to single task condition. Dual-tasks may be more sensitive than neuropsychological tests at detecting subtle changes in cognitive function between SCD and controls. Additional studies are needed to determine whether dual-task brain activity can complement existing measures of SCD to better identify older adults at risk of cognitive declines.
RECENT INNOVATIONS, CHALLENGES, AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEER PROGRAMS TO ADDRESS LONELINESS IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Kotwal Ashwin , Hough Katrina , Meier Diane , Tha Soe Han , Singh Nandini , Fuller Shannon , Myers Janet , Perissinotto Carla 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Peer interventions which pair individuals of similar age or life experience are rapidly expanding to address the growing public health challenge of loneliness and social isolation among diverse older adults. We examined COVID-19 pandemic-era innovations, ongoing challenges, and future opportunities for growth across six peer programs across California. We conducted 65 qualitative interviews (August 2023 - March 2024) with current and former older adult clients (n=24), peer specialists (n=12), program leaders (n=12), and policy and thought-leader stakeholders (n=18). We identified two major innovations. First, programs developed flexible, multi-modal support across in-person, virtual, phone, and group activities which extended reach to older adults experiencing functional limitations, technological barriers, or unique social needs. Second, programs elevated peer roles on behavioral health teams and developed new partnerships with city and community-based programs. Primary challenges include uncertainty on how to balance hybrid programming, the reduced availability of volunteers, and reduced state funding since the pandemic. Stakeholders identified recent Medicaid reimbursement for peer services as promising for financial sustainability, and the potential for peers to address loneliness among several high-risk groups (unhoused, subsidized housing, homebound, dementia, caregivers, immigrants, and LGBTQ). However, peers need clear training, delineation of roles from other team members (social work, community health workers), and efforts to prevent “peer drift” or deviating from core elements of the program with new responsibilities. In conclusion, innovations in peer programs point to growing potential to address loneliness and social isolation among high-risk older adults, but programs require support in navigating financial, training, and infrastructure needs.
HEALTH SYSTEM ADOPTION OF COMMUNITY-BASED EXERCISE FOR OLDER ADULTS TO ADDRESS LONELINESS AND SOCIAL ISOLATION
Authors: Mays Allison , Lawton Alexander , Mandujano Melissa , Martinez Leilani , Guevara Nathalie , Vickburg Jonathan , Rosen Sonja 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Transitioning the delivery of evidence-based programs (EBPs) for older adults from research to community-based settings potentially alters programs’ reach. We compared the demographics of our research participants to our referred community participants after the program’s adoption by Cedars-Sinai, Community Health Improvement (CHI). Research participants enrolled in Falls Prevention EBPs reported decreased levels of loneliness and social isolation and were referred by physicians, social workers, and pharmacists using an order in the electronic medical record (EMR). Clinicians referred 1355 in-person participants (July 2017-March 2020) and 283 virtual (April 2020- May 2021). Enrolled research participants (in-person (n=382) /virtual (n=214)) had an average age of 76.6 / 76.5 years; were 83.4% / 82.5 % female; and non-Hispanic white 42 % / 70.4%; and non-Hispanic Black 43.5% / 8.2%. CHI retained the relationship with the non-profit partner who ran the study’s EBPs and the EMR order remained active and received 391 referrals (July 2021 – March 2024). Referred patients had an average age of 79.5 years, 79.3% female, 59.5% non-Hispanic white, 21.5% Black, 8.2% Hispanic, 5.9% Asian, 3.1% Other; 68.5% had Medicare and 31.7% Medicare Advantage. Referral orders were associated with diagnoses for preventative visits (18.7%), falls (15.6%), and cognitive changes (13.6%). Compared to research participants, community referrals included those with cognitive impairment, were older, more male, and more racially diverse than virtual study participants. Community implementation of EBPs may reach a more diverse population than research participants and successful transition of programs can be facilitated through preserving prior community partnerships and referral pathways.
STIGMA AND AGEISM IN THE GERIATRIC EDUCATION CONTEXT: USING PATIENT-CENTERED CARE APPROACHES
Authors: Schumacher John , Finn Laura 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Healthcare professionals remain ill-prepared to meet the unique needs of the aging population. Yet, implementing effective geriatrics educational programming remains challenging across health care disciplines due to low participation rates and uptake. Persistent stigma, ageism, and stereotypes endemic to healthcare, and society at large, contribute to the devaluing of geriatrics content reducing the potential for effective and equitable care for older adults. Geriatric educators are challenged to address the ingrained stigma and ageism among both their learners and healthcare organizations. However, re-imagining geriatrics education to be anchored in a patient-centered care approach, addressing specific, concrete patient needs, has been shown to reduce ageist attitudes and behaviors in the healthcare workforce. Participating in intergenerational activities has also shown a positive impact on health care provider attitudes toward older patients. Furthermore, prioritizing preventive medicine and public health throughout the life course also effectively contributes to postponing the onset of disease and disability among patients. Implementing these basic educational approaches is a pathway to achieving the goal of improved outcomes for patients of all ages.
REFRAMING INTEGRATION OF GERIATRICS PRINCIPLES: A STEALTH APPROACH
Authors: Cauble Christina , Rosenstein Benjamin , Cooney Alissa 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Most healthcare professionals do not receive specific training in geriatrics despite caring for an overwhelmingly large proportion of older adults throughout their careers. While educational programs that feed into geriatrics as a specialty are sometimes more open to adapting curricula to incorporate geriatrics principles, utilizing a stealth geriatrics education approach can help to successfully integrate geriatric principles for a wider range of learning experiences. This session explores how geriatrics educators can integrate basic geriatrics principles into training and learning experiences in a variety of settings for learners who may not intend to specialize in geriatrics. Many health education programs don’t teach robustly on geriatrics principles and struggle to fit additional dedicated time for geriatrics within their curriculum, even though the majority of healthcare workers will at some point provide care to older adults. This segment will examine successful examples of stealthy integration of geriatrics principles into health education for learners regardless of their expectation to further specialize in geriatrics. Educational examples of integrating stealth geriatrics principles include; ‘geriatricizing’ a family medicine case study, a dementia didactic experience for medical students, and an emergency department scenario geared towards integrating stealth geriatrics into bedside nursing, resident, and staff education. Attendees will be encouraged to reframe ways to continue incorporating stealth geriatrics into other educational settings.
THE GLOBAL PRIDE STUDY: TRANSFORMATIONS IN SEXUALITY, GENDER, AND AGE IN LATER LIFE
Authors: Fredriksen-Goldsen Karen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Transformations in sexuality and gender are changing the context of global aging. The Global Pride Network and Study, involving over 50 scholars worldwide, aims to comprehensively address health and well-being in sexual and gender diverse populations, covering quality of life, physical and mental health, and economic and social well-being. This symposium will highlight the international development and implementation of the Global Pride Study across six world regions, sharing knowledge, experiences, and collaborations in studying sexuality, gender and age as they relate to well-being and health, as well as the impact of COVID-19 across diverse global communities. Fredriksen-Goldsen and colleagues will begin by presenting the project goals, international research collaborations to develop and distribute a pilot survey across global regions, and cross-cultural adaptations of research methods necessary for the implementation of multi-faceted and multi-level research strategies. Next, Oswald and colleagues will present a video of international collaborators as they evaluate the state of sexuality and gender research and policy across the globe. The gaps in the existing knowledge base and future research directions will be discussed. The final presentation, delivered by Hughes and colleagues, will present quantitative findings from the global survey of one country, Australia, investigating loneliness across the lifespan and its interaction with other life experiences. This groundbreaking symposium will contribute to advancing research addressing sexuality, gender, aging, longevity, and well-being globally, contributing to international dialogue on reframing these constructs and presenting next steps and best practices learned through this highly innovative and collaborative research process. Rainbow Research Group Interest Group Sponsored Symposium
LONELINESS AMONG SEXUAL AND GENDER DIVERSE PEOPLE IN AUSTRALIA: AN AGE-BASED ANALYSIS
Authors: Hughes Mark , Fredriksen-Goldsen Karen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Despite recent equality reforms, there remain significant mental health disparities between sexual and gender diverse (SGD) Australians and the general population. Multiple studies have reported higher levels of loneliness among SGD people, particularly among transgender and nonbinary people. One factor related to loneliness that is much debated is age with some studies suggesting older people are more at risk and others finding contradictory evidence, including among SGD people. To examine age-based loneliness trends among different groups of SGD people, we analyzed Australian data (n = 284) from the Global Pride Study to examine how key individual and social variables differ by age and the extent they predict loneliness (measured by the 3-item Loneliness Scale). Through regression analysis, we identified that gender and sexual orientation did not appear as predictors of loneliness. However, being younger did emerge as a predictor of a higher level of loneliness, as did lower levels of social support and resilience. Past experiences of SGD discrimination and victimization and a greater number of functional limitations also predicted higher levels of loneliness. Given recent reforms, one might expect younger SGD people to be faring better than older people on social and wellbeing indicators such as loneliness. However, this study provides some support to prior research indicating many older SGD people have developed considerable resilience across the lifespan and strengthened support systems later in life in a way that may ameliorate loneliness.
VETERANS WITH CAREGIVERS UNDER AGE 25: IMPORTANT DISTINCTIONS FOR RESEARCH, POLICY, AND PRACTICE
Authors: Kalvesmaki Andrea , Garcia-Davis Sandra , Bouldin Erin , Trivedi Ranak , Leykum Luci , Dang Stuti 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
“Young caregivers” are those aged 25 or less. Up to 5 million young caregivers under the age of 18 provide secondary care for an aging adult, which doubles if including those up to age 25. However, these caregivers are underrecognized in research and as such, may have many unmet needs, along with their care recipients. This project represents a secondary analysis of the HERO CARE survey in which we collected information on up to three additional caregivers supporting the Veterans in our study. Our goal was to identify Veterans with caregivers under the age of 25 and compared differences in socio-demographic characteristics and unmet needs to Veterans with caregivers over the age of 25, and Veterans without caregivers using chi-square and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests. One hundred and fifty-four respondents indicated they had at least one caregiver younger than 25. Preliminary findings showed that, compared to both Veterans without a caregiver (n=2574) and those with caregivers older than 25 years (n=4027), Veterans with caregivers younger than age 25 tended to have lower education, have medication insecurity, food insecurity, low health literacy, transportation problems, have more unmet needs with daily activities, and be Black or Hispanic (p’s&lt;0.05). Findings suggest that the presence of a young caregiver may reflect greater social vulnerability for Veterans, and future research should focus on the risk of young caregivers for poor mental health, physical health, educational and economic outcomes.
CULTIVATING BELONGINGNESS: IN TEMPORARY SUPPORTIVE HOUSING FOR OLDER MALE VETERANS IN CALGARY, CANADA
Authors: Walsh Christine 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Veterans are two to three times more likely to experience homelessness compared to the general population, with an estimated 2,400 – 10,000+ homeless veterans in Canada. Veterans tend to be older, male, and more likely to cite an illness or medical condition as a contributing factor to their homelessness, than their non-veteran counterparts and thus have distinctly different needs. As part of the Aging in the Right Place (AIRP) partnership, a tri-city multi-methods study, we sought to understand the housing and support needs of older male military veterans (age 50+) living in a congregate temporary supportive housing program (a tiny home barracks), identified as a promising practice, in Calgary, Canada. In this presentation we draw on in-depth qualitative key informant interviews with service providers (n=5) and photovoice interviews with older shelter residents (n=10) to understand the shelter needs of older homeless veterans. Interviews were transcribed, managed with NVivo 1.6.1, and team-based flexible coding was employed on the interviews to determine older male veterans’ shelter needs. Thematic analysis of service provider interviews identified key features to promote AIRP included: program specific challenges and strengths and contexts, while eligibility and systemic barriers were noted as impediments to AIRP. Residents highlighted: autonomy and belonging, community and connection, ageism, routine and daily rhythm, safety, recognition, and the built environment as key to their (in)ability to AIRP in this promising practice. In this presentation we contextualize the study findings and offer recommendations for shelter and services designed to assist older housing insecure veterans to AIRP.
PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCHER PERSPECTIVES OF THE SUMMER RESEARCH INSTITUTE AND TRAINING NEEDS
Authors: Thierry Amy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Over 30 public health early career researchers have participated in the Alzheimer’s Association Interdisciplinary Summer Research Institute (AA-ISRI) across the first three years of the program. During the week spent at AA-ISRI, public health participants attend a variety of sessions, including both full group sessions and track-specific sessions; receive mentoring from peers and expert faculty; and refine their research proposals. Public health track participants gain a greater understanding of the public health dimensions of dementia and its impact on communities and learn about the public health approaches to addressing dementia. The ultimate hope of the public health track of the AA-ISRI is that participants will depart having formed long-term connections and the tools needed to advance their research careers. During this presentation, AA-ISRI public health alum Dr. Amy Thierry will describe the experience of AA-ISRI as a participant, including the highlights and helpfulness of the didactic sessions offered at the program, the mentoring and networking opportunities that were available, and the impact that AA-ISRI had on the short-term long-term career trajectory and research. Since the AA-ISRI, Dr. Thierry has cultivated scholarly collaborations with members of her program cohort and has connected with AA-ISRI mentors and Alzheimer’s Association staff. Using the grant writing skills learned at the AA-ISRI, she has been awarded an NIH/NIA Loan Repayment Award for her project using Health and Retirement Study data to examine how neighborhood characteristics, structural stressors, and inflammation contribute to trajectories of cognitive function among racially/ethnically diverse US older adults across varying geographic contexts.