bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intergeneration Bonding: An Acceptability and Feasibility Study
Authors: Saidi Ladan Ghazi , Rezac Lauren , McKelvey Miechelle 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Social isolation and loneliness are detrimental risk factors to older adult’s physical and psychological well-being and quality of life. Given the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation has risen. Social isolation affects younger adults as well and may increase the chances of depression and anxiety. In this study, we tested the acceptability and feasibility of an Intergenerational Bonding (IGB) Program with older and younger adults. Participants include students aged 19-29 at the University of Nebraska at Kearney and older adults above the age of 60 residing in the community. First, we surveyed younger and older adults to determine their interest level in participating in an IGB Program. Both groups of participants rated their interest in different activities. The most popular activities among both groups included engaging in conversations, board games, and an exchange of skills. Neither of the groups was in favor of participating in free housing opportunities or sports-related activities. Response rates were high in young adults but low in older adults, due to lack of trust. Then, in a pilot study, we measured the feasibility and acceptability of the IGB Program. Older adults residing in independent dwellings, assisted living environments, nursing homes and members of community groups were invited to participate in the intergenerational program. Response rates of older adults were low. Further, establishing collaboration with institutions such as nursing homes was not easy despite initial interest. Building trust and working with community activity group facilitators would be beneficial in recruiting older adults.
Musical experience relates to functional connectivity in older adults
Authors: Ai Meishan , Morris Timothy , Chaddock-Heyman Laura , Loui Psyche , Whitfield-Gabrieli Susan , Hillman Charles , McAuley Edward , Kramer Arthur 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Previous studies have shown that engaging in musical activities throughout the lifespan may buffer age-related decline in auditory and motor function, as well as in general cognitive function. MRI studies have demonstrated that individuals with musical training and experience exhibited greater grey matter volume and functional connectivity in extensive brain regions, especially in auditory and motor systems, compared to matched controls with no particular musical training or experience. Therefore, musical activity is a potential protective factor for brain health across lifespan. However, how lifespan musical experience shapes functional connectivity in older adults is still unknown. The current analysis investigated whether general musical experience (Goldsmith Music Sophistication Index) is associated with functional connectivity in older adults (age=65.7±4.4, n=69), focusing on seed regions in primary motor areas (bilateral precentral gyrus) and primary auditory regions (bilateral anterior/posterior superior temporal gyrus) and their functional connectivity towards other areas throughout the whole brain. We found that older adults with more musical experience showed greater functional connectivity between anterior superior temporal gyrus and insula (R2=0.10, p=0.01), and between posterior superior temporal gyrus and cerebellum (R2=0.08, p=0.02). However, musical experience and music-related functional connectivity was not significantly correlated with general cognitive functions in our sample. Overall, our findings suggest that older adults with more musical experience might be more efficient in some aspects of auditory processing and auditory-motor skills, but this may not transfer towards domain-general cognitive tests. Our results support the notion that even non-professional engagement in musical experiences may afford benefits to the aging brain.
Physical Activity and Episodic Memory: An Analysis of Longitudinal Associations Over 12 Years
Authors: Tate Rio , Hueluer Gizem 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
With the increasing prevalence of Alzheimer’s and related dementias, it is becoming a growing public health concern to identify modifiable risk factors to prevent cognitive decline. Previous research suggest that physical exercise may promote cognitive function in aging. However, most of this research is based on experimental or cross-sectional studies and fewer studies have studied longitudinal associations over longer time frames. In the present study, we examined how physical activity is related to cognition in older adults. To do so, we applied multilevel models to data from 29,740 participants (age at baseline: M = 63 years, SD = 11 years, 50 to 102 years) from years 2004-2016, measured biennially (waves 7-13) of the Health and Retirement Study. Our findings showed that at the between-person level, those who practiced light, moderate, and vigorous- physical activity more frequently than others showed higher levels of episodic memory than others at the age of 70. At the within-person level, participants performed better than usual on a test of episodic memory on occasions when they reported more frequent physical activity of light, moderate and vigorous intensity. More frequent vigorous physical activity was related to less age-related decline in episodic memory, while the frequency of moderate physical exercise was unrelated to age-related change in memory. Contrary to our expectations, more frequent light physical exercise was related to more age-related decline in episodic memory. We discuss the implications of these findings for future research and practice.
Gender Difference in Unmet Needs Among People Aging With a Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Barton Kelli , Swinford Emma 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can result in a myriad of short and long-term mental and physical changes and conditions. While fall-related brain injury prevention strategies and outcomes among older adults have been well-documented in previous literature, less is understood about the experiences and needs of those aging with a brain injury. The aim of this project is to explore gender differences in experiences and needs among people aging with a TBI. A Needs Assessment survey was conducted in early 2020 with adult TBI survivors and their family members in Missouri (n = 150). The mean age of respondents was 45.8 and 58% identified as male. Bivariate analyses reveal gender difference in unmet needs related to information and referral, recreation, and continuing education among TBI survivors. For example, more female respondents (43.1%) identified unmet needs associated with physical activity than their male counterparts (25.9%, p &lt; .05). More females (61.3%) than males (43.4%) also identified unmet continuing education needs related to aging with brain injury (p &lt; .05), whereas more males (10.8%) identified unmet continuing education needs on the topic of parenting (females: 1.6%, p &lt; .05). Significantly more females (31.1%) than males (16.9%) identified lack of transportation as a barrier to accessing needed supports and resources (p &lt; .05). Results will guide development of an Annual State Action Plan to maximize the independence, well-being, and health of Missourians aging with TBI and their families. A better understanding of needs and preferences can inform targeted policies, programs, and resources.
The Interplay of COVID 19, Remote Contact, and Race as Risk Factors for Depression
Authors: Bae Youngjoon , Abbott Katherine , Pachucki Mark 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
There have been concerns about how social distance policies and lockdowns due to COVID-19 have affected loneliness and depression among older adults in ways that may magnify racial disparities in health. We conducted panel logistic regression analyses with random effects using national data spanning 2004 to 2016 and the COVID-19 module (Wave 2020, administered in June and September) from the Health & Retirement Study (n=15,504). Individuals living in a nursing home, diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, and 64 years of age or younger were excluded from analyses. Age, gender, Hispanic status, education, marital status, working status, wealth, BMI, physical activity, smoking, drinking, and difficulty in meal preparation, eating without help, and grocery shopping were included as control variables. Findings suggest that older adults did not appear to experience increased loneliness during the pandemic relative to prior waves. However, Wave 2020 was an independent risk factor for depression. Greater in-person contact (OR: 0.97, CI: 0.95-0.99, p-val: 0.001) and remote contact (OR: 0.99, CI: 0.97-0.996, p-val: 0.008) were each independently associated with slightly decreased depression. Older Black Americans tended to be more depressed than their White counterparts (OR: 1.50, CI: 1.20-1.86, p-val: &lt;0.001). However, a null interaction between race and wave suggested that Black Americans did not experience more increased depression in 2020 relative to prior waves. Analyses suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic might change at-risk groups for depression and communication by remote technology – often considered an inferior but necessary stopgap measure. Implications for practice and policy will be discussed.
A Comparison of Mental Health in a Sample of Older Women Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Marshall Victoria , Sandhu Robina , Kanzler Kathryn , Espinoza Sara , Keel Pamela , LaCroix Andrea , Musi Nicolas , Kilpela Lisa 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially impacted lives globally. Due to age-related risks, the older adult population has uniquely experienced negative changes caused by the pandemic. Research has also shown that the pandemic has disproportionately affected women. Therefore, it is important to understand how the mental health of older women has been impacted during this global crisis. This study aims to examine the differences in mental health indices in a sample of older women before versus during the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, participants include 201 women (aged 60-94) who completed an online survey of self-report measures assessing depression, anxiety, alcohol use, binge eating, positive affect, and emotional quality of life (QOL). We conducted one-way ANOVAs to compare each mental health construct in two samples of older women collected pre- and peri-pandemic. Results indicated that the peri-pandemic group reported significantly higher anxiety (F = 5.25, p = .02), with a trend for more role limitations due to emotional problems (F = 2.79, p = .09), than the pre-pandemic group. No significant differences emerged for levels of depression, alcohol consumption, binge eating, positive affect, or emotional wellbeing between groups. These findings point to the psychological resilience of older adults in the face of extreme adverse events, including this global crisis. Older women, while impacted differently during the COVID-19 pandemic, reported minimal exacerbations of mental health problems compared to older women pre-pandemic. Efforts to identify moderators that may either attenuate or promote further psychological resilience among older adults is warranted.
Benefit-finding buffers the effects of quarantine on older adults’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Cheng Sheung-Tak , Zhang Fan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Objective: Older adults’ health and well-being may suffer due to prolonged social isolation leading to loneliness and increased stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study aimed to address the role of benefit-finding, defined as the capacity to derive meaning and positive aspects from stressful situations, in older adults’ adaptation to the effects of quarantine. Methods: 421 participants aged 50 or above in China participated in an online survey to study the effects of quarantine on loneliness, stress, anxiety, depression and life satisfaction, and the moderating role of benefit-finding. Results: The results showed that quarantine was basically unrelated to any outcome. Further analysis showed, however, that the effect of quarantine varied by levels of benefit-finding. Only people with lower benefit-finding reported a higher level of loneliness, perceived stress, anxiety and depression, but no relationships were found at higher benefit-finding. Conclusions: The findings extended our understanding of the role of benefit-finding in buffering the negative impact of adversity on older people. By mitigating the effects of prolonged social isolation, benefit-finding served as a protective factor in older people’s adaptation to the sequelae of this pandemic.
COVID-19 and Its Impact on Older Adults’ Routine and Urgent Health Care Visits
Authors: Wilkinson Lindsay , Masters Julie , Boron Julie Blaskewicz 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Older adults have not only been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but relatedly, are also more vulnerable to other health problems. Moreover, previous research on epidemics shows that health care services are often disrupted during health crises—leading to less access to and lower utilization of health services unrelated to the health crisis. The primary aim of this research is to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on both routine and urgent health care visits. Using data collected in December 2020 on adults ages 54 to 100 living in one of nine senior living communities (SLCs) in the state of Nebraska (n = 723), logistic regression models were used to investigate correlates of missed health care visits, adjusting for sociodemographic and health characteristics. The results show that 58% of older adults in SLCs skipped or postponed a routine health care visit due to the pandemic, whereas 8% of older adults missed an urgent health care visit. The results further reveal that older adults with better perceived health (p &lt; 0.05), higher life satisfaction (p &lt; 0.01), and higher resilience (p &lt; 0.05) all had lower odds of missing a routine health care visit due to the pandemic. In contrast, those who missed an urgent health care visit were more likely to have higher perceived financial strain (p &lt; 0.05). The findings from this study demonstrate the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on older adults’ health care utilization, which may have serious implications for their long-term health.
COVID-19 Impacts on Mental Health Care in Veterans Health Administration Community Living Centers
Authors: Jedele Jenefer , Griffin Cameron , Curyto Kim , Karel Michele 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
COVID-19 forced VHA Community Living Centers (CLC) to adjust how mental health (MH) care is provided. Beginning March 2020, admissions and staff entering CLC space were restricted in response to the pandemic. Some care shifted from in-person to virtual. Veterans were more isolated due to visitor restrictions and cancellation of communal activities. Pre-COVID, CLC teams cared for an already complex population – 80% of residents had a MH diagnosis (24% with serious mental illness). Changing resident composition and increased isolation may intensify challenges in providing MH care. Using VHA administrative data, we assess the impact of the changing CLC environment during the pandemic by comparing monthly average rates of MH diagnoses and provision of MH care and as-needed psychotropics to CLC residents pre-COVID (Oct 2019 – Feb 2020) to the COVID period (Mar 2020 – Feb 2021). CLCs experienced a 26% decline in the monthly resident census. However, the monthly percentage of residents with a serious mental illness increased 13%. Pre-COVID, virtual MH encounters were received by 2% of residents; 35% received an in-person MH encounter. During COVID, 8% received a virtual MH encounter and 33% received in-person. As-needed antipsychotics remained unchanged, while as-needed benzodiazepine prescriptions decreased 15%. Despite increased MH concerns, CLC teams did not appear to respond with increased pharmacological interventions. Rather, teams seem to have maintained clinical service connection for those with MH concerns. Documenting successful approaches for addressing MH needs during this challenging time will be instructive for future care during times of crisis.
Effect of Race and Dementia Prevalence on a COVID-19 Infection Control Intervention in Massachusetts Nursing Homes
Authors: Dufour Alyssa , Kosar Cyrus , Mor Vincent , Lipsitz Lewis 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Nursing home (NH) residents, especially those who were Black or had dementia, had the highest infection rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. A 9-week COVID-19 infection control intervention in 360 Massachusetts NHs showed that adherence to an infection control checklist with proper PPE use and cohorting, was associated with declines in weekly infection rates. NHs were offered weekly webinars, answers to infection control questions, resources to acquire personal protective equipment, backup staff, and SARS-CoV-2 testing. We asked whether the effect of this intervention differed by racial and dementia composition of the NHs. Data were obtained from 4 state audits using infection control checklists, weekly infection rates, and Minimum Data Set variables on race and dementia to determine whether adherence to the checklist competencies was associated with decline in average weekly rates of new COVID-19 infections. Using a mixed effects hurdle model, adjusted for county COVID-19 prevalence, we found that the overall effect of the intervention did not differ by race, but proper cohorting of residents was associated with a greater reduction in infection rates among facilities with ≥20% non-whites (n=83). Facilities in the middle (50-61%; n=116) and upper (&gt;61%; n=118) tertiles of dementia prevalence had the largest reduction in infection rates as checklist scores improved. Cohorting was associated with greater reductions in infection rates among facilities in the middle and upper tertiles of dementia prevalence. Thus, adherence to proper infection control procedures, particularly cohorting, can reduce COVID-19 infections, even in facilities with high percentages of high-risk residents (non-white and dementia).
Hospital in Home COVID-19 Monitoring: A Novel Approach to Keeping a Watchful Eye on Older Adults
Authors: Cooney Alissa , Serra Monica , Lee Monica , Oakman Kimberly , Medlin Laura , Ahuja Sunil , Restrepo Marcos , Sanchez-Reilly Sandra 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Older adults suffering from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are at increased risk of death and hospitalization-related complications. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has forced adaptations in Telehealth, allowing COVID-19 patients to be managed at home. Traditionally, Hospital in Home (HIH) patients have better clinical outcomes and lower mortality compared to similar hospitalized patients. However, effectiveness of HIH for COVID-19 older adults remains unknown. This study examines the effect of age on rates of hospital readmission and overall mortality for patients enrolled in HIH after initial COVID-19 hospital discharge. A HIH COVID-19 monitoring program was developed to facilitate earlier hospital discharge and monitoring. Retrospective data between March 2020 and January 2021 were analyzed. Of the 402 subjects (age:26-99; mean:61.8), 13 (6.1%) subjects &lt;65 years old vs 19 (10%) subjects □65 years old were readmitted to the hospital at least once. Two (0.94%) subjects &lt;65 years old and 12 (6.3%) subjects □65 years old died. Older adults were 1.719 times more likely to be re-hospitalized (p=0.005) and 7.153 times more likely to die (p=0.017) compared to younger adults. Age remains a significant predictor of hospital readmission and mortality in subjects previously hospitalized for COVID-19 even when followed by monitoring programs like HIH. Further studies are needed to determine the best way to reduce hospital readmission and mortality rates for older adults after initial COVID-19 hospital discharge.
How COVID-19 Pandemic Changed Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables by Older Adults
Authors: Monroe-Lord Lillie , Ardakani Azam 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This study aims to determine the changes in consumption of fruits and vegetables of older adults before and since the COVID-19 pandemic. The data collection was administered by Qualtrics through an online survey conducted in August and September 2020. The total participants were 10,050. Differences between consumption of fruits (fresh, canned, frozen) and vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, spinach) before and since COVID-19. Date were analyzed using the Wilcoxon’s signed-rank test. Among participants, 5,767 females (57.4%) and 4,283 males (42.6%) and the average age of 62.09 (SD=11.22). 7.1% were Asian (N=701), 4.3% were Hispanic (N=429), 14.1% were African Americans (N=1393), and 74.5% were White (N=7,390). For total participants, consumption of fruits decreased significantly (p&lt;0.001) since COVID-19. The decrease in consumption of fruits was larger in females (p&lt;0.001) than males (p=0.026). It is likely because consumption of fruits by males was already low before the pandemic at 27% of the amount consumed by females. The decrease in consumption of fruits was not statistically significant in Asian (p=0.096) and African American (p=0.07), but significant in Hispanic (p=0.008) and White (p&lt;0.001) participants. African American and Hispanic participants consumed a lower number of fruits before the pandemic compared to Asian and White participants. Consumption of vegetables had no significant change since COVID-19 for total participants regardless of gender and race. This study reported a significant decrease in the consumption of fruits, but not vegetables by older adults since COVID-19 pandemic.
Whole Team, Whole Person High-Involvement Quality Improvement Training for VA Community Living Center Leaders
Authors: Snow A Lynn , Clark Valerie , Zhao Shibei , Engle Ryann , Ott Corilyn , Nash Princess , Minor Lisa , Hartmann Christine 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Long-term care is a challenging environment for quality improvement due to the high resident acuity, wide variation in resident needs, and wide variation in types and backgrounds of the large staff across three daily shifts. We report results from a learning collaborative undertaken to improve care quality and staff quality improvement skills in the VA CLCs through development of high functioning relationally coordinated teams operating in accord with person-centered care principles. The collaborative included 27 CLCs. Over 9 months leadership teams completed action assignments supported by 5 workshops and regular group coaching calls. Evaluation included fidelity monitoring (attendance, mid- and final progress reports), satisfaction questionnaires, and review of the VA quality measures (CLC Compare). Pre-post participant evaluations revealed a significant increase in positive responses to the question “to what extent do you think applying these new skills/knowledge will improve quality in your CLC?” and positive responses trending toward significance in ratings of abilities to apply new skills. Open-ended survey comments were positive and indicated change in understanding and practice: “utilizing the daily huddle to facilitate real time communication afforded the team a proactive approach to providing care and reducing acute exacerbations. We are able to avert, evaluate as a real time team and make it happen in the now not as a look back.”; “definitely unified front-line staff and CLC leadership.” Some changes were achieved in CLC Compare quality scores (e.g., falls with major injury rate had a 9.6 reduction (average rate = 3.39 pre, 3.07 post)).