bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association Between Length of Residence in the U.S. and Insurance Coverage Within U.S. Chinese Older Adults
Authors: Tuseth Natalie , Dong XinQi , Bergren Stephanie , Eng Michael 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Barriers to affordable insurance may worsen disparities among underserved populations. Immigrants with &lt;5 years of residence are not eligible for Medicare and Medicaid and are potentially without affordable alternatives. This study aims to look at the relationship between length of residence in the U.S. and insurance coverage within U.S. Chinese older adults ages 65+.This study used data from a representative sample of 2,365 community-dwelling U.S. Chinese older adults age 65+. The association between length in the U.S. (&lt;5, 6-10, 10+) and insurance status was analyzed using chi squared test and logistic regressions. Within this sample, 58 (2.78%) participants had coverage outside Medicare and Medicaid, with 279 participants reporting no coverage. The vast majority of participants living in the U.S. &lt;5 years had no insurance (81.48%). In a fully adjusted model, participants who were older and female were positively associated with having insurance coverage (OR:1.11 [1.07,1.15] and OR:1.29 [0.88,1.90]). Conversely, both living in the U.S. &lt;5 years (OR:0.009 [0.006, 0.014]),and between 5-10 years (OR:1.20 [0.13,0.30]) were negatively associated with insurance coverage. When including coverage outside of Medicaid and Medicare, residence &lt;5 years and 5-10 years were still negatively associated with insurance coverage ((OR:0.13 [0.009,0.02]), and (OR:0.19 [0.13,0.30])). Vulnerable populations such as older immigrants may not have access to insurance outside of public options, making a 5-year waiting period an additional barrier to quality health care.
Poll Findings on Social Connection and Technology Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Solway Erica 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The National Poll on Healthy Aging conducted an online survey of a nationally representative sample of adults age 50-80 (n=2,074) in June 2020 about experiences related to loneliness, their physical environments, and telehealth and technology use. 41% felt a lack of companionship, and 46% reported infrequent social contact. Feelings of loneliness were more likely among those who lived alone or who did not have access to features in their neighborhood and community which may offer opportunities for safe interactions. The poll also found that 26% of adults age 50-80 had a telehealth visit March through June 2020 and 64% overall reported being comfortable with video conferencing technology, with notable differences by demographic subgroup. These results highlight the need for new opportunities for older adults, especially those with the greatest social and economic need, to feel connected and to be confident using technology, both during and after the pandemic.
Caregiving for Persons Living With Dementia in the New Normal: Family Caregiver’s Perspective.
Authors: Shrestha Priyanka , Fick Donna , Boltz Marie , Loeb Susan , High Andrew 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Persons living with dementia (PLWD) are at increased risk for COVID-19 and associated poor outcomes, including: incident delirium, hospitalization, severe symptoms, intensive care admission, and even death. PLWD are likely to rely on family caregivers to maintain their health and well-being in the community. Under normal circumstances, caregiving can be stressful and complex, and the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to change and exacerbate the stresses of family caregiving. As a part of a larger study using descriptive qualitative methodology to explore the family caregiver understanding and experiences related to delirium in caring for a person with dementia, 14 participants (age x̄ =67, SD= 13.8) were asked about the impact of COVID-19 on their caregiving for PLWD. Thematic analysis of the transcribed interviews using Dedoose generated four overarching themes associated with the family caregiver’s perspective of changes in caregiving during the COVID-19 pandemic: 1) Cautious of COVID-19 exposure, 2) We can’t go in, 3) Feeling of isolation for both the PLWD and caregiver, and 4) Six-feet distance. The current study highlights the importance of understanding the needs of PLWD during a pandemic based upon the perspective of their family caregivers and will inform the development of ways to safely incorporate family caregivers in the interdisciplinary care team. Caregivers are integral to the care of PLWD across settings of care and should be partners even during a pandemic. Solutions for care include integrating technology for individualized approaches. Finally, future areas for research will be discussed.
Cohort Differences in Daily Life: Older Adults Have Higher Affect Variability Than 18 Years Ago
Authors: Drewelies Johanna , Koffer Rachel 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Lifespan psychological and life course sociological perspectives have long acknowledged that individual functioning is shaped by historical and socio-cultural contexts. Secular increases favoring later-born cohorts are widely documented for general well-being (among older adults). However, little is known about secular trends in short-term fluctuations in daily affective well-being and whether historical changes have occurred in young, middle-aged, and older adults alike. To examine these questions, we compared data from two independent national samples of the NSDE survey obtained 18 years apart (1995/96 vs. 2013/14) and identified case-matched cohorts (per cohort, n = 782, aged = 23–75 years) based on age and gender. We additionally examine the role of economic and health resources for cohort differences in affective variability. Results revealed that later-born cohorts report higher variability in daily negative affect than did those 18 years ago. In contrast, no cohort differences emerged in variability in daily positive affect. We conclude from our national US sample that secular trends in affect variability do not generalize unanimously to different timescales across adulthood. We discuss possible underlying mechanisms and practical implications.
Do Caregiver Interventions Improve Outcomes in Relatives With Dementia? A Meta-analysis
Authors: Cheng Sheung-Tak 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Despite plenty of reviews on the benefits of nonpharmacological interventions for dementia informal caregivers, large-scale review on the effects of these interventions on the care-recipients (CRs) is lacking. We searched PsycINFO, CINAHL with Full Text, MEDLINE, and PubMed from inception to end of 2020 and found 144 articles that reported randomized controlled trials of caregiver interventions using CR outcomes. Interventions were found to reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms and mood disturbance, enhance cognition and quality of life, and delay institutionalization and mortality, with care coordination/case management, educational intervention with psychotherapeutic components, and direct training of the care-recipient (with caregiver involvement) being the more potent interventions. However, the effects were generally small to very small. Together with existing findings on caregiver outcomes, a tripartite scaffolding model of caregiver support is proposed. Future directions in terms of developing consensual guidelines, a registry of intervention manuals, and family-centered programs are discussed.
Effects of Obesity Reduction on Physical Function, Inflammation and Osteoarthritis in Older Adults
Authors: Borack Michael , Holt Abigail , Starr Kathryn Porter , Rincker Jamie , Coppock James , Bales Connie , DeFrate Lou , McNulty Amy 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Age-related increases in chronic inflammation lead to reduced physical function via damage to muscle and joints and contribute to osteoarthritis (OA) risk. Obesity in older adults with OA further exacerbates inflammatory damage. Whether obesity reduction can lessen inflammation and improve OA is unknown; however, novel biomarkers may provide an answer. We completed a 6-mo. weight loss intervention (-500 kcal/day), studying blood biomarkers of inflammation and cartilage damage along with physical function in obese older adults with (OA+; n=39) and without an OA diagnosis (OA-; n=20). Participants were aged &gt; 60 yrs (mean = 70.2±6.0) and obese (BMI =34.6±4.7 kg/m2). At endpoint, weight loss was -6.3±4.0% and -5.8±4.1% in OA+ and OA-, respectively, with no group difference. Change scores for function for OA+ and OA- were: Short Physical Performance Battery score (+1.7±1.3 and +2.1±1.5), 8 ft up and go (-0.7±1.0 and -0.9±1.12 sec) and 6 min walk (+31.4±105.1 and +39.5±57.4 meters). All improved from baseline (p&lt;0.05), with no group difference. Concerning blood biomarkers, there was a decrease (p&lt;0.05) in cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP: OA biomarker), indicating a potential benefit for OA. Change in COMP also differed between groups; OA- had a greater (p&lt;0.05) reduction than OA+. Pooled results showed improved adiponectin (p&lt;0.05), with no group difference. There were no changes for CRP, CTX-1, IL-6 and TNF-α. Our novel findings link early intervention with better reduction of OA risk and inflammation in obese older adults and also show important benefits for improved physical function regardless of OA status.
Navigating Black Aging: The Impact of Stress and the Power of Resilience in Promoting Health
Authors: Forrester Sarah , Whitfield Keith , Kiefe Catarina , Thorpe Roland 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The health profile of African Americans clearly shows that stress works to worsen chronic conditions. To improve the health of aging African Americans, interventions need to address how effects of stress are reduced by individual resilience factors and exacerbated by anxiety or other traits. We will characterize the effects of stress by measuring rate of biological aging (RBA) over thirty years in a Black cohort (aged 18-30 at baseline) of approximately 2,000 individuals from the longitudinal CARDIA study. Biological aging (BA) captures premature physiological aging beyond that predicted by an individual’s chronological age. RBA will be characterized by within person change in BA over 30 years. We will measure the association between RBA and anxiety and will further measure the extent to which various forms of individual resilience factors mitigate the effects of anxiety on BA. We will also explore how intersectionality is evinced in sex differences in RBA.
Impact of Recreational Physical Activity And Body Composition On Insulin Resistance In Older Adult Population
Authors: Tsai Pao-Feng , Wang Chih-Hsuan , Hunt Caralise , Watts Sarah , Ware Katilya 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Purpose: The study was to identify the impact of physical activity (PA) and body composition on insulin resistance in older adults and investigate racial/ethnic difference in these relationships. Method: This secondary data analysis project used 717 participants who were 55 years and older without diabetes from the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Major variables included homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and recreational PA. The covariates included were demographics, nutrition intake, and lifestyle (smoking and alcohol usage). Hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted to analyze the data. Results: Body composition and recreational PA had interaction and main effects on HOMA-IR in the overall sample. Level of HOMA-IR decreased with increasing levels of recreational PA in individuals with lower levels of BMI, but in individuals with higher levels of BMI, HOMA-IR increased. Level of HOMA-IR increased with increasing levels of recreational PA across the range of WCs, but the rate of increase was slightly more pronounced at higher level of WCs. These results varied across racial/ethnic groups. Conclusion: Overall, both recreational PA and body composition are important factors that affect level of HOMA-IR, but body composition seems to be the dominant factor. PA is only beneficial for older adults with low BMI. Interventions for reducing insulin resistance should be tailored to specific racial/ethnic groups.
Older Adults and Family Perspective on Interaction with Nurses in Hospital: the Role of Mutual Understanding
Authors: Tonkikh Orly , Gur-Yaish Nurit , Shulyaev Ksenya , Rogozinski Amos , Siegel Elena 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Optimal nurse-patient-family interaction is required to provide effective family-centered care for hospitalized older adults and their families. This qualitative descriptive study explored nurses’ interactions with older adult patients and their family members during acute hospitalization. We used semi-structured interviews to collect data from a convenience sample of nine dyads of older adults (aged 62-85) and family members (7 children and 2 spouses) who accompanied them during an acute hospitalization in medical or surgical units. Interviews were performed via Zoom beginning in December 2020 until August 2021, 1-12 months after the hospitalization. Thematic analysis was used to inductively capture key patterns in data. Both patients and family members revealed three factors contributing to the way nurses interact with patients and families: (1) nurses’ recognition and understanding of patients’ needs for family members’ presence and participation in care; (2) nurses recognition that family members expect dedication of attention, beyond nurses’ focus on patient’s care (3) patient and family members’ recognition of the extreme workload of nursing staff. Participants described a range of informal approaches used by both nurses and families to address each other’s needs. Both patients and families emphasize the benefits and costs of nurses engaging in “exceptional” interactions with patients and families considering structural characteristics such as establishing a personal relationship or accepting family visits beyond the rules. The findings provide direction for further exploration of hospitalization structures and processes needed to support optimal nurses’ interactions with families accompanying older adults and family-centered approach training in acute care context.
Perceptions on Own Aging: Comparisons between Young Adults with and without Caregiving Experience
Authors: Clark Phoebe , Cuppari Vanessa , Picchiello Matthew , Iwasaki Michiko , Futterman Andrew 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Although informal caregiving for older adults (OAs) can increase knowledge and awareness about one’s own aging (Pope, 2013), it can also negatively impact caregivers’ physical health and emotional wellbeing (AARP & NAC, 2020) and have spillover effects on school, work, and marriage (Dellmann-Jenkins & Blankemeyer, 2009). Despite the recent trend of family caregiving for OAs by young adults (YAs), research about these young caregivers is scarce. The present study focused on YAs’ perceptions on aging. We hypothesized that YAs who provided at least three months of caregiving tasks for OAs would hold more awareness and negative perceptions on their own aging, as measured by a modified version of the Brief Aging Perceptions Questionnaire (Sexton et al., 2014), compared to those who did not. We recruited 234 YAs between the ages of 18 - 40 (Mage = 29.78, SD, age = 4.83; 59% White; 65.4% male) and had them complete a survey via Amazon Mechanical Turks. About one third (32.1%) had caregiving experience. Results of independent t-tests revealed that caregivers scored higher on awareness of aging [t(229) = 6.950., p &lt; .001, d = .865] and negative consequences/control [t(231) = 6.528., p &lt; .001, d = .927]. Scores of positive consequences/control did not differ between the two groups. Our findings indicate the need for psychological interventions designed to help young caregivers integrate their caregiving experiences with less negative aging perceptions. Future research should examine the direct effects of caregiving experience on perceptions of aging between young and middle-aged adults.
Strategies to Maintain Skilled Nursing Facility Staffing during COVID: Administrator Perspectives
Authors: Meehan Amy , Shield Renee , Brazier Joan , Gadbois Emily , Madrigal Caroline 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
As COVID-19 has resulted in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) staffing crisis, administrators attempt to maintain adequate staffing and stem decreasing patient census levels. We conducted four repeated interviews to date (n=130) at 3-month intervals with administrators from 40 SNFs in eight diverse healthcare markets across the United States. We used thematic analysis to examine their perspectives over time, including the perceived impact on staffing. Results include: 1) the impact of COVID-19 on staffing levels, and 2) strategies used in response to this crisis. Staffing levels have decreased throughout the pandemic, and struggles to maintain adequate staffing levels and patient census numbers have continued as the pipeline of potential new staff constricts. Facilities turned to agencies, many for the first time. Since agencies offer higher salaries, staff are drawn away from employment by SNFs, leading to a cycle of wage wars, and agencies are also challenged to provide staff. SNF administrators describe their responses to this crisis, such as flexible schedules, increased paid time off, sharing of non-direct-patient-care tasks, financial incentives (referral, sign-on, “no-call out”, and other general bonuses); wage analyses, and enhanced employee benefit packages. Some hire recruitment specialists, collaborate with nearby administrators, use creative advertising, or work with local schools. The vaccine mandate worries administrators; as one stated: “I can't afford to lose one person, let alone 20 because of this mandate...”. Given the dwindling pool of potential employees, we present NH administrators’ strategies to attract and retain staff.
The Buffering Effect of Resilience on the Social Consequences of COVID in Older Women
Authors: Goldberg Nacia , Carr Dawn , Taylor Miles , Sachs-Ericsson Natalie 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Prior to the pandemic, public health experts argued that loneliness was among the most significant threats facing women’s health and wellbeing. As the COVID-19 pandemic brought our social lives to an abrupt pause in March, 2020, older adults were encouraged to remain isolated from friends and family. Social distancing guidelines led many older people to decrease social interactions with others. Using a community-based longitudinal study of women age 60+, we examined how changes in feelings of social connections with others influenced loneliness in October 2020 relative to prior to the pandemic (in September 2018). Our previous research has shown that psychological resilience decreases the negative consequences of major life stressors in later life. We hypothesized that women with high social consequences of the pandemic would experience increased loneliness, but resilience would buffer these effects. In line with our hypotheses, results showed that those who reported significant declines in social connectedness with others during the pandemic (i.e., high social consequences) experienced significant increases in loneliness (beta=0.125; p&lt;0.001). Resilience, alternatively, was significantly associated with decreased loneliness (beta=-0.05; p&lt;0.05), and buffered the social consequences of the pandemic. That is, as resilience increased, the social consequences of COVID-19 significantly declined (p&lt;0.01), and resilience attenuated the negative consequences of high levels of social consequences of COVID-19 on loneliness, while those with high social consequences and low resilience experienced significant increases in loneliness in association with the pandemic. Based on our findings, we discuss potential clinical implications for resilience-based interventions for older adults.
The Myth of Care Coordination: Whether Professional Care Coordination Improved Older Adults’ Health Outcomes?
Authors: Ding Kedong 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Current evidence on the effects of Care Coordination (CC) on older adults’ well-being and health service utilization is inconsistent. Previous studies are mostly limited to regional data and focus mostly on nurse-led CC instead of layperson Care Coordinators like family caregivers. This study explores the effects of having CC in a national sample of U.S. older adults and whether the coordinators’ professionalism impacts the effect of having CC on multidimensional health outcomes (Health outcomes were conceptualized as physical health, healthcare utilization, and care encounters). Methods: Data were from the 2016 and 2018 waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) (n=1,372). Multivariate regression models were used to examine the effects of CC on multidimensional health outcomes in 2016 and the longitudinal effects of having CC. We also tested the effect of Care Coordinators’ professionalism on the multidimensional health outcomes. All models controlled for sociodemographic characteristics and health status. Results: Findings suggest that having CC doesn’t have a positive effect on older adults’ health outcomes. Having CC was associated with an increased number of acute diseases (β = 0.16, p &lt; .001) and nonacute diseases (β = 0.21, p &lt; .01) in longterm. The results regarding cross-sectional effects show that receiving care from a Coordinator was related to increased health service utilization. Participants with professional Care Coordinators were more likely to report receiving person-centered care (OR=1.60, p&lt;.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrates the limited effects of CCs on older adults’ physical health outcomes, and emphasized the importance of care coordinators’ qualifications.
Interviewing an Elder: Students’ Perceptions of Change in an Introduction to Gerontology Classroom
Authors: Hahn Sarah 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Within the gerontological classroom, high-impact practices and creative assignments have consistently shown to help engage students, optimize learning, and increase positive attitudes toward older adults and aging (e.g., Chonody, 2015; Yamashita, et al., 2018). One such creative assignment, interviewing an older adult, has been cited as both an influential and valuable experience to gerontology students (e.g., O’Hanlon & Brookover, 2002). Although this assignment has been popular in and out of gerontology courses, more data regarding this and student’s understanding is needed. As such, this presentation aims to 1) introduce and establish the value of using the written assignment, "Interview an Elder" in the gerontology classroom and 2) present preliminary qualitative data on how students’ perceptions of older adults changed after the assignment. Using thematic analysis, results suggest that students are not only surprised by what they learned, but have increased positive perceptions of older adults overall.