bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Age on Mobile Technology Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lin Yi , Rowles Graham 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic led to quarantines and mandatory spatial distancing; people of all ages were encouraged to use technologies instead of actual human contact as part of COVID-19 prevention. The promotion of mobile applications (apps) during the pandemic influenced mobile technology use behavior. This study explored age differences in mobile technology use during the COVID-19 pandemic. A pilot-tested survey was distributed using online survey software. Persons surveyed were 35 years of age or older, currently living in the United States of America with experience using mobile technology. Survey questions pertained to mobile technology use frequency and factors influencing the decision to use mobile technology. The nationwide response included 1212 individuals. The average age of participants is 56.12±12.26 years old (female: male = 1.24:1). Responses were categorized participants into three age groups, 35 to 49, 50 to 64, and 65 or older. Daily mobile technology use frequency increased significantly (p&lt;0.01) for all groups during the COVID-19 pandemic, with participants 35 to 49 having a significantly higher (p&lt;0.01) use frequency than other groups. Regarding factors influencing the decision to use mobile technology, 64.1% of respondents aged 50 to 64 identified the necessity of using this technology during the pandemic as a significant factor, and 64.0% of participants in age 65 or older reported that the availability of functions on mobile devices is critical. Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in mobile technology use with people in different age groups differentially valuing the factors that affected their user behavior.
A Qualitative Study of the Impact of COVID-19 on Hospice and Home-Based Palliative Care in Taiwan
Authors: Wang YuHsuan (Olivia) , Enguidanos Susan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
COVID-19 has had a tremendous impact on individuals and health care, particularly among those with serious illnesses. Although Taiwan initially reported low rates of COVID-19 (20.7 cases per million in 2020), by early 2021 the Alpha variant began spreading in Taiwan, which went into a soft lockdown from May to July. This study aimed to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on Hospice and Home-Based Palliative Care (HBPC) patients, family, and medical team member in Taiwan during different COVID-related time points. From November 2020 to May 2021, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 2 patient, 5 caregivers, and 8 medical team members in the hospice and HBPC setting to elicit their views about the impact of COVID-19 on care. Content analysis was used to guide the analysis of themes. Two researchers independently coded transcripts and met to reconcile codes. Results showed varying impact across the time points. In 2020, patients, caregivers, medical team members felt little impact of COVID-19. However, in 2021, HBPC caregivers reduced the frequency of HBPC visits to lower the household COVID-19 infection risk. Hospice and HBPC team members reported that more caregivers selected HBPC over hospice. They also observed an increase in complicated grief among family survivors following the soft lockdown. The impact of the pandemic on homecare provision increased as prevalence of COVID-19 increased, impacting care and quality of hospice and HBPC. Further research is needed to better understand the impact of the pandemic on the quality of hospice /HBPC and grief experiences.
Exploring the Ecology of Third Age Informal Language Learner Groups
Authors: Barnes Gareth 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This research explores the factors involved in the emergence of an independently organized Third Age informal language learner group in a community centre in Japan. The methodology applies PPCT (Process-Person-Context-Time) from Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological approach to provide a detailed perspective of the people, the environment and settings over time to show how these factors interact to construct an emergent learner group. The analysis looks at how and why this specific learner ecology emerges and ultimately, how it can benefit the Third Age and inform healthy ageing policy. The findings show that by engaging in second language learning, the participants find meaningful and active involvement in the group by creating a setting that welcomes self-expression, while balancing limiting and facilitating factors of resilience and reciprocal support, self-management, sage-ing, interest, agency, and responsibility. The result is the creation of a multilingual, multicultural, and multigenerational place of inclusion within the community. The study highlights the heterogeneity of the 3rd Age and illustrates the interplay of contexts outside of the learner group from micro to macro, individual and group resources, and the influence of the specific social time period. It also shows the social importance of creating opportunities for autonomous informal language learning settings in the community while highlighting the impact of Third Age agency.
Home Care Physical Therapists’ Views on Inter-Professional Shared Decision Making
Authors: Moore Cindy 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Shared decision making (SDM) has been associated with increased patient satisfaction and engagement and improved process and care outcomes. However, SDM use by physical therapists (PTs) working with older adults in the home care setting is not known. Understanding home care PTs’ views about and experiences with SDM, including inter-professional SDM, can inform SDM research and strategies for increasing its use. This presentation highlights inter-professional aspects of SDM described by home care PTs in the qualitative arm of a mixed methods, implementation science frameworks-informed study exploring PTs’ perspectives on SDM in home care. Semi-structured interview data from twenty PTs (80% female; mean age = 50.6, SD=12.7, range 28-73) representing all geographic regions of the continental United States and having varied levels of geriatric (mean 24.2 years, SD=11.6, range 3-40) and home care (mean 15.7, SD=11.5, range 2-40) experience were analyzed using thematic content analysis. A trustworthiness plan guided data collection and analysis, and reflexive journaling, memo, audit trail, peer debriefing, data triangulation, and member checking were used to support study rigor. Three inter-professional SDM-related themes were identified: team members facilitating SDM for all disciplines; within-team sharing of and competition for patient care resources; and limited patient/caregiver participation in team treatment planning decisions. Findings support the need for including inter-professional issues in home care SDM implementation and measurement research and suggest topics to include in future studies.
Prediction of COVID-19 Stress among Community Dwelling Older Adults: The Role of Anxiety and Resiliency
Authors: Francois Geffre Jean , Carr Dawn , Sachs-Ericsson Natalie 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic has been an unparalleled source of stress. Older adults with anxiety are vulnerable to higher levels of stress during the pandemic. However not all older adults with anxiety will experience severe stress; resiliency may decrease such negative outcomes. There have been few, if any, longitudinal studies that followed older adults before and during the pandemic. Our data of community dwelling older adults (aged 60-92) is unique in that it allowed for an investigation of psychological variables that increase and decrease negative outcomes during the pandemic. Our longitudinal study examined the influence of pre-pandemic anxiety and resiliency on the severity of COVID related stress. Methods: The pre-pandemic data was obtained in September 2018, and the pandemic data was collected in June 2020. In the baseline survey we obtained measures of anxiety and resiliency. During the pandemic we measured the severity of COVID related stressors. We hypothesized that anxiety would predict higher level of COVID-stress, whereas resiliency would be associated with decreased severity of COVID-stress. Further we predicted that resiliency would attenuate the association between anxiety and COVID-stress. Results: Using OLS regression, we found that anxiety predicted higher COVID-stress, whereas resiliency predicted lower COVID-stress. However, resiliency did not moderate the association between anxiety and COVID-stress. Conclusion: Older adults are subject to many unavoidable negative life events, such as death of family members and chronic health problems. Resiliency may help buffer against such adversities. Development of intervention programs to enhance resiliency may increase psychological resources and foster healthy aging.
Leveraging the Intersection between Age-friendly Universities and Age-Friendly Communities
Authors: Black Kathy 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Age-friendly Universities represent a growing contribution to the worldwide age-friendly movement. For universities, the international effort aims to highlight the role higher education plays in responding to the opportunities associated with an aging population. The initiative outlines ten principles to engage older adults via collegiate mission pertaining to research, education and service. Shared practices suggest diverse and unique application of the guiding tenets across participating colleges and universities. However Age-friendly Universities are also part of a broader ecosystem, situated in geographic locales reflecting actual or prospective age-friendly community status. The global Age-friendly Community movement is a decade-old effort to improve the environments in which we age via a cyclical process. This paper identifies the intersection between Age-friendly University principles and Age-Friendly Community processes and discusses reciprocal considerations for mutual advancement of the broader movement.
Four Approaches for Implementing Interprofessional Education
Authors: Mendez Jennifer , Mendez Jennifer 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Using Microsoft Teams, the students from Psychology and marketing at Upper Iowa University, create a marketing plan focused on proposing a product or service targeting older adults. The Michigan LEND program, engages a minimum of 4 disciplines in practice online simulation approaches to respond to a case study. At Wayne State University and University of Detroit Mercy, during a zoom visit with community dwelling 50+ old adults, students from 9 disciplines collaborate on recommendations, referrals, and resources to improve health and/or quality of life. Marquette University students from 10 health professions participate in a series of four half-day workshops, designed in alignment with the Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) core competencies.
Adult Day Services as an Essential Service and Support
Authors: Gaugler Joseph , Marx Katherine , Dabelko-Schoeny Holly , Parker Lauren , Anderson Keith , Albers Elizabeth , Gitlin Laura 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the significant challenges and gaps related to the care of older people in the U.S. were made distressingly apparent. This summary presentation will consider the effects of COVID-19 and associated shutdowns on older persons who use ADS programs, their family caregivers, and programs/staff themselves. Among recommendations to consider are the classification of adult day services and similar community-based long-term care providers as essential (and clarifying their difference from senior centers). In addition, considering new financing approaches and utilizing ADS or similar community-based programs as incubators of evidence-based innovation are options to consider to better align ADS with optimal dementia care.
Medicare Costs by Disability and Community-Dwelling Status
Authors: Ankuda Claire , Ornstein Katherine 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Understanding population-level Medicare expenditure patterns for older adults with functional disability is critical to focus supports to reduce costly and potentially burdensome health care use. We used the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) to assess quarterly Medicare expenditures over the 12 months following NHATS interview. We examine Medicare expenditure patterns for older adults in nursing homes (N=386), in the community and without disability (N=20,103), with disability and dementia (N=2,008), and with disability but not dementia (N=2,945). One-year mortality ranged from 2.0% for those without disability in the community to 25.9% for those residing in nursing homes. Among those surviving 1 year, Medicare expenditures the first quarter after NHATS survey ranged from $1,794 (95% CI $1,690-$1,898) for those with no disability to $5,177 (95% CI $4,535-$5,818) for those with disability and dementia. We assess trends over the following two years, and find that trajectories vary by clinical grouping.
Providing Specialty Telehealth Care to Older, Rural Patients: Voices From Field
Authors: Dryden Eileen , Moo Lauren 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Older, rural adults have limited access to quality geriatric specialty care for several reasons including relatively few geriatric specialists in rural areas and lack of transportation options or patient ability to travel to more urban centers. GRECC Connect is a promising telehealth-hub and spoke model that provides rural patients access to teams of multidisciplinary geriatric specialists in more urban medical centers primarily by video connection with affiliated community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs). This model provides a viable option for increasing access to geriatric specialty care for rural patients but is not used to the extent it could be. To date, much of our understanding of this model has come from the experts at the hub medical centers. To learn more about the experience of this model from the field we interviewed CBOC staff and providers as well as Veterans and their caregivers about geriatric specialty telehealth services. In this symposium we will discuss facilitators and barriers to implementing this model from the perspective of the field and then explore more deeply both the context of the CBOC environment and the older patient population served by rural CBOCs to further understand the challenges that are faced in attempting to connect older patients with telehealth services. Finally, we will share the perceived value of the service and alignment with local needs. This deeper understanding of the experience of the ‘spoke’ may help enhance access to much needed geriatric specialty care for rural veterans.
There Is No Community Here: Living Alone, Place, and Older Peoples' Risk of Social Isolation
Authors: Weldrick Rachel 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Existing research has identified significant risk factors for experiencing social isolation in later life including chronic health conditions, mobility impairments, and living alone among others. Although many older people who live alone maintain active social lives, living alone remains a top predictor of social isolation. Less is known about other types of risk factors, such as place-based risks and social exclusion. Despite calls to examine the role of place and social exclusion in social isolation risk, few studies have investigated the links. Models of isolation risk have often omitted place-based factors and social exclusion and focused largely on individual-level risks. In order to address these gaps, this paper presents the findings of 17 in-depth, qualitative interviews with community-dwelling older people who live alone (aged 65-93). Participants were recruited using a theoretical sampling strategy to ensure that a diverse range of neighbourhood types were represented among the participants (e.g., walkable vs. car-dependent neighbourhoods). Interview transcripts were analyzed using a constructivist grounded approach resulting in several major themes. Participants described aspects of their local environments as shaping their risk of isolation including infrastructure and amenities delivered in place, and neighbourhood makeup, among others. These themes are further examined through the lens of place-based exclusion and used to conceptualize how dimensions of both place and social exclusion fit into the model of known isolation risk factors. An adapted model of risk is presented to guide future research and intervention planning.
Reflections on Applying Anti-Racist Pedagogy to Teaching About Aging
Authors: Karasik Rona , Kishimoto Kyoko 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Racial disparities are well documented in all facets of aging (e.g., health, housing, retirement). Helping gerontology students to recognize racial inequity, however, is only the first step toward effecting change. Empowering students to investigate root causes of these disparities (e.g., power relations) is essential in order to begin to identify ways to dismantle institutional racism and create systems that are more equitable. With its attention to historical/political context and fostering skills for critical analyses and social change, anti-racist pedagogy offers educators a framework from which to introduce and explore these issues (Karasik & Kishimoto, 2020). This session will consider how anti-racist pedagogy may be applied within the gerontological curriculum using examples of teaching about (1) retirement and (2) housing for older adults. Associated challenges such as finding and preparing appropriate material, as well as engaging students and faculty in work they are unfamiliar and/or uncomfortable with will also be discussed.
Project VITAL: A Statewide Initiative Using Technology to Impact Social Isolation
Authors: Fazio Sam 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Project VITAL leverages customized technology to enhance connection, engagement, education and support to individuals with dementia and their caregivers. The goal was to positively impact social isolation, stress, and well-being and help mitigate the effects of isolation experienced during the pandemic and beyond. Phase One included three components designed to impact connection, engagement, education and support. It’s Never Too Late provided 300 customized tablets to 150 care communities to facilitate connections to family members and increase individualized, person-centered engagement. Project ECHO, a video-based learning platform, educated and supported care community staff. Virtual education and support were offered to family caregivers at home. Phase Two provided the program to an additional 150 care communities and added online professional training/certification. Phase Three focuses on 150 family caregivers and individuals with dementia living at home. In addition to connection and individualized engagement, family caregivers now had direct access to virtual programs and services.
The Impact of COVID Restrictions Among Rates of Falling in Assisted Living Residents
Authors: Danilovich Margaret , Fong Melanie , Hester Kamil 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, assisted living group activities and congregate dining stopped and residents were confined to their rooms. While this may have kept residents safer from contracting the virus, it also reduced their physical activity levels. The aim of this study was to investigate if rates of falls in one assisted living community varied as a result of COVID-19 restrictions. We analyzed fall incident reports from n=155 residents from October 2019 to October 2020. Results showed a total of n=802 falls in the year-long period (range of 1-30 falls per resident; mean = 5.17; SD=5.6 in the 12 month period). The majority (65%) of falls occurred in resident rooms. 55% of falls occurred between 6am and 6pm. The primary cause of these falls was loss of balance (30%). Comparing falls that occurred 5 months pre-restriction (Oct 2019-Feb 2020) with 5 months post-restriction (April 2020-August 2021) showed non-significant differences between time periods (p=.59). However, analyzing rates of falls by month showed a range of 46 - 88 falls by month with the lowest number occurring in winter months and the peak number of falls occurring in both Oct 2019 and 2020. Despite the majority of falls occurring in resident rooms, Covid restrictions of room confinement did not appear to impact the prevalence of falls in this sample. However, the seasonal variation warrants further research and those in assisted living should consider seasonal variations and proactively implement policies to prevent falls during these times.
Changes In Mental Health, Social Engagement, and Physical Activities During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Li Wenjun , Hou Su-I 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The current COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly changed our behaviors and health, especially vulnerable community-dwelling older adults. This symposium includes three presentations that evaluated the pandemic’s impacts on mental health, social engagement and physical activity in healthy community-living older adults and those with dementia. Dr. Wenjun Li and his team examined the pandemic impact on mental health and social engagement among relatively healthy older adults residing in suburban and rural neighborhoods in Central Massachusetts, USA. The study reported significant variations in pandemic impacts by sex, age, race, income, living arrangement, and neighborhood housing density, suggesting the pandemic has had disproportionally negative impacts on socially and economically disadvantaged vulnerable older adults. Dr. W. Quin Yow and her team evaluated the impacts of government mandated social distancing and lockdowns on older adults with dementia and their caregivers in Singapore. The study found significant increases in irritability, aggression and hallucinations among older adults with dementia, and possible deterioration of health conditions and heightened moderate level of stress. The results suggest that social distancing may have resulted in negative outcomes in this vulnerable population with dementia and their caregivers. Dr. Ladda Thiamwong reported her team’s efforts on forming an international aging research collaborative to mitigate heath consequences of COVID-19 crisis from the international perspective. The team consists of ten scholars from five countries, including Hong Kong, Nepal, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States. They collect data using combinations of online and face-to-face surveys. Their important findings will be discussed in detail in this symposium.
Changes In Social Isolation, Anxiety and Depression Among Older Adults During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Li Wenjun , Churchill Linda , Siden Hannah , Aquirre Annabella , Procter-Gray Elizabeth 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Social distancing and business lockdowns may have severe negative impact on daily living, mental and physical health of community-living older adults. Our Healthy Aging and Neighborhood Study surveyed 370 older adults in Central Massachusetts in 2020 and 2021. Participants were queried about pre-post pandemic changes in social and physical activities, mental and physical health, and lifestyle factors including food purchasing, diet and physical exercise; and attitude towards and receiving of vaccination. The study is ongoing and data are being accumulated. Preliminary analysis suggested that social distancing and lockdowns have negative impacted social engagement, communications with close friends, relatives and family members, food purchasing, frequency of outdoor exercises, especially group activities. The impact appeared to differ by sex, advancing age, and living arrangement. In summary, social distancing and business lockdowns may have negative impacts on most older adults while the impacts were more severe in those older and socioeconomically disadvantaged.