bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Technology Use Among Older Adults to Manage their Health During a Global Pandemic
Authors: Tefera Gashaye M , Robinson Erin , Park Geunhye 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Risk of severe COVID-19 illness increases with age, and older adults are more likely to be hospitalized and die from COVID-19 and related complications as compared to their younger counterparts. This reality, combined with pandemic-related lockdown and social distancing policies, has increased in-home isolation for older adults. This includes cancelling in-person healthcare appointments and conducting many appointments via tele-health. As older adults have had to quickly pivot to learning new technologies, little is known about their experiences with navigating virtual healthcare during the pandemic. Therefore, this qualitative study aims to address that gap. One-on-one interviews (N=29) were conducted with older adults (Mean age=71.5; 86% female) via phone/Zoom. Participants were asked about their healthcare experiences during the pandemic and the role technology played. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed using Nvivo12 software. Findings demonstrate that participants used technology to schedule medical appointments, engage in virtual visits with their providers, set reminders to take medications, and undertake their daily exercise routine. Post-lockdown, some participants preferred in-person visits due to the nature of their diagnosis, personal preference, or unfamiliarity with the needed technology. Older adults encountered challenges including cancelled appointments, miscommunication with providers, and lack of skill to use technologies. Cancellation of appointments and postponement of treatments affected the health of some of the participants. Implications of this research can inform tele-health approaches with older patients, as well as provider communication and coordination of care. Leveraging technology for preventative health approaches can also assist older adults in ongoing health maintenance and promote well-being.
Loneliness During COVID-19 and Modes of Social Contact Use Among Older Adults
Authors: Dhakal Usha , Koumoutzis Athena 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Due to social distancing and isolation recommendations, COVID-19 resulted in older adults’ greater reliance on technology to contact friends and families. While the mental health of older adults during COVID-19 has been well explored, less is known about how changes in modes and frequency of social contact is associated with loneliness. Using the National Health and Aging Trends Study COVID-19 data, this study assessed how the frequency of varying modes of contact (e.g., phone/email/text, in-person visits, videocalls) during the pandemic was associated with feelings of loneliness during COVID-19 among community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries (n = 2149). Participants were asked if they felt lonely "more often," "less often," or "about the same" compared to before the outbreak started. Multinomial regression analyses indicated that, compared to those who reported daily in-person visits, the odds of having more feelings of loneliness as compared to about the same as pre-COVID-19 was significantly higher among those who reported having in-person visits a few times (OR=2.17,CI=1.08-4.36), at least once (OR=2.37,CI=1.11-5.04), and never/less than once a week (OR=3.37, CI=1.59-7.16) while controlling for demographics, household, and social network size. Compared to daily use, use of phone/email/text at least once (OR=0.44, CI=0.201-0.965) or a few times (OR=0.76,CI=0.58-0.99) a week was associated with lower odds of reporting more feelings of loneliness versus about the same. Results suggest that greater use of technology that promote social engagement improves social connectedness and decreases COVID-19 related loneliness among older adults, and highlights the importance of older adults’ access to technology, including reliable internet.
Family Proximity as a Moderator of Spousal Associations of Depression among Mexican Older Adults
Authors: Newkirk Katie , Aranda Maria , Mourgues-Codern Catalina , Quiñones Ana , Samper-Ternent Rafael , Monin Joan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Depression among older adults is a public health issue, and a large literature highlights the importance of close relationships as both a risk and protective factor for depression. Research in U.S. samples suggests that one spouse’s depressive symptoms can increase their partner’s depressive symptoms, especially for women (Kouros & Cummings, 2010; Tower & Kasl, 1996). Little is known about interpersonal associations in depression, mitigating factors, and the role of gender among older couples in Mexico. This study examined (1) the effects of an individual’s depressive symptoms on their spouse’s symptoms and 2) whether living close to family buffered depression associations using data from the Mexican Health and Aging Study (n=4,071 dyads, age 50+ at initial interview). Depressive symptoms were measured in 2001, 2003, 2012, 2015, and 2018 using a modified 8-item version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale. Multilevel modeling was used to fit a dual-intercept growth model (centered at 2012) of husbands’ and wives’ depressive symptoms over time, controlling for age and education. Results showed a partner effect for husbands and wives, such that having a spouse with greater depressive symptoms in 2001 was associated with greater subsequent depressive symptoms, but not with rate of change in symptoms, in 2012. There was also a moderation effect such that the deleterious effect of husbands’ depressive symptoms on wives’ symptoms, as well as rate of increase in symptoms, was higher when family lived nearby, suggesting family may potentially exacerbate depression associations among spouses rather than a buffering them as hypothesized.
Elder Abuse During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Prevalence, Risk, and Protective Factors
Authors: Chang E-Shien , Levy Becca 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
It has been assumed that the pandemic has brought with it a surge in elder abuse due to heightened health and interpersonal stressors. However, empirical evidence is lacking. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of, and risk and resilience factors of elder abuse during the pandemic. In a web-based survey of a socio-demographically diverse sample of 897 older persons, one in five older persons (n = 191; 21%) reported elder abuse, an increase of 84% from prevalence estimates before the pandemic. In the multivariate logistic regression models, sense of community was a persistent protective factor for elder abuse (OR= 0.89, 95% CI 0.85–0.93). At the relational level, physical distancing was associated with reduced risk of elder abuse (OR= 0.94, 95% CI 0.90–0.98). At the individual level, financial strain was associated with increased risk of abuse (OR= 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02–1.14). Implications for prevention strategies will be discussed.
Changes in Elder Mistreatment Risk Factors Reported by Caregivers of Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Makaroun Lena , Beach Scott , Rosen Tony , Rosland Ann-Marie 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This study aimed to assess how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted caregiver (CG)-related risk factors for elder mistreatment (EM) in a community sample of CGs. A non-probability sample of 433 CGs caring for care recipients (CRs) age ≥60 years completed a survey on COVID-19 impacts in April-May 2020. Compared to before COVID-19, over 40% of caregivers reported doing worse financially, 16% were experiencing new financial hardship, 19.4% were a lot more worried about their financial situation, 15% reported drinking more alcohol, and 64% had somewhat or greatly increased feelings of social isolation and loneliness. CGs reported that COVID-19 had made caregiving more physically (18.7%), emotionally (48.5%) and financially (14.5%) difficult and interfered with their own healthcare (19%). Differences found between younger and older caregivers will be presented and implications of these increased CG-related EM risk factors for healthcare and social service providers discussed.
A Nationwide Study on How COVID-19 Changed APS Policies and Practices
Authors: Teaster Pamela 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The purpose of this inquiry by the Virginia Tech Center for Gerontology and WRMA, Inc., was to explore changes being implemented by APS programs across the country in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. With input from the Administration for Community Living, the research team used a three-step process (e.g., telephone interviews with state-level APS administrators, a national online survey, and in-depth interviews with local and APS) to capture information on changes caused by efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. This presentation concerns changes in APS policy and practice that the pandemic caused, including modifications in-person visits and adjustments to timeline requirements. Discussion of alterations in policy and practices during the first five months of the pandemic can eludicate APS and other services and planning for older adults in future emergency situations.
Strengthening Collaborations for Geriatrics Knowledge: Twitter Journal Club for Geriatric Fellows
Authors: Manocha Gunjan , Morton Casey , Chapman Elizabeth , Pellecer Daniel , Zeitlow Kahli , Kaur Tanjeev , Jurivich Donald 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The pandemic has challenged training programs in numerous ways, specifically in the ability to conduct group based teaching sessions. To overcome this challenge Twitter was examined as a vehicle for engaging Geriatric Fellows in education about critical appraisal of clinical research. A secondary objective was to develop educational synergy among university-based programs. To achieve these aims, 5 Midwestern Geriatric and Palliative Medicine Fellowship programs agreed to enroll their fellows into a monthly Geriatrics Twitter Journal Club, that commences on Twitter Tuesday and lasts a week. Each month, an assigned fellow selects an article to discuss and creates a short video to introduce it. A Twitter meister deliveres structured questions to guide fellows’ collective input on the article being critiqued. Over a 3 month roll out of @GeriatricJC, the twitter account of the journal club has gained 144 followers that includes 20 fellows, 63 geriatricians/geriatric faculty, 28 organizational accounts, 5 students and around 28 other providers and experts. From December 2020- February 2021, account generated tweets resulted in an average of 397 impressions/day with 2548 visits to the account profile per month. Videos posted have averaged 73 views/video. Discussion in journal club using #GeriJC has garnered 178 tweets from participants. This project shows that Twitter is a feasible platform for a fellowship journal club among several training programs, thus expanding expertise in evidence-based medicine while lowering the administrative burden of preparing journal club within a single program and increasing both faculty and trainee convenience of learning.
To Clarify The Duration and Characteristics of the Continuation of Home Care for Older People With Dementia
Authors: Kanaya Reiko , Oyama Asuka , Toki Hiroshi , Yamamoto Ryohei , Yamakawa Miyae 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
As populations age worldwide, older people with dementia are increasing. Caregivers are also aging, necessitating arrangements like social services. How to prolong the home care desired by older people remains unclear. Using data from the Osaka National Health Insurance Database from 2012 to 2017 on insured persons’ registers, medical notes, and care benefits, this study included 9591 people aged ≤74 years with first dementia drug prescription between April 2013 and December 2017. Using the prescription as baseline and hospitalization or nursing home admission as outcomes, home care duration and characteristics of medical and nursing care services during the year before baseline were evaluated. Survival was compared by Kaplan–Meier curves and the log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazards model. During follow-up, the outcomes were observed in 1473 patients : 317 admission , 1145 hospitalized and 11 both. Mean duration of home care in patients with the outcomes was 11.5 months, which differed significantly from patients without these outcomes. When patients were grouped by hospitalization in year before first prescription, the survival curves differed significantly. In multivariate analysis, sex, renin-angiotensin system agonists, hyperlipidemia drugs, hospitalization history in past year, care level, and diabetes drugs were significantly associated with the outcomes. Taken together, hospitalization history, female sex, and diabetes were associated with home care disruption. Those undergoing cardiovascular disease treatment continued to live at home. For people with dementia, it is important to intervene by focusing on past medical and nursing care to continue life at home.
Social Trust, Literacy, and Lifelong Learning: A Comparison of the U.S. and Nordic Countries
Authors: Van Vleet Samuel , Cummins Phyllis , Helsinger Abigail 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Societal social trust has been shown to be related to economic growth and equality. Low levels of social trust are especially consequential in aging societies and can result in low levels of social capital and greater inequality at older ages. Nordic countries are known for their greater social trust, access to education, economic productivity, and social equality. To better understand social trust promoters, we explored data from the 2012/2014 Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) to examine relationships among social trust, basic skills (i.e., literacy), and non-formal education (NFE) participation for adults ages 45 to 65, in the U.S., Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Additionally, through 19 key informant interviews and a review of the literature, we investigated the structure and availability of NFE across the five nations. As compared to the U.S., adults ages 45 - 65 in Nordic countries have higher levels of social trust (all Nordic countries; p &lt; 0.001), lower rates of poor literacy skills (Finland, Norway, and Sweden; p &lt;.001), greater rates of participation in NFE (Denmark and Sweden; p &lt; 0.05). Through the availability of NFE, such as folk high schools and learning circles in Nordic countries, adults can participate in NFE at little or no cost. Similar programs are not available in the U.S. This research informs policy and practice for the provision of NFE, which is critical to increase levels of social trust, and in turn, to promote economic development, social equality and positive aging in the U.S.
Elder family financial exploitation: Family relationships are never the same
Authors: Chan Athena Chung Yin , Stum Marlene 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Millions of families are affected by elder family financial exploitation (EFFE), but the consequences for lifelong intergenerational family relationships and family functioning remain largely unexamined (i.e., parent/child, siblings). This study examines the consequences of experiencing EFFE on the quality of family relationships from the perspective of non-victim, non-perpetrator concerned family members (CFMs). Data from a larger EFFE mixed-methods study were utilized. A voluntary sample of 28 CFMs who had experienced EFFE participated in semi-structured, in-depth interviews and brief surveys. Analysis included identifying quality of family relationship themes from data related to differences EFFE has made in their family. Participating CFMs were primarily adult children of older victims, and siblings of the primary perpetrators. The findings reflect three patterns of changes in quality of family relationships between the CFMs and other family members, including: (a) Restoring trust and recovery within the family, (b) Alliances and taking sides, and (c) Estrangement and cutoff. While families were never the same after experiencing the exploitation, for some was a healing process to accept the family situation and restore and repair trust. Redefining who would be family moving forward was a focus for some families when perpetrators and CFMs took sides and formed allies with others. In the most dramatic changes, siblings, parents and others became cutoff and isolated from other family members. While a loss of relationship quality was common, strengthening of relationships also occurred. Understanding EFFE from an ecological family systems perspective can help to inform needed EFFE interventions, both processes and outcomes.
Recognition of Affective Faces of Different Age Groups
Authors: Jinhwi Kim , Park Seunghee , Kim Jongwan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
It has been found that valence and arousal are the core affect dimensions in emotional structure. In this study, we hypothesized that there might be differences between different age groups in emotional structure using six facial expression stimuli (angry, disgusted, fearful, neutral, happy, and sad) of three age groups (young, middle-aged, and old). Unlike previous studies asking participants to rate subjective ratings or similarities between stimuli, participants in this study were required to determine whether stimulus pairs were the same or different emotions and reaction time and accuracy were measured for further analyses. We assumed that it would be harder when the stimulus pair is similar whereas it would be easier when the pair is different. The results showed that for the same emotion pair condition, the sad-sad pair had the lowest accuracy and the longest reaction time, while the happiness-happiness pair had the highest accuracy and the shortest reaction time. For the different emotion pairs, angry-disgusted and disgusted-sad was the lowest accuracy and the longest reaction time. For age of the stimuli effect, responses to the old faces had the lowest accuracy and the longest reaction time. The results suggest that identification of emotional stimuli might be affected by emotion category and age. Further study may need to recruit various age groups, because participants in the current study were mostly young adults.
Death and Dying: Boundaries and Roles of Families and Healthcare Workers During Patient End of Life
Authors: Thompson Amber , Utz Rebecca 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
While death and dying often occur within or adjacent to the healthcare setting, grief & support of patients at end-of-life (EOL) remain largely within the realm of the family. Given this division of roles, healthcare workers intentionally set professional boundaries that balance their need to be empathetic and compassionate for patient and their families during EOL, while also maintaining a sense of objectivity and detachment which allows them to cope with patient loss and manage the competing demands of their workday. Tensions occur when healthcare workers are required to cross boundaries at EOL, either voluntarily or involuntarily. Using unobtrusive digital ethnography of a publicly accessible online forum for healthcare providers, this research investigates the boundaries set by families and healthcare workers at EOL, and how EOL circumstances sometimes require healthcare workers to cross or violate these professional boundaries. We suggest that the needs of the family at EOL (not necessarily the patient) serve as the catalyst for both boundary crossing & boundary violations for healthcare workers. Our data reveal that (1) boundary setting and training ought to address the patient-physician-family relationship (not just patient-physician), since the family members are such an integral part of EOL; (2) these EOL dynamics apply beyond the physician and should include all healthcare workers (nurses, etc.). As a result, patient & family centered care may not be fully achieved at EOL due to the ambiguity in the expected roles played by both families and healthcare workers during patient death and dying.
Higher Childhood Adversity Reduces Environmental Satisfaction Among Older Adults
Authors: Danielson Ramona , Ray-Degges Susan 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background: Childhood adversity (CA) is associated with increased physiological and psychological challenges in adulthood. Normal aging comes with changes that may put adults with a history of CA at increased risk of a poor quality aging experience. Because suitable person-environment fit is an important component of well-being, the present study explored two hypotheses: 1) Higher CA is associated with lower perceived neighborhood quality, and 2) Higher CA is associated with higher perceived inequality in home. Methods: Using MIDUS 2011-2014 Refresher Survey (for this study, N=1,017 adults ages 55-76), Spearman’s rho correlation coefficients were run to explore the associations between a previously validated CA score and two environmental satisfaction indices. Perceived inequality in home comprised ratings on six items and perceived neighborhood quality comprised ratings on four items. Results: Hypothesis 1: There was a significant positive association between the perceived inequality in home and cumulative CA, rs(998) = .200, p &lt; .001. Hypothesis 2: There was a significant negative association between the perceived quality of neighborhood index and cumulative CA, rs(998) = -.182, p &lt; .001. The strength of the associations were weak. Conclusions: Higher cumulative experiences of CA were associated with increased feelings of home environment inequality, and decreased feelings of neighborhood quality. Significant differences were evident after decades had elapsed, demonstrating the long-lasting reach of CA. Further research exploring policy and practice approaches to mitigating the effects of CA is needed to allow aging adults to achieve better person-environment fit and equitable access to successful aging.
Weather-Related Disaster in a Diverse Cohort of Aging Adults
Authors: Michael Yvonne , Clay Lauren , Smilely Kevin , Joshi Rennie , Hirsch Jana 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
As climate change contributes to increasing frequency and intensity of weather-related disasters, it is critical to define characteristics that increase risk of poor health outcomes during and after events. Given the aging of the United States (US) population and over-representation of older adults in disaster-prone areas, disaster-related impacts on older adults present a growing public health challenge. We linked data from the REGARDS study, a cohort of 30,107 Black and White adults (mean age 65 years at baseline, 2003-2007), with community data from the National Establishment Time Series database and longitudinal weather-related disaster data from the Spatial Hazard Events and Losses Database for the US. We calculated disaster exposure for each year for the county in which the respondents lived from 2003 – 2015: 84% of county-years showed at least some impacts, including 16% of counties experiencing medium impacts ($10- $50 property damage per capita or 2 fatalities) and 12% severe (greater than $50 per capital or 3 fatalities); this mirrors that of the continental US (77% some impact, 15% medium, 13% severe). REGARDS participants exposed to moderate or severe disasters were more likely to be Black and low socioeconomic status compared to those who were not exposed. For community characteristics, higher disaster exposure was associated with a greater density of resources including ambulatory care, food stores, social services, and destinations for daily living. Our approach showcases how disaster preparedness systems need better data about specific individual-and community-level factors that increase risk among older adults to better serve communities.