bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are Age Differences Between Partners Related To Gender and Generations Among Middle-Aged And Older Asian Americans?
Authors: Ye Minzhi , Mei Di 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Previous research has shown that women who immigrate to the United States tend to partner with much older spouses. However, most studies have focused on young people and first-generations. Spousal age differences among older Asian Americans with different generations have not been well studied. Using data from the Annual Social and Economic Supplement survey (2013-2019), we employed the segmented assimilation theory to test 7,064 married middle-aged and older (50+) Asian Americans. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to understand the association between spousal age differences and individual background, including gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, generation, and marriage types. Of the 3,342 men, 20% were married to wives at least 6 years younger and 2% were married to wives at least 6 years older. Men who were Japanese or had inter-ethnical marriages were more likely to marry women at least 6 years older. Men who were Indian, Vietnamese, or having an interracial marriage were more likely to marry women at least 6 years younger. Of the 3,722 women, 3% were married to husbands at least six years younger and 19% were married to husbands at least six years older. Women who were Indian or Vietnamese were more likely to marry men at least six years older. Women who had a high school diploma or were third-plus generation were more likely to marry men at least 6 years younger. The findings reflect the complexity of Asian senior marriage and provide insight for policymakers to design new or improved social integration programs for senior immigrants.
Adults Aging With Spinal Cord Injury: Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors for Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Park Seeun , Bratzke Lisa 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
With the increased life expectancy, people aging with spinal cord injury (SCI) are more likely to experience chronic conditions, including diabetes mellitus (DM). The results of previous literature related to the prevalence of DM are mixed and risk factors associated with diagnosis of DM after SCI are not well defined. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of DM and explore associated risk factors for diagnosis of DM among adults aging with long-standing spinal cord injury in the United States. This is a secondary data analysis using the National Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems Database. Participants included 516 people age 45 and older who have been living with SCI for more than 10 years. The prevalence of DM in this sample was 13.2%. Multivariate logistic regression, controlling for confounding variables, was conducted to identify risk factors associated with DM diagnosis in this sample. The multivariate logistic regression model found that the participants who responded with less severe SCI measured by the ASIA impairment scale were less likely to be diagnosed with DM (OR=0.332, p=.017). Also, DM was found to be significantly associated with BMI (OR=1.043, p=.010) and age (OR=1.038, p= .010) respectively. Duration of disability was not significantly associated with DM. Future research is needed to validate these findings and identify other common risk factors for DM such as diet/nutrition. Further, exploration of the effect size of risk factors is also warranted. Such findings will inform interventions to aid prevention and early detection of DM.
Brain Magnetic Susceptibility is Associated With Slower Gait in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Poole Victoria , Dawe Robert , Luergans Sue , Bennett David , Buchman Aron , Arfanakis Konstantinos 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Age-related slowing of gait is exceedingly common and a robust predictor of various adverse health outcomes in older age. Prior neuroimaging studies have documented diverse non-specific structural brain abnormalities which are related to slow gait; however, the extent to which quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM), which measures regional magnetic susceptibility in the brain, associates with gait speed remains unexplored. In the current study, 415 non-demented community-dwelling older adults (91 males; 81+/- 7 years) underwent an MRI (Siemens 3T TIM Trio) and in-home motor assessment. Gait speed was measured and averaged across 2 timed 8-ft walks. MR-acquired QSM data were pre-processed, registered to ICBM template, and spatially smoothed with a 5mm FWHM Gaussian kernel. When these maps entered group-level GLMs, voxel-wise associations with gait speed were of interest, after adjusting for demographics. We observed very strong negative associations between gait speed and magnetic susceptibility, such that those with slower gait had higher susceptibility in bilateral inferior frontal, superior temporal, and angular gyri (corrected p&lt;.0005). Robust associations were also observed in the middle frontal, precentral, and postcentral gyri of the right hemisphere. These novel findings suggest that reduced myelination or increased iron accumulation in these brain regions may contribute to impaired gait. Future work will need to determine to what extent these cross-sectional QSM metrics are independent predictors of incident adverse health outcomes when controlling for other common brain imaging abnormalities observed in older adults.
Dual-task gait speed and mobility are positively associated with declarative memory
Authors: Gray Michelle , Paulson Sally , Gills Joshua , Madero Erica , Myers Jennifer , Campitelli Anthony , Jones Megan , Glenn Jordan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
In the US, it is not recommended to perform routine screening assessments for cognitive function or impairment among older adults, due to the lack of effective pharmacological treatments. These common practices result in delayed identification and treatments for slowing cognitive decline progression. Thus, the purpose of the present investigation was to determine the ability to predict cognition from common measures of physical function. Seventy-five community-dwelling older adults (80.7±5.4 years) completed physical function and cognitive assessments. Physical function was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), peak velocity during a power sit-to-stand task, and dual-task walking test. Cognition (declarative memory) was assessed using a validated Visual Paired Comparison test. 38% of the variance in cognition was accounted for by the predictor variables (age, sex, education, SPPB, dual-task, peak velocity). Significant predictors included dual-task walking (p = .03), SPPB (p = .02), and education (p = .02). For each 1 second faster during the dual-task performance, cognition increased by 4 percentile units. Likewise, each 1 unit increase in SPPB resulted in an increase of 4 percentile points in cognition. The results indicate more than a third of the variance in declarative memory can be predicted by commonly assessed measures of physical function. This information is useful when identifying older adults that may have cognitive impairment before overt signs are realized. With the lack of recommended cognitive testing, using physical function declines to identify possible cognitive decline is promising. These results are preliminary in nature and longitudinal determination is warranted.
Exploring the Intersection of Chronic Disease, Function, and Social Care in Adult Day Care Clients With Dementia
Authors: Sadarangani Tina , Boafo Jonelle , Wu Bei , Brody Abraham , Yu Gary 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The interrelationships among dementia, concomitant disease, and social determinants of health are poorly understood and have critical implications for disease course, treatments, and caregiving needs. The aim of this study was to identify patterns of co-occurring chronic conditions among persons with dementia and the relationship of these patterns with clinical characteristics, demographic predictors and functional status. A latent class analysis (LCA) was conducted using data from 53 California adult day centers (n=3,053). Four distinct groups emerged: “dementia only”; “dementia +: &gt; 2; + &gt; 3; + &gt;5 chronic conditions. Having dementia + &gt;5 was associated (p &lt;.001) with greater risk of falls, isolation, medication mismanagement, and reduced likelihood of using an adaptive device. Dementia in day center clients is complicated by clinical conditions, functional decline, and a need for supports that may be lacking. Center staff must be trained and resourced to manage the complex needs of persons with dementia.
Age and Gender Demographics Predict Compliance with COVID-19 Public Health Measures: Data from a Global Sample
Authors: Heemskerk Amber , Lin Tian , Harris Elizabeth , Van Bavel Jay , Ebner Natalie 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The COVID-19 global pandemic has brought far-reaching consequences on individual and societal levels. Social distancing and physical hygiene constitute effective public health measures to limit the spread of the virus. The current study investigates individual age and gender demographics, in interaction with a country’s human development index (HDI), as crucial factors influencing compliance with public health measures in a large multi-national adult lifespan sample. This report leverages data from a large-scale international collaboration (Van Bavel et al., 2020; https://psyarxiv.com/ydt95/) comprising 45,576 individuals from 66 countries/territories. Participants provided self-reports of their compliance/agreement with three public health measures (i.e., spatial distancing, physical hygiene, policy support). Older age, female gender, and lower HDI were independently associated with greater compliance with public health measures. In addition, a significant three-way interaction between participant age, participant gender, and a country’s HDI revealed that compliance was lowest in younger adults from well-developed countries, while compliance was highest among females across all ages from less-developed countries. Compliance with public health measures is crucial in effectively reducing coronavirus spread. Our findings suggest that age and gender as individual-level demographics, in tandem with HDI as a country-level predictor, affect individuals’ willingness to comply with public health measures. These results highlight the potential of data-driven, tailored (i.e., towards specific demographics) health campaigns and public policies in the fight against a global pandemic.
Exploring older adults’ lived experiences of COVID-19: A narrative inquiry study
Authors: Rogers-Jarrell Tia , Meisner Brad 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
COVID-19 dramatically changed daily life for older adults in numerous and complex ways. Research is calling for an understanding on how COVID-19 has and will impact aging, and older adults’ lived experiences with aging, within the context of the pandemic. Social and physical distancing guidelines have put older adults at an increased risk for social isolation. Intergenerational tensions have also intensified during the pandemic, and early research states the labeling of older adults as a homogenous and “vulnerable” group can lead to an increased risk of ageism in their communities. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore how community-dwelling older adults (ages 65 and greater) experience daily life amid the COVID-19 pandemic using a biopsychosocial approach. This study employs a critical qualitative narrative inquiry design. Data will be collected through solicited diaries and semi-structured individual interviews (via telephone and video conferencing software). Data will be analyzed thematically and involve a re-storying of the findings. Preliminary results will be presented and discussed. This study aims to inform new and critical perspectives that broaden our understanding of how the overall health, wellness, and quality of life of older adults can be supported. Findings contribute to the current and developing knowledge of older adults’ first-person accounts of their experiences within the COVID-19 pandemic.
Framing the COVID-19 Pandemic Through a Family Lens: Results of a Qualitative Thematic Analysis
Authors: Gilbert Lauren , Adepoju Omolola , woodard LeChauncy , Howard Daniel 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: The growing proportion of older adults in the U.S. population tends to be most vulnerable to the effects of natural disasters such as pandemics. To date, little has been done to counteract the impacts of public health emergencies and disasters on the aging populations, particularly in African American and Latinx communities. Methods: We administered a survey to community-dwelling minority older adults, 55+, in the Houston metroplex, between 11/2020 and 01/2021. The survey assessed how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted minority older adults. This thematic analysis focused on open-ended questions regarding daily health management, biggest health concerns, and personal experiences with COVID-19. Results: A total of 575 older adults completed the survey. The mean age was 69 years, 74% were female, 71% reported English as their primary language and 27% were college educated. Three main themes of COVID-19 related concerns emerged from the thematic data analysis: 1) Fear of contracting COVID-19 from family members and fear of passing COVID-19 on to family members. 2) Social needs, including prolonged isolation from family/friends to stay safe, obtaining basic necessitates such as food, medications, and transportation . (3) Personal experiences focused on COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths of family/community members. Conclusions: These older minority adults framed their experiences and concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic through the lens of family and their community. Their personal relationships permeated their responses and demonstrate the importance of integrating a family lens into future disaster planning, response and recovery efforts for minority older adults.
Missed Opportunities for Compassion: A Call to Action for Incarcerated Individuals Denied Compassionate Release
Authors: Morton Claire , Nathan Rachel , Chacko Anjana , Kheirbek Raya 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
In 2016, a total of 4,117 state and federal prisoners died in publicly or privately operated prisons. Each year from 2001 to 2016, an average of 88% of deaths in state prisons were due to natural causes, with more than half of those due to cancer, heart disease or liver disease, conditions for which non-incarcerated citizens often benefit from palliative care and hospice. Prisoners age 55 and older are the fastest-growing segment of the population residing in prisons, as well as those with the highest mortality rate. Compassionate release of seriously ill prisoners became a matter of federal statute in 1984 and has currently been adopted by the majority of U.S. prison jurisdictions. The spirit of the mandate is based on the idea that catastrophic health conditions ie terminal illness affect the four principles of incarceration: retribution, rehabilitation, deterrence, and incapacitation. Concerned about an aging prison population, overcrowded facilities, and soaring costs, many policy makers are calling for a wider use of compassionate release for persons with terminal illness as well as broader prison reform. The prognosticating criteria of compassionate release guidelines are clinically flawed, and the application and procedural barriers are prohibitive. In this paper we review cases of patients who qualified for compassionate release but had their applications denied. We will discuss the urgent need for access to quality palliative medicine for incarcerated persons with advanced illness and call healthcare providers to action with the aim of reducing suffering and promoting social justice for those in need.
Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain and Analgesic Treatment Among Home-Dwelling Older Adults: Changes 1999–2019
Authors: Lehti Tuuli , Pitkälä Kaisu 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Pain has been shown to be undertreated in the older population. At the same time, the increased opioid use is of concern in the Western world. This study analyzes temporal trends in pain management among home-dwelling people aged 75 to 95 using cross-sectional cohort data spanning 20 years. The Helsinki Aging Study recruited random samples aged 75, 80, 85, 90, and 95 in 1999, 2009, and 2019. In total, 5,707 community-dwelling people participated in the questionnaire survey. Participants reported their medical diagnoses, regular prescription medications, and the presence of back pain or joint pain within the last 2 weeks (never, sometimes, or daily). We compared analgesics use in people reporting musculoskeletal pain and in people not reporting pain in 1999, 2009, and 2019. Of participants, 57–61% reported intermittent or daily musculoskeletal pain. The percentage of people taking a daily analgesic increased from 9% in 1999 to 16% in 2019. The use of NSAIDs decreased from 1999 to 2019, while the use of paracetamol increased from 2% to 11%. Of participants, 3% took daily opioids in 2019. Of those reporting daily musculoskeletal pain, 20% in 1999, 35% in 2009 and 32% in 2019 took regular pain medication. Pain remains undertreated in the older population, although the use of regular prescribed analgesics increased from 1999. The use of NSAIDs diminished, while the use of paracetamol increased. Daily opioid use remained modest from 1999 to 2019.
Reliabilities of mean and variability of ambulatory pain among community dwelling older adults
Authors: Hyun Jinshil , Qin Jiyue , Wang Cuiling , Katz Mindy , Pavlovic Jelena , Derby Carol , Lipton Richard 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Individual’s pain experiences vary substantially over time periods, and the variability in pain may be an important metric to predict health consequences. However, research on its reliability is lacking among older adults. We aimed to examine the reliabilities of both intra-individual mean (IIM) and intra-individual variability (IIV) of subjective pain reports assessed using ecological momentary assessments (EMA) among racially diverse, community dwelling older adults. Participants were from the Einstein Aging Study (N=311, age=70-91) and completed a 14-day EMA protocol which included self-reports of pain intensity 6 times a day. Pain IIV was quantified using intraindividual standard deviation (iSD). We followed Wang and Grimm(2012)’s approach to calculate the reliability of IIM and IIV. Over a 2-week period, we found excellent reliabilities for both pain IIM (.99) and pain IIV (.91), showing that these measures are reliable and can be used to link with various health outcomes among community dwelling older adults. We also estimated the average number of assessments that produce acceptable levels of reliability. The average of 2 assessments for pain IIM and 23 assessments for pain IIV produced values that exceeded reliability score of .80, suggesting that a briefer study design may be used to reduce participants’ burden with reliable pain metrics. Future studies need to examine whether pain IIV is associated with cognitive, emotional, and physical health among older adults and whether intervention studies that target to reduce pain IIV improve health consequences.
Associations of pain severity and mobility with age in chronic low back pain: does the type of assessment matter?
Authors: Buchanan Taylor , Rumble Deanna , Allen-Watts Kristen , O'Neal Katie , Quinn Tammie , Buford Thomas , Goodin Burel 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Chronic low back pain (cLBP) can lead to severe pain symptoms as well as disability in adults. As individuals age, pain symptoms and mobility outcomes can become increasingly debilitating. However, current findings regarding the influence of age on symptoms and outcomes are mixed and may be attributed to the assessment methodologies for pain and mobility. Therefore, we sought to examine the association of age with broad and specific assessments of pain severity and mobility commonly implemented in adults with cLBP. cLBP participants (n = 158) completed questionnaires regarding pain intensity and disability including demographics, Clinical Pain Assessment (CPA) and the Oswestry Low Back Pain questionnaire (OLBP). Participants also completed assessments of movement-evoked pain and difficulty by performing the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Pearson’s chi-square tests and regression-based analyses were conducted using SPSS version 26.0. Among cLBP participants, age was associated with pain-related disability indexed by section one of the OLBPS regarding pain intensity (F= 5.0, p&lt;.05), and mobility via total SPPB score (F= 11.7, p&lt;.05). Interestingly, age predicted greater self-reported difficulty climbing stairs (F= 21.7, p&lt;.05), performing chores (F= 17.0, p&lt;.05), walking (F= 14.0, p&lt;.05), and running errands (F= 13.4, p&lt;.05) from the CPA. Further, age predicted total balance (F= 3.2, p&lt;.05), gait speed (F= 7.8, p&lt;.05), and chair stand (F= 6.5, p&lt;.05) scores of SPPB. Age is associated with questionnaires assessing cLBP pain severity and is also associated with mobility outcomes. Future research should seek to understand the influence of age on movement-evoked pain in cLBP.
Challenges with Pain Treatment for Rural Older Adults: Family Caregivers' Views
Authors: Noh Hyunjin , Won Cho Rong , Suntai Zainab 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Family caregivers face various challenges in assisting older adults experiencing pain and difficult symptoms. Living in rural areas poses additional obstacles to their caregiving. The purpose of this study was to explore family caregivers’ lived experiences in caring for older adults with pain and discomfort in rural communities. A qualitative research design was adopted to capture the common essence of participants’ experiences through a phenomenological method. Purposeful sampling was used, and the participant criteria was: age 18+, have good thinking skills, resident of Alabama, provide unpaid assistance to a family/relative who has chronic/serious health conditions and experienced pain/discomfort in the last 3 months. Ten participants were recruited from rural counties of Alabama. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted via phone and were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Inductive, thematic analysis of the data revealed themes in five categories: 1) impact of pain (physical and psychological/emotional toll), 2) coping strategies (faith/contentment with life/logistical adaptation), 3) impact of Covid-19 (physical health/social interaction/mental health/added caregiving), 4) challenges in pain treatment (transportation (time/distance/driver/cost) and non-transportation related problems (healthcare provider issues/health insurance/financial burden)), and 5) suggestions (transportation-related (more transportation options/tailored services) and non-transportation-related support (home-based services/better health insurance coverage)). Findings of this study highlight rural family caregivers’ unique experiences in assisting older adults’ access to pain treatment, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. Policy- and program-level intervention is called for to increase individualized transportation options, improve health insurance coverage, and expand financial support for rural older adults experiencing pain and their caregivers.