bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social Connection in Times of Physical Distancing
Authors: Lee Jeongeun 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
COVID-19 has been especially devastating to older adults. To prevent the spread of the virus, physical distancing has become the norm. As a result, there are fewer opportunities available for face-to-face interaction and social activities, which may be particularly harmful to older adults, given their existing loneliness levels. Thus, this symposium brings together a collection of papers that exemplify the interplay of social connection, activities, and mental health outcomes among older adults facing loneliness. The first paper will discuss how activity diversity is linked to higher loneliness and depressive symptoms among heterosexual and LGBTQ older adults. The second paper will present findings on the changes in social connectedness due to physical distancing and their associated impact on the mental health outcomes among older adults. The third paper will present qualitative findings on the effect of physical distancing on older adults' social connectedness using a mixed-method study. The final paper discusses the challenges faced by older adults in their use of digital media for social connection in the present pandemic and highlights some of the population's untapped strengths, which can be leveraged to help them live prosperous online lives. All papers will address practical tips and recommendations for actions, which key stakeholders can take to support older adults during the pandemic. The discussant, Dr. Kahana, will integrate the four papers and highlight the potential and limits of the current effort to address these issues and consider future inquiry routes.
2020 Editor's Choice Articles From JGMS: Focus on Vulnerable Populations
Authors: Lipsitz Lewis , Baker Tamara 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This symposium will present four 2020 “Editor’s Choice” articles from the Journal of Gerontology Medical Sciences that focus on issues relevant to vulnerable older populations. Justin Golub and colleagues, in their article “Audiometric Age-Related Hearing Loss and Cognition in the Hispanic Community Health Study”, broaden the scope of age-related studies on audiometric hearing loss by using a large Hispanic cohort, a community largely excluded from previous hearing loss studies. By examining audiometrically-defined hearing loss and cognitive measures, Golub found links between hearing loss and lower neurocognition. Janice Atkins and colleagues, in “Preexisting Comorbidities Predicting COVID-19 and Mortality in the UK Biobank Community Cohort”, challenge the practice of simple age-based targeting of older adults to prevent severe COVID-19 infections, and show that specific high-risk comorbidities are better indicators of hospitalization and mortality. “Comparison of Recruitment Strategies for Engaging Older Minority Adults: Results from Take Heart”, by Jessica Ramsay and colleagues, examines methods used to recruit older adults of color from primarily low socio-economic households for behavioral and clinical health research. Ryon Cobb and coauthors, in their article “Self-reported Instances of Major Discrimination, Race/Ethnicity, and Inflammation among Older Adults: Evidence from the Health and Retirement Study”, investigate whether self-reported lifetime discrimination is a psychosocial factor influencing inflammation in older adults. Tamara Baker, the discussant, will highlight commonalities and lessons learned from these studies, including links between racial, socio-economic, or disease-related vulnerabilities of older adults and their health status, as well as best practices to account for these factors in future clinical trials.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Intergenerational Support: Results Based on the Health and Retirement Study COVID-19 Module
Authors: Feng Guanggang , Cong Zhen 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This study examined relationships between COVID-19 exposure and intergenerational support patterns. The data was from the 2020 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) COVID-19 Module (N=3266). The latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify the types of intergenerational support based on respondents’ reports on whether they provided and received financial and instrumental support from either coresident children or non-coresident children. Two classes were identified, namely, the high interaction group and the low interaction group. Logistic regression showed that respondents who had COVID-19 and had increased spending as a result of COVID-19 were more likely to be in the high interaction group. Other types of COVID-19 exposure, i.e., knowing someone being diagnosed or knowing someone who died from COVID-19 were not significant.
Disrupting Othering: A Continuum of Age-Integrated Strategies for Gerontology Education
Authors: Borrero Lisa , Borrero Lisa 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Given the extensive negative impacts of ageism, it is incumbent upon institutions of higher education to lead the charge in promoting age inclusivity and dismantling ageism, particularly in the classroom. Traditional teaching approaches are insufficient to meet the needs of our increasingly diverse student population or our aging post-COVID society. Gerontology classrooms require new, innovative, and purposeful ways of engaging students in course content. This symposium brings together faculty who intentionally promote age inclusivity by immersing students in age-integrated experiences to varying degrees and in different ways. These approaches fundamentally reject the idea of older adults as “other” by promoting an age-inclusive reality in which individuals of all ages are equally valued. Dr. Lyn Holley will describe a new course which requires projection of a future, older self and two systematic life interviews – one of a real US elder and one of an imagined counterpart in a different country; comparative analysis reveals how aging is shaped by society. Dr. Skye Leedahl will discuss challenging ageism by examining existing age-focused policies and programs and having students engage in six intergenerational discussions and reflective writing. Dr. Tina Newsham will describe a newly revised practicum in which immersive, real-world experiences with older adults are incorporated, along with meaningful reflection and the development of an e-portfolio. Finally, Drs. Laura Donorfio and Lisa Borrero will explain the ways “othering” is disrupted when students imagine themselves as older adults, and use creative approaches that demonstrate how to negotiate key aspects of the aging process.
Disrupting Othering by Fostering Light-Bulb Moments in Immersive Practical Experiences
Authors: Newsham Tina K 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Fully immersive experiences (i.e., practica, internships, clinicals) with older adults are one successful strategy to reduce ageist beliefs among students, as long as the experiences are high quality and students are given an opportunity to reflect on their observations, feelings, and application of classroom knowledge. Representing a more intensive level of engagement than single-session interviews or multisession intergenerational activities, such experiences are not without challenges. Instructors are not present on-site continually (or at all) to observe what the student is seeing or doing, therefore providing limited opportunity to recognize and reframe situations that may reinforce the “othering” of older adults. Through creating carefully curated reflection prompts and assessment strategies (such as eportfolios), this presenter will discuss how instructors can ensure students completing practica, internships, and clinicals recognize the breadth and diversity of aging experiences, engage ethically and appropriately with older adults in non-ageist ways, and avoid reinforcing “othering” and ageism.
Getting to Know Yourself Across the Lifespan
Authors: Donorfio Laura 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
New teaching and learning methods must be developed to accommodate exclusive online environments. The utilization of experiential learning in an aging course is a key teaching method that helps tap into the affective domain of learning (i.e., feelings, values, and attitudes). In a society where ageist attitudes abound and are often internalized, purposeful challenges to the "othering" of older adults is needed to disrupt this cycle. This presentation will share an experiential/age inclusivity activity that can be utilized in any teaching environment. Over a semester, students are required to write themselves four separate letters from their older selves at varying ages to their younger selves. They must research and provide a snapshot of what their life will be like at these ages in predetermined areas (i.e., health, mobility, family/friends, policy, and cultural variables, etc.) Worksheets will be provided capturing this "Getting to Know Yourself Across the Lifespan" experiential learning activity.
The Influence of Marital Status and Gender on Financial Well-Being
Authors: Geng Jing 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Research consistently documents gender differences in financial status in later life, and some also examine marital status in this regard. However, the subjective aspects of financial well-being are less well-explored, especially as this relates to both gender and marital status in the U.S. Using a gender-sensitive approach, this study examines the extent to which gender and marital status affect the financial well-being of older American adults. Different from previous studies that use only objective measures of financial well-being, this study also takes a subjective assessment in terms of financial satisfaction into account so that the role of marital status and gender in both objective measures and subjective assessments can be identified. This study uses the 2014 Health and Retirement Study and employs ordinary least squares regressions and ordinal logistic regression analyses. Examining those aged 65 and over, the sample varies from N=10,325 (financial well-being) to 4,280 (financial satisfaction). Differences in gender and marital statuses across all objective measures of financial well-being show up, with women being disadvantaged while the married (regardless of gender) being advantaged. Concerning financial satisfaction, being divorced and separated were negatively related to financial satisfaction for both men and women. These findings indicate that both marital status and gender are important indicators of financial well-being in later life.
Caring Again: Parent Caregivers for Their Wounded Adult Children Veterans
Authors: Nichols Linda , Zuber Jeffrey , Burns Robert , Martindale-Adams Jennifer 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
With military personnel in Iraq and Afghanistan surviving what were previously fatal injuries, there is ongoing discussion about how to provide care for them and support their families. Parents frequently provide care for their unmarried, injured adult children, especially those returning with polytraumatic injuries, PTSD, or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Parents (n=160) of combat injured adult children who participated in a DoD-funded behavioral intervention study are described. Parents were mainly mothers, average age 60.2 years, with ages ranging from 45 to 79. The veterans had functional limitations, and only 9.2% were employed. Parents, on average, had been caregivers for 6.6 years and daily spent 7.7 hours providing care and 17.2 hours on duty, primarily focused on supervision and daily life management rather than physical care. Average caregiver burden score approached high and was related to veteran TBI diagnosis, aggressive behavior toward others, and functional limitations. Few parents (22.7%) worked full-time; 85.3% had decreased personal spending, 84.0% dipped into personal savings, and 58.9% reduced retirement saving. These findings are similar to those of aging parent caregivers of adult children with serious mental illness or developmental disabilities in amount of care provided to their adult children, their level of burden, financial and career cost to themselves, and concern about their future and their children’s future. As these parents and their adult children age, providing care and resources will present greater challenges for them, for the military and veteran care systems they rely on for support, and for society.
The Great Migration and the Urban-Rural Divide: Lonely Life Expectancy in China
Authors: Wang Xueqing , Raymo James 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
After decades of below replacement fertility, China is now experiencing rapid population aging and the lives of the growing older population are being shaped by massive social and economic change. Of particular importance, is the large-scale migration of working-age adults from rural areas to large cities in search of job opportunities. The departure of migrants from their rural hometowns has resulted in a large population of left-behind older men and women. This distinctively Chinese demographic phenomenon has spurred scholarly interest in the emotional well-being of this older left-behind population, but careful demographic description of aging, migration, grandparenting, and loneliness has yet to be conducted. We bridge this gap by describing the average remaining life spent lonely by older men and women in China. We use Sullivan’s method to calculate lonely life expectancy by urban/rural residence and by the migration status of adult children (as proxied by the presence or absence of coresiding children). We use data from the Harmonized version of the Chinese Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study and focus the analysis on adults aged 55-100. Preliminary results show that, at age 55, women on average spend 9% more of remaining life lonely than men and that rural men and women spend more of their remaining life lonely than their urban counterparts. We will extend these life table analyses by conducting multivariate analyses of the correlates of loneliness in urban and rural China to better understand the role of migration and grandparenting responsibilities.
Older Breast Cancer Survivors: Perspectives on Healthcare Encounters and Unmet Needs
Authors: Raveis Victoria , Nirenberg Anita , Liu Yumeng , Kwon Simona 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Breast cancer treatment advances have lengthened the survivorship period. Limited attention has focused on the myriad issues breast cancer survivors experience related to their cancer and other health conditions as they age. Focus groups, conducted Fall 2019 – Spring 2020 with a diverse sample of breast cancer survivors from the New York metropolitan region (N=28) explored survivors’ healthcare encounters and goals, quality of life, survivorship lifestyle, other health conditions and risks, e.g. emergence of COVID-19. Participants were 40-82 years old (57% were 56 or older); racially diverse (57% White, 18% Black, 14% Hispanic, 11% Bi-racial); 32% were married/partnered and 57% were parents. Mean diagnosis age was 51. Treatments received included lumpectomy (64%), chemotherapy (57%), radiation (46%), hormonal therapy (39%), and single/bilateral mastectomy (36%). Survivors expressed the importance of restoring normality in their life and the necessity to be pro-active in ensuring their health issues were addressed in medical encounters. Person-centered care and clinician engagement was valued, but not routinely experienced. Survivors evaluated treatment options not just on being cancer-free, but on how it would impact their whole life. They expressed concerns about the future and anxiety over long-term survival. Long term survivors, recipients of early experimental and/or extensive treatments, worried about an emergence of long-delayed adverse health consequences and complications managing other health issues in the future, particularly as they grew older. COVID-19 raised additional health concerns, particularly among those with high risk health conditions due to prior cancer treatments; various self-mandated protective activities were integrated into their self-care practices.
Health Disparities Research With the National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Authors: Elliott Cerise , Jones Patricia , Jones Patricia 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The National Institute on Aging has taken special efforts to support research endeavors that explore ways to address health disparities. For example, the NIA Health Disparities Research Framework was developed in 2015 to provide a visualization of priority areas in Aging Research. The Framework can help researchers assess advances and potential opportunities for stimulating and supporting rigorous methods to address health disparities in Aging Research among the phases of research. The goal of this symposium is to highlight the different resources and research opportunities that NIA offers to support aging researchers, centers, and institutions for health disparities-related research or programs. Dr. Ron Kohanski will present a concept piece on how laboratory animals might be leveraged to mimic the impact of early life disparities on aging over the life-course, based on research in the hallmarks of aging support by NIA’s Extramural Division of Aging Biology. Dr. Damali Martin will identify the different resources focused on health disparities related research within the Division of Neuroscience. Dr. Lyndon Joseph will discuss the different health disparities research opportunities that are available from the Division of Geriatrics and Clinical Geriatrics. Dr. Frank Bandiera will highlight the different resources and research opportunities that are available to address health disparities within the Division of Behavior and Social Research. These presentations, taken together, will provide important information that bolsters knowledge of resources and research opportunities to address health disparities over the lifecourse and in late life.
Dynamic Associations Between Lifestyle Factors and Positive and Negative Affect in Middle-Aged African Americans
Authors: Paxton Raheem , Bui Chuong , Allen Rebecca , Sazonov Edward 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the dynamic association between lifestyle factors and both positive and negative effect in middle-aged African Americans. Methods: Study participants (N = 69, Mean age=51 years, 80% female) were recruited from two African American churches in the Deep South. Participants completed daily surveys on positive and negative effect, physical activity, sedentary behavior, diet quality, and sleep quality daily for up to 10-days. Mixed-effect models were used to examine associations between the variables of interest. Results: On days that participants were more active, they experienced higher mean positive effect (P = .015) and lower mean negative effect (P = .028) scores. Conversely, more time spent sitting in lagged models (i.e., T-1) was associated with higher mean negative effect (P = .001) and lower mean positive effect (P = .040) scores. In lagged models, better sleep quality was associated with higher positive effects (P = .007) scores but reported lower negative effects (P &lt; .0001) scores on the same day. Lastly, on days where diet quality was higher, positive effect scores were higher (P &lt; 0.05). Association between diet quality and positive effect was moderated by age (P = .025). Conclusion: The data suggest that same and previous day health behaviors may have a significant impact on the health and well-being of middle-aged African Americans. More research is needed to determine whether these behaviors can be targeted in real-time as a means of improving mental health outcomes in this population.
Intrinsic Capacity and Its Relationship With Life Space Area (INCREASE) in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Lee Jia Qi , Ding Yew Yoong , Tay Laura , Latib Aisyah , Ng Yee Sien 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Intrinsic capacity (IC), defined as ‘the composite of all physical and mental capacities of an individual’, is of increasing interest in geriatrics as a potential multidimensional measure of health in older adults. According to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework, IC, through its interactions with environmental factors, determines a person’s participation in the community. However, there is lack of empirical evidence demonstrating this association. The primary aim of this study was to examine the association of IC with Life Space Area (LSA; a measure of participation) among community-dwelling older adults. The secondary aim was to determine whether age and gender modify this relationship. Cross sectional analysis was performed on data from the Individual Physical Proficiency Test for Seniors (IPPT-S) study conducted in the Northeastern region of Singapore. Standardized IC factor scores were calculated through confirmatory factor analysis using variables that represented the 5 IC domains. Association of IC with LSA and its effect modification by age and gender were examined with regression analyses. The study included 751 participants with mean age of 67.6 and mean LSA score of 88.6. IC showed a positive and significant association with LSA (B=6.33, P&lt;0.001) and the effect remained significant even after controlling for potential confounders (B=4.76, P&lt;0.001). Age and gender did not show significant modification on this relationship. Our findings support the empirical rigour of the ICF framework and provide guidance for healthcare providers who aim to enhance life space mobility and promote healthy aging in older adults.
Promoting Intergenerational Engagement Within the College Classroom: Faculty Training Needs
Authors: Hazzan Afeez , Heffernan Kristin , Dauenhauer Jason 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
As population aging accelerates worldwide, institutions of higher education are increasing efforts to focus on ways to meet the growing needs of older adult learners. Many institutions are addressing these needs by joining the Age-Friendly University (AFU) Global Network. Affiliated institutions are required to promote intergenerational learning to facilitate the reciprocal sharing of expertise between learners of all ages, including older adults. However, these institutions will need to provide instructors with the training to ensure that intergenerational engagement is being actively fostered in the classrooms. In this study, we examine the perspectives of faculty members who have opened their classrooms to older adult auditors. The research question was: What types of training do faculty recommend to promote intergenerational engagement in the classroom? In-depth face to face interviews were conducted with 27 faculty members. Qualitative content analysis of the data yielded the following four themes: 1) Provide accessible training to teach faculty their role 2) Educate faculty about the importance of becoming aware of generational time periods/context 3) Learn to approach auditors with a mindset that they are adults and have had careers/experiences, and 4) Train faculty on how to foster discussion. Overall, these findings point to a need for training that focus on intergenerational curricular design and multigenerational classroom management.