bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Interpersonal Relationship and Social Activity on the Physical and Mental Health of Older Korean Adults
Authors: Kim Meeryoung , Park Linda 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Maintaining interpersonal relationships and social activities are important as you get older. Activity theory indicates that social activities and human relations are important factors for older adults’ physical and mental health. However, the effects between the quantity and quality of interpersonal relationships and social activities will be different. This study compared which of the effects has a greater impact between interpersonal and social activities on physical and mental health. This study used the 6th additional wave (2016) and 7th wave (2017) of the Korean Retirement and Income Study. The subjects of this study were older adults who are aged 65 and older and the sample size was 2,152. Multiple regression was used for data analysis. Demographic variables were controlled. Independent variables were interpersonal relationships, social activities, satisfaction with interpersonal relationships, and satisfaction with social activities. Dependent variables were physical health and mental health, with depressive symptoms used as a proxy for mental health. βs was used to determine the relative influence on dependent variables. Interpersonal relationships, satisfaction with interpersonal relationships, and satisfaction with social activities significantly influenced physical health. Among them, interpersonal satisfaction was found to be the most influential factor on physical health. In addition, interpersonal satisfaction was found to be the most influential factor on mental health than interpersonal relationships. Satisfaction with social activities only affected physical health. The implications of this study were that the quality of interpersonal relationships and social activities of older adults affected physical and mental health more than quantity.
Investigation of Communication Type and Individual Characteristics : A Longitudinal HRS Analysis
Authors: Odd Kaleena , Hubner Sarah , Kim, Hyeon Jung , Boron Julie Blaskewicz 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Older adults are at increased risk for loneliness/isolation, particularly with new COVID-19 recommendations; however, communication may help mitigate these negative perceptions. Reductions in loneliness/isolation may also significantly improve quality of life and well-being for vulnerable populations. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between communication, individual characteristics, and time, to provide a clearer understanding of communication patterns in a longitudinal cohort. Participants (N=2351) with no missing data on any variables of interest (across time-points) were pulled from the Health and Retirement Study’s Consumption and Activity’s Mail Survey (waves collected: 2013, 2015, 2017). When last reported (2016/17), respondents were an average age of 70.14(SD=9.9), were generally female (63.0%) and white (75.7%). Analyses included longitudinal investigation, normality tests, and regression. Assumptions were violated in ANOVA; results of a Kruskal-Wallis test revealed that there were no significant changes in the distribution of in-person or distanced communication across the three waves. Individual responses were then averaged and standardized across waves (per participant for each outcome variable). In-person communication regression results reveal that being female positively predicted in-person conversation volume (B=0.23,p&lt;.001) as did increasing number of years in school (B=0.03,p&lt;.001), while being non-white negatively predicted in-person conversation (B=-0.301,p&lt;.001). Distanced communication regression results reveal being female positively predicted volume of distanced communication (B=0.381,p&lt;.001); however, being non-white and younger positively predicted increased volume of distanced communication (B=0.241,p&lt;.001; B=0.005,p&lt;.001, respectively). Given the varied communication patterns, future research should consider explanatory mechanisms in addition to investigating changes as a result of the ongoing pandemic.
The Effectiveness of an Intergenerational Technology Program for Older Adults: A Pilot Study
Authors: Adeniji Dolapo , Adamek Margaret , Catlin Sally 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
While an increasing number of services and opportunities are available through technology devices such as smartphones and iPad, older adults often lack the technology skills and know-how to access such services. The use of social media, email, and texting can also lessen social isolation of older adults. In this project, nine undergraduate Computer Information Technology students enrolled in a service-learning course served as mentors for older adults. A total of 33 older adults (MAge= 77.9 SDAge= 8.62) participated in a 14 weeks intergenerational technology education at two community senior centers in an urban Midwest city. Fourteen participants completed both pre- and post-surveys. Significant improvement was found between pre- and post- surveys outcomes in technology anxiety and social engagement of the older adults. Findings from our qualitative data revealed that intergenerational program enables older adult to benefit from individual and group learning, make new friends among peers, experience intergenerational interactions, and have confidence in technology use. However, the intergenerational technology program helped to decrease technology anxiety and improve the participants’ social engagement. Engaging technology students in mentoring older adults in small group at a community center proved to be mutually beneficial to both the students and the older adults. The program boosted older adults’ comfort with technology use as well as encouraging social engagement with peers, mentors, and the virtual world.
Understanding Racial and Rural Disparities in the Relationship between Social Isolation and Social Technology Use
Authors: Byrne Kaileigh , Anaraky Reza Ghaiumy , Barfield Hannah , Nickel Summerlin 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Social isolation is characterized by lack of social contacts and high degrees of loneliness. Feelings of loneliness and social isolation are linked to declines in cognitive functioning and increased risk of dementia. Previous research suggests that loneliness is more prevalent among Black and rural older adults compared to White and urban-dwelling older adults. Given these disparities, it is important to identify methods that reduce social isolation and loneliness among this population. Social technology, such as Facebook and Skype, is one possible way to connect with others. This study uses the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) dataset to examine racial and rural disparities in the relationship between social technology use and social isolation, loneliness, and social support among individuals age 50 and older. The overarching hypotheses are that (1) rural-dwelling older adults and older Blacks will report less social technology use compared to urban-dwelling and older White adults, and (2) there will be a negative relationship between loneliness and social technology use, and (3) a positive relationship between perceived positive social support and social technology use. Racial or rural disparities in these latter potential relationships are exploratory. Multiple linear regression analysis will be performed to assess these relationships. Preliminary correlational results indicate that, consistent with prior work, greater use of social technology was associated with higher social support (N=6,029; r=.29, p&lt;.001). However, contrary to our hypothesis, greater self-reported loneliness was associated with greater social technology (r=.09, p&lt;.001). Examination of potential racial and rural disparities in these relationships are currently underway.
Comparison of Physical Activity Level From Osteoporosis, Parkinson and Healthy Subjects
Authors: Moon Seong Hyun , Lockhart Thurmon , Doshi Krupa 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Lifestyle at the habitation immensely affects the progression of various illnesses, such as Osteoporosis and Parkinson’s disease (PD). These disorders lead patients to a sedentary lifestyle and result in significantly less movement compared to the average healthy individual. The combination of these backgrounds escalates the percentage of fall incidents. Quantifying physical activity levels from longitudinal Activities of Daily Living (ADL) data of these disease patients could stipulate intuition of their fall mechanisms. The objective of this study is to compare the osteoporosis, Parkinson's disease, and healthy group’s physical activity level from their ADL. For this study total of eighteen subjects participated (healthy=6, osteoporosis=6, PD=6). The result indicated that the dynamic physical activity level for the healthy subject was 13.2%, the osteoporosis subject was 7.9%, and the PD subject was 7.0%. This indicates that there was a significant decline in physical activity level for the PD compared to healthy subjects (P=0.0024*). Also, a comparison between healthy and osteoporosis subjects showed a significant difference (P=0.0066*). Lastly, the physical activity level of PD and osteoporosis subjects did not have a significant difference among them (P=0.6276). The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical activity level of the osteoporosis, PD, and healthy subjects. The systematic approach of collecting physical activity levels with the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) device allowed researchers to collect the quantitative data of ADL. In this experiment, healthy subjects were significantly more physically active compared to osteoporosis and PD patients.
Development of an ADL-practice guideline: The next step towards guidance in essential nursing care activities
Authors: Cremer Svenja , Bleijlevens Michel , Metzelthin Silke , devan Ginkel Janneke de Man-van , Zwakhalen Sandra 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Supporting and respecting care receivers in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) lies at the essence of nursing care, irrespective of diagnosis or healthcare setting. ADL-care is an intimate form of caring, and therefore close and personal to the care receiver, aiming to enhance their independence and comfort. Even though ADL-care is indispensable and highly valued by care receivers, the scientific foundation of ADL-care is weak. This leaves nursing professionals with insufficient guidance as to what constitutes quality ADL-care and what activities are necessary and effective. Therefore, we developed an ADL practice guideline according to the framework of the Dutch Institute for Health (AQUA-guideline) and AGREE II. The guideline was developed over three stages: (1) Determination of the target population and scope, (2) Analysis of problems leading to guiding questions and answering these based on literature search and consensus, (3) Testing and validation. A multidisciplinary working group determined the purpose, target group, and five clinical questions. We used literature search and consensus procedures to answer these questions in close collaboration with care receivers and professional care providers. This guideline provides guidance for nursing professionals to choose appropriate ADL-care options in five modules covering recommendations: (1) Involving care receivers in ADL-related care choices, (2) Identifying ADL-care needs, (3) Choosing effective interventions to enhance ADL-independence and comfort, (4) Supporting informal caregivers in ADL-care, and (5) Using ADL-care for early detection of health problems. These modules are considered leading for future developments in essential nursing care and will be evaluated in a pilot implementation.
Experiences and perceptions of using a low-cost pet robot for older adults and people with dementia
Authors: Koh Wei Qi , Whelan Sally , Heins Pascale , Casey Dympna , Toomey Elaine , Dröes Rose-Marie 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Pet robots are a practicable substitute for animal-assisted therapy. They have been shown to have positive impacts on older adults, including people with dementia, such as providing companionship and facilitating social interaction. However, the issue of affordability can hinder equal access to such technology. The purpose of our study was to understand the perceptions and experiences of using a low-cost, commercially available pet robot with older adults and people with dementia. We used a novel methodology of analysing a large volume of user reviews that were collected from 15 consumer websites. A total of 1,327 user reviews that met our pre-specified inclusion criteria were included. Descriptive statistics was applied to characterise demographic data, and inductive qualitative content analysis was used to identify themes in the textual data. Most reviews were obtained from consumer sites in the United States, and most reviewers were family members of the users (i.e., older adults and people with dementia). We found that circumstantial reasons, such the inability to own live animals, prompted reviewers to purchase the pet robot. Most reviewers had positive perceptions of the pet robot, and described various activities that users engaged in with it. Impacts of using the pet robot, such as positive emotions, were also described. Finally, experiences about practical aspects of its use, such as durability and hygiene, were discussed. Overall, this study provides useful knowledge that can help researchers, robot developers and clinicians understand the viability of using low-cost pet robots to benefit older adults, including people with dementia.
How Do Family Caregivers’ Values Influence Pain Management for Older Adults with Dementia?
Authors: Zhao Hui , Kulbok Pamela , Williams Ishan , Manning Carol , Romo Rafael 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Professional caregivers rely on formal training when managing pain among patients with dementia, but family caregivers (FCGs) lack this foundation. Instead, FCGs use informal sources that may reflect a values-driven decision-making process. Few studies have examined how FGCs’ personal values impact pain management for dementia patients. We sought to examine the influence of personal values on pain management among FCGs for community-dwelling older adults with dementia using qualitative descriptive methods. Twenty-five adult FCGs, aged from 29 to 95, were recruited in central Virginia. Participants were predominantly white, married, female, and high school graduates. We conducted semi-structured interviews that were audio recorded and analyzed using constant comparative analysis. Four themes emerged: 1) Priority for pain management: when quality of life is valued over other factors (i.e., length of life), priorities focused on no pain, leading to better pain management; 2) Moral perspectives: negative views toward drugs, especially opioids, led to less use and greater report of pain; 3) Beliefs about alternative therapy: negative views led to less likely use of non-traditional approaches and reports of more pain, and 4) Personal experience of pain: past personal experiences of pain (negative or positive) influenced the priority placed on pain management and the FCG’s ability to provide effective pain management. The diverse views held by FCGs demonstrate a value-based process and suggest a modifiable factor in pain management. Helping FCGs reflect biases while reinforcing values that improve pain management would lead to improve pain and quality of life for older adults with dementia.
Impacts of the Pandemic on Older Adults’ Social Isolation
Authors: MacLeod Stephanie 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The risk of COVID-19 exposure and likelihood of severe illness have been critical concerns among older adults during the pandemic. Meanwhile, social distancing has worsened social isolation, with severe impacts on connectedness among seniors. Effects of the pandemic may lead to an extended crisis, with impacts on health outcomes. Our primary purpose was to summarize emerging research describing impacts of the pandemic on social isolation and related health outcomes among older adults. A streamlined search was conducted to fit the scope of this review, with key terms determined to identify relevant publications. Common research databases and mainstream resources were utilized. We focused on research published or released since the start of 2020, primarily rapidly reviewed studies, to align with the timing of the pandemic. Early research suggests that the pandemic has worsened social isolation among older adults. Social isolation is now more urgent, as many seniors lost their usual connections due to social distancing. While these measures help to prevent virus exposure, this approach must be balanced with maintaining social connectedness. Thus, a “COVID-19 paradox” has emerged: safety protocols protect older adults but concurrently place them at risk of social isolation. Adapted approaches are urgently needed to safely address the consequences of a potential long-term social recession.
In Vivo Quasi-Elastic Light Scattering Eye Scanner Detects Molecular Aging in Humans and Mice
Authors: Parsons Douglas , Minaeva Olga , Sarangi Srikant , Ledoux Danielle , Moncaster Juliet , Clark John , Hunter David , Goldstein Lee 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The absence of clinical tools to evaluate individual variation in the pace of aging represents a major impediment to understanding aging and maximizing health throughout life. The lens is an ideal tissue for quantitative assessment of molecular aging in vivo. Long-lived proteins in lens fiber cells are expressed during fetal life, do not undergo turnover, accumulate molecular alterations throughout life, and are optically accessible in vivo. We used quasi-elastic light scattering (QLS) to measure age-dependent signals in lenses of both healthy human subjects and wild-type C57BL/6 mice. Age-dependent QLS signal changes detected in vivo in humans and mice recapitulated time-dependent changes in hydrodynamic radius, protein polydispersity, and supramolecular order of human lens proteins during long-term incubation (~1 year) and in response to sustained oxidation (~2.5 months) in vitro. Our findings demonstrate that QLS analysis of lens proteins provides a practical technique for noninvasive assessment of molecular aging in vivo.
Long-Lasting Effects of the Pandemic on Older Adults’ Food Insecurity: The Urgent Need for Enhanced SNAP Benefits
Authors: Popham Lauren , Tavares Jane , Cohen Marc 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Despite the start of COVID-19 pandemic recovery in the U.S., food insecurity remains at elevated levels with 10% of American adults reporting food insecurity nearly three times higher than pre-pandemic (Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey, June 2021). To gain insight into the long-term impacts of the pandemic on older adults, we examined food insecurity patterns during the last economic recession and the role that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) played in mitigating food insecurity and skipped meals. We analyzed data on adults age 60+ from the Health and Retirement Study, looking at the Great Recession (2008) as a predictor of what to expect in the next decade of pandemic recovery. A key finding was that food insecurity more than doubled among older adults during the Great Recession and remained elevated even 10 years later. Regression analyses showed that SNAP use among older adults weakened the relationship between poverty and food insecurity, but didn’t eliminate it—17% of older adults still reported food insecurity two years after enrolling in SNAP. The data indicates that a growing share of older SNAP users’ benefits have not kept up with rising food costs. In fact, 85% of beneficiaries had monthly benefit amounts below the USDA ‘Thrifty Plan” budget. Congress recently passed the American Rescue Plan which increases SNAP benefits temporarily, yet these enhancements are about to run out. This study underscores the need for permanent SNAP enhancements to help prevent long-lasting hunger facing millions of older Americans.
Research concerning the Care Planning by Care Managers in Home-Based Community Care Support Centers of Japan
Authors: Ayabe Takako , OKADA Shinichi 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The research was conducted between February 9 and 28, 2017. The care management centers were randomly selected from the national list of the centers. The data were collected by self-administered questionnaires mailed to the care managers at 500 care management centers in six prefectures in the Kinki area of Japan. The independent variables were gender, age, experience years of care managers and/or social workers, Clients’ Physical and Mental conditions (CPM), Client’s Lifestyle (CL), Physical and Mental conditions of the Caregivers (PMC), and Human and Financial resources for Clients and their Caregivers (HFCC). The dependent of variables were the categorized contents in the care planning. They included the Approach for exploring Client’s needs (AC), Coordination among Care services within the program in accordance with the needs of client (CC), Coordination among Formal services and informal supports without the program in accordance with the needs of clients (CF). We examined the relationships between the dependent and independent variables by using the Structural Equation Modeling. The results indicated that the goodness of the fit indices was acceptable, and we retained the models. In correlational analyses, AC was significantly correlated with PMC (p&lt;.01), CPM (p&lt;.05), and CL (p&lt;.001). CC was significantly correlated with PMC (p&lt;.001), CPM (p&lt;.001), and CL (p&lt;.01). CF was significantly correlated with PMC (p&lt;.05), HFCC (p&lt;.05), and CL (p&lt;.05). In conclusion, our findings suggest that care managers should recognize that　information concerning the clients’ and their caregivers’ conditions is significant in making appropriate care planning for the clients and their caregivers.
Roles of Social Isolation and Rurality on Functional Limitations in Older Adults Living in the US
Authors: Ligus Kaleigh , Bellizzi Keith , Rhee Greg 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Social isolation is a growing problem among adults aged ≥65. Using 2019 data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) (n=4,603), we examined the associations of social isolation and rurality with functional limitations in US older adults. We hypothesized that rural older adults would report social isolation more than non-rural adults, and social isolation and rurality would have an interaction effect on difficulty in performing activities of daily living (ADLs). Stress buffering theory guided this research suggesting individuals who have greater social connections also have greater coping skills to buffer against health-related stress. We assessed rural and non-rural older adults’ social isolation (measured by a composite score of engagement in community activities and social connections) and difficulty in completing ADLs (e.g., difficulty in dressing, bathing, and eating in the past month). Our results supported one of the hypotheses that there were differing levels of social isolation among both rural and non-rural older adults. In both rural and non-rural groups, oldest-old (85+), non-White adults, those with poor health or had multiple comorbidities were significantly isolated or experienced severe isolation. These results support (1) the premise that specific demographic characteristics are associated with social isolation as well as (2) a growing body of research showing rural adults have unique characteristics that are protective against social isolation. Our findings are related to demographic predictors which could help target interventions toward specific at-risk groups. Policymakers and healthcare practitioners should be aware of risks for social isolation and prepare to discuss these issues.