bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age-Related Decline in Pragmatic Reasoning of Older Adults
Authors: Yow W Quin , Lee Jia Wen , Li Xiaoqian 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
As speech is often ambiguous, pragmatic reasoning—the process of integrating multiple sources of information including semantics, ostensive cues and contextual information (Bohn & Frank, 2019)—is essential to understanding a speaker’s intentions. Despite current literature suggesting that certain social cognitive processes such as gaze-processing (Slessor et al., 2014) appear to be impaired in late adulthood, it is not well understood if pragmatic reasoning decline with age. Here, we examined young adults’ (aged 19-25; n=41) and older adults’ (aged 60-79; n=41) ability to engage in pragmatic reasoning in a cue integration task. In Experiment 1, participants had to integrate contextual (participants and speaker knew there were two novel objects but the latter could only see one), semantic (“There’s the [novel-label]” or “Where’s the [novel-label]”), and gaze (speaker looked at the mutually-visible object) cues to identify the referent (Nurmsoo & Bloom, 2008). In Experiment 2, participants received contextual and semantic cues less gaze cue. In both experiments, the target referent object for “There” and “Where” trials was the mutually-visible object and the object the speaker could not see respectively. Overall, young adults outperformed older adults, even in the simpler two-cue Experiment 2 (ps&lt;.006). While older adults were significantly above chance in “There” trials for both experiments as well as “Where” trials in Experiment 2 (ps&lt;.05), they had specific difficulty in integrating three cues in “Where” trials, where a more sophisticated interpretation of the multiple cues was required (p=.42). Our findings provide important insights into an age-related decline of pragmatic reasoning in older adults.
High Cognitive Load Situations With Different Conversation Topics Affect Walking Speed and Cognitive Complexity
Authors: Kim Hyeon Jung , Yentes Jennifer , Venema Dawn , Boron Julie Blaskewicz 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Walking and talking on the phone are common high-cognitive-load-situations (HCLS; e.g. dual-tasks), requiring extra attentional allocation and increasing perceived stress. We explored whether two load types, 1) single-task (ST) walking or talking on a phone and 2) HCLS walking while talking on a phone, influenced walking and/or cognitive performance among young (n=7; age=23.00±2.08yrs), middle-aged (n=14; age=44.79±7.42yrs), and older (n=15; age=74.47±3.91yrs) adults while controlling for perceived stress. Participants completed 3-minute trials of single-task walking (ST-W), single-task phone conversations with common (e.g., weather; ST-C) and uncommon topics (e.g., life experience; ST-U), and walking while talking on a phone (HCLS-C and HCLS-U). Walking speed was analyzed with 3(ST-W;HCLS-C;HCLS-U) x 3(Age) ANCOVA. HCLS resulted in slower walking speed (p&lt;.001). Older adults exhibited slower speed across conditions compared to young (p=.015). Cognitive complexity (i.e., conversational tone and words greater than six letters (SIXLTR)) on the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) were analyzed with 2(Cvs.U) x 2(STvs.HCLS) x 3(Age) ANCOVAs. Older age was associated with less cognitive complexity; positive tone (p=.014) and SIXLTR (p=.016), respectively in conversations. Uncommon topics reduced positive tone (p=.022) and SIXLTR (p=.003). Effects of HCLS on tone (p=.040) and SIXLTR (p=.005) varied with age. HCLS with different conversation topics resulted in reduced walking and cognitive complexity while controlling for perceived stress. The analysis of cognitive complexity using common/uncommon conversation topics is a novel method to assess the impact of HCLS. This research will disrupt the transformation of aging leading to a better understanding of attentional allocation and its effects on function.
Is Susceptibility to Default Effects Associated with Age?
Authors: Nolte Julia , Loeckenhoff Corinna 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Older adults are more likely to avoid making decisions than younger adults are. Because the underlying reasons are poorly understood, the present study investigated the potential role of age differences in susceptibility to default effects. Defaults facilitate decision avoidance because decision makers are more likely to passively accept than to actively reject pre-selected default options. A representative lifespan sample (N = 500, Mage = 49.90, SDage = 19.34, 51% female, 67% non-Hispanic White) responded to a pre-registered online study. Participants completed one default effect task comprising two scenarios, one requiring opt-out and one requiring opt-in decisions (i.e., 15 vs. 0 pre-selected features each). Susceptibility to defaults was assessed through the discrepancy between scenarios. In addition, we collected data on known determinants of default effect compliance (i.e., perceived endowment, endorsement, ease, importance of the choice, and experience making similar choices) as well as post-decisional affect. Finally, participants responded to assessments of demographic background, personality, socioemotional and health status, and cognitive ability. Susceptibility to default effects was evident both at the individual and the group level (i.e., across and within scenarios). Unlike hypothesized, older age did not predict greater susceptibility, and older adults were less rather than more likely to endorse determinants of default effect compliance. Of the covariates assessed, only identifying as non-Hispanic White, greater perceived endorsement, and greater perceived ease predicted decision makers’ susceptibility to default effects. Thus, results did not support our assumption that age differences in decision avoidance might reflect age-related increments in the acceptance of decision defaults.
Integrating Humanities and Arts Into Gerontology and Geriatrics Curricula
Authors: O'Neill Desmond , Bradley Dana , Powers James 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Humanities, Arts and Cultural Gerontology (HACG) has been an integral element of GSA for over 4 decades, and is included as a notable feature of AGHE guidelines on curricula for gerontology and geriatrics. However, as with many interdisciplinary areas, the degree to which HACG has been successfully inserted into curricula, the extent to which this has involved engagement of faculty in arts and humanities, and the facilitators and barriers of such deeper joint working are unknown. The HACG Advisory Panel and AGHE would like to convene a round-table/symposium at the 2021 Phoenix GSA Meeting to consider the range of experiences of educators of programs in gerontology/geriatrics, from those who can relate success stories in integrating HACG into their curricula, to those who can give insights into challenges and opportunities in attempts to develop such elements in their curricula. Co-convened by Des O'Neill, Chair HACG AP and Dana Burr Bradley AGHE Program Chair, we invite lively discussion which we consider will aid in the development of a road map towards substantive and rewarding initiatives in incorporating scholarship and education in HACG in gerontology and geriatrics educational program
Race-Discordant School Attendance and Cognitive Function in Later Life
Authors: Carr Dawn , Reynolds John 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Early schooling plays an important role in shaping cognitive development, both due to the level of academic rigor and the social environment of primary and secondary schools. This is reflected in current racial disparities in cognitive function in later life. Older minorities who attended predominantly White schools with more resources experienced significant cognitive benefits. This study explores whether there are benefits to cognitive functioning in later life from having attended socially diverse schools in early life. We examine the effects of having attended schools composed primarily of different race peers—race discordant schools (RDS)—among Black, Hispanic, and White older adults. Using retrospective and prospective data from the Health and Retirement Study, we examine the association between RDS exposure and four measures of cognitive function (working memory, episodic memory, mental status, overall cognitive function). We assess function at age 55 and 70, and examine change in functioning between age 55 and 70. We find that RDS exposed Blacks and Hispanics experience significant benefits in cognitive function at age 55, but only Blacks experience benefits at age 70. RDS exposed Whites reported higher overall working memory at age 70 relative to Whites in non-RDS schools, suggesting a cognitive benefit from diversity. Results suggest that exposure to more racially diverse school environments have potentially beneficial effects on cognitive function over the life course. Our findings suggest that the cultivation of diversity in schools could be an important long-term public health investment.
Transcranial Brain Stimulation Improves Cognition in Older Adults With Depression and Anxiety
Authors: Figeys Mathieu , Kim Esther , Leung Ada , Raso Jim , Kammerer Hubert , Rawani David ,   Glenrose Geriatric Research Team (Alberta Health Services)
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Older adults admitted to hospital for rehabilitation often have some degree of concomitant cognitive impairment, which may be a barrier to optimizing rehabilitation approaches. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a type of non-invasive brain stimulation, delivers a low electrical current across the brain. The neuromodulatory effects of tDCS can be of therapeutic benefit and has been shown to augment cognitive functions in both healthy and clinical populations. This study investigated the effects of tDCS on cognition in older adult inpatients with depression or anxiety. It was hypothesized that anodal tDCS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex would increase cognitive performance compared to a placebo group. Twenty adults between 65 to 86 years of age admitted to the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital with underlying depression or anxiety were recruited. Anodal (n=10) or sham (n=10) tDCS stimulation was administered at 1.5mA over 20 minutes, for 10-15 sessions based on participant availability. Cognitive assessments were administered before and after the tDCS protocol. Anodal tDCS stimulation resulted in significant gains on the Symbol Digit Modality Test, Trail Making Test Part A, and Forward Digit Span. This study demonstrated a tDCS-invoked cognitive enhancement in the domains of attention, information processing speed, and short-term memory processes. With the rapidly ageing population, tDCS may be a potential therapeutic option for cognitive enhancement and may be beneficial in ageing-related cognitive-disorders including mild cognitive impairment and dementia.
Educational Mobility Through Marriage and Risk of Cognitive Impairment in Late Life
Authors: Fu Rong 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Objectives: Marriage represents a long-term intimate relationship involving high levels of interaction and shared resources. Education, as an inter-individual resource, may influence the health status of an individual and his/her spouse. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of educational mobility through marriage on the risk of cognitive impairment in older adults. Methods: Data were derived from the 2014 wave of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. The final sample included 1,396 married men and 671 married women aged 65 years and older. Cognitive impairment was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE). The gender-specific effect of educational mobility on the risk of cognitive impairment was tested by logistic regression analyses. Results: Older men who experienced downward educational mobility through marriage had a higher risk of cognitive impairment, when compared to their upwardly mobile counterparts. This association was not observed in women. Having more years of schooling protected both men and women from being cognitive impaired in late life. Discussion: These findings provide further evidence that downward socioeconomic mobility through marriage is associated with adverse health outcomes. Yet, the impact of spousal education on health must be understood through the lens of gender. Potential mechanisms that may link spousal education to cognition over the life course were discussed, including health literacy, health behaviors, and household resources.
Evidence for a Specific Association Between Sustained Attention and Gait Speed in Middle-to-Older-Aged Adults
Authors: Aul Courtney , Park Hannah , DeGutis Joseph , Lo On-Yee , Poole Victoria , Bean Jonathan , Leritz Elizabeth , Esterman Michael 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Although cognitive decline has previously been associated with mobility limitations and frailty, the relationship between sustained attention and gait speed is incompletely characterized. To better quantify the specificity of the sustained attention and gait speed association, we examined the extent to which this relationship is unique rather than accounted for by executive functioning and physical health characteristics. 58 middle-to-older-aged community-dwelling adults without overt illness or diseases (45-90 years old, 21 females) participated in the study. Each participant completed a 4-meter gait speed assessment and validated neuropsychological tests to examine various domains of executive functions including working memory (i.e., Digit Span), inhibitory control (i.e., Stroop Color Word Test), and task switching (i.e., Trail Making Test). Multiple physical and vascular risk factors were also evaluated. Sustained attention was assessed using the gradual onset continuous performance task (gradCPT), a well validated go/no-go sustained attention task. A series of linear regression models were created to examine how different aspects of cognition, including sustained attention and traditional measures of executive functioning, related to gait speed while controlling for a variety of physical and vascular risk factors. Among all predictors, gradCPT accuracy explained the most variance in gait speed (R2 = 0.21, p &lt; 0.001) and was the only significant predictor (β = 0.36, p = 0.01) when accounting for executive functioning and other physical and vascular risk factors. The present results indicate that sustained attention may be uniquely sensitive and mechanistically linked to mobility limitations in middle-to-older adults.
Change in Stress and Positive Experiences among Older Oregonians during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kurth Maria , Lee Hye Soo , Choun Soyoung , Lee Dylan , Aldwin Carolyn 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Several cross-sectional studies have examined stressors and positive events among older adults during COVID-19. We extend these studies by examining changes across time in perceptions of stress and positive experiences. Older adults in Oregon (Mage = 71.1, SD = 7.3, range = 51-95) completed weekly surveys from April 28 to June 23, responding to an adaptation of the Daily Stress Inventory (DISE; Almeida et al., 2002). DISE examines stressors and positive experiences across six domains (health, spouse/partner, other relationships, work/volunteer, finances, and retirement) on a 7-point scale (1 = not at all to 7 = extremely). At baseline, those who felt more stressed were younger, female, and reported more chronic health conditions, while younger adults, especially males, reported more positive events. Positive and stress intensity scores were not correlated. Multilevel models found that for both positive, Blinear = -2.54, SE = 0.52, p &lt; .001; Bquadratic = 0.21, p &lt; .05, and stress, Blinear = -0.79, p &lt; .001; Bquadratic = 0.07, p &lt;.01, intensity showed decelerated decreases across time; residuals for both models were significant. Older adults had lower stress levels, while women and those with chronic health conditions had higher stress levels. Women also reported lower levels of positive events. In both models, neither age, gender, nor chronic health conditions predicted change. These results highlight the evolving experiences during COVID-19, as perceptions of stress and positive events decreased. Future studies should examine how the changing circumstances during COVID-19 affect adaptation, including perceived stress and positive events.
Emergency Preparedness in 2010 and Concerns About COVID-19: Evidence from the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Killian Timothy , Garrison Betsy , McNeill Charleen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Emergency preparations are particularly important for older persons as age-related vulnerabilities increase risk of morbidity and mortality associated with disasters. The novel COVID-19 virus combined with the ongoing efforts of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) has provided researchers with the opportunity to examine how emergency preparedness was related to responses to the COVID-19 disaster approximately 10years later. The data for this study were generated from participants in the HRS.. This study only examined data from participants in both the disaster preparedness sub-sample of 2010 and COVID-19 sub-sample in 2020 resulting in data from 249 participants. In 2020, participants were asked how concerned they were about COVID-19 and whether or not they had been tested for the virus. This study found that disaster preparations in 2010 predicted lower levels of concern about COVID-19 in 2020. The differences in the means for all items, however, was not large enough to reach statistical significance with one exception, participating in an educational program about disaster preparedness (Wilcoxon-Z = -1.88, p &lt; .05). Disaster preparations were associated with an increased likelihood of getting tested for COVID-19 for four of the six items. Statistical significance, however, was only achieved for a single item. Participants who had supplies for a three-day emergency in 2010 had higher rates of getting tested in 2020 (24.84%) as compared to those who did not have supplies for a three-day emergency (14.13%; χ2 = 4.03, p &lt; .05). If accepted for presentation, implications for an array of audiences will be developed.
Online Leisure Activities for Sustained Mental Health Well-being in Older Adults with COVID-19 Mitigation
Authors: Rivera-Torres Solymar , Mpofu Elias , Keller M Jean , Ingman Stan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Older adults (OA) experience psychosocial distress from the COVID-19 pandemic mitigations. While their participation in leisure and recreation activities (LRA) would be ameliorating, we do not know how LRA OA engages for their mental health (MH) well-being with COVID-19 mitigation. This scoping review aimed to trend the evidence on the types of LRA OA engage for their MH well-being across the young-old continuum (60-69 years) through to older-old (80 years and above) in the COVID-19 pandemic. We searched the following electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane, JBI-ES, and Epistemonicos for LRA studies by OA with COVID-19 mitigation. To be included, we considered empirical articles published in English on LRA of OA 55+ years-old. Another criterion required articles describing those activities' qualities and the impact of LRA on MH and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. We resulted in seven empirical studies, two of which implemented in the USA and one from the USA and Canada, Spain, Israel, and Japan. Findings following narrative synthesis revealed trending evidence on OA to engage in online LRA for social, cognitive /intellectual, and emotional health. Leisure-time physical activity reduced negative MH symptoms as anxiety and depression in OA under COVID-19 threat. In conclusion, the present review's trending evidence suggests that OA engagement in social, physical, mental, and cognitive LRA enhanced their MH and overall well-being. Activities delivered by way of the Internet and television provided a cluster of beneficial opportunities for the OA mental health needs under the COVID-19 pandemic.
Launching the Living Alone With Cognitive Impairment (LACI) Project: Bridging Research and Policy
Authors: Portacolone Elena , Johnson Julene , Torres Jacqueline , Glymour M Maria , Keiser Sahru , Tran Thi 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The Living Alone with Cognitive Impairment (LACI) Project bridges research and policy to develop policy recommendations to address the needs of people living alone with cognitive impairment (PLACI) through new expansions of long-term services and supports. There are an estimated 4.3 million PLACI in the United States. Access to formal LTSS is critical to them because they lack cohabitants to assist with activities of daily living and navigating LTSS, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. To bridge research with policy, seventeen Policy Advisory Group (PAG) members were recruited, including representatives from state and local government, and LTSS policy experts. Between November 2020-January 2021, a total of 17 individual meetings were conducted with PAG members and one webinar convening of the group. The PAG identified preliminary recommendations in three areas, including: 1) important areas of inquiry for qualitative and quantitative research, 2) best practices for addressing equity across diverse racial/ethnic minority groups, and 3) preliminary policy recommendations that leverage existing innovations. The LACI Project team is actively incorporating the PAG feedback by: a) modifying research questions for the quantitative and qualitative research, b) convening a diverse Community Advisory Group, and c) crafting preliminary policy recommendations based on PAG input. To conclude, engaging the expertise of the PAG to develop policy recommendations to increase LTSS for PLACI is a promising method of bridging research and policy. The engagement of policy experts ensures that fore-coming research is designed to address the most important policy gaps and all policy recommendations are actionable and timely.
Transfers among Long-term Nursing Home Residents during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Montoya Ana , Chang Chiang-Hua , Park Pil , Bynum Julie 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Transferring long-term nursing home residents between facilities can compromise the quality of life and be associated with functional decline, hospitalizations, and even death. This study aimed to examine transfer rates and identify risk factors associated with transfers among long-term nursing home residents before (2018-2019) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020). Using the Michigan state Minimum Data Set data 2018-2020, we identified long-term residents as those who stayed in nursing homes for at least 100 days each year (N=39,693, 39,454, and 35,575, respectively). We defined a facility-to-facility transfer as a direct transfer between two nursing homes. We first examined the likelihood of transfer by year using logistic regression models, adjusting for residents’ age, sex, race, and marital status. We then examined two health statuses that could be associated with a transfer: activities of daily living (ADL) and cognitive impairment. Finally, we compared transfers that occurred before COVID-19 (2018-2019) and during COVID-19 (2020), adjusting for residents’ demographic characteristics and health statuses. After adjustment, age was the only factor associated with transfers for all three years (Age&gt;=80: AOR=0.61, 95% CI: 0.54-0.69; AOR=0.63, 95% CI: 0.55-0.72; AOR=0.71, 95% CI: 0.63-0.80, respectively). New risk factors in 2020 were Black race (AOR=1.22, 95% CI: 1.07-1.40) and requiring ADL assistance (AOR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.03-1.49). The COVID-19 period had higher transfer rate (unadjusted rates 2.9%, 2.7%, 3.5%, respectively) with 10% higher odds of transfer compared to before COVID-19 (AOR=1.10, 95% CI: 1.01-1.20). This finding suggests that COVID-19 has an impact on how nursing home transferred their long-term residents.