bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Impact of a Social Connection Program on Older Adults
Authors: Ungar Rachel , Tkatch Rifky , Cheng Yan , Kraemer Sandra , McGinn Michael , Wicker Ellen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Research demonstrates social connections decrease loneliness and improves life satisfaction among older adults. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has limited social connectedness, specifically for older adults. Thus, programs aiming to increase social connectedness among older adults are imperative. Purpose: The primary objective of this study was to determine if the telephonic Peer-to-Peer (P2P) program can improve social connectedness and loneliness among older adults. A secondary objective was to determine whether additional improvements in life satisfaction and perception of aging were achieved. Methods: Eligible older adults (age 65+) were recruited via outbound calls and/or a mailer. Participants were mailed a T1 survey, completed intervention training, and matched into a dyad. The matched dyad engaged in weekly telephone calls for 12 weeks. Post 12 weeks, participants completed a T2 survey, and a T3 four weeks later. Results: Overall, 7,544 individuals were contacted to participate, and 759 expressed interest in participation. A total of 475 participants (62%) completed a T1, 372 (78%) completed training, and 348 (94%) were matched. Gender distribution was skewed towards females (74%), and most were 65-74 years old (53%). Preliminary results show significant differences between lonely and not lonely participants, with lonely participants reporting more negative health associations across all measures. Conclusion: Once agreeing to participate, results showed a high likelihood of continuing in P2P, thus demonstrating a social connectedness opportunity for older adults. Delay in mailing and scheduling training may contribute to challenges in attrition. However, developing automated processes utilizing technology may decrease lag time for future phases.
Effects of Loneliness and Stress Management on Perceived Stress in Older Adults
Authors: Gifford Angela , Fouche Hayley , Beadle Janelle 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
In older adulthood, individuals may experience acute and chronic stressors, such as the loss of independence, mobility, or the experience of chronic diseases. Loneliness is also a concern in older adulthood as many experience the loss of close others and smaller social networks. Loneliness is well-established as being associated with higher stress levels in younger adults, but there are mixed findings on the impact in older adulthood. Furthermore, while older adults may engage in behaviors designed to reduce and manage stress, it is not known whether these behaviors modulate the relationship between loneliness and chronic stress. The current study examined the relationship between loneliness and stress in older adulthood and the degree to which stress-management moderated this relationship (note: data collected prior to COVID-19 pandemic). We hypothesized that loneliness and perceived stress would be positively associated, but that stress-management would moderate this relationship. Participants included 40 healthy older adults (Mage= 69.18, Range:55-86yrs; 29 females) who completed the UCLA-Loneliness Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, the NEO-FFI (to assess neuroticism), and demographic information about participation in stress management activities. We found that loneliness was significantly associated with chronic stress, r(38) = .517, p &lt; .001. Furthermore, loneliness and neuroticism were significant predictors of perceived stress, F(2, 37) = 9.618, p &lt; .001, R2 = .342. These findings demonstrate that loneliness is a significant predictor of perceived stress in older adulthood and point to a need for further exploration of effective stress-management tools in later life.
Need to Belong and Social Ties in Late Life
Authors: Zhou Zexi , Kim Yijung , Zhang Shiyang , Fingerman Karen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
According to socioemotional selectivity theory, older adults are more selective and tend to shrink their social network to their closest ties. However, a heightened need to belong, which is characterized by a stronger desire for acceptance and motivation to affiliation, may alter this common pattern. We know little about how the need to belong shapes social network structure, especially in late life. This study investigated the associations between the need to belong, size of social network, and engagement with social ties among older adults. Participants (N = 314) aged over 65 years from the Daily Experiences and Well-being Study completed a baseline interview regarding their close ties (i.e., social convoy members), and weak ties, as well as a self-report measure of need to belong. They completed ecological momentary assessment (EMA) surveys reporting their social encounters every 3 hours over 5 to 6 days. Need to belong was unrelated to the number of close ties. In contrast, participants with a higher need to belong reported more less close (but still important) ties and weak ties than those with a lower need to belong, but spent a similar amount of time (i.e., proportion of EMA involving social encounters) with either their close ties or weak ties. These results suggest that the need to belong may motivate older adults to go beyond their closest ties to weaker ties, and highlight the discrepancies between the sense of being connected to social partners and the actual engagement with them in this process.
Financial Exploitation of Older Adults During the Early Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Teaster Pamela , Roberto Karen , Savla Jyoti , Du Chenguang , Hoyt Emily , Beach Scott , Charness Neil , Lichtenberg Peter 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
COVID-19 created a “perfect storm” for financial exploitation directed at older adults. We invited adults aged 60 and older enrolled in gerontology research registries at Virginia Tech, Florida State University, Wayne State University, and University of Pittsburgh to complete an on-line survey about experiences with financial exploitation by strangers. The 997 respondents ranged in age from 60 to 98 (M = 71.3; SD = 6.8); most identified as White (93.4%), female (64.2%) and living with a spouse/partner (58%). Approximately one-half of respondents (56.87%) reported experiencing a scam attempt about COVID-19 issues. Most contact by scammers was electronic (49%) and frequently occurred two or more times (40%). Most respondents ignored the request (i.e., hung up phone, deleted text/email, threw away mail). However, 9% sent the requested payment, and 4% gave the scammer their personal information. Confidence in financial matters and having attended financial educational programs protected older adults from being scammed.
The Association between Social Support and Attitude toward Technology Differs by Educational Level
Authors: Joo Susanna , Lee Changmin , Kim Kwang Joon , Kim DaeEun , Jun Hey Jung 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The present study aimed to examine the moderating effects of the educational context on the association between social support from family members and attitude toward using gerontechnology among Korean older adults. The sample was Korean older adults without dementia (N=310, Age: 65-89, M=70.18, SD=4.58). Data were collected by online recruiting in February 2021. The dependent variable was the attitude toward using gerontechnology, especially, an exoskeleton robot for exercise. Independent variables were four types of social support (emotional, instrumental, physical, and financial support) from family members. Moderating variable was the binary educational group (high school and below, or college and over). We analyzed four regression models including each interaction term between education and a type of social support using PROCESS macro and bootstrapping. Results showed educational context had a single significant moderating effect on the association between emotional support and attitude toward using gerontechnology. Specifically, emotional support had a significant effect on having a positive attitude toward using gerontechnology among older adults who graduated high school or were less educated. However, it was not significant among older adults who were highly educated. Moreover, other types of social support did not have significant main effects as well as interaction effects with education on the attitude toward using gerontechnology. Findings of the present study implied emotional support from family members, such as spouse, children, or siblings, was useful to enhance having a positive attitude toward using new technology, especially for older adults who did not experience college-level educational context.
A Digital Intervention to Alleviate Loneliness and Depression Among Older Persons During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Cohn-Schwartz Ella , Shapira Stav , Yeshua-Katz Daphna , Aharonson-Daniel Limor , Clarfield A Mark , Sarid Orly 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Social distancing has been proven to be effective in reducing infections but may cause ill effects on the mental health of older adults. We evaluated the effects of a short-term virtual group intervention that provided tools to promote better coping, and mitigate adverse mental health effects during the outbreak of the covid-19 pandemic. A Randomized controlled trial tested the effects of a guided intervention comprised of seven online group sessions in which cognitive-behavioral techniques targeting maladaptive beliefs and appraisals were learned and practiced via ZOOM. A total of 82 community-dwelling adults from Israel, aged between 65 - 90 were randomized to either an intervention group (n=64) or a wait-list control group (n=18). Loneliness (UCLA loneliness scale) and depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) were measured pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 1-month follow-up. The findings showed a significant decrease in loneliness and depression scores in the intervention group with results maintained at 1-month follow-up. There were no significant changes in the wait-list control group. In addition, ten participants (16%) from the intervention group demonstrated a clinically meaningful decrease in depression between baseline and post-intervention, and this was maintained among 7 participants (10%) at 1-month follow-up, compared to only 1 participant (5%) in the control group. Our intervention presents a simple and easy-to-implement tool. Its relevance extends beyond the current pandemic as the skills acquired can be applied in other forms of social crises and during routine life, in order to promote the mental health of older adults who live alone and/or reside in remote areas.
A fat-promoting plant extract from Artemisia scoparia exerts geroprotective effects on C. elegans health & lifespan
Authors: Ghosh Bhaswati , Guidry Hayden , Johnston Maxwell , Bohnert Adam 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Like other biological processes, aging is not random, but subject to molecular control. Natural products that act on conserved metabolic pathways may provide entry points to extend animal lifespan and promote healthy aging. Here, we show that a botanical extract from Artemisia scoparia (SCO), which promotes fat storage and metabolic resiliency in mice, exerts pro-longevity effects on the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, even when administered in mid-adulthood. SCO-treated worms exhibit significantly higher levels of fat compared to controls but live up to 40% longer, with signs of improved stress resistance in late age. Molecularly, SCO links elevated fat to enhanced longevity and stress resistance via activation of the transcription factor DAF-16/FOXO and upregulation of DAF-16-targeted Δ9 desaturases, lifespan-extending metabolic enzymes that oversee the biosynthesis of monounsaturated fatty acids. These findings identify SCO as a natural product that can modify fat regulation for longevity benefit and add to growing evidence indicating that elevated fat can be pro-longevity in some circumstances.
Advance Care Planning and Hospice Use Among People with Dementia: A Report from the Health and Retirement Survey
Authors: Coccia Kathryn 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
People with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) frequently receive sub-optimal end-of-life care (EOLC), often enduring invasive procedures such as tube feeding, resuscitation, and surgery within days of their death. While advance care planning (ACP) has shown effectiveness in improving EOLC for those with ADRD, there are many barriers to ACP specific to the ADRD population. Research suggests that hospice care is optimal in reducing end of life suffering for ADRD patients. This study aimed to empirically assess hospice utilization and ACP for individuals with ADRD compared to individuals without ADRD, and to assess the impact of ACP on hospice utilization for individuals with ADRD. Data came from the 2016-2018 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a national longitudinal study collecting health and demographic data on older Americans. This analysis evaluated survey responses from 1,224 proxy respondents for individuals who died during this period. In this sample, people with ADRD were both significantly more likely to have utilized hospice care (OR=1.37) and to have written EOLC instructions in place (OR=1.19). Those with ADRD were 22% less likely to have discussed their EOLC wishes with their proxy than those without ADRD. Having a written EOLC plan in place significantly increased the odds of hospice utilization (OR=1.37) but discussion around EOLC preferences increased odds of hospice utilization at a higher rate (OR=1.59). These results support policy to advance earlier ACP conversations around EOLC preferences and the implementation of written EOLC instructions to reduce suffering for individuals with ADRD diagnoses .
Challenge or Opportunity? Impacts of Falls among Older Adults Living with Dementia on their Care Partners
Authors: Zhou Yuanjin , Ishado Emily , Sadak Tatiana 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Previous studies suggest that falls among community-dwelling older adults living with dementia (OLWD) harm the health and wellbeing of their family/friend care partners. However, little is known about the process through which falls impact care partners. We conducted a grounded theory analysis using 59 semi-structured interviews with care partners of OLWD who were recently hospitalized and had a history of falls. We identified several areas of care partners’ functioning that were affected by falls in positive and negative ways: everyday life, health management for OLWD, and interactions with healthcare providers. Both the fall events and fall risks had negative consequences of reducing care partners' self-care activities and work productivity. Other adverse consequences of fall risks were (1) care partners’ fatigue and conflicts with OLWD due to the intense requirement of daily monitoring, and (2) hesitance to ask healthcare providers for assistance because clinicians frequently did not teach care partners how to address fall risks and might recommend institutionalization. However, OLWD's fall events became a transition point for some care partners to seek support and gain more information and skills about managing OLWD’s health conditions, which might reduce care partners’ burden in the long term. Because OLWD’s falls may have negative and positive consequences for care partners, both problem-solving and strength-based fall management approaches are needed. These strategies focus on developing and sustaining care partners’ self-care, developing collaborative relationships with OLWD, enhancing successful capacity for OLWD’s health management, and cultivating partnerships with healthcare providers.
Challenges and benefits: Volunteerism among older adults during Covid-19
Authors: Sellon Alicia , Newsham Tina K , DuMont Renee , Hollifield Claire , Thomas Alicia 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Social distancing restrictions and regulations, put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19, disrupted the daily lives of active older adult volunteers. One year into the pandemic, we used a mixed-methods approach to explore how these regulations had impacted the quality of life, loneliness, and volunteer behavior of 26 older adults who were active volunteers (i.e., at least an hour a week) prior to the start of the pandemic. All the participants were white and non-Hispanic, and the majority were female (65.4%). The average age was 71, with a range from 53 to 87 years old. On average, participant scores on the UCLA loneliness scale (4.23 ±1.39) indicated a low amount of loneliness and high scores on the Brunnsviken Brief Quality of Life (BBQ) scale (83.54 ±10.97) indicated a high quality of life. Thematic findings from the interviews conveyed that, despite the challenges and risks associated with volunteering during a pandemic, participants valued volunteer work enough to make adjustments or seek out new volunteer activities. The research team identified two overarching themes related to participants' discussions of volunteering during the pandemic: Challenges and changes and Benefits of volunteering during a pandemic. Participants' discussions of how volunteer work changed and why they continued to or sought out new volunteer activities during a pandemic can guide organizations seeking to support or recruit older volunteers, particularly as the pandemic continues. These findings also provide further evidence of the important role that volunteerism can play in the well-being of older adults.
Coupling Effects of Depression and Functional Disability: Using Bivariate Latent Change Score Model
Authors: Lee Gina , Martin Peter 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The purpose of the study was to examine the coupling effect of depression and functional disability over four time points using the data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). The sample included participants who survived to 98 years or older (N = 458). Four alternative latent change score models were computed to examine the univariate and bivariate effects among depressive symptoms (CES-D) and functional disabilities (ADL): No-coupling, univariate model of ADL to change in CES-D, univariate model of CES-D to change in ADL, and bivariate model. As hypothesized, the no-coupling model did not fit the data well, χ2 (26) = 164.86, CFI = 0.85, RMSEA = 0.11. Model 2, ADL predicting change in CES-D, did not fit the data well, χ2 (25) = 164.18, CFI = 0.85, RMSEA = 0.11. Model 3, CES-D predicting change in ADL, also did not fit the data, χ2 (25) = 148.06, CFI = 0.87, RMSEA = 0.10. The bivariate model fit the data well, χ2 (21) = 66.94, CFI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.07, and was the best fitting model. All level to change effects were significant in model 4. One’s CES-D at prior waves was positively associated with change in ADL at subsequent waves, and ADL at prior waves was positively associated with change in CES-D at subsequent waves. In conclusion, there is a significant coupling effect between depressive symptoms and ADL over time. Future health policies should monitor older adults’ mental and functional health simultaneously for their possible spillover effects.
Discourse Analysis Uncovers Compulsory Altruism and Power Paradoxes for Family Caregivers of Those with Dementia
Authors: Harrington Candace 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Rural female family caregivers are under-represented, under-reported, and under-studied in rural caregiving and Alzheimer's disease-related dementias (ADRD) research. Caregivers' power struggles are often invisible and unknown. These constructs have social, policy, and practice implications for both family caregivers and their care recipients with ADRD. The purpose of this study was to explore how Foucauldian discourse analysis (FDA) elucidates rural female family caregivers' acquisition of caregiving roles for those with ADRD. FDA focuses on power structures and relationships in society as expressed through language and practices that affect marginalized groups. Textual data for this secondary analysis consisted of 157 pages of interview transcripts with 10 rural female caregivers. The systematic discourse analysis elucidated two socially constructed power and relationship structures. Compulsory altruism described complex socially constructed caregiving and gender role expectations, grounded in reciprocity, duty, and filial piety. A power paradox occurred when filial piety, duty, and reciprocity were in direct opposition to the caregivers' beliefs and value systems. In this sample, the subsequent sense of ambiguity about violating personhood and autonomy delayed black and white caregivers' responses to intervene with family members with ADRD. These delays resulted in near misses from wandering, driving-related accidents, cooking-related fires, financial exploitation by other family members, mistreatment that involved both caregiving dyad partners, and one tragic incident of a parent's death resulting from wandering-related exposure to elements. FDA was a valuable qualitative approach to elucidate family caregivers' power struggles that were previously invisible and unknown. These findings have broad implications for clinicians and researchers.
Do Family Caregivers of Dementia Patients Feel Competent in Pain Management?
Authors: Zhao Hui , Kulbok Pamela , Williams Ishan , Manning Carol , Romo Rafael 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Older adults with dementia rely on others to recognize and treat their pain and will ultimately become dependent. Family caregivers (FCGs) play a crucial role in pain management, yet limited data is available regarding the factors that impact their abilities. This qualitative descriptive study sought a deep understanding of FCGs perception of their abilities to manage pain for a loved-one with dementia. A sample of 25 adult family caregivers of community-based older adults with dementia was recruited in central Virginia. Participants were 29 to 95 years old, predominantly white, married, female, and high school graduates. We conducted semi-structured interviews that were audio recorded and analyzed using constant comparative analysis. Participants’ who perceived greater competence with pain management reported less pain for their loved-one, and their level of confidence was influenced by 3 factors: progress and stage of dementia: this increases the complexity of care, affecting FCGs ability to manage pain and engendering a self-perception of incompetence; developing adaptive mechanisms: built self-efficacy and improved FCGs perceived competence;, and support from professionals: a greater degree of support alleviated FCGs concerns and instill new skills, Effective pain management depended on family caregivers’ belief in their own abilities, and perceived competence could be improved by learning new skills or making adaptations. Professional care givers need to routinely assess FCGs abilities and provide adequate interventions.