bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PERCEIVED COGNITIVE FUNCTION: RELATIONSHIPS WITH DIABETES COMPLICATIONS AND SELF-EFFICACY IN LATINX OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Wood Shenell , Cuevas Heather 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction is a concern for individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and can affect diabetes self-management. However, it is often overlooked clinically and remains relatively understudied in Latinx older adults as a complication of T2DM. This project sought to explore the relationships between perceived cognitive dysfunction and its effects on self-efficacy and complications of T2DM in older Latinx adults. This was part of an analysis of baseline data from a larger randomized controlled trial investigating an cognitive rehabilitation intervention for older adults with T2DM. A total of 87 participants (mean age 67.3 +/- 5.4) completed a survey consisting of the Diabetes Empowerment Scale - short form (self-efficacy); PROMIS Bank v.2 - Cognitive Function (perceived cognitive function); and a self-report of number and type of diabetes complications. Participants had lower perceived cognitive dysfunction than the general population (Mean total score: 36.6 +/- 7.9); low self-efficacy (mean total score: 2.3 +/- 0.7) and reported at least 2 complications related to T2DM. Greater perceived cognitive dysfunction was related to lower self-efficacy (p = 0.04). Diabetes duration was positively associated with self-efficacy (p = 0.03), but not perceived cognitive dysfunction (p = 0.22). Self-efficacy was positively associated with number of diabetes complications (p = 0.03). Irrespective of diabetes duration, patients with more severe perceived cognitive dysfunction reported lower self-efficacy (p = 0.03) than those with lower levels of cognitive dysfunction. Assessment of cognitive function may help inform patient education interventions for Latinx older adults to improve the self-efficacy and potentially reduce complications.
THEORETICALLY BASED FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH STROKE FAMILY CAREGIVER HEALTH
Authors: Kum Cleopatra , Jones Holly , Miller Elaine , Kreitzer Natalie , Bakas Tamilyn 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Most stroke survivors are cared for at home by family members, many of whom experience depressive symptoms and life changes as a result of providing care. While many studies have explored the factors associated with depressive symptoms and quality of life in family caregivers, few have focused on caregiver health. Purpose: To determine theoretically based factors associated with unhealthy days in stroke family caregivers.

Methods
A conceptual model derived from Lazarus’ theory of stress and coping was used to guide analysis. Secondary data analysis was conducted using baseline data from a large randomized controlled clinical trial testing the Telephone Assessment and Skill-building Kit (TASK II) program with 254 family caregivers of stroke survivors within 2 weeks of discharge from acute care and rehabilitation settings in participating Midwestern facilities. Data were analyzed using multiple regression with unhealthy days as the dependent variable, and theoretically based factors (i.e., caregiver task difficulty, level of optimism, threat appraisal, depressive symptoms, and life changes) as independent variables. All scales demonstrated evidence of internal consistency reliability with Cronbach alpha scores above .70.

Results
Caregivers were mostly female (78%), white (71%), spouses (47%) or adult children (30%). Caregivers reported 9 unhealthy days on average within the past month. Unhealthy days were significantly correlated with caregiver task difficulty (r=.32), level of optimism (r=-.29), threat appraisal (r=.44), depressive symptoms (r=.60), and life changes (r=-.40) (p&lt;.05). 37.8% variance in unhealthy days was explained, with depressive symptoms being the only significant individual predictor due to shared variance.
GERIATRICS TRAUMA CO-MANAGEMENT: PRELIMINARY DESCRIPTIVE DATA FROM A SINGLE ACADEMIC INSTITUTION
Authors: Yamada Yuji , Harada Ko , Ko Fred , Chai Emily , Suarez-Rodriguez Luis , Wedderburn Raymond , Amir Omar 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Traumatic injuries cause higher mortality and complications in older patients than in younger individuals. Orthogeriatric co-management programs improve outcomes and quality of care and may be a model for trauma management. We theorized that geriatricians could improve trauma care in older adults with the early identification of geriatric syndromes.

Methods
A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients aged &gt; 65 years admitted to the trauma surgery service at a Level 2 trauma center between October 2022 and January 2023, who were co-managed by geriatricians as part of a pilot program.

Results
67 patients were included in this study. The mean age was 81 (65-99), and 38% were male. The most common injuries were rib fractures (39%), subdural hematomas (32%), and spinal fractures (10%). Geriatric syndromes identified and managed by a geriatrician included frailty (47%), major or minor cognitive impairment (48%), delirium (19%), malnutrition (13%), and polypharmacy (65%), with a mean number of 6.7 home medications. As per Beers criteria, 63% of patients were taking inappropriate medications. Geriatrician-led interventions in advance care planning included identification and documentation of healthcare proxies (i.e., increased to 87% from 11% on admission) and goals of care conversations (54%).

Conclusions
Given the high prevalence of geriatric syndromes and complex medical and social needs in older patients with trauma, geriatric co-management may enable timely diagnosis and treatment of conditions that cause poor outcomes. Further research is warranted to assess the impact of geriatric co-management models on the long-term clinical outcomes in older individuals after injury.
A NEW ROLE FOR KYNURENINE METABOLISM IN THE AGE-ASSOCIATED DECLINE OF THE BACTERIAL IMMUNE RESPONSE
Authors: Sutphin George , Espejo Luis 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Tryptophan metabolism through the kynurenine pathway becomes dysregulated during normal aging and is implicated in age-associate disease, including chronic inflammation, atherosclerosis, neurodegeneration, and cancer. Kynurenine pathway enzymes and metabolites influence a range of molecular processes critical to healthy aging, including regulation of inflammatory and immune responses. Kynurenine metabolism is active in immune cells and activated in response to proinflammatory cytokine signaling. We previously determined that elevating physiological levels of the kynurenine pathway metabolite 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3HAA) via either direct supplementation or inhibition of the enzyme that degrades 3HAA, 3HAA dioxygenase (HAAO), extends lifespan and delays age-associated health decline in Caenorhabditis elegans. Published work suggests that 3HAA is anti-inflammatory in mammals, for example by reducing the ratio of activated to regulatory T cells and inhibiting pathological activation of macrophages. In recent work, we find that elevating physiological 3HAA can beneficially enhance the immune response of C. elegans to bacterial pathogens during aging. 3HAA is sufficient to kill bacterial and inhibit bacterial growth in culture. When HAAO is inhibited in C. elegans, 3HAA accumulates in lysosome related organelles (LROs) in the intestinal cells, the same subcellular compartment that contains engulfed bacteria. LROs are a cellular repository for both iron and zinc, and we further find that iron chelation or zinc supplementation dramatically enhances the bactericidal properties of 3HAA. Here we present a mechanistic model in which age-dependent accumulation of 3HAA in intestinal LROs combines with zinc to enhance bacterial resistance with age in C. elegans.
EAAS AND WHEY PROTEIN MAY IMPROVE PHYSICAL FUNCTION OF OLDER ADULTS INDEPENDENTLY OF GUT MICROBIOME
Authors: Azhar Gohar , Verma Ambika , Nookaew Intawat , Patyal Pankaj , Sharma Shakshi , Wolfe Robert , Wei Jeanne 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Essential amino acids (EAAs) and dietary proteins are major nutritional supplements that support the growth and activity of gut microbes, contributing to the wellbeing of their host. We hypothesized that daily ingestion of EAAs or whey proteins for twelve weeks would improve the gut microbiome of older adults and thereby have a positive impact on their physical functioning. The stool samples were collected from the 40 subjects before and after consuming EAAs or whey proteins for twelve weeks and subjected to Illumina based 16S rRNA gene sequencing. In both groups, the most abundant families in order of relative abundance included: Bacteroidaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Rikenellaceae, and Prevotellaceae, which indicated that these subjects were able to maintain a dominant consortium of microbes in their guts that have been associated with healthy aging. Individual gut microbiome samples analysis with nonmetric multidimensional space (NMDS) showed that each individual was associated with its unique microbiome. The key finding of this study was a significant reduction of plasma Interleukin-18 binding protein (IL-18) in EAAs vs whey group (p &lt; 0.003). It is plausible that the reduced level of inflammatory IL-18 contributed to improved intestinal immunity. Moreover, the reduced inflammation might have resulted in better muscle performance in the EAAs group vs whey as evidenced by six-minute walking distance (EAAs 92.55 ± 4.16 ft vs whey 47.46 ± 4.99 ft, p&lt; 0.0001) at the completion of study. Future studies will need to explore the role of EAAs on gut microbiome mediated reduction of immune inflammation on physical function and aging.
BLACK/WHITE DIFFERENCES IN LENGTH OF STAY IN HOSPICE AMONG MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER ADULTS IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Yu Heshuo , Brown J Scott 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Hospice length of stay (LOS) is a crucial measure of hospice care. This topic is understudied within a nationally-representative sample across different races/ethnicities, especially among non-White decedents.

Methods
The study used negative binomial regression to analyze three waves (2014, 2016, and 2018) from HRS (n=1,991).

Results
African Americans were found to stay longer in hospice than their White counterparts when controlling for all other variables in the model. Not married, having Medicare insurance, cancer, chronic lung disease, and dementia significantly influence length of hospice stay when holding all other variables constant in the model.

Discussion
The significant Black/White differences in hospice length of stay demonstrate the potential decrease in cumulative inequality in the delivery of appropriate and needed hospice services across the two racial groups. Future research is recommended to explore the potential consequences of longer hospice stays as well as the health and health care mechanisms related to the different disease profiles that lead individuals to hospice care, especially among African Americans.
INTOLERANCE FOR UNCERTAINTY MEDIATES DEATH ANXIETY AND HYPOCHONDRIASIS IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Killingsworth Derek , Muraira Joseph , Fontanese Matthew , Cornwell Hannah , Barela Lance , Kapoor Karina , Coldiron Allyson , Barnett Michael 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Hypochondriasis – or illness anxiety disorder – is the preoccupation of having an illness, which has been linked with and theorized to be caused by fear of death. While death anxiety tends to decrease with age because of increased exposure to death, the association between illness anxiety and fear of death strengthens with age. Many anxiety disorders, including illness anxiety disorder, have often been explained by an intolerance for uncertainty. The current study therefore investigated whether intolerance of uncertainty mediated the effect of fear of death on hypochondriasis among older adults. Older adults (N = 260), ages 65 to 94 years (M = 75.8, SD = 7.39), responded to an online survey, which included the Death Attitude Profile-Revised questionnaire, the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, and the Illness Attitudes Scale. Results showed that fear of death was directly related to hypochondriasis as well as indirectly related through intolerance of uncertainty. Fear of death and intolerance of uncertainty were both positively associated with hypochondriasis. Older adults with more fear about death are more likely to experience illness anxiety and have a higher intolerance for uncertainty. It may be that older adults with higher levels of intolerance to uncertainty are more at risk for anxiety, which then may result in increased fear of death and illness anxiety with the increased exposure to death that is associated with older age. Hypochondriasis in older adulthood may therefore be best addressed by interventions that explore the uncertainty of death and focus on increasing tolerance for uncertainty.
EXPLORING PREDICTORS OF LONGEVITY USING RETROSPECTIVELY CODED AUTOBIOGRAPHICAL DATA
Authors: Barnett Brianna , Bishop Alexander 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify predictors of longevity using retrospectively coded autobiographical stories written and recorded from N = 1,858 deceased centenarians (M = 102.79 years; SD = 2.25 years) from the state of Oklahoma. Using the Developmental Adaptation Model as a conceptual framework, total number of years lived, the developmental outcome was regressed on socio-demographic characteristics including sex, race, and education, as well as retrospectively coded variables reflecting parental occupation, total years married, age at retirement, engagement in international travel, and self-attributions of longevity. Results confirmed three key predictors of living to 100 years and beyond. First, race was confirmed as a strong predictor of longevity (β = −.65, p &lt; .001). Fatherhood agricultural occupation emerged as second key predictor of living 100 years and longer (β = .42, p &lt; .10). Finally, total years spent in a marriage represented a third predictor of longevity (β = .47, p &lt; .01). Results suggest being a person of color, being raised by a father who made a livelihood working in the agricultural industry, and remaining within a long-term marital union are contributing variables linked to living 100 years and longer. Further detail regarding descriptive and methodological evaluation of retrospectively coded centenarian biographies will be highlighted. Results have implications relative to how gerontological researchers and aging service professionals may evaluate and link autobiographical information of long-lived adults to developmental outcomes such as longevity.
EXTREME WEATHER PREPAREDNESS AND CLIMATE ACTIVISM AT AGE 85+
Authors: Patskanick Taylor , Ashebir Sophia , D’Ambrosio Lisa , Coughlin Joseph 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Current projected shifts in climate suggest extreme weather events and disasters will become increasingly common and severe. Older adults are a population vulnerable to the impact of extreme weather due to complex mobility, health, and financial situations in later life, affecting their ability to prepare for and respond to extreme weather emergencies. These compound vulnerabilities demonstrate the importance of adequate emergency preparedness among older adults, particularly among the oldest of older adults or the age 85+ demographic. This paper shares findings from a mixed methods study with the MIT AgeLab 85+ Lifestyle Leaders panel, a research panel of U.S. octogenarians and nonagenarians, on climate change, including their perceptions of generational contributions to climate change, extreme weather preparedness, and engagement in climate justice. Utilizing a survey (n=23) and five virtual focus groups (n=19) conducted in July 2022, findings underscore differences in themes related to weather-event-related emergency preparedness among Lifestyle Leaders living in senior housing versus those community-dwelling. Additional themes note a perceived lack of individual agency and control around impacting climate change locally (including a potential life stage effect) and the urgency of climate change as a societal-level and voting issue. The implications of these findings for effective engagement with the over-85 age demographic in conversations about climate change and emergency preparedness will be highlighted.
FINANCIAL DECISION MAKING AND WEALTH LOSS IN OLDER ADULTS WITH EARLY MEMORY LOSS: THE WALLET STUDY
Authors: Lichtenberg Peter , Flores Emily , Rorai Vanessa 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Angisani and Lee (2019) used the HRS to determine that wealth loss was related to early memory loss. Using methods described elsewhere (Lichtenberg et al., 2022), we investigated personal finance behaviors and wealth loss. using 12 months of checking account statements and follow up interviews with 114 older adults; 67 of whom had self-reported cognitive impairment (CI), and two-thirds of who were African American. Participants were largely recruited from research registries with the Michigan ADRC and the Michigan Center for Urban African American Aging Research. Mean age was 72 years mean education was 15 years, and 70% of the sample were women. There were no differences between the group on demographic variables, financial literacy (3-item Lusardi and Mitchell scale) or annual income. Bivariate analyses (t tests) indicated that those with CI were significantly more likely to suffer wealth loss across the 12 month period. Those with CI had significantly poorer scores on a person-centered financial decision making scale, and reported significantly lower IADL skills. In addition, those with CI were more likely to financially helping others on a regular basis, and reported a higher rate of financial exploitation. Correlations between wealth loss and CI (r=.22; p&lt;.05), decision-making (r=.54; p&lt;.05) and helping others on a regular basis (r=.51; p&lt;.05). A logistic regression predicting wealth loss resulted in two measures significantly predicting wealth loss; financial decision-making and helping someone else financially on a regular basis.
Conclusions: (1) early CI is related to wealth loss and (2) decision-making intersects with wealth loss.
A STUDY ON JOB STRESS AS A MEDIATOR BETWEEN DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES AND SELF-REPORTED HEALTH AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Deshmukh Madhyami , Martin Peter 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Job stress among older adults has not been sufficiently researched, and findings balance between work and personal life has become imperative. The aim of this research is to examine a path model that includes demographic variables (age, gender, and education), job stress, and self-reported health. Two recent waves (waves 13 and 14) of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) were included in this analysis. A total of 8535 participants (3971 males and 4564 females) were part of this study. Bivariate correlations and multiple regression analyses were computed. The process macro in SPSS was used to assess mediation. Results indicated that job stress was associated with age, gender, and education such that women and more highly educated participants had higher job stress levels, whereas older adults had lower job stress levels. The multiple regression analysis showed that only age was significantly associated with stress, whereas gender and education were not. Furthermore, education was positively associated with better health, but health did not correlate with age or gender. As expected, job stress was associated with self-reported health at a later time point, such that more job stress was related to lower self-reported health levels. Finally, job stress mediated between demographic variables and health at a later time point. As the data were collected before the pandemic, it would be important to see if these results would have changed over the course of the pandemic. Future interventions should develop appropriate work-life balance to promote better health in later life.
OLDER PARENTS’ PATTERNS OF AGREEMENT AND INFORMATION SHARING WITH ADULT CHILDREN AND THEIR EMOTIONAL OUTCOMES
Authors: Toyokawa Noriko 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The current study examined the effect of older parents’ pattern of agreement/disagreement with their adult children’s perceptions of their functional ability and their information disclosure/non-disclosure to their adult children on their ambivalent, positive, and negative emotions. Older parents, N=263, Mage=75.06, SD=5.49, participated in an online survey. Participants’ agreement with adult children’s ideas and caregiving practice to support 10 life issues were assessed by five categories: 1=agree, 2=disagree, 3=it depends, 4=it is not my issue, and recorded into 0=agree, 1=fully/partially disagree/not my issue. Participants’ information sharing on the same items was assessed by 1=openly share, 2=leave out critical points, 3=avoid talking about, 4=lie or making a story, 5=It is not my issue, and recoded to share 1=openly and 0=not openly share. The median dichotomized the mean scores of 10 items to create four patterns: disagree-do not disclose, disagree-disclose, agree-do not disclose, and agree-disclose. Positive, negative, and ambivalent emotions toward adult children have been assessed by the scales and formula used by Lendon et al. (2013). A series of one-way ANOVA, F(3, 260)=4.41, p=.005, η=.05, revealed that participants in agree-do not disclose the pattern, M=3.15, SD=.90, reported the highest level of ambivalence. A post hoc test showed it was significantly higher than that of participants in disagree-did not share, M=2.16, SD=1.10. Disagree-do not disclose group reported the lowest score in positive and negative emotions among groups. Frequency of contact predicted disclosure in auxiliary analysis. The need for within and between differences in older parents’ agreement and disclosure patterns was discussed.
PREDICTORS OF FAMILY FUNCTIONING IN CUSTODIAL GRANDFAMILIES: A SYSTEMIC PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Patel Khushbu , Scott-Poe Deneisha , Dolbin-MacNab Megan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
According to the U.S. Census, there are approximately 2.5 million grandparents raising grandchildren. Previous research has examined factors associated with grandparent and grandchild well-being; yet, few studies have considered the functioning of the grandfamily unit. Guided by family systems and attachment theories, the purpose of this study was to examine individual and relational predictors of grandfamily functioning, as reported by 95 custodial grandmothers raising adolescent (ages 12 to 18) grandchildren. Survey data were collected in-person or over the telephone from custodial grandmothers residing in the Southern U.S. To analyze the data, we conducted a hierarchical multiple regression. The first model included grandchild gender, the second model added grandmothers’ parenting stress and attachment, and the final model further added grandmothers’ reports of grandchildren’s attachment, emotion regulation, and internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. The first model was not significant, but the second model was significant [F (3, 91) = 8.85, p &lt; .001; R2 Δ = .22, p &lt; .001], and explained 23% of the variance in grandfamily functioning, with less grandmother parenting stress predicting better grandfamily functioning. More secure grandmother attachment approached significance. The final model accounted for 34% of the variance in grandfamily functioning [F (7, 87) = 6.35, p &lt; .001; R2 Δ = .11, p = .008], with better grandfamily functioning being predicted by less grandmother parenting stress and better grandchild emotion regulation. More secure grandmother attachment and greater grandchild internalizing problems emerged as trends. Implications for future research and systemic practice with grandfamilies will be discussed.