bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resilience, Purpose in Life, Loneliness, and Associated Medical Costs in Older Adults
Authors: Barnes Timothy , Tkatch Rifky , Bhattarai Gandhi , Kraemer Sandra , Schaeffer James , Yeh Charlotte 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Resilience, purpose in life (PIL), and loneliness have been linked, and used to characterize the health and well-being of older adults. Studies demonstrate that higher resilience, PIL, and minimal loneliness are associated with better late-life outcomes. However, research on how these constructs negatively impact medical costs is limited. Using survey and claims data from a large sample of older adults age 65+ (N=4,496), resilience, PIL, and loneliness were examined to determine associations with medical costs. Among study participants, 11% exhibited low resilience, 19% severe loneliness, and 35% low PIL. Low resilience was associated with 24% higher medical costs compared to participants with high resilience, severe loneliness with 20% higher costs compared to participants with no loneliness, and low PIL marginally associated with 12% higher costs compared to participants with high PIL. Interventions targeting resilience, PIL, and loneliness could be beneficial to promoting successful aging and lowering medical costs.
Validity of the Chinese Version of the Person-Environment Apathy Rating (PEAR-C) for Persons With Dementia
Authors: Jao Ying-Ling , Chao Ying-Yu , Liao Yo-Jen , Berish Diane , Yeh An-Yun , Chen Shang-Ti 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Apathy is a prevalent neurobehavioral symptom in dementia. Despite that environmental stimulation plays a key role in apathy, it is often overlooked in assessment. The Person-Environment Apathy Rating (PEAR) scale is currently the only validated apathy scale for persons with dementia that addresses environmental stimulation and is only available in English. This project translated the PEAR scale into Mandarin Chinese and evaluated its content validity. The PEAR scale includes two subscales: PEAR-Environment and PEAR-Apathy. Each subscale includes six items. The PEAR scale translation and validation were conducted through a four-step process. First, the PEAR scale was translated from English into Chinese by two bilingual PhD-prepared researchers. Second, the two Chinese versions of PEAR (PEAR-C) were back-translated into English by another two bilingual PhD-prepared researchers. Third, three content experts reviewed the two translated scales and reconciled a final PEAR-C scale. Finally, these three experts individually rated the PEAR-C and evaluated its content validity item-by-item in two aspects: 1) content equivalence: appropriateness to use this scale in Chinese cultural setting, and 2) semantic equivalence: the scale remains the same meaning after translation. The content validity index (CVI) was calculated to sum the ratings across experts. The CVI of content equivalence for all items was 1.0 for both subscales. The CVI of semantic equivalence was 0.98 for the PEAR-Environment and 0.97 for the PEAR-Apathy. The PEAR-C shows substantial content validity. Its reliability and construct validity need further evaluation. This scale is promising to assess apathy for individuals with dementia in the Chinese-speaking community.
Caregiving Through the Pandemic: Exploring the Impacts of COVID-19 on Caregivers and Their Caregiving Experiences
Authors: Balmuth Alexa 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many caregivers have been tasked with a unique role; not only to keep themselves safe and healthy, but also to protect and find new ways to aid their care recipients, many of whom are older adults at relatively high risk for severe complications from COVID-19. These challenging circumstances have driven caregivers to quickly adapt as they continue to manage their personal lives and caregiving responsibilities. Utilizing three waves of survey data from the MIT AgeLab Caregiver Panel, this presentation will examine the attitudes, experiences and worries of family caregivers at several time points along the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as caregivers’ preparations and coping behaviors along the way. Differences between caregiving situations will also be discussed.
Cannabis Use and Subjective Cognitive Decline Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Dowling Maritza 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Cannabis is the most commonly-used drug in the US, with older adults being the fastest-growing group of users. National surveys among 50+ adults found poorer executive function among current or past cannabis users, but better performance with daily users. However, there is little evidence linking levels of cannabis use and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) among middle-age and older adults. This study sought to examine the association between levels of cannabis use in the past 30 days and SCD during the past 12 months using Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data (2016-2019) from 45+ individuals while controlling for demographics, chronic conditions, exercise, general and mental health. Logit models with SCD as outcome were estimated using complex survey weights. Multiple group analyses examined differences across age groups: 45-64 vs. 65+. Levels of cannabis use in the past 30 days were categorized as: no use, 1-4 days, 5-20 days; and 21-30 days. Adjusted results indicated that those who reported no cannabis use were from 35% to 47% less likely to report SCD compared to cannabis users at all levels: 1-4 days (OR=0.65, 95%CI=0.46, 0.92); 5-20 days (OR=0.53, 95%CI=0.36,0.78); 21-30 days (OR=.61, 95%CI=0.45,0.83). In multi-group analyses, levels of cannabis use effects on SCD remained statistically significant in the 45-64 age group, but not in the 65+ group. Further research targeting SCD is needed to design interventions particularly for middle-age cannabis users whose health has been compromised by disease or age-related vulnerabilities and are at greater risk for adverse cognitive outcomes from cannabis use.
COVID Vaccine Rollout for Older Adults in the United Kingdom
Authors: Jin Huajie 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
As of early March, at least 22 million adults had received one dose of a Covid vaccine in the UK, with 1.2 million of those fully vaccinated with two shots. Anybody aged 56 and over can book an appointment to get the Covid-19 vaccine. We will provide detailed information later. The symposium has experts from 8 countries. We will use an interview and dialog format, instead of presentations.
Discrimination, Stress, and Health Across the Life Course
Authors: Thorpe Roland , Hill Carl V 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
There is a paucity of research that seeks to understand why race disparities in health across the life course remain elusive. Two such explanations that have been garnering attention is stress and discrimination. This symposium contains papers seeking to address the impact of discrimination or stress on African American health or health disparities across the life course. Brown and colleagues examine the differential effects of chronic stress exposure by means of latent class analysis on mental and physical health in the HRS. Analysis revealed four subgroups, each demonstrated a typological response pattern with the most pronounced health consequences for high stress exposure, appraisal and few or no coping mechanisms. This suggests an alternative approach to examining the stress-health link by using a combined person- and variable-centered approach. Thomas Tobin and colleagues evaluate the life course processes through which early life racial discrimination (ELRD) and racial centrality shape adult allostatic load (AL) among older Blacks in the Nashville Stress and Health Study. Findings indicate that racial centrality is protective against adult high AL for those who experienced racial discrimination as children or adolescents. Cobb and colleagues examine how multiple attributed reasons for everyday discrimination relates to all-cause mortality risk among older Blacks in HRS. The authors report the 3 or more attributed reasons for everyday discrimination is a particularly salient risk factor for mortality in later life. This collection of papers provides insights into how discrimination or stress impacts African American health or health disparities in middle to late life.
Number of Attributed Reasons for Everyday Discrimination and Mortality Among Older Blacks
Authors: Cobb Ryon 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
To date, little is known about the significance of the number of attributions for everyday discrimination on all-cause mortality risk among older Blacks. Data are from a subsample of older Black respondents in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a nationally representative panel study of adults above the age of 50 in the 2006/2008 HRS waves, respondents completed a battery of questions on experience with psychosocial stressors, which included the number of attributed reasons for everyday discrimination. Vital status was obtained from the National Death Index and reports from key household informants (spanning 2006–2016). Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate the risk of mortality. During the 10-year observation period, 450 deaths occurred. A higher number of attributed reasons for everyday discrimination was associated with a higher likelihood of death after adjusting for demographic characteristics and remained significant after further adjustments for other psychosocial, health, behavioral, and economic covariates.
Return Migration as an Asset Maximization Strategy in Retirement
Authors: Sheftel Mara 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Mexican immigrants make up an increasing proportion of the US population 65 and older. Estimating outcomes for this population is complicated by return migration. Due to data limitations, theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence fail to provide clear indication of the economic selection mechanism of return migration, especially at older ages making it difficult to estimate economic determinants of return. Here two waves of data from the US based Health and Retirement Study and the Mexican Health and Aging Study are combined to create a novel dataset that enables a comparison of assets at older ages for those who stay in the US, those who return before age 50 and those who return at 50 and older. Unadjusted results show no difference in total net wealth at older ages between the three groups, with higher business assets among returnees and higher concentration of wealth in home equity among stayers. With evidence of higher inequality among stayers, lower median wealth in Mexico, and asset advantages operating through citizenship, older age return can be interpreted as a means to acquire a higher standard of living in retirement for non-citizen immigrants. Comparing assets between 2000 and 2012 reveal the vulnerability of stayers during the US housing crisis. These findings are novel because they point to return migration as a retirement strategy and expose a source of vulnerability among those Mexican immigrants who remain in the US into older ages.
Racial and Age Group Disparities in the Effect of Social Distancing on Health Status
Authors: Lincoln Karen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
African Americans are dying from COVID-19 at younger ages than Whites. Social distancing (SD) prevents the spread of the virus, but because of work demands, transportation needs, and living arrangements SD may be difficult for many African Americans, many of whom are experiencing higher unemployment, poverty, food insufficiency, and social isolation. This study will determine if the health of African Americans and Whites are differentially impacted by SD measures. SD rules can increase or decrease health disparities by: (a) directly impacting the symptoms and progression of chronic health conditions; (b) influencing availability of protective factors and exposure to risk factors; and (c) mitigating or exacerbating the effects of sources of disparities. These hypotheses will be tested using data from the Understanding America’s COVID Study. Findings can advance understanding of how public health requirements can reduce or increase health disparities and identify protective factors to facilitate adherence to public health guidelines.
Preparing Your Manuscript: Strong and Ethical Scholarly Writing for Multidisciplinary Audiences
Authors: Meeks Suzanne 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This presentation will emphasize the importance of plain, good writing. Editors read 10 or more manuscripts per week with pressure to reject 80-90% of them. If the point and contribution are not clear in a quick scan of the paper, it will not be reviewed favorably. I will provide tips for writing that are commonly violated in submissions, provide references for additional writing support, cover expectations for language consistent with GSA’s Reframing Aging initiative, and discuss some common publication ethics issues that arise during the review process, including author contributions and embedding your scholarship in the context of prior work.
Common Problems That Impact Peer Review
Authors: Anderson Rozalyn 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This presentation will review the most common issues that affect how reviewers see a manuscript submission. These include clarity, use of figures, and attention to existing research, especially establishing the significance and novelty of the work, and how to frame a narrative. I will also address responding to peer review. The focus will be on the biological science perspective (Journals of Gerontology Series A), but these issues are relevant to all submissions to GSA journals.
Formal and Informal Care Use Over the Course of Cognitive Deterioration Among Adults With a Disability
Authors: Choi HwaJung , Langa Kenneth , Norton Edward , Choi Tsai-Chin , Connell Cathleen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The dynamics between formal and informal care among persons with a disability may substantially differ over the course of their cognitive decline.
Based on a nationally representative study of older adults, the analysis sample included 3,685 individuals who had at least one activity of daily living (ADL) limitation. We estimated probabilities of using formal care and informal care in the years before and over the course of dementia after controlling for sociodemographic factors, survey mode, and proxy interview status.
The adjusted probability of receiving care from an informal helper increased before the onset of dementia: 36% in 4 years prior to the onset (T=-4); 46% at T=-2. In contrast, the increase in the probability of using formal care was pronounced primarily at the onset of dementia; for example, the probability of overnight nursing home stay was 12% at T=-2 vs. 31% at T=0, which continued to increase over the subsequent years (39% at T=6). The probability of using nursing home care at the onset was significantly greater for women vs. men (Adjusted risk ratio (ARR)=1.21; p=0.010); non-Hispanic white vs. Hispanic (ARR=1.62; p=0.004); those with low vs. high wealth (ARR=1.60; p &lt; 0.001); those without a spouse vs. with a spouse prior to the onset (ARR=1.39; p &lt; 0.001); and those with all adult children living far vs. at least one coresident adult child prior to the onset (ARR=1.51; p= &lt; 0.001).
Public policies and interventions aimed at providing for the needs of people with dementia should consider disparities in care use across racial/ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
Group Telehealth Interventions Fostering Social Connection Among Older Veterans and Their Families
Authors: Weiskittle Rachel , Mlinac Michelle 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual and telephone visits rapidly replaced most in-person care within the Veterans Health Administration (VA) to reduce virus spread. To address the emerging mental health needs of older Veterans (e.g., isolation, loneliness), we developed an 8-week group treatment manual, deliverable over telephone or videoconference, to foster social connection and address pandemic anxieties. The manual was disseminated in March 2020 as a rapid response to emergent COVID-19 pandemic realities, during which many locations in the United States called for immediate self-quarantine measures for unknown durations. This talk will present the user-centered design of the manual, preliminary feasibility and acceptability findings from provider surveys, and introduce versions of the manual targeting specific populations (e.g., caregivers, Spanish speakers) currently in development or in pilot testing.
Effects of the Co-Occurrence of Diabetes and Tooth Loss on Cognitive Function
Authors: Luo Huabin , Tan Chenxin , Plassman Brenda , Sloan Frank , Schwartz Mark , Adhikari Samrachana , Qi Xiang , Wu Bei 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Using data from the 2006, 2012, and 2018 waves of the Health and Retirement Study, we estimated effects of co-occurrence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and complete tooth loss (CTL), both self-reported, on cognitive function among 10,816 adults age 50+. Cognitive function was measured using a shortened version of the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. Results from the fixed effects linear regression model show that in comparison to those with neither condition, adults having both DM and CTL had the worst cognitive function (b = 1.49, p &lt; 0.001), followed by having CTL alone (b = 0.78, p &lt; 0.001), and having DM alone (b = 0.42, p &lt; 0.001). Our study suggests that CTL is a stronger risk factor for lower cognitive function than DM, and the co-occurrence of DM and CTL poses additive risk. Further research is needed to investigate the pathway from DM and CTL to poor cognition.
Characterizing Perceived Control Over Daily Stress: Longitudinal Changes and Associations With Affect
Authors: Cerino Eric , Mogle Jacqueline , Stawski Robert , Rush Jonathan , Almeida David 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Perceived control is an important psychosocial correlate of healthy aging. Using data from the National Study of Daily Experiences (N=1,047, M=55.82 years, SD=10.35, 57.27% Female), we examined cross-sectional age-related differences and longitudinal aging-related change in perceived control over daily stress across 10 years and explored the influence of stressor control on negative affect (NA) and positive affect (PA). Stressor control, NA, and PA were obtained from telephone interviews over 8 consecutive days in measurement bursts conducted in ~2008 and ~2017. Longitudinal analyses revealed significant declines in stressor control across 10 years (p&lt;.001). Cross-sectional analyses revealed marginally lower stressor control among older individuals (p&lt;.10). Within-person associations revealed lower NA and higher PA on days when stressor control was higher than usual (ps&lt;.001). Results suggest that stressor control declines with age and holds promise as an important component of daily stress processes with relevance for health and well-being outcomes across the lifespan.
A Mismatch Between Theory and Practice in the Transition From Home to a Nursing Home: A Scoping Review
Authors: Groenvynck Lindsay , Fakha Amal , de Boer Bram , Hamers Jan , van Achterberg Matheus , van Rossum Erik , Verbeek Hilde 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The transition from home to a nursing home is a complex process, existing of three transition phases (pre-, mid- and post-transition). It is often fragmented, leading to negative outcomes for older persons and informal caregivers. To prevent these negative outcomes, knowledge of existing transitional care interventions is paramount. Therefore, a scoping review was performed, summarizing current interventions aiming to improve transitional care. The review identified 17 studies, describing eight multi- and five single-component interventions. From the multi-component interventions, seven main components were identified: education, relationships/communication, improving emotional well-being, personalized care, continuity of care, support provision, and ad hoc counseling. This review identified a clear mismatch between theory on optimal transitional care and current transitional care interventions. All interventions focused on either a specific phase or target population throughout the transition process. This inhibits a continuous transition process in which a partnership between all stakeholders involved exists.
Exploring Knowledge, Beliefs, and Attitudes of Older Adults About Prescription Opioids
Authors: Rowan Noell , Arms Tamatha , Glose Susan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Over the past two decades, opioids have been considered important and acceptable in the treatment of pain for older adults, especially for chronic health conditions. Despite the fact that older adults are prescribed opioid medications at high rates, there is little research examining older adults’ knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes about opioid medications. The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes surrounding prescription opioid medications of community living older adults in a southeast area of the United States. A cross-sectional, descriptive, anonymous survey design of participants aged 55 or over was used. Study participants (N=119) reported bias in their attitudes and beliefs about the use and misuse of prescription opioid medications. Multiple regression analyses revealed that gender, age, work, marital status, and education level all had significant results in explaining variance in the statistical models. Even though study participants demonstrated high levels of education and understanding of the potential of addiction to opiates, there were a number of misconceptions revealed about prescription pain medications. This urges the necessity of increased awareness via further research, presentations, and creative discourse to assist in the understanding of precursors of addiction and ways to deal with pain that do not automatically rely on prescription opioid medicines. Implications include outreach to a larger and more diverse sample to address knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes surrounding prescription opioid medications of community living older adults.