bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EXPLORATION OF FALL RISK OF PARTICIPANTS ACROSS EVIDENCE-BASED FALL PREVENTION PROGRAMS
Authors: Wong Rita , Elrod Cathy , Pappa Sara , Kelekar Uma , Heyn Patricia 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The National Council on Aging houses the Administration for Community Living’s (ACL) national database on evidence-based, community-delivered fall prevention programs (EBFPP). Each year, cooperative agreement grants are awarded competitively to groups demonstrating readiness to deliver EBFPP in their communities. Participants in these programs completed a standardized pre-participation survey documenting demographic and self-reported fall risk factors that were entered into the national EBFPP database. Marymount University received permission to analyze the survey data entered into the ACL’s National Falls Prevention Database between July 2016 and June 2022. An exploratory analysis was conducted of 105,323 older adults who participated in one of eight ACL-approved EBFPP programs. EBFPPs vary in their targeted fall risk level, tailoring intervention components (health education, self-management training, physical exercise) and adjusting intensity and focus to match the risk level. It is unknown if people join the program that best fits their risk level. This study evaluates and compares participant demographic characteristics and fall risk across EBFPPs. We created an index to categorize risk levels, anchored in the CDC’s STEADI toolkit for fall risk, finding that 29% were high risk, 51% moderate risk, and 19% low risk. The factors used to establish risk level included 1) falling in the last 3 months, 2) referral from a healthcare professional, 3) fear of falling, 4) self-reported health (not excellent or very good), 5) depression, and 6) age 85 or older. Exploring participant characteristics by risk level and choice of EBFPP adds unique information to guide future EBFPP recruitment strategies.
FACING TRUSTWORTHINESS: AGE-GROUP DIFFERENCES IN TRUST-RELATED DECISION-MAKING AND LEARNING
Authors: Horta Marilyn , Shoenfelt Alayna , Lighthall Nichole , Perez Eliany , Frazier Ian , Lin Tian , Heemskerk Amber , Ebner Natalie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Facial impressions contribute to evaluations of trustworthiness. Older adults are especially vulnerable to trust violations, incurring risks for deception and exploitation. Using the newly developed Social Iowa Gambling Task (S-IGT), we examined age-group differences in the impact of facial trustworthiness on decision-making. Advantageous decks were represented by trustworthy (congruent condition, CS-IGT) or untrustworthy (incongruent condition, IS-IGT) faces and disadvantageous decks were represented by untrustworthy faces in the CS-IGT and by trustworthy faces in the IS-IGT. Younger (n = 143) and older (n = 129) participants completed either the standard IGT, CS-IGT, or IS-IGT. Both age groups preferred trustworthy faces in their initial choices. Older adults performed worse than younger adults across all tasks over time. Further, compared to younger adults, older adults performed worse on the IS-IGT, suggesting that incongruent facial cues interfered with older adults’ performance, which aligns with reduced sensitivity to negative social reputations in aging. Exploratory multilevel modeling indicated that age-group differences were most pronounced in the last 40 trials across all tasks. Together these findings indicate that differences between younger and older adults in experience-dependent decision-making are magnified in social contexts that involve a “wolf in sheep’s clothing,” which may reflect age-related difficulties in information integration.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH OLDER ADULTS’ READINESS FOR DISCHARGE FROM POST ACUTE CARE TO HOME
Authors: Barnason Susan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Following acute hospitalization, older adults are often transferred to post-acute care (PAC) for rehabilitation and nursing care. Most PAC admissions are comprised of adults with multimorbidity (&gt;2 chronic diseases). After PAC discharge many patients are rehospitalized within 30 days. The goal of this study was to evaluate factors associated with older adult’s readiness for PAC discharge to home. A prospective one-arm descriptive correlation study was conducted. Older adults (N=19) discharged from PAC to home participated. Subjects were recruited over a 3-month period from a large midwestern facility. Participants completed the Patient Readiness for Hospital Discharge -Short Form (PR RHDS-SF) and Patient Activation Measure (PAM). Medication burden, measured by the medication regimen complexity index (MRCI) calculated from discharge medication record. Participants included 12 females and 5 males, mean age of 73 (SD 8.2)) years. The PT RHDS -SF mean score was 49.3 (SD 16.8). The PAM mean score was 54.7 (SD 7.4). Medication burden was high, mean MRCI was 31.5 (SD 11.6). There was a significant correlation [r (17) .48, p=.04] between total PT RHDS-SF score and patient activation levels. Preparing PAC patients to self-manage their multimorbid conditions may enhance their self-confidence with transition from PAC to home. Evaluating self-management preparedness of older adults prior to PAC discharge is vastly understood. Research is needed to prepare multimorbid older adult patients transitioning from PAC to home focused on perceived readiness and self-management confidence.
FAMILY CAREGIVER COMFORT WITH TELEHEALTH TECHNOLOGIES: DIFFERENCES BY RACE/ETHNICITY IN A CROSS SECTIONAL SURVEY
Authors: Bratches Reed , Onsando Wambui , Puga Frank , Odom J Nicholas , Barr Paul 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Telehealth has seen widespread use since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and 82% patients required assistance in accessing their telehealth appointments. This assistance commonly comes from a family caregiver who may or may not be comfortable using the technologies associated with telehealth. The objective of our study was to analyze a demographically representative survey of US family caregivers to understand the level of comfort using telehealth technologies among family caregivers through a secondary analysis of survey data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Level of caregiver comfort using computers, smartphones, and tablets was determined through three Likert-style questions. Proportional odds logistic regression was used to understand the associations between demographic variables and level of caregiver comfort using each technology, when adjusting for covariates. A total of 340 caregivers were included in the analysis. Compared to Non-Hispanic White caregivers, Asian caregivers had a higher odds (OR 3.14; 95%CI 1.36, 8.02; p=0.01) of expressing comfort using computers; Black caregivers (OR 0.46; 95%CI 0.21, 0.98; p=0.04) and Hispanic caregivers (OR 0.36; 95%CI 0.17, 0.79 p=0.01) expressed lower odds of comfort using smartphones; and Asian caregivers had a higher odds (OR 4.64; 95%CI 2.05, 11.69; p=0.001) of expressing comfort using tablets. : There are identified disparities in level of technological comfort using computers, smartphones, and tablets by different racial and ethnic groups. Health systems should consider early stakeholder involvement in the design of telehealth technologies and culturally responsive training materials on telehealth technology use to reduce disparities in comfort using telehealth technologies.
FEAR OF FALLING PREDICTS NEGATIVE PERCEPTIONS OF AGING AMONG LOW-INCOME COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Trahan Evette , Komalasari Renata , Blount Amber , Lighthall Nichole , Thiamwong Ladda 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Negative self-perceptions of aging (NSPA) are associated with various health-related outcomes, including fear of falling (FOF). Despite the leading cause of injury, disability, and hospitalization among racially diverse low-income older adults, FOF’s predictive potential effect on NSPA is less studied. This was a cross-sectional study with a sampling of 54 independent and cognitively healthy older adults (4 males, 47 females, mean age 73.91, SD: 6.4; 61-87 years old) in a low-income community. A five-item NSPA Likert scale, part of the Brief Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire (B-APQ), was used to assess the negative self-perceptions of aging, with higher scores indicating fewer negative views. The Short Fall Efficacy Scale International questionnaire was used to evaluate the level of concern about falls for a range of activities of daily living. More than half of the participants were African Americans (27 or 50%), completed high school (29 or 53.7%), lived alone (37 or 68.5%), and earned just enough financially (29 or 53.7%). The simple regression results indicated that the model explained 14.9% of the variance (R2=.149, F(1,52) = 9.13, p =.004). Fear of falling (FOF) (β = -.406, p =.004) was negatively associated with NSPA. As FOF scores increased, NSPA scores decreased, signifying higher FOF, accentuating worse perceived aging. Future longitudinal research should focus on the relationship between FOF and NSPA in increasing fall risk and injurious falls, especially in ethnically diverse low-income older adults, to further clarify this relationship and its consequences. Additionally, assessing FOF and providing interventions may enhance positive perceptions of aging.
FEASIBILITY AND ACCEPTABILITY OF A LOVING-KINDNESS MEDITATION AMONG SOCIO-ECONOMICALLY DIVERSE OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Lekhak Nirmala , Bhatta Tirth , Streb Carolyn , Tran Karenna , Snyder Joel 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
It has been established that contemplative practices such as meditation can aid in stress management and the prevention of mental health issues. However, whether one of these techniques, such as loving-kindness meditation (LKM), is feasible for promoting later-life self-compassion, reducing loneliness, and maintaining mental health is unclear. This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of a LKM intervention among socioeconomically diverse older adults. We employed a waiting list control design and mixed methods approach to randomize the participants (n = 59) into two groups. The same intervention was administered to the second group at a later time. We oriented and instructed the older adults on how to meditate and perform the LKM intervention. It contained phrases for the self, immediate family, others, and humanity. We gathered outcome data at baseline, post-intervention, four weeks following journaling, and four weeks without journaling. The intervention was feasible and acceptable (n = 54). One hundred percent of participants rated this meditation practice as either good or better. The range for acceptability was between 4 and 20, while the range for feasibility was between 3 and 15. The participants reported that they accepted (M = 16.8, SD = 2.9) and found this meditative practice feasible (M = 12.9, SD = 1.8). Participants who engaged in this intervention daily reported that this meditative practice helped them reduce anxiety and enhance self-awareness. Our findings highlight the need for large-scale contemplative interventions (including more music and silence) that can promote self-compassion and reduce loneliness in older adults.
FEASIBILITY AND ACCEPTABILITY OF INSPIRATORY MUSCLE STRENGTH TRAINING AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN MYSORE, INDIA
Authors: karnam Raghavi , Ningaiah Nagalambika , Nanjaiah Shivamma Nanjaiah , Bhyra Nagaveni , Muralidhar Kiranmayee , Madhivanan Purnima , Krupp Karl 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Hypertension, a major risk for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, affects 1.3 billion globally and 229 million in India. While exercise has shown to lower blood pressure, 40% of older Indians report inadequate physical activity. Inspiratory Muscle Strength Training (IMST), a novel breathing exercise, shows promise for controlling hypertension, but little is known about its acceptability among older Indian adults. This study examined feasibility and acceptability of IMST in older adults with hypertension in Mysore, India. Between November-2022 and January-2023, 31 non-smoking adults aged 65 - 80 years, with a blood pressure □140/90 mm Hg were enrolled in a 6-week interventional study after informed-consent. Participants used a Power-breathe Plus breath trainer for 30 breaths a day, 5 days a week, for 6-weeks, weekly increasing resistance to a maximum of 30% of their Maximum Inspiratory Pressure. Participants underwent medical assessment, interviewer-administered survey to collect data on demographics, depression, cognition, physical performance, pulmonary function and acceptability, at baseline and post-intervention. Univariate analysis was conducted. Of 31 participants, 20% were male and 55% were on antihypertensive. Four participants discontinued by week two. Post-intervention, 22% had □10 mm Hg decrease in systolic- pressure and 37% □10 mm Hg decrease in diastolic- pressure. About 59% showed improvement in depression screening scores, 40% had improved cognitive scores and 48% reported improved physical-performance scores; 80% reported IMST was useful and 90% reported device was user-friendly; 45% reported improvements in breathlessness and exercise-tolerance. IMST was acceptable, feasible and safe as a hypertension intervention for older adults in Mysore, India.
FINDABILITY OF HEALTH EQUITY DEFINITIONS ON REPUTABLE AGING AND PUBLIC HEALTH WEBSITES
Authors: Dagne Mahederemariam , Terhune Elizabeth , Heyn Patricia 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In the current era of electronic health information, ensuring proper access to consistent and accurate information supporting health equity is crucial for older adults. It is imperative that older adults comprehend health terminologies and definitions on websites, enabling them to understand the necessary information effectively. To evaluate how public health websites define, communicate, and display health equity terms and definitions, we developed a tool to review how easy it is to find and understand information on websites that play an integral role in guiding the health of older adults. Thus, we reviewed over 60 credible websites widely used for health information. Many of them included dedicated aging content. Our evaluation revealed that health equity definitions were inconsistent across websites and were often challenging to locate, requiring substantial time and effort to retrieve the information. Additionally, 50% of them lacked definitions. Furthermore, most websites failed to include citations that could substantiate the provided definitions. This study underscores the absence of a systematic, standardized, and regulated approach to how public health websites inform the public, particularly by using consistent terms to define health equity. This study highlights the lack of a universally shared and standardized health equity definition for websites. We recommend that websites structure their content to be easily findable and propose adopting universal standards for displaying health information on websites, especially when communicating with the public. This can mitigate confusion, enhance the understanding of health equity, and ensure important health information findability for older adults.
FRAILTY AND COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT: RESULTS FROM A DIVERSE SAMPLE OF OLDER PERSONS RECEIVING HEMODIALYSIS
Authors: Alfaro Ana , Bryan Rachel , Balantrapu Swathi , Liu Christine 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Persons who are receiving hemodialysis are at high risk for frailty and cognitive impairment. However, little is known about the overlap of these conditions in a diverse older hemodialysis population. Our goal is to examine frailty and cognition in a diverse sample of older adults receiving hemodialysis. Data was collected as part of a cross-sectional observational study examining mentation, mood, and mobility. Frailty was identified using the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures Index and cognition was assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) (cut off score ≤ 26). Blind MoCAs were administered (cut off score ≤ 22) when appropriate. 35 participants (mean age = 73.9 ± 10.7) enrolled. 60% were males and 20% were Spanish-speaking. 20% identified as Asian, 23% as Black, and 23% as Hispanic/ Latino. Of note, four blind MoCAs in Spanish were administered. 83% had abnormal MoCA scores. 86% were frail or pre-frail. The majority of the sample (69%) had concurrent cognitive impairment and frailty or pre-frailty. In this diverse sample of older adults receiving hemodialysis, we found that both frailty and cognitive impairment are extremely common, with a large portion of the sample exhibiting both. This suggests that interventions targeting cognitive impairment or frailty should account for the frequent overlap of both conditions, particularly among historically underserved populations.
GDF15 AND REDUCED PHYSICAL FUNCTION FOLLOWING TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT: A STUDY OF PHYSICAL RESILIENCE AND AGING
Authors: Fountain William , Milcik Nicholas , Schmedding Nicholas , Sieber Frederick , Oni Julius , Varadhan Ravi , Bandeen-Roche Karen , Walston Jeremy 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The metabolic and inflammatory cytokine growth-differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) increases with age and negatively associates with physical and cognitive function in older adults. We hypothesized GDF15 also negatively associates with resilient outcomes after surgery. This hypothesis was tested in the SPRING study of physical resiliency after total knee replacement by assessing relationships between pre-operative plasma GDF15 levels and postoperative resilience measures including short physical performance battery (SPPB) scores, fatigability, and grip strength. GDF15 analyses and physical resilience were assessed in 127 SPRING participants (age 70±6 yrs, n=83 women). Baseline GDF15 levels correlated with age (r=0.263, P&lt; 0.05); age-adjusted analyses were applied. In total, pre-operative GDF15 levels did not significantly correlate with functional measures at any timepoint. However, in men (n=44), GDF15 levels correlated with age (r=0.408, P&lt; 0.05) and significant age-adjusted correlations were observed in fatigue (r=0.368, P&lt; 0.05), gait speed (r=-0.428, P&lt; 0.05), and SPPB score (r=-0.329, P&lt; 0.05). Additionally, GDF15 levels correlated with chair stands at six months (r=-0.398, P&lt; 0.05), SPPB score at six months (r=-0.384, P&lt; 0.05), and gait speed after one year (r=-0.487, P&lt; 0.05). GDF15 did not significantly correlate with changes in SPPB score (P&gt;0.05). There were no significant correlations between GDF15 and any of these functional measures in women (r-value range: -0.259 to 0.107; p-value range: 0.112 to 0.969). Elevated pre-operative GDF15 appears to correlate with worsening physical function following knee replacement in men, but not women. Further investigation is necessary to understand the relationship between GDF15 and the biology of physical resiliency.
GROUP RESIDENTIAL TRAINING OF BLIND OLDER ADULTS OFFERED BY VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND SIGHTED PROFESSIONAL TRAINERS
Authors: Miller Nancy , Marcille Frankie Ann , Storm Sierra , McGuire Cathleen 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
VISIONS/Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired piloted a 6-day residential group training for 6 legally blind older adults ages 57-80, self identified as Caucasian or African-American. Assessments occurred in five core areas: personal, home, financial and meal management and communication skills. Mobility and family care skills were also assessed. One legally blind and one sighted professional instructor offered the training along with adaptive equipment and training on how to use it. Each participant received follow up visits in their home to measure how well they retained the skills taught and how well they were safely using them. Referrals were made to VISIONS occupational therapists to address other chronic health conditions, social workers for adjustment to blindness counseling or low vision optometrists for additional follow up. Offering intensive residential group training with peers resulted in documented improvement in ADL/IADL skills and increased social connections. Group training, even when participants had varied skill levels, education, age of onset of vision loss, and eye diseases, proved successful. One participant framed his completion certificate and hung it in his living room. The value of learning new skills with a peer group was confirmed as well as the willingness for older adults with legal blindness to attend a 6-day residential program. Providing group training helps to address the long waitlist for services with a national personnel shortage of nationally certified vision rehabilitation therapists to serve the growing older blind. population. Group training also effectively utilizes the limited government funding for training older blind adults.
HEALTH PROMOTION AS CATALYST: CHALLENGES AND COMPLEXITIES OF HEALTHCARE AMONG OLDER ASIAN IMMIGRANTS
Authors: Shrestha Sabita , Kim Jae , Hogue Mary 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Older adults are the most disadvantaged, vulnerable, and marginalized groups in the world. They often experience various challenges and complexities in navigating healthcare and other social care. Needless to say, these complexities are profound, especially, among older Asian immigrants in navigating healthcare and social care compared to other populations in the US. They often face various sociocultural challenges including structural barriers in search of proper healthcare and accessibility to care. The studies have shown older Asian immigrants are reluctant to seek or access needed care due to structural barriers poised against them. In addition, lack of cultural awareness and understanding by healthcare professionals further impedes accessing timely healthcare. Despite the complexities of healthcare navigation, health education and promotion play an important role as catalysts in disseminating health information relevant to healthcare and structural barriers to older Asian immigrants. Based on ecological framework, this presentation will showcase a holistic approach to health education intervention and promotion aimed to minimize complexities of healthcare navigation and structural barriers towards older Asian immigrants in the US.
HOME TRIAD: A NEW WAY TO UNDERSTAND THE MEANING OF HOME FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Wang Wenjin , Huang Hao 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Highlighted by the frequent stating “I want to go home,” understanding the meaning of home for people living with dementia (PLWD) is crucial to provide them better care and environment. Our novel theoretical framework, termed ’home triad’, abstracts “home” into three interconnected pillars: conceived, perceived, and lived home. We conducted in-depth interviews with five PLWD, who were over 65 years old with MMSE scores between 11-24, received home care, and could understand and consent to the study. Their caregivers were also consulted for member-checking. The findings showed that the early memories of home were more vivid. The lived home experience held paramount significance; while stable housing was vital, family was of utmost importance to PLWD. Additionally, a gender-based distinction in lived home was evident. It was also found that PLWD’s perceived daily activities and lived memories expanded their home beyond their immediate residence, encompassing neighborhoods, villages, and cities. Within home triad, we noticed that the conceived home, focusing on the discourses of power and knowledge, could easily be overlooked. Yet, focusing on this pillar revealed the pivotal roles of design and caregivers in shaping PLWD’s home, which in turn influenced perceived and lived experiences. Through home triad, we can better appreciate profound home memories for PLWD. This could bolster reminiscence therapy and enable more effective home modifications, or even improve institutional homelike environments. Our future direction aims to refine and apply home triad with more home stories, thereby informing research and practice to enhance dementia-friendly environment and PLWD’s well-being.