bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The First Intervention Study for LGBTQ+ Older Adults With Dementia and Caregivers: COVID-19 Lessons Learned
Authors: Goldsen Karen Fredriksen , Teri Linda , Kim Hyun-Jun , Emlet Charles , Petros Ryan , Brown Charlotte , McKenzie Glenise , La Fazia David 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
LGBTQ+ older adults face significant health disparities with higher rates of cognitive impairment and social isolation. Yet, the cognitive health needs of LGBTQ+ adults and caregivers have not been adequately addressed in clinical trials and services. In this presentation, we will share findings from Aging with Pride: IDEA (Innovations in Dementia Empowerment and Action), the first randomly controlled trial (RCT) intervention study designed to improve quality of life of LGBTQ+ adults living with dementia and caregivers, and to reduce institutionalization. In this presentation, we will share preliminary efficacy findings, the effectiveness of culturally responsive approaches, and Covid-19 adaptations, including delivery by virtual chat rather than in-home, technology training, ensuring safety of virtual intervention components, and providing on-going technology support. Preliminary findings suggest a higher intervention retention rate in the virtual delivery as compared to in-home. This study illustrates innovative ways to serve disadvantaged communities in dementia care and aging services.
Circadian Alignment of Feeding Regulates Lifespan Extension by Caloric Restriction
Authors: Acosta-Rodriguez Victoria , Rijo-Ferreira Filipa , Izumo Mariko , Xu Pin , Green Carla , Takahashi Joseph 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Caloric restriction (CR) promotes longevity in several species. Classic CR protocols often lead to chronic cycles of 2h-feeding/22h-fasting, raising the question whether calories, fasting or time of day are causal. To address this, we tested an AL control group and five CR protocols with different timing and duration of feeding/fasting cycles. C57BL/6J male mice were subjected to 30% CR as one single meal a day at the beginning of the day or night (classical protocols with &lt; 2h feeding, CR-day and CR-night), or smaller meals distributed for 12h (CR-day-12h and CR-night-12h), or evenly spread out throughout 24h (CR-spread) to abolish the otherwise daily feeding pattern adopted by nocturnal animals. We found that CR alone is sufficient to extend lifespan without fasting. However, the benefits are enhanced if feeding/fasting cycles are present and match their normal nocturnal activity. Circadian alignment of feeding with at least 12h fasting boosts CR-mediated increase on survival in mice, independently body weight. Aging leads to widespread upregulation of inflammation-related genes and downregulation of metabolic pathways in liver from ad lib fed mice; whereas CR at night ameliorates these aging-related changes and preserves circadian oscillations in gene expression. Overall, our results demonstrate that circadian interventions promote longevity and provide a novel perspective for elucidating mechanisms of aging.
CAPABLE Program Improves Disability in Research and Implementation Settings
Authors: Szanton Sarah , Li Qiwei , Gitlin Laura 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Interventions to reduce disability are crucial for older adults with disabilities to avert unnecessary hospitalizations or nursing home placements and improve daily life. Developed and tested at one research site, multiple health systems and community based organizations have since implemented CAPABLE. All published or peer reviewed tests of CAPABLE were reviewed (six studies, 11 sites) with a total of 1087 low-income community-dwelling older adults with disabilities. Participants were an average age of 74-79, cognitively intact, and self-reported difficulty with one or more activities of daily living (ADL). These trials were reviewed by extracting the participants’ scores on main outcomes, ADLs and IADLs, and when available, fall efficacy, depression, pain and cost savings. All studies yielded improvements in ADL and IADL limitations, with small to strong effect sizes. Studies with the complete dose of CAPABLE showed more improvement in ADLs and cost savings than the studies that implemented a decreased dose.
Social Isolation as a Risk Factor for Cigarette Smoking in Older Adults
Authors: Gimm Gilbert , Pomeroy Mary Lou , Cudjoe Thomas 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Objective: This study examined the prevalence of social isolation and cigarette smoking in a national sample of community-dwelling older adults, and assessed the role of social isolation on the risk of cigarette smoking. Methods: Using data from 8,044 participants (age 65+ years) across two waves of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), we analyzed the prevalence of social isolation in older adults and as a risk factor for cigarette smoking. Social isolation was measured across 4 relationship domains (Cudjoe, 2018) on a scale of 0 to 4, using objective measures of social interactions. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess how social isolation is associated with smoking. Results: Preliminary results showed that 18.2% of older adults were socially isolated (3.5% severely isolated) and 7.1% of participants reported current smoking. We found that both social isolation (OR = 2.5, p&lt;.001) and severe isolation (OR = 5.9, p&lt;.001) increased the odds of smoking. Also, older adults with depression (OR = 1.6, p&lt;.01) and dual-eligible beneficiaries (Medicare and Medicaid) with TRICARE coverage (OR = 4.6, p&lt;.05) had greater odds of smoking. However, we did not find evidence that the odds of smoking varied significantly by the number of chronic conditions. Conclusion: Social isolation is associated with an increased risk of cigarette smoking among older adults. Smoking may be an important behavior in the pathway between social isolation and its association with morbidity and mortality.
Perspectives on How Fall Prevention Technologies Can Support Older Adults’ Self-Monitoring Processes
Authors: Meija Shannon , Hong Sungjae , Griffin Aileen , Su Tai-Te , Sosnoff Jacob 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Fall risk increases as older adults lose the functional resources necessary to maintain balance while completing everyday activities. As functional resources often decline gradually with age, momentary deficits may not be apparent until after a fall occurs. Mobile fall prevention technologies could support older adults in self-monitoring their ability to safely navigate their environments. In this paper we present perspectives on self-monitoring and feedback in a sample of older adults (n = 20, 50% female, age 65+) who had self-assessed their balance via a smartphone for 30 consecutive days. Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews showed that fall history differentiated a) participants’ awareness of day-to-day variation in functional ability; b) trust in the accuracy of self-monitoring; and c) imaginations of what types of feedback a mobile fall prevention technology should provide. Insight on older adults’ internal self-monitoring processes and guidelines for feedback design are discussed.
Initial Results From SOMMA: Contribution of Mitochondrial Function to Walking and Fitness
Authors: Cummings Steve , Cawthon Peggy , Goodpaster Bret , Hepple Russell , Glynn Nancy W , Kritchevsky Stephen , Newman Anne , Coen Paul 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
We hypothesize that the capacity of mitochondria in quadriceps skeletal muscle to generate ATP energy by respirometry (OXPHOS) in biopsies from the vastus lateralis, and in whole quadriceps muscle by 31PMRS (ATPmax) would contribute to 4 and 400m gait speed and to peak oxygen consumption on treadmill testing (VO2peak). In analyses from the first SOMMA participants recruited (N=122), OXPHOS was similarly associated with 4m (r=0.21) and 400 m (r=0.21) walking speed (P&lt;0.01). However, ATPmax was not associated with either 4m or 400m walking speed (r=-0.02 and -0.07 respectively). In contrast both OXPHOS (r=0.43) and ATP max (r=0.35) were more strongly correlated with fitness (VO2 peak). These findings suggest that in older people, the mitochondrial capacity to generate ATP plays an important role walking speed and may be even more important to fitness.
Muscle Quality Revisited: Biopsy Energetics, MR Spectroscopy, and Muscle Power and Strength
Authors: Newman Anne , Santanasto Adam , Strotmeyer Elsa , Nicklas Barbara , Coen Paul , Goodpaster Bret , Cummings Steve 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
With age, strength may decline faster than muscle mass pointing to a deterioration in muscle quality. Aspects of muscle quality and function are being measured in SOMMA; we hypothesized that in vitro and in vivo bioenergetics capacity of muscle would be related to muscle strength and power. Associations differed between men and women. In men (n=48, ATPMAX, 70, max OXPHOS and max ETS) but not women (n=68, ATPMAX, n=103, max OXPHOS and max ETS), muscle ATP regeneration by 31P MR spectroscopy was correlated with leg power (r = 0.27, p= 0.05). Energy production in tissue was similarly more strongly correlated with power in men than women, though not statistically significant. Correlations between the tissue measures and strength were also stronger in men than women. In ongoing follow-up, we will be able to determine what role that muscle tissue energetics plays in explaining the loss of strength and power with aging.
Assessing Mitochondrial Energetics of Skeletal Muscle in the Study of Muscle Mobility and Aging (SOMMA)
Authors: Goodpaster Bret , Cawthon Peggy , Kritchevsky Stephen , Newman Anne , Hepple Russell , Cummings Steve , Coen Paul 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Mitochondria produce energy as ATP that essential for muscle contraction and movement. We hypothesize that age-related decreases in the capacity to generate ATP in muscle plays a major role in loss of mobility with aging. In SOMMA, we use high-resolution respirometry to measure the activity of electron transport system (ETS) in permeabilized muscle fibers from muscle biopsies. This allows us to assay ETS function in a highly controlled ex vivo experiment at the myocellular level, removed from other potentially limiting physiological factors including supplies of substrates and oxygen. We are also measuring the maximal capacity to generate ATP (ATPmax) in vivo by 31PMRS. ATPmax reflects the rate of phosphocreatine replenishment via oxidative phosphorylation. Analysis from the first 113 participants indicates that ATPmax correlates with Maximal OXPHOS (r=0.27, P=0.005), and Maximal ETS capacity (r=0.17, P=0.08). This suggests that these approaches provide complementary information on skeletal muscle energetics.
Alcohol- and Drug-Associated Injury Outcomes Among Older Adults Involved in Car Crashes
Authors: Adeyemi Oluwaseun 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Understanding how recent alcohol or drug use among older adults involved in car crashes can inform emergency care team on the morbidity and mortality risks. This study aimed to assess the odds of worsened health outcomes among older adults with evidence of alcohol or drug ingestion. This cross-sectional analysis used crash census data from the National EMS Information System. The outcome variable was the health outcome after EMS care, measured on a four-point ordinal scale: lower acuity, emergent, critical, and dead. The predictor variable was alcohol/drug use (present/not present). Age, race, gender, part of the body injured, and the revised trauma score of the patients were used as confounders. Odds ratio were calculated using proportional ordinal logistic regression. A total of 42,992 individuals, aged 65 years and older, were involved in car crash events, which required EMS activation. About 22.9% needed emergent care, 4.4% were classified as critical, and 0.4% died without resuscitation efforts. At the time of crash, 3.8% of the older population had evidence of alcohol or drug use. After adjusting for age, gender, race, injury location and revised trauma score of the crash patients, alcohol/drugs were associated with 54% increased odds of worse clinical outcome (AOR:1.54; 95% CI: 1.32-1.80). The adjusted odds remained elevated in urban (AOR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.42-2.02) and suburban (AOR: 2.21; 95% CI: 1.12-4.35) and not significantly elevated in rural areas. Study findings can inform EMS service and emergency room care as well as policies that strengthen the urban and suburban EMS.
Changes in Transportation During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results From a Survey of Middle-Aged and Older Floridians
Authors: Barrett Anne , Michael Cherish , Noblitt Jessica 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The pandemic’s numerous effects on everyday life include reductions in driving and changes in the use of other transportation modes, like getting rides from family and friends, walking, and biking. Aside from broad patterns, however, little is known about these changes, including how they affected different groups of the population and how they felt about them. Our study addresses these issues using data collected from an online survey of over 4,000 Floridians aged 50 or older, conducted between December 2020 and April 2021 and funded by the Florida Department of Transportation to support its aging road user program, Safe Mobility for Life. Changes in driving and in rides from family and friends were more striking than those in other transportation modes. Nearly 30 percent of respondents decreased their driving during the pandemic, while 20 percent got fewer rides from family and 25 percent got fewer rides from friends. In contrast, only 11 percent decreased their walking, and the same percentage increased it. Less common were changes in biking, with percent 7 decreasing and only 4 percent increasing it. Multivariate analyses revealed that these changes were influenced by gender, race, age, socioeconomic status, and health. Further insight was gained from analysis of an open-ended item, revealing positive and negative assessments of the changes. Positive assessments centered on feeling satisfied with working at home, spending more time outdoors, having more free time, and saving money. Negative assessments centered on social isolation, dissatisfaction with government responses to the pandemic, and reduced transportation options.
Overcoming Health Promotion Barriers in Rural Health: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Batsis John 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Weight loss interventions are fraught with difficulties for older adults in rural areas due to transportation difficulties, reduced availability of staff, and lack of programs. Telemedicine can overcome these barriers. A qualitative analysis of data from 44 exit-interviews from a rural-based, older adult weight loss study, informed by thematic analysis, was conducted. Participant’s age was 73 years (73% female) and BMI was 36.5kg/m2. Distance to the site was 24 miles (31 min). Key themes included: a) telemedicine can help improve one’s health, is more practical than in-person visits, is less costly, and time efficient; b) the majority (60%) were initially apprehensive about using telemedicine, a fear that resolved quickly; c) setting up telemedicine was easy and acceptable, despite a quick learning curve; d) having a team member for troubleshooting was important. Using telemedicine in older adults with obesity residing in rural areas should be considered in health promotion interventions.
Certified Older Adult Peer Support Specialists' Use of Technology to Support Older Adults in the Community
Authors: Fortuna Karen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Middle-aged and older adults with mental health conditions have a high likelihood of experiencing comorbid physical health conditions, premature nursing home admissions, and early death compared with the general population of middle-aged and older adults. An emerging workforce of certified older adult peer support specialists aged 50 years or above is one of the fastest growing mental health workforces and may be a suitable community-based workforce to simultaneously support the mental health, physical health, and aging needs of middle-aged and older adults with a serious mental illness. Older adult peer support specialists are people with a lived experience of aging into middle age and older adulthood with a mental health condition. This presentation will present three single-arm pilot studies examining how certified older adult peer support specialists’ incorporate technology, including text messaging, ecological momentary assessments, and smartphone applications into practice and clinical outcomes among older adults with serious mental illness.
Vulnerability and Resilience Among Older Adults During the COVID Pandemic
Authors: Aldwin Carolyn 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is particularly challenging for many older adults. They are strongly encouraged to practice social distancing and sheltering in place to decrease morbidity and mortality risks. However, social isolation and loneliness increase the risk of mental and physical health problems. Nonetheless, there are indications that older adults may be more resilient than originally thought. Park et al. present longitudinal findings that younger adults fared worse than middle-aged or older ones, reporting greater distress and less social support, mindfulness, and emotion regulation skills. For older participants, acceptance of negative emotions and social support predicted lower distress. Choun et al. also present longitudinal data, showing that depressive symptoms decreased among older adults during the lockdown phase of the pandemic, but reflected changes in loneliness and physical health symptoms. Stellman et al. found that moderate levels of combat experience were helpful for some older Vietnam veterans coping with the pandemic, although a few found that it made coping more difficult. Turner et al. found that positive, non-familial intergenerational contacts were associated with a higher number of positive pandemic-related changes, such as finding new hobbies and meaning in work. Finally, Aldwin et al. present a social ecological approach to vulnerability and resilience. Using qualitative data, they found that stressors and resources were reported at personal, interpersonal and societal levels. Further, older adults both took comfort from and contributed to community resources during this pandemic. In summary, this symposium identified factors that contribute to older adults’ resilience during this pandemic.
Coping With COVID: Does Prior Military Service Play a Role for Vietnam Veterans?
Authors: Stellman Jeanne , Stellman Steven , Kaiser Anica , Spiro Avron , Smith Brian 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
We investigated the impact of earlier military combat on ability to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic in 379 male Vietnam veterans who responded to surveys in 1984, 1998, and 2020. Combat exposure was scored with a validated scale, contrasting lowest tertile (8-15) vs. medium/high (16-40). About one-fourth of veterans (26%) reported that their military experience made it easier to cope with the pandemic, while over half (59%) said it had no effect. Medium/high-combat veterans were more likely to report that their military experience made coping easier (OR = 1.8, p = 0.03), but were less likely to report no effect of service on their coping than low-combat veterans (OR = 0.40, p&lt;0.001). All 19 respondents (5%) who said military experience made coping more difficult were medium/high combat veterans. Military experience, and combat particularly, affected many of these veterans’ ability to cope with the pandemic decades after their service.
Intergenerational Relationships as a Resource for Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Turner Shelbie , Hooker Karen , Jarrott Shannon , Geldhof John 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The intergenerational ties that offer support to older adults are likely useful for resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. We analyzed whether positive and negative intergenerational contact was associated with positive pandemic-related personal change. We utilized data collected from 566 adults aged 50 and older between August 2020 and January 2021 via MTurk and a statewide research registry. Participants reported the quality of their contact with younger adults, and whether they experienced positive changes (i.e. new hobbies, healthier behavior, greater meaning in work) as a result of the pandemic. Higher positive, but not lower negative, non-familial intergenerational contact was associated with a higher number of positive pandemic-related changes (estimate = 0.07, SE = 0.03, p=0.02). The quality of familial intergenerational relationships were not associated with positive pandemic-related changes. Non-familial intergenerational relationships may be especially important for resilience, and should be supported during a time when they may be difficult to maintain.
A Social Ecological Model of Vulnerability and Resilience in Older Adults During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Aldwin Carolyn , Igarashi Heidi , Kurth Maria , Lee Hye Soo , Choun Soyoung , Lee Dylan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Objectives: We used a social ecological model to examine vulnerability and resilience among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We analyzed two open-ended questions included in a survey of 235 respondents, 51–95 years old (M = 71.35; SD = 7.39; 74% female), which asked about COVID-19-related difficulties and positive experiences during the past week. We identified three different levels for difficulties and positives at the personal, interpersonal, and/or societal levels. Results: Fewer than half of the respondents reported on difficulties (41%) and positives (40%) just at the personal level. In terms of crossing levels, people were most likely to report events spanning the personal and interpersonal levels (14% and 18%, respectively). A few individuals reported difficulties and positives at the societal level. Discussion: Older individuals were acutely aware of challenges and positives existing at all three levels, and contributed to resources at the interpersonal and community levels.
Aging in Place: Social Connectedness and the Health of Older Subsidized Housing Residents
Authors: Cudjoe Thomas , Gonyea Judith , Stone Robyn 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Findings on the prevalence and impacts of loneliness and social isolation on the lives of older adults have led to the lack of social connectedness being viewed as a major public health issue. Although an understudied population, emerging evidence suggests that for the nearly 3 million older low-income adults living in subsidized housing the impacts of lack of social connection may be especially profound. From a life course perspective, “cumulative economic disadvantage,” if combined with a “cumulative connectedness disadvantage,” may heighten exposure to health risk factors and negative health outcomes. Addressing social risk factors in this population thus may have the potential to reduce health disparities as well as improve quality of life. Decades of epidemiologic evidence suggest that social isolation is a key factor in disparate outcomes. Evidence-based interventions are needed to improve aging in place for this population, but little is known about the individual or contextual factors that influence social connectedness and health among this high-risk population of older adults. This symposium includes interdisciplinary perspectives and methods as well as present results from four studies that examine 1) perspectives on aging in place in subsidized housing, 2) relationship between social connection and food insecurity 3) relationship between social isolation and healthcare utilization and 4) between resident ties and links to health outcomes. Papers in this symposium will highlight the implications of study findings for informing future interventions to improve aging in place for older adults living in subsidized housing.