bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A FIRST LOOK AT THE HEALTHY AGING INITIATIVE: YEAR ONE RESULTS
Authors: Gilfix Talia , Quigley Molly , Andrews Heather , Cappon Davide , Syme Maggie , Pascual-Leone Alvaro 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The Healthy Aging Initiative (HAI) is a Boston-based longitudinal observational study assessing functional ability and well-being in 55+ adults residing in independent-living senior communities. Participants undergo assessments to evaluate modifiable risk factors for disability and dementia: mobility, cognition, strength, functional status, lifestyle factors, and mental wellness. Timely feedback/results are provided to empower meaningful changes. To gain insight into factors impacting functional ability, all participants’ data through Year 1 (N=173) were aggregated and key modifiable risk factors analyzed, revealing compelling trends across age groups and sex. Trends included sex differences among participants aged 80-84 years in the memory domain (Males 29% impaired (n=14); Females 13% impaired (n=24)). However, in the 85-89 age group these differences were no longer observed (Males 42% impaired (n=12); Females 39% impaired (n=23)), suggesting older women may “catch up” in impairment by their late 80’s. In mobility, females with high fall risk nearly doubled from age 75-79 to 80-84 (33% (n=18) to 63% (n=30)), while males in these age groups had the opposite effect (56% (n=9) to 27% (n=22)), indicating males who remain agile until the age of 80 may delay mobility decline. In lifestyle factors, it’s important to look at a domain from multiple perspectives. For instance, 68% of participants (n=132) report following recommended exercise guidelines, while 52% also report spending at least 6 hours sitting daily (n=101). Full results will be presented. As HAI expands and participants repeat assessments annually, critical insights may be obtained, creating a blueprint for translational clinical research in healthy ageing.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SOCIAL CAPITAL AND SUCCESSFUL AGING AMONG EMPTY NESTERS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: Chang Hui , Wang Zhi-wen 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Aims
To determine the mediating and chain mediating roles of a sense of coherence and health-promoting lifestyle between social capital and successful aging among empty nesters to explain the internal mechanisms underlying the relationship.

Methods
A total of 452 community-based empty nesters were included using convenience sampling. Empty nesters were surveyed using the Successful Ageing Scale, Social Capital Scale, Sense of Coherence Scale, and Chinese version of the Health-Promotion Lifestyle Scale-II. Descriptive analyses and correlation analyses were conducted using SPSS25.0. Mplus 8.3 was employed to perform chain mediation analyses. For this study, we followed the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guideline.

Results
There was a positive correlation between social capital, a sense of coherence, a health-promoting lifestyle, and successful aging. Social capital has a direct positive effect on successful aging. Sense of coherence and health-promoting lifestyles partially mediate the relationship between social capital and successful aging. The sense of coherence and health-promoting lifestyles also have a chain mediating effect.

Conclusion
The quality of aging for empty nesters can be improved from the perspective of social capital. Effective measures can also be taken to improve the sense of coherence so that they can maintain a healthy lifestyle and thus achieve successful aging.
INTERACTIONS OF SOCIOECONOMIC AND ETHNORACIAL FACTORS SHAPING FORMAL AND INFORMAL VOLUNTEERISM IN LATER LIFE
Authors: Lai Patrick Ho Lam 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Building upon previous research that identifies socioeconomic status (SES) as a pivotal factor in explaining lower volunteer rates among ethnoracial minorities in later life, this study extends our understanding by examining the interactions between SES and ethnoracial identities on their formal and informal volunteerism. By doing so, the research informs aging service practitioners and policymakers about the distinct responsiveness of different ethnoracial groups to their educational and family income levels and how these, in turn, relate to their propensity for volunteer work. By utilizing 2019 and 2021 Current Population Surveys data, this research estimates bivariate probit models for formal (e.g., through organizations) and informal volunteerism (e.g., doing favors to neighbors), including moderation with education and family income. The findings reveal that older Hispanic adults have 0.907 times or older Black adults have 0.983 times the likelihood of engaging in formal volunteer activities compared to older Asian adults, with this association becoming statistically significant upon a decrement of one educational level or family income level. Besides, older Black adults show 0.928 times the odds of engaging in informal volunteerism in comparison to Asian counterparts, with this finding being statistically significant upon a decrease in one family income level. These outcomes suggest that Asian older adults exhibit greater sensitivity to income and educational variations associated with formal and informal volunteer engagements. This research emphasizes the need to understand cultural sensitivity for lower volunteerism among older Asian adults for more inclusive aging services and policies.
FRAMEWORK-BASED EVALUATION OF MOBILE HEALTH APPS FOR OLDER ADULTS: IMPLICATIONS FOR TECHNOLOGY-ENABLED SELF-CARE
Authors: Nambisan Priya , Kapoor Akshat , Kreps Gary , Dangeti Reshma Sahithi 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The rapidly growing older adult population which is burdened with multiple chronic conditions (MCC) and declining physical and mental functionality, portends opportunities for developing better technologies to cater to their self-care support needs. However, it is not clear whether the current set of health apps targeted at older adults are suitable, or whether they fulfill their health and self-care support needs of older adults with MCC. We conducted a systematic review using the PRISMA method and also used a theoretical framework to evaluate currently available health apps for older adults. Many studies that review apps merely review their features, however, to get a more in-depth and nuanced understanding of whether the apps are meeting the needs of older adults, we utilize a needs-based theoretical framework. This framework was specifically developed to assess the needs of this population group, and the technological elements that could be leveraged for meeting their health needs. The framework delineates seven needs of older adults in the context of technology applications: 1) prevention focus; 2) comprehensiveness; 3) education and training for self-care; 4) community and home-based care; 5) social and emotional support; 6) privacy and security; and 7) positive experiences. Our results indicate that many apps in the market do not fulfill the needs of older adults with MCC. Our systematic review did not yield even a single comprehensive app for older adults with MCC which covered all the needs comprising the framework, thus highlighting the digital exclusion of this population and their needs for support.
GOING OUTDOORS AND COMPUTER USE PREDICT CHANGES IN SELF-RATED CHEERFULNESS OF OLDER ADULTS OVER 10 YEARS
Authors: Tu Yufang , O’Connor Melissa , Grace Rachel 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Positive affect decreases mortality risks and enhances wellness and longevity among older adults. Research indicates that adopting digital technology increases social inclusion among older individuals while going outdoors may benefit physical and psychological health. The current study explored whether the frequency of going outside and computer ownership/use relate to changes in older adults’ cheerfulness over ten years. Data from the first 11 waves (2011-2021) from the National Health and Aging Trends (NHATS) Study were used. The study included 35,687 participants at baseline. Self-rated cheerfulness on a 5-point scale was measured. Longitudinal multilevel modeling was conducted with the frequency of going outside of home as a time-variant predictor (5-point scale) and computer ownership as a time-invariant predictor (yes/no). Covariates included sex, age groups, education level, and self-rated health. Interactions between time and go-out frequency, and time and computer ownership/use were also examined. The effect of go-out frequency on cheerfulness depends on different time points within (Estimate within=-0.01, p=0.002) and across individuals over time (Estimate between= -0.01, p=0.008). The trajectory of cheerfulness for individuals without computer use did not change over time (p=0.810). However, the cheerfulness of those with computer use did change over time (p=0.023). This study found that the go-out frequency and computer ownership/use predict changes in and improve older adults’ cheerfulness over ten years, beyond demographic and health factors. This suggests the potential to include outdoor activities and computer adoption in efforts to promote healthy aging.
MOBILE APP-BASED SURVEY DEPLOYMENT PATTERNS AND LONGITUDINAL ENGAGEMENT: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Authors: Zhang Yuankai , Rong Jian , Wang Xuzhi , Schramm Eric , Pathiravasan Chathurangi , Trinquart Ludovic , Liu Chunyu , Murabito Joanne 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Smartphone apps are increasingly used to collect digital survey data. Limited evidence is available on effective strategies to improve response rates especially among older adults. We conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT, NCT04752657) embedded in the electronic Framingham Heart Study (eFHS) to test the effect of administering half of smartphone surveys every 2 weeks (experimental group) compared to administering all surveys every 4 weeks (control group) on participant response rate over 32 weeks. In all, 492 participants (mean age 73 years, 58% women, 16% non-White) were randomized. The primary outcome was the proportion of surveys returned per participant assessed longitudinally across four periods (baseline to week 8, week 8 to 16, week 16 to 24, week 24 to 32). We used mixed-effect regression models with random intercept to compare the mean proportions between groups across the 4 periods, adjusting for age (≤75 versus &gt;75 years) and phone type (Android versus iPhone) that were used to stratify randomization. We observed significant effect modification by time (P-value=0.003), indicating that the difference in response rates between the two groups increased over time. The response rates decreased over time in both groups, but less so in the experimental group with a 7% point difference in the last period. The mean outcome decreased from 85% to 66% in the experimental group, and from 85% to 59% in the control group across the four time periods. This RCT demonstrated that the survey deployment patterns impacted the response rates over 32 weeks among older adults.
OLDER DRIVER REPORTS OF EXPERIENCE WITH SENSORS IN VEHICLES TO RECORD DRIVING BEHAVIOR
Authors: Jackson Kelley , Tappen Ruth , Newman David , Jang Jinwoo , Furht Borko , Yang KwangSoo , Rosselli Mónica , Villar Michelle 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In a 5-year study of the degree to which changes in driving behavior herald a change in cognition, participants were asked to evaluate the telematic and video sensors (both driver facing and forward facing) installed in their vehicles in terms of any distraction or other concerns the sensors may have created. Both an 8-item survey and open-ended questions were asked of study participants every three months for the duration of their enrollment (three years). The questions concerned acceptability of sensors in one’s vehicle including the aesthetics, source of distraction and potential for invasion of privacy. Mean overall rating of acceptability of the sensors was 3.5 out of a possible high score of 5. This rating was 3.5 at baseline, increased to 3.7 at the end of 6 months [t(110)=1.09, p=.004]. and was maintained over time. Of some interest is that there were no statistically significant differences in acceptability ratings by gender, race, ethnicity, age or education. A general inductive approach was employed to code the qualitative responses. The majority were concerned with the wires connecting sensors to power sources, both their visibility and tendency to loosen over time, creating both aesthetic and operational concerns as well as a tripping hazard for some. These were addressed early in the study to the satisfaction of most participants. The size of both the sensors and wires was mentioned a number of times and several participants suggested using smaller, wireless sensors if possible. Overall, most participants quickly acclimated to having sensors in their vehicles.
PRELIMINARY FEASIBILITY OF AN MHEALTH INTERVENTION FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH SERIOUS MEDICAL ILLNESS AND CAREGIVERS
Authors: Llaneza Danielle , Kozlov Elissa 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Managing serious illness is often distressing and time-consuming for older adults and their caregivers. Up to 70% of adults with serious illness have symptoms of anxiety. Additionally, patients with high symptom burden and anxiety heavily impact family caregivers, which nearly 8 million older adults in the U.S. rely on for assistance. Mindfulness Therapy (MT) is a promising, non-pharmacological technique with proven efficacy and effectiveness in managing stress and anxiety in diverse populations. Mindfulness Coach is an mhealth delivered mindfulness therapy intervention developed by the Veterans Affairs National Center. The objective of this study is to report the preliminary feasibility of an eight-week trial of mHealth-delivered mindfulness therapy to alleviate anxiety and stress symptoms in this population. Thirty-one older adults with serious medical illness or their caregivers were recruited to participate in this study. After receiving an orientation to using the app, participants were instructed to complete two levels per week to learn about and practice mindfulness skills. At the end of the eight weeks, the Mindfulness Coach participant users ranged from zero minutes to 1154 minutes with an average use of 173.4 minutes. Additionally, changes in anxiety levels were also observed. This study offers preliminary evidence that an mHealth mindfulness app is being utilized by older adults with a serious medical illness or their caregivers to learn mindfulness skills to help manage the stress and anxiety associated with living with a serious medical condition.
USEFULNESS OF PATIENT-GENERATED HEALTH DATA BY DEPRESSION AND FRAILTY IN OLDER ADULTS WITH LUNG CANCER SURGERY
Authors: Choi Mona , Kim Yesol , Cho Hyeonmi , Kim Yeonju 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study aimed to identify the perceived usefulness of patient-generated health data (PGHD) according to depression and frailty in older adults with lung cancer surgery. This cross-sectional study recruited patients aged 65 and over who were diagnosed with lung cancer and underwent lung resection at a tertiary hospital in the Republic of Korea. Depression was measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale-10; frailty was assessed using the Korean FRAIL version and categorized into robust, prefrail, and frail. The perceived usefulness of PGHD was measured through 37 items from seven domains. Data were analyzed through one-way ANOVA, correlation, and linear regression analyses using the SPSS program. Among 132 participants, the average age was 71.79±5.20 years, with 53% men. The average depression score was 4.18±4.15 out of 30, and more than half were classified as robust (60.6%), 34.8% as prefrail, and 4.5% as frail. The higher the level of depression, the greater the perceived usefulness of Medication-related Factors (MF) among PGHD was identified (p=.028). Participants who were prefrail perceived the usefulness of Physical and Mental Well-being Factors (PMWF) (p=.015) and MF (p=.001) among PGHD to be higher compared to those who were robust. A higher perceived usefulness of PGHD was significantly associated with being prefrail (p=.032), older age (p=.017), and higher life satisfaction (p=.039). Our findings indicated that understanding the levels of depression and frailty in older adults after lung cancer surgery may help healthcare providers identify the perceived usefulness of PGHD and facilitate its application in research.
IMPROVING RECOVERY FROM HOSPITALIZATION IN GERIATRIC PATIENTS THROUGH WHEY SUPPLEMENTATION AND TESTOSTERONE
Authors: Yang Michelle , Gongloor Pratik , Deer Rachel , Volpi Elena , Li Shuang , Hommel Erin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background
Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, remains a significant concern among hospitalized geriatric populations due to functional decline and increased mortality. A previous pilot study demonstrated potential benefits for testosterone or whey supplementation (WS) during and post-hospitalization towards improved physical function and reduced re-admissions. Our follow-up study assesses the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of these interventions.

Methods
This Phase I, single center, randomized clinical trial enrolled 80 participants, 65 years+, hospitalized for acute conditions. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four interventions: placebo oral and injectable (PO/PI) supplement, PI-WS, PO-testosterone injection (TI), or WS-TI. WS was provided twice daily during and post-hospitalization. TI was provided once pre-discharge. Testing was conducted at baseline and 4-weeks post-hospitalization. Primary outcome included Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score change. Secondary outcomes included readmission rate and additional measures of physical function and body composition.

Results
Mean age was 71.5 years with 70% female. Age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index was 4. Fifty-two participants (65%) completed the study; 15 were re-hospitalized and 13 withdrew or were lost to follow-up. Among those completing the 4-week intervention, we found no statistically significant differences in SPPB score or readmission rate.

Conclusion
We failed to demonstrate significant improvements in recovery among geriatric patients receiving testosterone, WS, or combination therapy. Compared to the previous study, participants were younger, healthier, and less likely to complete follow-up. We need further studies with larger samples of frail older adults to elucidate the relationship between these interventions and post-hospital functional recovery.
A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES PRACTITIONERS RESPONDING TO CASES OF ELDER ABUSE AND SELF-NEGLECT
Authors: MacNeil Andie , Salvo Erin , Burnes David 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Adult Protective Services (APS) practitioners play a critical role in supporting older adults experiencing elder abuse and self-neglect (EASN), however, very little research has examined their experiences, from their perspectives. The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of APS practitioners responding to allegations of EASN. Using a descriptive phenomenological qualitative methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted with APS practitioners (n = 14) from the state of Maine. To enhance trustworthiness, two independent assessors analyzed transcript data to code transcripts into themes. Two domains, each with various subthemes, were identified: (1) rewarding elements of role and (2) challenging aspects of role. The findings of this study emphasize how APS practitioners are motivated by their capacity to help elicit positive change in the lives of their clients and support the well-being of older adults experiencing EASN. However, APS practitioners must navigate numerous challenges and barriers in their role, including time constraints, high and complex caseloads, limited resources, and broader misconceptions on APS. These findings highlight the importance of addressing these stressors to support the well-being of APS practitioners, which, in turn, can help support the vulnerable older adults they serve.
ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES PROFESSIONALS WITH CLIENTS AND FAMILIES AT THE END OF LIFE: CHALLENGES AND SUPPORT NEEDS
Authors: Xue Wei- Lin , Ernst Joy 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This study examines the experiences of Adult Protective Services (APS) workers confronting elder mistreatment at the end of life, a period of heightened vulnerability and increased abuse risk. While previous research highlights the necessity of multifaceted strategies to tackle elder abuse, the specific challenges faced by APS professionals in these critical circumstances remain underexplored. The research team conducted seven focus groups and one individual interview with APS workers and those closely associated with them. The 36 participants, including social workers, nurses, and other allied professionals, provided information on the types of elder abuse encountered, challenges or barriers in serving these clients, and the personal or professional effects these cases have on them. The qualitative analysis revealed that caregiver neglect and financial exploitation are the most frequent forms of abuse, along with self-neglect, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. APS professionals face significant challenges such as balancing client self-determination, navigating family issues, accessing adequate care levels, addressing service refusal, and coping with a lack of services. The personal and professional impacts on APS workers include heightened empathy, trauma from client deaths, and a noted lack of preparation for such events. The workers also identified the need for increased interagency collaboration, organizational support, mental, and emotional support, and peer support to assist APS workers in dealing with clients at the end of life. These insights aim to guide the enhancement of strategies and policies to better support APS workers as they work with clients and families at the end of life.
IMPACT OF A POLICY CHANGE ON ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES CASE VOLUME AND SERVICES IN CALIFORNIA
Authors: Gassoumis Zachary , Thayer Erin , Yonashiro-Cho Jeanine 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The adult protective services (APS) system in the U.S. investigates and provides services to older adults and younger adults with a disability or vulnerability who are experiencing abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or financial exploitation. APS systems are undergoing shifts in their scope and nature of services, due to national movements toward program standardization, population aging, and changing population dynamics. California recently implemented a policy change, effective January 2022, that expanded APS services to all adults age 60 and older (reduced from 65) and expanded self-neglect to include individuals experiencing homelessness. We analyzed publicly available APS records from October 2019 through October 2023, using segmented linear regression on month-level data to assess the impact of this policy on overall APS case volume, number of APS clients aged 60-64, and clients referred to or receiving housing services. Following the January 2022 implementation, there was an increase in the growth of overall APS cases over time (b=103.9, p=.015) but no significant increase in the level. Among clients aged 60-64, there was a significant increase in both level and growth of cases over time, jumping from roughly 375 to 550 monthly cases immediately following the policy implementation and growing to 800 cases by October 2023. Similar results were seen for housing services, with significant increases in the growth of cases over time (b=10.2, p=.005). This growth in volume and service type has implications for programmatic refinements and for better understanding resource needs in the light of national discussions on APS standardization and scope of services.