bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of a Timed Activity Intervention to Improve Sleep: Findings From the Healthy Patterns Study
Authors: Hodgson Nancy , McPhillips Miranda , Petrovsky Darina , Aryal Subhash 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
We conducted a two-arm RCT with dyads of 200 persons living at home with dementia (PLWD) who reported sleep disruption and family caregivers. Components of the Healthy Patterns intervention included: 1) assessing PLWD functional status, preferences and interests; 2) educating caregivers on environmental cues to promote activity and sleep; and 3) training caregivers in timed morning, afternoon, and evening activities. Outcomes included: PLWD quality of life, sleep, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Sleep-wake patterns were assessed using wrist actigraphy and proxy-reported measures. The main intervention effects were tested using ANCOVA. The average age of participants was 73.4 years, 67% were female, 80% were African American/Black). At 4 weeks, the intervention group demonstrated less sleep-related impairment (p = 0.0031) and reported higher quality of life than the control group (p = 0.0074). These results provide new fundamental knowledge regarding the effects of timing activity on sleep and well-being.
The Challenges of Being a Family Caregiver During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Canada
Authors: McGhan Gwen , McCaughey Deirdre 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all of our lives, but the population most at risk are older adults. Canadians over the age of 60 account for 36% of all COVID-19 cases but 95% of the deaths, and over two-thirds of ICU admissions. Older adults with chronic health conditions are especially at risk. Prior to COVID-19, family caregivers (FCGs) for older adults were managing their caregiving duties at the limits of their emotional, physical and financial capacity. As such, FCGs need special consideration during these times of uncertainty to support them in their role and enable the continuation of care for their older adult family members. This symposium will report on independently conducted studies from across Canada that have examined how the pandemic and associated public health measures have influenced resource utilization by FCGs and the older adults for whom they provide care. McAiney et al’s study examines the deleterious effect of reduced services on community dwelling FCGs and the wellbeing of their family member with dementia. Parmar & Anderson examined the effect of pandemic restrictions on FCGs of frail older adults and found they were experiencing increased distress and decreased wellbeing. Flemons et al report on the experiences of FCGs managing caregiving without critical services and the effect of restrictive visiting policies and the well-being of the caregiving dyad (FCGs and family member with dementia). Finally, McGhan et al will share how FCGs evaluated the efficacy of public health measures and the public health messaging about the pandemic.
Factors That Motivate Older Adults to Participate in Research: Typologies and Implications
Authors: Carr Dawn , He Zhe , Lustria Mia , Tian Shubo , Agharazidermani Maedeh , Boot Walter 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
A key challenge for scholars who study aging is identifying a pool of research volunteers willing to participate. Toolkits and strategies acknowledge the differences in recruitment needed for older adults relative to younger adults, but there is little information about variations among older adult research volunteers. Based on a community sample of older adults age 60+, this study evaluates differences across seven specific motivators across three broad categories: values/altruism, personal growth/improvement, and immediate gratification. We then identify and evaluate four typologies of older adult volunteers based on the combinations of motivations the older adults in our sample identify as important to participation in research studies. Based on these analyses, we describe how our results might inform recruitment and retention practices in aging studies. Further, we will discuss how these results will help shape our technology-based reminder system with a greater understanding of motivations.
The Effect of Reminder Message Tailoring on Cognitive Intervention Adherence
Authors: Zhang Shenghao , Dieciuc Michael , Dilanchian Andrew , Boot Walter 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
To examine the potential impact of tailored messaging on adherence and attitudes toward text message reminders, a pilot study conducted in advance of the APPT randomized controlled trial systematically manipulated the match between text message content and participants’ self-reported motivations to participate in a cognitive intervention study. Older adults (n=40) were asked to engage in cognitive training, in the form of gamified neuropsychological tests, 30 minutes a day for 10 consecutive days, and adherence was tracked remotely over time. Critically, each day text message reminders alternated between messages consistent or inconsistent with participants’ previously reported motivations for entering the study. This talk presents results, derived from multilevel modeling, that explore the effectiveness of this simple and cost-effective message tailoring approach for facilitating adherence and engendering positive attitudes toward the reminder system, and implications for programs requiring long-term adherence.
Standards and Guidelines for Undergraduate Programs in Gerontology
Authors: Andreoletti Carrie , Donorfio Laura , Kopera-Frye Karen , Maiden Robert 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Undergraduate programs (majors, minors, certificates) and continuing education programs in gerontology prepare students for entry-level careers in aging and increase competitiveness for graduate work in a variety of fields. Job growth in the field of gerontology is high, especially for positions requiring a bachelor’s degree and less. Gerontology education at this level is essential for meeting the growing demand for workers in social services and health services who understand the opportunities and challenges that come with increased longevity and global aging. This presentation will highlight the new recommendations for competency-based gerontology education for undergraduate and continuing education credentials outlined in the latest edition of AGHE Standards and Guidelines. Whether you are developing a new curriculum or revising an old one, we will offer suggestions for using the AGHE competencies and guidelines to ensure that your program adequately prepares students and offers them a competitive edge in today’s job market.
Age-Friendly Community Practice: Understanding the Role of Community Events
Authors: Pope Natalie , Greenfield Emily , Pestine-Stevens Althea , Scher Clara 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
To advance an emerging empirical knowledge base for age-friendly community initiatives (AFCIs), we conducted a qualitative descriptive study to explore one manifestation of age-friendly practice: community events (CEs). We aimed to illuminate how AFCI core teams describe CEs as part of their practice and how they perceive the value of CEs for age-friendly progress. Using inductive coding, we analyzed data from semi-structured interviews (n=24) with eight core teams across three time points spanning the early to mid-implementation phases of the AFCIs. Two predominant themes emerged. First, CEs were described as important for working toward age-friendly goals concerning older residents’ social participation and inclusion. Second, core teams described the longer-term strategic value of CEs, such as building interorganizational partnerships; providing deeper insight on aging in community; and fostering older adults’ leadership as part of the initiative. We discuss implications for advancing transdisciplinary program theory to guide more sustainable and effective AFCIs.
Investigating Everyday Prospective Memory in Younger and Older Couples
Authors: Haas Maximilian , Meier Tabea , Huber Zilla , Kliegel Matthias , Horn Andrea 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Daily events are not simply individual concepts, but shared by the social environment we live in. The present study investigates the role of romantic partners in the co-regulation of cognitive functioning by the example of prospective memory (PM), the ability to remember and correctly execute future intentions. In this context, we examined the impact of social proximity (i.e., physical closeness and psychological intimacy) on interpersonal regulation. Over the course of 21 days, 64 younger couples (18-33 years) and 52 couples of older adults (57-87 years) completed an ambulatory assessment comprising a daily pseudo-randomized PM task. Results reveal that couples’ PM performance was higher for younger than for older participants. Further, dyadic PM was correlated with psychological intimacy for both age groups, but the impact of time spent together on intimacy and PM performance, respectively, was stronger in older adults. Possible moderating factors and explanations for these findings will be discussed.
Aging Predisposes B cells to Malignancy by Activating c-Myc and Perturbing the Genome and Epigenome
Authors: Shindyapina Anastasia , Castro Jose , Barbieri Alessandro , Paulo João , Strelkova Olga , Sedivy John , Manis John , Gladyshev Vadim 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Age is the single major risk factor for human cancer, but naturally occurring cancers are rarely studied in aging models. Like humans, mice spontaneously develop cancer with age, and standard laboratory strains are predisposed for B-cell lymphoma. Here, we uncover how B-cell lymphoma develops as a consequence of the aging immune system. We found that aged B cells acquire somatic mutations in tumor suppressors and oncogenes (e.g. Trp53, Pim1, and Myh11) and undergo monoclonal expansions, with some clones representing 86% of splenic B cells. Clonal B cells had hypermethylated promoters and globally silenced expression, suggesting a role of DNA methylation in clonal selection of premalignant B cells. B-cell size, spleen weight, and a novel population of B cells, which we named Myc+ cells, emerged as convenient markers of malignancy. High-throughput analyses of clonal B cells and the use of genetic mouse models revealed that c-Myc drives B-cell size increase and clonal expansion with age. Phoshoproteome and co-culture experiments revealed that c-Myc is activated by signals from the aging microenvironment. Moreover, single-cell RNA-seq suggested that clonal B cells originate from age-associated B cells, further underlying the importance of aging environment in cancer transformation. Longitudinal analyses demonstrated a negative impact of premalignant B cells on mouse lifespan and linked it to age-related myeloid bias. Together, our study revealed cell-autonomous changes that cooperate with the aging microenvironment to give rise to preneoplastic B cells. This stidy established a novel model to study how aging predisposes cells to cancer transformation.
Changes in GPS-Derived Community Mobility After Motor Skill Training in Older Adults
Authors: Dunlap Pamela , Crane Breanna , Moored Kyle , Carlson Michelle , Perera Subashan , Brach Jennifer , Klatt Brooke , Rosso Andrea 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The study purpose was to identify the effects of a motor skill training intervention to improve gait speed on community mobility among community-dwelling older adults. The study included 249 participants randomized to standard physical therapy or a standard plus motor skill training program. Community mobility was measured using the Life Space Assessment (LSA) and GPS at baseline, 12 (post-intervention), 24 and 36 weeks. There were 124 participants (M age=77.4±6.7; 68.6% female; LSA: 76.2±17.6) randomized to the standard plus and 125 (M age=77.4±6.4; 62.4% female; LSA: 74.3±18.2) to the standard group. There was no significant between-group difference in pre- or post-intervention LSA scores and no significant pre- to post-intervention change over time in either group. GPS results are pending. While there were no differences in self-reported LSA, we anticipate objective GPS measurement of community mobility will better capture post-intervention changes and differences between groups.
Creative Arts Therapies to Enhance Mental Health Over the Course of Aging: Research and Implications
Authors: Keisari Shoshi , Sajnani Nisha , Harel Dovrat 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The creative arts therapies (CATs) are health care professions that involve the intentional and systematic use of the creative and expressive process of art making to optimize health and well-being. Visual arts, music, dance-movement, drama and poetry provide means of expression to help individuals understand, make sense of, and cope with life challenges within a therapeutic relationship. Older adults develop a better attitude toward CATs, as the creative processes position them as active productive contributors in their own communities, instead of “patients” or “clients”. In this sense, CATs encourage participation, and address the negative attitudes and stigma that are sometimes associated with mental health services. This symposium aims to present a diverse picture of studies on CATs for the aging population. Dr. Nisha Sajnani will present a systematic review of studies on CATs for older adults experiencing depression; Dr. Dovrat Harel will present findings from a qualitative study that explored poems written by poetry groups of men in residential care facilities; Dr. Shoshi Keisari will present an evidence-based model that integrates life-review and drama therapy; Silvia Piol, Talia Elkarif and Giada Mola will present a cross-cultural study that explored the experiences of Italian and Israeli participants during an online intervention that focused on the creation of digital photo-collages during COVID-19; Finally, Racheli Lital Gvili will present a study focused on intergenerational music intervention, as a vehicle to bridge the gap between grandparents and grandchildren, which was conducted at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lost Work Opportunity Score Predicts Health in Retirement
Authors: Voss Maren Wright , Hung Man , Richards lorie , Li Wei , Price Pollie , Terrill Alexandra , Wadsworth Lori 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Objectives: Under-reporting of unemployment or forced retirement has consequences for measuring the impacts of job changes on health at retirement. We analyzed a comprehensive three-part measure of lost work opportunity for evidence of impact on health.
Methods: We combined variables from the Health and Retirement Study for 2,576 respondents assessing unemployment, forced retirement, and earlier than planned retirement into a single lost work opportunity score (LOS). We evaluated the reliability and unidimensionality of the LOS. We conducted multivariate regression to assess health impacts controlling for age, gender, education, race, ethnicity, and prior health status.
Results: The Cronbach’s Alpha for the LOS was a = 0.76 and the LOS variables primarily loaded onto a single component demonstrating undimensionality. The LOS significantly predicted self-reported health (□= .16; p &lt; .001) with higher lost work associated with negative health outcomes (Cox and Snell R2 = 0.07). The LOS score significantly predicted mental health declines (□ = .07; p = .002)(Cox and Snell R2 = 0.07).
Discussion: Population-level data indicates that health declines following both unemployment and retirement, but there is ample evidence that early or planned retirements do not show the same negative health impacts. We examined the health impact of retirement using the construct of lost work opportunity rather than voluntary or involuntary retirement, per se. Our findings indicate that as much as 7% of negative health changes in the early retirement years could be attributable to employment changes that were unplanned or experienced as outside the retiree's control.
Seven-State Study of Assisted Living and Healthcare Providers’ Responses to COVID-19
Authors: Zimmerman Sheryl , Sloane Philip , Hickey Johanna , Wretman Christopher , Carder Paula , Thomas Kali 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
COVID-19 has inordinately affected assisted living (AL), such that the proportion of fatalities to cases has been 21% in AL versus 2.5% for the general population. Understanding how AL administrators and medical and mental health providers have responded to COVID-19 can inform health care going forward. Using a seven-state stratified random sample of 250 communities, administrators were interviewed and providers completed questionnaires regarding COVID-19 practices. Preliminary data indicate that 79%, 44%, and 62% of administrators reported serving meals in rooms to segregate residents, using telemedicine, and providing extra pay for staff, respectively. Perceived use/effectiveness of practices differed based on dementia case-mix (e.g., face coverings, social distancing). Providers reported less access to patients (82%), more telehealth (63%), and less ability to provide care (43%). However, they uniformly reported high confidence in AL staff ability to prevent (94%) and respond to outbreaks (96%). Discussion will summarize points important for future care.
Loneliness and Social Connectedness Among Rural Older Adults Since the COVID-19 Pandemic Onset
Authors: Henning-Smith Carrie , Meltzer Gabriella , Kobayashi Lindsay , Finlay Jessica 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Rural areas have a higher proportion of older adults aging in place. Rural areas also face structural barriers to supporting social connectedness among older adults, including transportation barriers, greater geographic distances, and access to technological connectivity. This research aims to discuss rural-specific risks of loneliness and social isolation among older adults, as well as rural/urban differences in loneliness and social isolation among older adults using the national COVID-19 Coping Study. Cross-sectional bivariate analyses highlight rural/urban differences in social activities during the pandemic. For example, rural older adults were more likely to use social media daily, compared with urban older adults (67% vs. 61%, p&lt;0.05), but were less likely to have phone or video calls with others daily (21% vs. 26%, p&lt;0.001). We will also share results of differences within rural older adults in loneliness, isolation, and social activities by socio-demographic characteristics in order to design targeted interventions to improve connectedness.
Impact of Social Isolation Due to COVID-19 on VA Home-Based Primary Care Veterans and Caregivers
Authors: Haverhals Leah , Manheim Chelsea , Solorzano Nelly , Barnard Juli , Wyte-Lake Tamar 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
In December 2020 we began conducting phone interviews with Veterans, and their caregivers, receiving care through the United Sates (US) Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) program. Our goal was to describe experiences of Veterans and caregivers managing changes in care delivery related to the COVID-19 pandemic and navigating increased social isolation due to social distancing. We interviewed 38 Veterans (average age 78) and caregivers (average age 62) across seven VA HBPC programs. Findings showed those living in their own homes found increased isolation more manageable than those living in assisted living facilities, which restricted visitors. Caregivers had a harder time managing isolation than Veterans, as Veterans were used to being primarily homebound. Veterans and caregivers relied on increased phone communication with their HBPC teams, with some began participating in virtual visits. Implications include insights into better supporting older, homebound adults and their caregivers during disasters.
Student Perspective: Internship Exploring Intellectual and Social Benefits of Adult Study Abroad
Authors: Redlich Kim 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Older adult participation in lifelong learning programs – such as university continuing education opportunities and the Age-Friendly University global network – has grown steadily over the last few years. Many of these programs are characterized by mixed-age classrooms in which undergraduate students share space and learning, remotely during Covid, with older adult participants who pay a nominal fee. Survey findings will be presented from older students involved in two university programs in this category: Temple University’s “senior scholars” program and Georgetown University’s “senior auditors” program, specifically related to the concept of adult study abroad. Adult study abroad is a new offering that combines the intellectual and social benefits of stimulating coursework with the transformative power of travel, and how the merging of these pursuits can produce purpose, meaning and community, especially for older adults. It is typically residential, academic, intergenerational, and of longer duration than a typical tourist experience.
Momentary Working Memory and Momentary Activities in Healthy Older Adults: The Mediating Role of Affective States
Authors: Luo Minxia , Moulder Robert , Röcke Christina 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Research has shown cognitive ability in older age is associated with activity engagement, but little is known about what psychological mechanisms are linking the two constructs. This study investigates an emotional pathway, in which affective states mediate the temporal associations between momentary working memory and momentary activities in older age. We examined data from 153 healthy older adults aged 65 to 91 who completed a smartphone-based ambulatory assessment survey seven times a day over 15 days. In each assessment point, participants reported their momentary activities (e.g., social activities, mentally stimulating activities) and affective states (i.e., positive affect, negative affect) and took a working memory task. Initial results suggest that during an approximate time period of six hours (i.e., across three assessment points), working memory performance influences subsequent likelihood of social activity engagement. Moreover, positive affect mediates this temporal association. Results will be discussed in the context of cognitive aging research.
Switching up How You Get in Your Steps: Daily Activity Diversity and Cognitive Functioning
Authors: Brown Colette , Jeon Sangha , Ng Yee To , Lee Soomi , Charles Susan , Fingerman Karen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Active lifestyles are related to better cognitive health. More work is needed, however, to examine whether participating in a variety of daily activities (i.e., activity diversity) has unique importance beyond amount of activity. The current study examined associations between daily activity diversity and cognitive functioning among community-dwelling older adults (N = 313, ages 65-90). Participants completed a cognitive battery, then responded to ecological momentary assessments of their participation in 10 common activity types (e.g., exercise, chores, social visits, volunteering) every 3 hours for 5-6 days, and wore accelerometers to track daily step counts and duration of activity. Multiple regression models revealed that greater daily activity diversity related to higher overall cognitive functioning, executive functioning, memory, and crystallized intelligence. These associations remained significant after adjusting for step count and duration of activity. Findings suggest daily activity diversity has unique importance beyond sheer amount of activity for cognitive health in later adulthood.