bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EXPLORING PROPERTY TAX BURDENS AND AGING IN PLACE: A GEOSPATIAL INVESTIGATION IN PENNSYLVANIA
Authors: Kim Jongwoong 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques and a composite index, this project delves into the intricate geographic patterns of property tax burdens in Pennsylvania, with a specific focus on older residents contemplating aging in place amidst limited financial resources. The study scrutinizes various factors, including property tax rates, home values, income, demographics, and other housing-related variables, to comprehensively grasp their effects on the financial feasibility of aging in place. Pennsylvania displays notable disparities in property taxes, averaging approximately 1.5% of home value, across counties due to distinct assessment systems and varying assessed-to-market ratios (CLRs). Tax rates are also influenced and specified by smaller administrative and geographic entities, including municipalities and school districts. Despite alternatives (e.g., assisted living), aging in place remains the preferred choice for most older Americans. This accentuates the significance of assessing property tax affordability that facilitates potential aging in place, particularly for financially constrained but “healthy” seniors who may not qualify for tax rebates or local freezes. Moreover, escalating housing prices and assessed values further emphasize the urgency. Cartographic and tabular findings from the study unveil challenging situations for seniors in specific county clusters of Pennsylvania, encompassing not only “expensive” urban but also “typically affordable” rural settings. Additionally, areas with the highest tax rates are not always the most financially burdensome (and vice versa) with all other factors taken into account. This study offers practical insights that have the potential to inform adjustments in housing and tax policies aimed at benefiting older adults in Pennsylvania.
EXPLORING THE ASSOCIATION OF SLEEP WITH COGNITIVE DOMAINS AMONG PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Lewis Stevie , Patel Charmi , Jehu Deborah 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
People living with dementia (PWD) commonly experience sleep disruptions, which impacts mental alertness, increases daytime sleepiness, and results in poorer quality of life. While sleep preserves cognitive function among PWD, the relationship between sleep and different cognitive domains is unclear. Our objective was to explore the association between sleep and cognition domains among PWD. Twenty-three PWD completed a battery of cognitive tests (global cognition: Montreal Cognitive Assessment; executive function: Trail-Making Test (TMT), Digit Span Forward Test; perception and orientation: Benton Judgement of Line Orientation Test (BJLO); language: Boston Naming Test; learning and memory: Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test; complex attention: Digit Symbol Substitution Test) at two residential care facilities. Participants wore a motion watch on their wrist for 7 days to monitor sleep. Participants were primarily male (74%), white (87%), and 48% had unspecified dementia. The average number of hours of sleep per night was 4.6±1.2 hours. The overall regression model for sleep was significant (R2=0.80, F(10,12)=4.68, RMSE=42.32, p&lt; 0.05). More sleep was associated with better perception and orientation (BJLO:β=0.57, p=0.03), greater sleep efficiency (β=0.93, p=0.01), longer wake after sleep onset (β=1.19, p 0.002), and there was a trend for better executive function (TMT:β=-0.34, p=0.09). PWD have inadequate sleep. Greater amounts of sleep seem to preserve perception and orientation and may play a protective role for executive function, but more evidence is needed. Regularly assessing sleep may be useful in screening and monitoring cognitive changes among PWD in residential care facilities.
EXPLORING THE EFFICACY OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN DELIVERING HOSPICE INFORMATION
Authors: Ross Jeanette , Dentchev Alexander , Reilly Elizabeth , Sanchez-Reilly Sandra 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Artificial Intelligence Chatbots (AIC) are swiftly gaining popularity due to their language model capability to address user queries by analyzing extensive amounts of available data and generating human-like responses. Objective: To analyze the accuracy of AIC in responding to inquiries related to hospice services and benefits. Additionally, the goal is to assess the user-friendliness of AIC in comparison to traditional web search engines.

Methods
AICs, namely ChatGPT and Bard, were subjected to testing through a series of questions and scenarios pertinent to hospice services (such as its definition, eligibility criteria, types of provided services, and specific care scenarios). Recorded responses from the AICs were subsequently evaluated for accuracy and quality by experts in geriatric palliative care.

Results
Both ChatGPT and Bard provided mostly accurate responses to fundamental questions and uncomplicated scenarios regarding hospice. These encompassed explanations about prognosis, interdisciplinary teams, and basic services offered. While ChatGPT did not furnish articles or source references, it did offer occasional medical advice. On the other hand, Bard issued medical information warnings and occasionally included visual aids like pictures, diagrams, and website links. When faced with the same set of questions, conventional web search engines often supplied links to webpages that did not invariably contain specific answers to the queries.

Conclusions
The AICs can deliver predominantly accurate, generic information about hospice in a conversational and comprehensible manner. Future research could delve into how AICs would respond to more personalized and specific inquiries that could be posed by patients or caregivers.
EXPLORING THE SOCIO-SPIRITUAL MEANING AND COPING STRATEGIES OF OLDER ADULTS LIVING WITH CANCER IN NIGERIA
Authors: Odo Obinna , Udeh Kingsly , Okolie Jonathan , Chidebe Runcie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The growing cancer mortality, poor access to palliative care, treatment hesitancy, poor survivorship, and limited oncology healthcare infrastructure have been investigated in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria, the orthodox treatment and management of cancer is still greatly influenced by superstitious belief and spiritual connotations. Yet, the socio-spiritual and culturally sensitive meanings attached to cancer and treatment are still lacking in the literature. This study explored the socio-spiritual strategies of older adults living with cancer in Nigeria. The study adopted a qualitative approach and data were collected through a semi-structured interview with 15 older adults from the Oncology unit, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu State, Nigeria. The data were managed and inductively coded using NVivo 12 and analyzed thematically. The findings of our study show that cancer is traditionally conceptualized as the aftermath of a disconnection with supernatural/ancestral forces. By implication, such misconceptions affect the level of dispositions and steps taken toward diagnosis and treatment. To this end, our study argues that blending spiritual needs, social support, and culturally sensitive cancer education could improve the quality of life and coping capacity of older adults living with cancer. The study recommends the infusion of socio-spiritual interventions to cancer treatment for older adults in Nigeria.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INCIDENCE OF COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN OLDER COSTA RICAN ADULTS
Authors: Méndez-Chacón Ericka , Camacho David 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Cognitive impairment is a critical global public health problem that contributes to lower quality of life and greater medical costs. Despite the growing number of older adults in Costa Rica, few studies have examined cognitive impairment in this population. We drew data on participants (60 years+) with no cognitive impairment (Score of &gt;=12 on MMSE) from wave 1 of the Costa Rican Longevity and Healthy Aging Study (CRELES; n=2,827). Guided by the diathesis-stress-model, we used logistic regression to determine social and health predictors of cognitive impairment incidence (Score &lt; 12 of on MMSE) 2 years later (wave 2). Incidence of cognitive impairment was 5.8% (95% CI, 5.0-7.0). Formal school education (elementary: OR=0.32; 95% CI, 0.17-0.60; high school or more: OR=0.11; 95% CI, 0.02-0.60) and being married or living as married (OR=0.52; 95% CI, 0.28-0.96) were identified as protective against cognitive impairment. Greater age (OR=1.09; 95% CI, 1.06-1.13), consuming more than 400g of carbohydrates per day (OR=2.20; 95% CI, 1.22-3.91), and more challenges with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (OR=1.70; 95% CI, 1.23-2.28) increased odds of developing cognitive impairment. Common predictors including biological sex, residential zone, smoking, income, bad health perception, depression, and cortisol (ug/dl) were not associated with the onset of cognitive impairment at wave 2. We consider that contextual (e.g., healthcare infrastructure), cultural factors (e.g., familism), as well as diet may help shape predictors and their effects on cognitive functioning. Researchers and practitioners should collaborate on implementation of culturally appropriate and contextually feasible interventions that address predictors of cognitive impairment.
FAILURE TO RECOVER FROM PROACTIVE INTERFERENCE & TRAJECTORY OF CLINICAL DEMENTIA RATING SUM OF BOXES IN AMNESTIC MCI
Authors: Zheng D Diane , Curiel Rosie , Ortega Alexandra , Crocco Elizabeth , Crenshaw Kiresten , Ramirez Sofia , Ortiz Juliana , Loewenstein David 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
The Loewenstein-Acevedo Scale for Semantic Interferences and Learning (LASSI-L) has been shown to be sensitive to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) pathology among those with preclinical AD, however, LASSI-L’s ability to predict longitudinal cognitive and functional decline of preclinical AD has not been examined.

Method
We evaluated 97 older adults aged 54-98 who were diagnosed with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) at 1Florida Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center initial visit. The mean age was 71.9 yr, 51% male, average education 15.7 yr, and mean MMSE score was 28.0. Participants had 3 to 5 visits over a follow-up time as long as 76.7 months. We examined the association of LASSI-L measures on the growth curve trajectory of Clinical Dementia Rating sum of Box (CDRSOB).

Results
The growth curve model that best fit the CDR sum of box trajectory is a linear form and included the fixed and random effect of intercept and slope of time. After adjusting for age, gender, education, Hopkins Verbal Learning Test (HVLT) delayed recall and LASSI-L maximum storage capacity, worse performance on LASSI-L measures of vulnerability to proactive semantic interference (B2 cued recall, β=-0.093, se 0.004, p-0.004) and semantic intrusion (B2 cued intrusions, β=0.053, se 0.023, p=0.02) were statistically significant in predicting a steeper slope on the trajectory of decline in CDRSOB.

Conclusions
The LASSI-L measures reflecting failure to recover from proactive interference and associated intrusions predicted the rate of cognitive/functional decline over time in amnestic MCI and demonstrated the utility of LASSI-L’s longitudinal prediction of prodromal AD.
FRAILTY IN MIDLIFE AS A PREDICTOR OF CHANGES IN BODY COMPOSITION FROM MIDLIFE INTO OLD AGE
Authors: Kananen Laura , Haapanen Markus , Mikkola Tuija , Jylhävä Juulia , Wasenius Niko , Eriksson Johan , von Bonsdorff Mikaela 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Few studies have investigated the association between frailty and subsequent body composition. We performed separate linear mixed model analyses in 996 adults (mean age at baseline[SD]: 61.5[2.9]) in a Finnish longitudinal birth cohort study to explore the relationships between changes in frailty status assessed by the Rockwood 41-item-frailty-index (FI) and changes in body mass index (BMI), lean mass index (LMI), fat mass index (FMI), and FMI to LMI-ratio values during 17 years of follow-up. With advancing age, LMI and BMI decreased, whereas FMI and FMI to LMI -ratio increased. Those who were frail (FI≥ 0.25) already at baseline, followed by those who became frail during the follow-up, experienced faster decreases in LMI and faster increases in FMI and FMI to LMI -ratio values relative to those who were ‘never frail’. Contrastingly, those in the highest third of absolute annual increase in FMI and FMI to LMI-ratio became frailer faster over time relative to those in the lowest third. We found evidence of an adverse health outcome of frailty where lean indices declined faster and fat indices and fat to lean -ratios increased faster from midlife into old age. The changes resembled those that occurred with aging, but at a faster pace. The relationship between body composition and frailty is likely bidirectional, where high or increasing levels of fat are associated with the risk of becoming frailer earlier, but where a longer duration of frailty may increase the risk of faster age-related changes to body composition.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN COVID-19 EXPERIENCES OF OLDER FEMALE VETERANS USING THE PROSPECTIVE HERO CARE SURVEY DATA
Authors: Tyagi Pranjal , Garcia Sandra , Bouldin Erin , Trivedi Ranak , Intrator Orna , Pugh Mary Jo , Leykum Luci , Dang Stuti 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Aging female Veterans faced unique experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. We used self-reported experiences of older female Veterans during this time in comparison with male Veterans. We received responses for the HERO CARE survey from 2,080 (88 (4.2%) female, 1,992 (95.8%) male) community-dwelling Veterans from five geographically diverse Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. Veterans were prompted to self-report the impact of COVID-19 through an open-ended question asking to share anything they would like us to know about their experience. Open-ended responses were classified through inductive coding into emergent themes and chi-square tests. The most common emergent themes from female Veteran responses were social isolation (17.8%), negative effects on physical health (15.6%), and issues with accessing VA healthcare resources (15.6%). The most common emergent themes from male Veterans were social isolation (12.7%) and issues with accessing VA healthcare resources (8.2%). However, female Veterans were more likely to report experiencing a decline in their physical health compared to males (p&lt; 0.01), more likely to report experiencing a negative change in their mental health (p&lt; 0.01) and more likely to experience a decline in their general satisfaction with life (p&lt; 0.002). They were also more likely to experience an issue with accessing VA healthcare resources (p&lt; 0.02), and to experience financial problems (p&lt; 0.0001). Female Veterans were more likely to report negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to their mental and physical health, general satisfaction with life, and accessing VA healthcare resources. Routine assessment may be needed to adequately address their needs.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU: USING VIRTUAL REALITY IN VOLUNTEER RESPITE PROGRAM FOR PERSONS WITH MEMORY LOSS
Authors: Bakk Louanne , Agyemang Lillian , Milnamow Mary , Dauenhauer Jason , Allen Katy 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) can provide an immersive experience that simulates real or imagined environments and provides an innovative solution to promote engagement and socialization. Interventions to date have not explored the use of trained volunteers to use VR to promote socialization and provide active experiences with community-dwelling persons with memory loss. This presentation will provide an overview of a volunteer-led drop-in respite caregiving program. The program uses Rendever’s VR platform, which includes a series of pre-programmed and on-demand immersive experiences delivered to persons with memory loss through a VR headset via a volunteered-controlled tablet. Volunteers conduct tailored individual and group VR sessions as a scheduled activity with persons with memory loss. This study aimed to understand the experiences of volunteers administering VR programming within the drop-in respite center. A total of eight volunteers participated in a focus group. A semi-structured interview guide explored volunteers’ motivation for becoming trained to use VR, observations of using VR with persons with memory loss, how they are implementing VR, challenges they experienced using VR, and ideas for improving/expanding implementation. Volunteers reported increased socialization when using VR with persons with memory loss, a desire for continued and ongoing VR training, and suggested larger group VR sessions delivering the same content to foster greater interaction among respite participants. Results suggest that VR programming can be an effective format for increasing socialization and involvement among persons living with memory loss.
GRAY MATTER CORRELATES OF ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, AND GAIT SPEED IN OLDER ADULTS WITH CHRONIC PAIN
Authors: Lipat Ania , Clark David , Cruz-Almeida Yenisel 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Chronic pain and its comorbidities, (e.g., anxiety, depression, slow gait speeds) are a widespread, disabling condition prevalent among older adults. Worse anxiety and depression have been associated with slower gait speeds in individuals with chronic pain, and each comorbidity has been associated with structural gray matter changes; however, results are inconclusive or limited. Further investigation into these relationships may provide insight into neural mechanisms through which anxiety and depression contribute to slow gait speeds in this population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify gray matter measures associated with anxiety, depression, and gait speed in older adults with chronic pain. Participants (n = 31) walked across a GAITRite mat to obtain gait speed, and completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), and a T1-weighted anatomical scan. STAI score (mean = 7, β = - 0.015, p = 0.010) and CES-D score (mean = 30, β = - 0.014, p = 0.016) were significantly associated with gait speed. CES-D score was associated with left cuneus gyrus (β = 0.017, p = 0.0002) and frontal inferior sulcus surface area (β = 0.019, p = 0.002). Gait speed was associated with right inferior temporal gyrus surface area (β = 0.436, p = 0.019). STAI score was not associated with any measure. In conclusion, anxiety and depression symptoms contribute to gait slowing in older adults with chronic pain but without clinical depression or anxiety. This relationship, however, is not reflected in each comorbidity’s structural neural correlates.
GREATER PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT OFFER PROTECTION AGAINST COGNITIVE DECLINE OVER TIME
Authors: Dhakal Usha , McLaughlin Sara , Kim Seonjin , Roberts Amy , Vivoda Jonathon , Brown J Scott 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Evidence suggests that physical activity and social engagement in later life are associated with a less pronounced and reduced risk of cognitive decline over time; however, findings are mixed and knowledge concerning the effect of these factors on cognitive functioning in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is underdeveloped. To enhance understanding, we extracted data from eight waves (2004-2018) of the Health and Retirement Study and used hierarchical linear mixed models to investigate the impact of physical activity and social engagement on cognitive functioning in Americans aged 60 years and older with MCI (n=1462). The average cognitive score (sum of immediate and delayed word recall, serial seven subtraction test, counting backwards, range: 0 to 27) at baseline was 9.6, which decreased by 0.14 points each year. Each unit increase in physical activity (weighted sum of light, moderate, vigorous activity; range: 9 to 45) and social engagement (measure capturing social visits, volunteerism, religious participation; range: 0 to 3) reduced the effect of time on cognitive functioning by 0.01 (β=0.007, p&lt;.0001) and 0.04 (β=0.040, p&lt;.0001) points, respectively, while simultaneously controlling for APOE genotype and other covariates. This means, for example, that the cognitive score of someone with a physical activity score of 40 was, on average, 3.1 points higher than someone with a physical activity score of 10 after 16 years of follow-up. Findings suggest that greater physical activity and social engagement offer protection against cognitive decline and could minimize MCI progression among older adults experiencing MCI.
HAPPY LIFE EXPECTANCY AND REGIONAL AND GROUP HETEROGENEITY AMONG CHINESE OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Guo Chao , Yang Peisen 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
A long, healthy and happy life is the aspiration of most people and an essential part of human well-being. However, longer life expectancy does not mean a higher quality of life. The measure of quality of life includes both objective and subjective indicators. Similar to healthy life expectancy, happy life expectancy is a measure that combines life expectancy with happiness indicators and can reflect both life length and quality of life. But at present, there is relatively little research on happy life expectancy. In China, there have been no studies using panel data to calculate happy life expectancy. We obtained longitudinal data from the Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey (CLHLS). We used the multistate life table approach to calculate the happy life expectancy of Chinese older adults, and analyzed the regional and group heterogeneity. A total of 13,807 participants aged 65 and older were included in this study. We found that the proportion of happy life expectancy to remaining life of Chinese older adults increased with age, which confirmed the “compression of unhappiness” hypothesis. In addition, older adults with more education had a higher proportion of happy life expectancy than those with less education. Finally, in terms of region, older adults in the more economically developed areas of eastern China have a higher proportion of happy life expectancy. Our findings provide a more comprehensive understanding of the quality of life of Chinese older adults and highlight the importance of education for the happiness of older adults in later life.
HAPPY TO CHAT – PROMOTING TALKING TO STRANGERS IN PUBLIC PLACES IN THE UK
Authors: Victor Christina , Yen Dorothy 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
After the Covid-19 pandemic, many countries are trying to reboot social connections in communities and societies, especially for older people who suffered mental wellbeing due to lockdowns and social distancing. Existing studies show talking to strangers can improve individuals’ well-being and reduce social isolations, although only with data from younger participants. This research aims to understand older people’s experience of talking to strangers, specifically in discussing how, why and where they feel most comfortable in talking to strangers. Using semi-structured interviews with 23 people (from 51 to 88 years old) based on their participation in a community-based Happy to Chat intervention (Happytochat.uk) from January to April 2023, we discuss how talking to strangers are consumed and practised by older adults. Applying agency and self-efficacy theory, findings show that their experience vary by age, gender and two types of self-efficacy: a) confidence in enjoying conversations with strangers; b) capability in navigating the risk involved in talking to strangers. The findings show that compared to the younger group (51-64 years old), the older participants (65+) are more willing and spend more time talking to strangers. Also, male participants tend to be more confident than females in navigating the risk associated with talking to strangers. Our research findings have practical and policy implications. Insights derived from the research findings are useful in developing training materials or conversation aids to improve current chatty schemes and increase older people’s self-efficacy in having conversations with strangers, thus benefiting from better social connections.