bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examining the Risk of Potentially Preventable Hospitalization in Adults With Congenital and Acquired Disabilities
Authors: Mahmoudi Elham , Lin Paul , Khan Anam , Kamdar Neil 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Introduction: Adults with congenital (cerebral palsy/spina bifida (CP/SB)) or acquired disabilities (spinal cord injury (SCI) or multiple sclerosis (MS)) are more likely than those without disability to develop medical complications. Little is known about potentially preventable hospitalizations (PPH) among adults with disabilities. PPHs are preventable if a patient had timely access to care. Our objective was to estimate PPH risk for each of the aforementioned disabilities. Methods: We used private payer claims data from 2007-2017 to identify adults (18+) with diagnoses of CP/SB (n=10,617), SCI (n=5,173), and MS (n=6,198). Adults without these disabilities were included as controls. We propensity score matched individuals for age and sex. Logistic regression models with repeated measures were subsequently applied, adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, health indicators, U.S. census divisions, and socioeconomic variables. Odd ratios (OR) were compared over 4-years of follow up. Results: Adults with CP/SB, SCI, and MS had higher odds of any PPH compared with adults without disability [CP/SB: (OR=4.10; 95% CI: 2.31-7.31); SCI: (OR=1.67; 95% CI: 1.21-2.32); and MS: (OR=1.48; 95% CI: 1.00-2.25)]. Use of preventative services reduced the PPH risk. For example, wellness visit reduced the odds of PPH by almost half [CP/SB: (OR=0.52; 95% CI: 0.41-0.67); SCI: (OR=0.57; 95% CI: 0.45-0.71); and MS: (OR=0.53; 95% CI: 0.40-0.66)]. Conclusions: Adults with disabilities are at greater odds of PPH compared to adults without disabilities. Clinical guidelines for use of preventative care for adults living with disabilities need to be accordingly updated.
How Does Aging in Place Help Us Understand Loneliness During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Authors: Phillips Judith Robertson , Ford Cassandra , Prohaska Thomas 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Co-sponsored by the Disasters and Older Adults, Loneliness and Social Isolation, and Rural Aging Interest Groups, five presenters will highlight multiple circumstances regarding the intersection of social isolation or loneliness and the impact of COVID-19. Haverhals and colleagues interviewed veterans and their caregivers to identify the impact of changes in care delivery and social isolation as a result of the pandemic. Findings indicated differences in feelings of isolation among individuals living in their own home or assisted living facilities. Hua et al. examined whether individuals in long-term care communities were lonelier than individuals in the community during the pandemic using data from the NHATS COVID-19 module with higher levels of loneliness reported from individuals living in more restricted communities. Henning-Smith and colleagues explored differences in social activities among rural and urban participants in the COVID-19 Coping Study. Their study provides awareness into the ways rural and urban older adults stayed connected during the pandemic. Peterson et al. examined the effect of COVID-19 on care in Florida nursing homes and assisted living communities and on residents’ anxiety with higher levels of anxiety reported by residents in nursing homes. Using the Coping with Loneliness, Isolation and COVID19 Global Survey, O’Sullivan and colleagues utilized the lens of ‘place’ to examine factors associated with those experiencing loneliness and/or social isolation during the pandemic with insights from a public health perspective. Collectively, these presenters will provide evidence of the challenges associated with older adults’ social isolation and loneliness throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Does Place Matter When Understanding Loneliness and Social Isolation?
Authors: O'Sullivan Roger , Burns Annette , Victor Christina , Prohaska Thomas , Lawlor Brian , Leavey Gerry 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Physical distancing and restriction of movements as measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 required people to change their work, home and social lives. Loneliness and social isolation have emerged as key public health issues during the pandemic. Traditionally when considering loneliness the focus is often on individual factors rather than within the context of structural and environmental dimensions. This paper will utilise data from the Coping with Loneliness, Isolation and Covid-19 global online survey which had over 20, 000 global responses from people aged 18+ in 2020. Analysis will use the lens of ‘place’ and the 5-item UCLA scale and 6-item Lubben social network scale to understand the social and demographic characteristics and structural and environmental factors associated with those experiencing loneliness and/or social isolation in rural and urban areas both before and during the pandemic. The paper will conclude with key messages from a public health perspective.
Innovative Gerontology in Higher Education: Transformative Effects of the Pandemic
Authors: Saunders Pamela , Kim Yoon Chung , Dobbs Debra 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Gerontology in higher education is experiencing an exciting inflection point rising from the COVID pandemic pushing us to adapt our teaching modalities. Many educators have developed innovative learning experiences making use of creativity, virtual reality, online discussion boards, virtual tours, Jam Boards, videos, and breakout rooms. This symposium will bring together gerontologists and educators to discuss their educational innovations. Dr. Saunders will discuss the use of virtual reality in a Geriatrics clerkship experience to enhance knowledge, empathy, and attitudes towards older adults. Dr. Hanna and Ms. Kim will present the use of a virtual avatar to explore aging identity. Professor Barsness will discuss the participation of older adults from the community as subject matter experts. Ms. Redlich will share her virtual internship experience of exploring the intellectual and social benefits of adult study abroad. Although the pandemic was challenging to gerontological education, substantial transformations have been accomplished. The innovations described in this session broadened engagement of students with older adults to identify their strengths and challenges to flourish in the "New Normal."
Older Adults as Virtual Subject Matter Experts in COVID Graduate Education
Authors: Barsness Sonya 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
COVID-19 has further illuminated the need for educational approaches in gerontology that are person-centered and experiential. Ideally, this includes in-person experiences with students and older adults. Through their classroom participation as subject matter experts in aging, older adults share their personal experiences, and react to gerontological theories and ideas. Shared learning offers a platform for exploration of shared humanity, so that older adults are not seen as the “other”, but “us”. This prepares a generation of gerontologists to identify and reject ongoing ageism, again highlighted by the pandemic. COVID-19 has also challenged educators to offer these experiential opportunities. In this presentation we will outline how older adults from a Continuing Care Retirement Community participated virtually in a graduate course. We will discuss how their virtual involvement was structured, how their real-time COVID experiences were integrated, and share feedback from older adult participants and students on their shared learning experiences.
Discovering Modality of Cognitive Function Using Clustering Analysis
Authors: Xiang Qingyan , Anderson Stacy , Perls Thomas , Nygaard Marianne , Sebastiani Paola 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
In this study with Long Life Family Study (LLFS) participants, we aimed to identify patterns of performance on cognitive function assessments as specific cognitive signatures. We hypothesize that such signatures can be correlated with biomarkers and clinical outcomes. More than 4,700 LLFS participants were administered, at enrollment, a series of neuropsychological tests that measure various cognitive domains. We performed a cluster analysis to group LLFS subjects into clusters characterized by combinations of six neuropsychological test scores. The analysis resulted in 10 clusters of varying size with different cognitive signatures that (1) significantly correlated with physical and pulmonary function, and 31 blood biomarkers and (2) predicted mortality and incident medical events such as dementia, cardiovascular diseases, etc. We conclude that cluster analysis of multiple neuropsychological tests discovers cognitive signatures that are more specific than individual cognitive domains and that these can be correlated with blood biomarkers, incident medical outcomes and mortality.
Rejection of Care in Hospitalized Persons Living With Dementia: The Impact of Nurse Communication
Authors: Shaw Clarissa , Ward Caitlin , Gordon Jean , Williams Kristine , Herr Keela 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Rejection of care (RoC) by persons living with dementia (PLWD) has yet to be measured in the hospital setting. Elderspeak communication (i.e., baby talk or infantilization) is an established antecedent to RoC in nursing home dementia care. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of elderspeak communication by nursing staff on RoC by hospitalized PLWD. Eighty-eight care encounters between 16 PLWD and 53 nursing staff were observed for RoC using the Resistiveness to Care scale in one Midwestern hospital. Audio-recordings of the care encounters were transcribed verbatim and coded for semantic, pragmatic, and prosodic features of elderspeak. Over one-quarter (28.7%) of the duration of nursing staff speech towards PLWD constituted elderspeak and nearly all (96.6%) of the 88 care encounters included some elderspeak. Almost half of the observations (48.9%) included RoC behaviors by PLWD. Rejection of care was modeled as present or absent using a GEE method. Characteristics of the PLWD (e.g., pain, delirium) and the observation (e.g., environmental simulation) were evaluated as potential covariates. After adjusting for pain, length of stay, and gender, a 15-percentage point decrease in the proportion of elderspeak communication by nursing staff reduced the odds of RoC by 62% (OR=0.38, 95% CI=0.21-0.71, p=.002,) and a one unit decrease in pain reduced the odds of RoC by 63% (OR=0.37, 95% CI=0.22-0.63, p&lt;.001). This study identified that pain and elderspeak are two modifiable factors of RoC. Person-centered interventions are needed that address communication practices and approaches to pain management for hospitalized PLWD.
Utilizing Peer Cohort Networks to Disseminate Information and to Prevent and Mitigate COVID-19 in Nursing Homes
Authors: Moone Rajean 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted residents, families, and staff of nursing homes and senior care communities. Even with federally mandated emergency planning, the pandemic highlighted the lack of preparation to meet the daily challenges faced in senior care. In response, the federal CARES Act including funding for a nationwide network of nursing home cohorts led by academic health centers to disseminate clinical guidance in infection control and pandemic mitigation strategies. We present a case study of a successful diffusion model as implemented in Minnesota with seven cohorts comprised of 242 nursing homes and 544 employees. Experts in geriatric care, long term care regulatory management, and public health led ninety-minute sessions held over the span of sixteen weeks. The session format included foundational evidence-based practices in pandemic management (including infection control, social isolation, leadership, and other topics), individual case studies, peer to peer knowledge diffusion, and expert guidance.
Qualitative Research With LGBTQ Older Adults and Older Adults Living With HIV/AIDS During COVID-19
Authors: Bybee Sara , Oswald Austin 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
In this symposium, researchers will discuss conceptual and practical challenges to conducting qualitative research with older LGBTQ+ adults and older adults living with HIV/AIDS during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers who conduct studies with LGBTQ+ populations and with older adults living with HIV/AIDS already face challenges in recruiting and retaining large enough sample sizes. Social distancing guidelines during the pandemic prohibited many researchers from conducting in-person studies. Conducting health and social science research entirely online may have its challenges when working with these older adult populations, but it may also present new opportunities for reaching hidden or hard-to-reach groups. Presenters draw on their recent experiences conducting semi-structured interviews, online surveys, and qualitative analyses of public records to illuminate the complex considerations of conducting research remotely with LGBTQ+ older adults and older adults living with HIV/AIDS. Presenters also discuss how conducting remote research with these populations may require methodological changes in study design in order to collect the most meaningful and reliable data from research participants. Ultimately, COVID-19 has required researchers to alter or change their methods of conducting research. As the internet becomes more heavily relied upon for conducting research, it is imperative that scholars in LGBTQ+ aging and HIV/AIDS consider the potential challenges and opportunities that online research presents for their studies, and for research participants who are living with HIV/AIDS or who identify as LGBTQ+.
Transcending the Corporeal in Later Old Age?
Authors: Higgs Paul 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This symposium addresses the older body and later life. It focusses on the cultural and social implications of the corporeality of the ageing body. Specifically it seeks to explore the degree to which it is possible to transcend the constraints brought about by the body in later old age. Drawing the distinction between the third and fourth ages for understanding contemporary ageing the papers address three important dimensions of later old age. The first presentation by Gilleard directly addresses the corporeality of late old age noting its seeming undesirability and limitation. Gilleard posits that not only does the ageing body impact on the lived experiences of those in later old age but also acts as a cultural reference point for the representation of this period of the life course. Eliopoulos presents preliminary results from her qualitative study on social exclusion of individuals aged over 80 living in remote island environments of the Pacific Northwest. The research considers how such environments might, even in the absence of high levels of health and social care resources, mitigate some of the constraints associated with the ageing body. The chair, Paul Higgs will discuss the issue of ageism and how it is abstractly inscribed on the ageing body; often with little reference to the lived experiences of older people themselves. He will call for a more reflexive approach to ageism. Overall, the symposium seeks to draw gerontological attention to the complexities and possibilities surrounding the ageing body at later ages.
Motoric Cognitive Risk Syndrome: Prevalence and Cognitive Performance
Authors: Garcia-Cifuentes Elkin , Marquez Isabela , Cano Carlos 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Cognitive decline and dementia have a significant impact older adult. Motor Cognitive Risk Syndrome (MCRS) is a pre-dementia stage where slow gait speed and subjective memory complaints are present. MCRS increases the risk of frailty, dementia, disability, falls and overall mortality. We used data from the SABE Colombia study (Health, Well-Being, and Aging) conducted in 2015 in adults aged 60 years and older. After adjusting for confounding variables MCRS was associated with MMSE (OR 0.90, CI 0.82-0.99), pre-frail (OR 9.1, CI 3.26-25.47) and frail (OR 21.38, CI 6.30-72.57). This study found a prevalence of 5.45% of MCRS in Colombian older adults. We found an associations between cognitive performance (MMSE), frailty and MCRS. Our results increase the awareness of a pre-dementia stages different to Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), as these individuals are at greater risk than those with MCI to develop dementia.
65 & Thrive: Improving Patient Length of Stay, Readmission, and Quality of Care by Becoming an Age-Friendly Hospital
Authors: Vien Tracey , Bobroff Stella , De Ocampo Ricardo 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Data indicates that older persons will increase in numbers along with having an increase of life expectancy in the United States. Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center’s Utilization Department developed “65 & Thrive”—an age-specialized initiative to provide holistic care that preserves independence, quality of life, prevents functional and cognitive decline, and promotes both patients and their families to continue thriving. The initiative’s focus is guided by the 5 M’s model on mobility, medication, mentation, multi-morbidity, and what matters. Case management staff were given age-sensitivity trainings, improved workflows and made assessments that identified, addressed, and secured resources for patients throughout their hospitalization. Silver Angel volunteers were specially trained to prevent physical and mental decline and focused on activities to prevent delirium, depression and falls. The volunteers visited with patients daily for these interactions. The initiative was piloted in April 2020 on a stroke telemetry unit and since then the hospital has seen a significant decrease in the overall annual readmission rates by 3.1% when compared to 2019. The average length of stay for older adult patients; however, increased from 4.05 to 4.83 days unfortunately due to COVID-19. This initiative demonstrates the necessity to expand “65 & Thrive” throughout the hospital and ultimately to other Kaiser Permanente medical centers to best provide holistic care to older adults.
Changes in Functional Status Among Clusters of Older Adults After Hospitalization for Pneumonia
Authors: Park Chan Mi , Rhim Hye Chang , Lee Eun Sik , Kim Wonsock , Kim Jong Hun , Kim Dae Hyun 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Little is known about how social determinants, comorbidity, and disability status are associated with functional recovery after an acute illness. A prospective cohort study was conducted between 2019-2020 at a university hospital in Korea, to investigate functional recovery after hospitalization for pneumonia in older adults with different degrees of social deprivation, disabilities, and comorbidities. K-means cluster analysis was used to identify groups of patients based on social deprivation score, activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, physical limitation score, and Gagne comorbidity index. Four groups were identified: Group A: non-disabled group with limited social support (n=61 [30.3%]); Group B: multimorbid but non-disabled group with social support (n=45 [22.4%]); Group C: multimorbid and disabled group with social support (n=38 [18.9%]); Group D: multimorbid and disabled group with limited social support (n=57 [28.4%]). Functional status, defined as ability to perform 21 activities and physical tasks independently, was measured via telephone interviews at 1, 3, and 6 months after discharge. Group-based trajectory model identified four functional status trajectories: excellent (n=29 [14.4%]), good (n=51 [25.4%]), fair (n=58 [28.9%]) and poor (n=63 [31.3%]). The most common functional trajectory by four groups was good trajectory (59%) in Group A, excellent trajectory (48.9%) in Group B, fair (50%) and poor trajectory (50%) in Group C, and poor trajectory (77.2%) in Group D. Our results suggest that most patients without disability recover functional status after pneumonia, despite multimorbidity or limited social support. Social support seems to be more important for those with multimorbidity and disability.
LinkAGES Colorado: Evaluation of Intergenerational Programs to Improve Connections Across All Ages
Authors: De Fries Carson , Hasche Leslie , Cohen Rachel , Steward Andrew , Schilz Matthew 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
LinkAGES: Colorado is a collaborative group of multi-sector organizations (e.g., libraries, non-profit service organizations, nursing homes) that uses a capacity-building approach to support the offering of intergenerational programs and evaluation of outcomes over time and across programs. Since 2018, LinkAGES has implemented 20 intergenerational programs involving various activities (e.g., music and art therapy, sharing cultural traditions), across settings, and across modalities (in-person and online). Ages of program participants ranged from 5 months to 96 years old. This study evaluated change in connectedness between generations over time. Participants (n=118) completed pre- and post-program ratings on social connection (i.e., level of intergenerational engagement, self-perception of extent of feeling connected, and self-perception of impact on someone from another generation) on a 4-point Likert scale. Paired sample t-test results indicated that programs significantly improved engagement and perceived impact. Using multiple regression analyses, we tested change over time for each outcome controlling for participant age group, program host setting, and program modality. A greater positive change in level of engagement occurred for older adults and in-person programs. Additionally, feelings of connection and perceived impact significantly improved over time when controlling for age group, program modality, and program host setting, with age group as a significant covariate. This study demonstrates the impact of intergenerational programs on social connectedness across a wider network of organizations than much of the extant literature. While the positive outcomes are promising and consistent across LinkAGES programs and existing literature, further exploration of age group differences should be considered.
Ageism Predicts Prioritizing COVID-19 Vaccines for Older Adults and LTC Residents
Authors: Pullen Carly , Steele Jenessa , Patrick Julie Hicks 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Ageism and ageistic stereotypes regarding older adults have become widespread and influence many policies and practices. Benevolent ageism includes attitudes or behaviors that appear overtly positive but are actually patronizing (Cary et al., 2017). Hostile ageism, usually expressed through negative stereotypes, highlights older adults' poor physical and mental functioning (Cary et al., 2017). The aim of the current study was to examine the role of benevolent and hostile ageism on perceptions of vaccination priority during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of a larger longitudinal study on perceptions of aging, measures of benevolent and hostile ageism were collected in January 2020, before the pandemic began in the US. In March 2021, the same participants were asked to identify top vaccine priorities by ranking groups (e.g., adults 65 and older, school teachers, etc.). Participants who put older adults in the lowest priority group expressed more benevolent ageism before the pandemic than those who put older adults in the top priority group, F(2, 88) = 3.93, p &lt; .05. Participants who put older adults in the lowest priority group expressed more hostile ageism prior to the pandemic, compared to those who put older adults in the top priority group, F(2, 88) = -3.34, p &lt; .05. Similar to Vale and colleague (2020) findings, our results suggest that ageism influences people's ideas about triage for the vaccine. Notably, neither form of ageism related to prioritization for other high-risk groups, including members of racial/ethnic minority groups or health care workers.