bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Employers’ Support of Older Adults Facing Ageism in the Workplace: A Scoping Review of the Literature
Authors: Bull Amanda , Mirza Raza , Gardiola Andrea , Klinger Christopher , Hsieh Jessica 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
As the Canadian population continues to age rapidly, addressing the social structures that negatively impact older adults is of increasing importance. The most prominent of these social structures is the workplace, which can be a potential source of age discrimination. The goal of this scoping review was to analyze the literature that addresses strategies for employers to support older workers experiencing ageism, in order to answer the research question: How can employers support older adults (50+) facing ageism in the workplace? Following Arksey and O’Malley’s five-step framework, an electronic database and grey literature search was conducted between September and December 2020. Thematic content analysis was performed to establish key themes. The search revealed 3,635 peer-reviewed and grey literature sources that were evaluated by three investigators. Thirty-six articles, published between 2006 and 2020, met inclusion criteria and examined various support strategies for employers. Five major emerging themes were identified from the literature: (1) Recruitment practices, (2) Training opportunities, (3) Education for managers, leaders, and employees in the workplace, (4) Flexible employment opportunities, and (5) Methods to change the psycho-social environment of the workplace. Implementation of these interventions is required to support older adults who may be experiencing workplace ageism. Longitudinal research of these interventions is required to determine the lasting effects of these strategies; however, the existing literature supports the implementation of these supportive actions, which is vital to ensuring that older adults are able to attain and maintain valuable work, in healthy environments, now and into the future.
Aging in Place for Older Subsidized Housing Residents: The Influence of Social Connection and Social Environment
Authors: Brown Rebecca , Reyes-Farias David , Finucane Erin , Watson Amanda , Jahan Momana , Pandit Sonia , Reid Carolina , Resnick Barbara 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Older adults living in subsidized housing experience health disparities including disproportionate rates of social isolation and nursing home admission. Little is known about how social relationships and social environment influence aging in place for this population. We interviewed 58 residents aged 62 or older. Qualitative thematic analyses revealed that social relationships both inside and outside the building contributed to residents’ experience of aging in place. Relationships with other residents and staff members provided social support, while connections to family and friends outside the building “opened up” the residents’ world and provided a sense of connection to the larger community. Social and physical environment also contributed, with residents’ ability to move between private and public spaces leading to feelings of freedom and independence. Discussion focuses on expanding definitions of aging in place to encompass residents’ experiences and implications for improving aging in place for this population.
Food Insecurity Among Older Urban Subsidized Housing Residents: The Importance of Social Connectedness
Authors: Gonyea Judith , O'Donnell Arden , Curley Alexaandra 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Poverty and food insecurity are associated with poor health in later life. Although housing is recognized as a social determinant of health; relatively little research has explored food insecurity in the marginalized population of older subsidized housing residents. In this study, we examined factors associated with food insecurity and particularly how social connectedness was associated with food insecurity. We hypothesized that social connection measures (i.e., loneliness, sense of belonging) independent of sociodemographic, health and food program variables would contribute to food insecurity. Our data are from interviews with 216 residents ages 55-plus (50% Black, 45% LatinX). The 6-item USDA Household Food Security Survey found high rates of food insecurity, 40% for ages 55-69 and 20% for ages 70-plus. Multivariate logistic regression models revealed that loneliness was significantly related to food insecurity even after other factors were controlled. Discussion centers on strategies for addressing social risk factors to ameliorate food insecurity.
Building on Existing Technology to Enhance Remote Assessments of Brain Health
Authors: Bazzano Lydia , Fernandez Camilo , Hwang Philip , DeAnda-Duran Ileana , Senko Enejda , Lin Honghuang , Kolachalama Vijaya , Au Rhoda 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Tablets, smartphones, linked devices have features such as high-fidelity microphones, accelerometers, GPS locators, and gyroscopes can be used to capture brain health-related data. Collection of data remotely is especially important given the vulnerability of older adults to COVID and the need to protect from such exposure. As part of an American Heart Association/Gates Venture Strategically Funded Network, a number of remote assessments are being deployed to capture information related to brain health in a subset of the Bogalusa Heart Study cohort (mean age 51.4, SD 5.3). The Linus Health Platform includes applications that measure cognitive abilities, and collect digital voice features and phone sensor data that can be derived into surrogate measures of cognitive function and mood. A readily available suite of games (Lumosity) is also being used to assess cognitive health. These devices and applications offer a largely unexplored opportunity for acquiring and assessing data related to brain health.
Novel Positional and Biological Candidate Gene for Grip Strength in Older Adults: The Long Life Family Study
Authors: Santanasto Adam , Wojczynski Mary , Cvejkus Ryan , Wang Lihua , Thyagarajan Bharat , Christensen Kaare , Daw E Warwick , Zmuda Joseph 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Grip strength is a robust indicator of overall health, is moderately heritable and predicts longevity in older adults. Using genome-wide linkage analysis, we identified a novel locus on chromosome 18p linked to grip strength in 4534 individuals from 582 families (age 70.0 ± 15.8, range 24–110 years; 54% women). DNA sequencing was completed to identify single nucleotide variants (SNVs) in the 3.44 – 4.04 mega-basepair region on chromosome 18p. Using the sequencing data, we performed association analyses between the 7312 SNVs in the region and grip strength in families exhibiting evidence for linkage. Models were adjusted for age, age2, sex, height, field center and population substructure. There were 23 families (263 individuals) that contributed to the linkage peak (cumulative logarithm of the odds [LOD] score = 12.4). Six families (112 individuals) accounted for most of the linkage signal (LOD = 6.4). In these 6 families, we found highly significant associations between SNVs in the Disks Large-associated Protein 1 (DLGAP1) gene and grip strength (lead SNV: β= -0.75kg ± 0.15, p-value= 4.3*10-6). Correcting for the top SNV in DLGAP1 reduces the LOD by 72% in these families. Further, the effect allele frequency is much higher in these 6 families (39.7%) compared with both the NHLBI’s Trans-OMICs for Precision Medicine (23.5%) and 1000Genomes (28.0%) references panels. The DLGAP1 gene plays an important role in post-synaptic density of neurons; thus, it is a novel positional and biological candidate gene for follow-up studies aimed at uncovering genetic determinants of muscle strength.
Pleiotropic Genes for Pulmonary Function and Aging-Related Traits: The Long Life Family Study (LLFS)
Authors: Feitosa Mary , Wojczynski Mary , Anema Jason , Daw E Warwick , Wang Lihua , Nygaard Marianne , Santanasto Adam , Province Michael 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Pulmonary function progressively declines with aging. Forced expiratory volume 1-second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) are predictors of morbidity of cardiovascular diseases and all-cause mortality. Reduced pulmonary function has shown association with elevated chronic low-grade systemic inflammation and low muscle strength, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). We evaluated whether FEV1 and FVC share common genetic factors with interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), body mass index (BMI), handgrip strength, plasma glucose, and HbA1c employing correlated meta-analysis (CMA) in up to 3888 individuals (age range: 26-106). CMA tests whether combining genome-wide association (GWA) P-values from two or more traits enhances the ability to detect variants concomitantly influencing such traits. We considered a variant pleiotropic if the univariate GWA P≤1.0x10-02 and CMA P≤5.0x10-08. We identified pleiotropic loci for FEV1 (or FVC), IL-6 and hsCRP within CYCS, CALN1, TRIM9, AXIN2, MICAL3, and CMIP; FEV1 (or FVC) and BMI within CYP2U1, LINC00871-RPL10L-MDGA2, and LOC105372472; FEV1 (or FVC) and grip strength within XXYLT1 and MAL2; FEV1 and FPG within MAF; and FVC and HbA1c within HDHD3. Some loci were reported as GWAS suggestive (P&lt;10-6) for pulmonary function. Additionally, the identified loci harbor genes with roles in pro-inflammatory cytokine production, immune and inflammatory pathway, T-helper signaling pathway, transforming growth factor-beta, and T-cell receptor-alpha enhancer. Our findings suggest that inflammation is a feature of reduced pulmonary function with IL-6, hsCRP, BMI, low muscle strength, glucose, and HbA1c. Pleiotropic genetic associations across these traits may explain part of the correlated genetic architecture between pulmonary function and aging-related traits.
Moderating Effects of Loneliness on COVID-19-Related Stress and Anxiety in Middle and Later Life in South Korea
Authors: Yoon Sukyung , Choi Soo Chan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Many people have suffered from psychological distress in the form of stress, loneliness, and anxiety resulting from the COVID-19 epidemic (Havnen et al., 2020; Luchetti et al., 2020). Along with these factors, physical health (hereafter health), resilience, and living arrangements as protective factors were examined. The research aims were to investigate 1) factors affecting the association between COVID-19-related stress (hereafter stress) and anxiety, and 2) moderating effects of loneliness on this association. Data was collected on 450 middle-aged and older adults (ages 45 through 76) living in South Korea during COVID-19. A multi-group path analysis was employed. Measurement invariance was examined by comparing unconstrained and fully constrained models. Both models fit. Moderating effects of loneliness existed. Stress was negatively associated with health and living arrangements for people with both higher and lower levels of loneliness. Health was positively associated with resilience for both groups. Resilience was negatively associated with anxiety for both groups. For people with higher levels of loneliness only, stress and health were negatively associated with resilience and anxiety, respectively. The association between stress and anxiety was significant for both groups. However, the impact of stress on anxiety was significantly larger for people with higher levels of loneliness than for people with lower levels of loneliness. Health practitioners and service providers should develop programs to maintain and promote resilience, social support, and good health among middle-aged and older adults in South Korea to mitigate negative mental health consequences during the pandemic.
An International Aging Research Collaboration During The COVID-19 Crisis: Mitigating Global Health Consequences
Authors: Thiamwong Ladda , Chong Wayne , Kwan Rick , Roopsawang Inthira , Gautam Ramraj , Vivian W Q Lou 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
There are several reasons for forming an aging international research collaboration; however, creating a successful and productive research team during the global crisis may require extensive planning and efforts. Our team consists of ten scholars from five countries, including Hong Kong, Nepal, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States. To accomplish this initiative, we employ ten simple rules for establishing international research collaborations proposed by R. de Grijs (2015). We aim to examine impacts of the pandemic on physical activity, frailty, falls, depression and social networks in diverse older adults. We collect data by online survey and/or face-to –face survey using questionnaires including fear of the COVID, face mask use, Social Network, Rapid Assessment of Physical Activity, a simple frailty questionnaire, CDC fall risk checklist, short Fall-Efficacy Scale International and Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Topics of discussion included: research progression, lessons learned and barriers to international collaboration during the COVID-19 crisis.
The Impact of Declining Enrollment and Re-Careering on Community College Gerontology Programs
Authors: Phillips Judith Robertson 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
According to Inside Higher Ed (2020), community college enrollment declined by 10.1% during the fall 2020 semester and this decline in enrollment continued into the spring 2021 semester for many community colleges. Gerontology programs within community colleges were among curriculums impacted by this downswing in enrollment. This presentation will discuss what this means for community college Gerontology programs across the United States in a time when the older adult population is rapidly increasing, and a qualified workforce is needed to fill the multiple fields serving this aging population. One area of discussion will be the number of returning adults who are re-careering into Gerontology, some because of the impact of a family caregiving situation while others are motivated to change careers because of their interest in the numerous career pathways available in the field of aging. Suggestions for encouraging and supporting these newly returning adults will be discussed.
Role of Disease-Specific Incidence and Survival in Disparities in Life Expectancy in the United States
Authors: Kravchenko Julia , Yu Bin , Akushevich Igor 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
There are persisting geographic and racial disparities in life expectancy (LE) across the United States (US). We used 5% Medicare Claims data (2000-2017) to investigate how disease incidence and survival contribute to such disparities. Disease-specific hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated for Medicare beneficiaries living in the US states with the lowest LE (the states with the highest LE were used as a reference group), in gender- and race-/ethnicity-specific populations. Analysis of incidence showed that the greatest contribution to between-the-state disparities in LE was due to higher incidence (HRs≥1.30) of atherosclerosis, heart failure, influenza/pneumonia, Alzheimer’s disease, and lung cancer among older adults living in the states with the lowest LE. The list of diseases that contributed most to LE through the differences in their survival substantially differed from the above listed diseases: namely, diabetes, chronic ischemic heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease had HRs≥1.28 for their respective survival rates, with the highest HRs for lung cancer (HR=1.37, in females) and prostate cancer (HR=1.30). Respective race-/ethnicity-specific patterns of incidence and survival HRs were investigated and diseases contributed most to racial disparities in LE were identified. Study showed that when planning the strategies targeting between-the-state differences in LE in the US, it is important to address both 1) primary and secondary prevention for diseases demonstrating substantial differences in contributions of incidence, and 2) treatment choice, adherence to treatment, and comorbidities for diseases contributing to LE disparities predominantly through the differences in survival. Such strategies can be disease-, race-/ethnicity-, and geographic area-specific.
Slowdown in Life Expectancy Improvements for European Countries From 2000 to 2019
Authors: Steel Nicholas , Ford John , Schmidt Jurgen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Life expectancy improvements have slowed across Europe since around 2010 for unknown reasons. We aimed to assess the contribution of specific conditions and risk factors to changes in life expectancy. We compared Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 estimates for life expectancy at birth, years of life lost to premature mortality (YLLs) and population attributable fractions (PAFs) for risk factors, for 17 European Economic Area (EEA) countries from 2000 to 2010 and from 2010 to 2019. All 17 countries experienced a slowdown in life expectancy improvements after 2010, after decades of improvement. Denmark experienced the smallest drop in improvement from 2000 to 2010 compared to 2010 to 2019 (0.75 years drop), followed by Norway (0.79), Iceland (0.86), Finland and Sweden (both 0.89). The 5 countries with the largest drop in improvement were Spain (1.6 years drop), the Netherlands (1.88), Portugal (1.92), the United Kingdom (UK) (2.13), and Ireland (2.77). Ischaemic heart disease and stroke made the biggest contribution to the slowdown in life expectancy. Important risk factors for mortality varied by country and included tobacco, drug and alcohol use, and high fasting plasma glucose. The Nordic countries have maintained improvements in life expectancy substantially better than other European countries. The different patterns in different countries suggest multiple factors are contributing to the changes, including specific conditions, risks and behaviours, and broader societal determinants of health. Large scale, international, co-ordinated research is needed to better understand these changes and inform policy actions, particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic will increase international differences.
The Sage Resource Project: Readying Researchers to Transform Research through Engagement
Authors: Lessem Rachel , Berman Rebecca , Bella Jesse , Danilovich Margaret 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The Sage Model enables engagement of older adults receiving Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS), a group typically excluded in research. This presentation focuses on lessons learned from The Sage Resource Project, a Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute funded project. We collaborated with RCMAR and Roybal centers to encourage NIH-affiliated researchers to embrace stakeholder engagement through promotion of the Sage Model. Few studies include an assessment of researcher needs when it comes to stakeholder engagement. We conducted a needs assessment (n=103) finding &lt;50% of researchers presented work to older adults and only 41% interacted with older adults receiving LTSS. However, &gt;90% were likely to attend webinars to learn more. Additionally, 70% of respondents were interested in setting up their own Sage Model research advisory boards. We identify opportunities for transforming LTSS research by including older adults as well as directions for future research on engagement, based on researchers’ identified needs.
Engaging Direct Care Providers in the Implementation of Montessori Programming for Dementia
Authors: Douglas Natalie 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
There is a need to engage direct care providers such as certified nursing assistants (CNAs) explicitly in efforts to implement innovative programming in long-term care environments. This presentation will outline engagement strategies that supported the implementation of Montessori programming in a community of 20 individuals living with severe dementia. Examples about positioning the CNA at the center of decision making, negotiating and building trust, cultivating opportunities for mutual consultation, creating spaces for new ideas to emerge, and synthesizing diverse perspectives will be highlighted. Although the program achieved positive outcomes on a number of measures including decreased responsive behaviors from people living with dementia, decreased negative qualities of relationships between CNAs and persons with dementia, and increased positive qualities of relationships between CNAs and persons with dementia, this presentation will focus on the “how” of engagement between the project team and the CNAs by highlighting qualitative data.
Testing the Usefulness of the Evidence Integration Triangle for Implementation of EIT-4-BPSD
Authors: Resnick Barbara 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The effectiveness of evidence-based practices, such as use of behavioral interventions, can be improved when delivered under conditions of an implementation framework. This pragmatic trial used the Evidence Integration Triangle (EIT) which is a parsimonious, community-engaged participatory framework that brings evidence and facility stakeholders together. Active engagement empowers key stakeholders to integrate evidence into practice using a simple three-pronged framework: (1) A participatory implementation process which was done via monthly meetings and weekly emails between stakeholders and a clinical expert as they worked on facility based goals; (2) Implementation of the four steps delineated in the EIT-4-BPSD; and (3) evaluation using practical progress measures. There was some evidence of implementation of the EIT-4-BPSD based on participation in Stakeholder team meetings, settings working towards goal achievement, and increased use of behavioral interventions among staff. The EIT approach is a useful implementation framework to help change staff behavior in long term care.
Associations of Central Auditory Processing With Brain Volumes
Authors: Jiang Kening , Coresh Josef , Hayden Kathleen , Jack Clifford , Mosley Thomas , Pankow James , Lin Frank , Deal Jennifer 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
We investigated the cross-sectional associations of speech-in-noise performance with magnetic resonance imaging brain volumes among 588 cognitively normal participants (77±4 years, 56% female) from the Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders Study (randomized trial embedded in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study) baseline in 2018-19 (N=427, with hearing loss) and ARIC (N=161, normal hearing) Visit 6/7 in 2016-17/2018-19. Central auditory processing was measured by Quick Speech-in-Noise (QuickSIN) test; range: 0 to 30, lower scores=worse performance. In models adjusted for demographic and disease covariates, every 5-point decrease in QuickSIN score was associated with smaller volumes of the temporal lobe overall (-0.07SD, 95% CI:-0.13,-0.01) as well as subregions including but not limited to those important for auditory processing (amygdala:-0.13SD, 95% CI:-0.21,-0.04; middle temporal gyrus:-0.08SD, 95% CI:-0.15,-0.00; superior temporal gyrus:-0.08SD, 95% CI:-0.15,-0.01). Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying these observed associations.