bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TESTING AN INTERVENTION TO PREVENT CARETAKER NEGLECT: CHALLENGES IN RECRUITING STUDY PARTICIPANTS
Authors: Ejaz Farida , Tuft Samantha , Reynolds Courtney , Bibbo Jessica 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Researchers collaborated with Utah Adult Protective Services (APS) to develop a telephone-based case management intervention to follow-up with both alleged victims and perpetrators of caretaker neglect after their case was determined to be inconclusive and closed by APS. We focused on this group because APS administrative data suggested that reoccurrence of caretaker neglect was common among this cohort. We hypothesized that linking both victims and caretakers with needed community-based services could prevent reoccurrence of caretaker neglect reports over time. In this presentation, we will describe the challenges we faced with recruiting alleged victims and perpetrators of caretaker neglect. In the piloting phase, we approached 87 potential participants; 18 did not meet study criteria, and 35 did not answer or had incorrect or non-working phone numbers. Of the remaining 34, 9 (26%) agreed to participate and one withdrew later during the follow-up phase. Interviewers reported that refusals were related to reading a 6-minute-long consent form over the phone and conducting an hour-long interview that included the research questionnaire and case-management intervention. The feedback led investigators to simplify the study design/protocols and to shorten the questionnaire to focus on critical data elements and the service needs of participants. Data collection is expected to continue across Utah until spring 2024. We will have a clearer sense of whether such adaptations increased response rates. In addition, we learned that research and practice/intervention goals are likely to be different but negotiating trade-offs, and establishing contracts and data-use agreements early on are important for successful partnerships.
CAREGIVERS WITH MODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS FOR DEMENTIA: LEVERAGING EXISTING PUBLIC HEALTH STRATEGIES
Authors: Gore Janelle , Omura John , Patel Roshni , Olivari Benjamin , McGuire Lisa 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Caregivers are more likely to self-report subjective cognitive decline, an early indicator of possible future Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD), than non-caregivers. Research has identified potential modifiable risk factors for ADRD. To estimate the prevalence of eight modifiable risk factors for ADRD (i.e., high blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity, type 2 diabetes, depression, current smoking, hearing loss, and binge drinking) among caregivers and non-caregivers, this study analyzed 2021 BRFSS data from 40 jurisdictions that conducted the caregiver module. Among respondents aged ≥18 years (n=232,772), we estimated prevalence of risk factors among caregivers and non-caregivers by selected demographic and health characteristics and the distribution of these characteristics by caregiving status and health condition of care recipient. Significant differences were assessed using t-tests (p&lt; 0.05). Overall, caregivers reported significantly higher prevalence of six out of eight modifiable risk factors for ADRD examined (i.e., high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, depression, current cigarette smoking, hearing loss) compared with non-caregivers, including high blood pressure (38.8% versus 32.6%), depression (25.1% versus 18.4%), and cigarette smoking (17.2% versus 12.1%). Caregivers of persons living with ADRD reported high blood pressure, diabetes, depression, and hearing loss more often than other types of caregivers. These findings suggest caregivers, especially caregivers of persons living with ADRD, can benefit from existing state-based public health strategies to reduce chronic conditions, such as heart health education and programming. The management of chronic diseases is also beneficial to the brain health of caregivers.
SUPPORT FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS: WORK STRAIN AND THE IMPACTS OF FORMAL AND INFORMAL SUPPORT
Authors: Svec Joseph , Nemmers Natasha , Lee Jeong Eun 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In the US, caregiver burnout has significant mental and physical ramifications for an estimated 40 million unpaid caregivers. In addition to higher risks of depression, fatigue, and anxiety, caregivers are often squeezed in the already tenuous balance between work and life. This study seeks to assess whether and to what extent the mental health consequences of caregiver work strain is ameliorated by the presence of additional (informal) family caregivers and formal service use. This study utilizes data provided by the National Study of Caregiving (NSOC) data which is linked with care-recipient information from Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) data. We analyze mental health outcomes for caregivers who were present in years 2015 and 2017 (N = 281) using lagged linear regression techniques. We estimate associations of work-strain with mental health issues as well as the moderating effects of informal support (the number of additional caregivers) and utilization of formal support (such as paid service support, formal training, and Medicare funding). Preliminary analyses indicate that the additional informal support mitigates the effect of work strain on mental health. However, formal support corresponds with positive mental health outcomes in the absence of work strain and poorer mental health outcomes when the caregiver experiences work strain. One possible explanation is that formal support is more likely to be used when caregiver burden and isolation is higher, highlighting the importance of timing in service utilization as well as the importance of social and informal resources for employed caregivers.
COMPARING IN-PERSON ONLY, TELEMEDICINE ONLY, AND HYBRID HEALTH CARE VISITS AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN SAFETY-NET CLINICS
Authors: Adepoju Omolola , Dang Patrick , Singh Maya , Chavez Arlette 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Older adults face challenges in seeking healthcare. This study examined factors associated with in-person only versus telemedicine only versus hybrid healthcare visits among adults 65+ in safety-net clinics.

Methods
Data was obtained from a large Texas-based Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) network. The dataset included 12,279 appointments for 3,914 unique older adults between March and November 2020. The outcome of interest was a 3-level indicator of telemedicine visits: in-person visits only, telemedicine visits only, and hybrid (In person + Telemedicine) visits during the study period. We used a multinomial logit model adjusting for patient-level characteristics to assess the strength of the relationships.

Results
Compared to their white counterparts, Black and Hispanic older adults were significantly likely to have telemedicine only visits vs in-person only visits (Black RR: 0.59, 95% CI 0.41-0.86; Hispanic RR: 0.46, 95% CI 0.36-0.60). However, there were no significant racial and ethnic differences in hybrid utilization (Black RR: 0.91, 95% CI 0.67-1.23; Hispanic RR: 0.86, 95% CI 0.70-1.07).

Discussion
Our findings suggest that hybrid opportunities may bridge racial and ethnic disparities in access to care. Clinics should consider building capacity for both in-person and telemedicine opportunities as complementary strategies.
SOCIAL NETWORKS AND COGNITIVE HEALTH IN RACIAL/ETHNIC CONTEXT
Authors: Ajrouch Kristine , Antonucci Toni , Brauer Simon , Zahodne Laura 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Social networks provide tangible resources for older adults and their families. Yet, their formation and characteristics may vary across diverse aging contexts. Friedman and colleagues examine multiple dimensions of caregivers’ networks using a nationally representative sample (N=2,176). Latent profile analysis identified three classes of caregiving networks: (1) Large, sparse networks with relatively few kin and only some people who assist with caregiving tasks for care recipients; (2) Moderately-sized, somewhat dense, kin-based networks; (3) Small, very dense family networks where caregiving is shared across network members, all of which uniquely influence caregiver well-being. Hu and colleagues evaluate measurement invariance of objective and subjective social isolation between US-born and foreign-born older adults using a regionally representative sample (N=611). Findings show indicators of social network structure and perceived relationship quality may be useful for examining social isolation among older immigrants. Ajrouch and colleagues show distinct dimensions of networks differentially influence older adult’s cognitive function. Larger networks and higher proportion of family are positively related while higher contact frequency is negatively related to cognitive function. Using data from the Detroit-based Social Relations Study, Webster and Chin show the extent of similarity in health-related behaviors between older adults and their closest social network members. Analysis of 247 dyads illustrate associations between multiple social network factors (homophily, structure, and relationship quality) and similarity in these behaviors. Together, these papers advance theoretical and methodological approaches to the ways in which social networks serve as a resource across diverse aging contexts.
SOCIAL NETWORK STRUCTURE AND THE WELL-BEING OF FAMILY CAREGIVERS TO OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Friedman Esther , Murphy James , Kennedy David 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Personal networks provide social support to both older adults and the family members who care for them, yet we know very little about the different structures of caregiver networks and which are most protective of caregiver well-being. Using a new nationally representative survey of 2,176 individuals who report providing care to a family member or friend age 50 or older with a health condition during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and give detailed information on their personal networks, we examine caregivers’ networks in terms of size, density, proportion kin, and how care is allocated among network members. We also examine the implications of network structure for caregiver well-being including anxiety, depression, and hopefulness. We use latent profile analysis to identify three classes of caregiving networks: (1) Large, sparse networks with relatively few kin and only some people assisting with caregiving tasks for care recipients; (2) Moderately-sized, somewhat dense, kin-based networks; (3) Small, very dense kin networks where caregiving is shared across network members. Caregivers who are male, highly-educated, and providing care for someone with dementia are disproportionately in Class 1. Being in Class 3 is significantly associated with lower caregiver anxiety compared to being in the other two groups, even after controlling for sociodemographic factors, but not with depression and hopefulness. This work has implications for the optimal network structure for facilitating the well-being of family caregivers, and provides a baseline for examining network change and the implications thereof as the impact of the pandemic wanes.
MEASURING SOCIAL ISOLATION AMONG US-BORN AND FOREIGN-BORN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Hu Rita , Webster Noah , Ajrouch Kristine , Antonucci Toni 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
While older immigrants are at increased risk of social isolation, little research has examined if established measures are equivalent across nativity groups. This study evaluates the measurement invariance of objective and subjective social isolation between US-born and foreign-born older adults. Data are from the Detroit Area Wellness Network (DAWN) study and were collected via a telephone survey from three groups prominent in metro-Detroit: African Americans, Middle Eastern/Arab Americans, and Non-Hispanic White Americans (N=611; Mage = 72.7 [64-98]). The sample was comprised of 29% immigrants. Objective social isolation was measured by network size, household size, and contact frequency with network members. Subjective social isolation was measured by feeling lonely, relationship quality, frequency of arguing, and frequency of conflict. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to evaluate the dimensional structure, and multiple-group CFA was used to test for measurement variance by immigrant status. The measurement invariance models of objective social isolation showed a good fit after allowing the intercepts of both network and household size to vary in the scalar model. The measurement invariance models of subjective social isolation showed a good fit after allowing the estimate and intercept of loneliness and the intercept of argument to vary in the scalar model. Establishing measurement invariance in both objective and subjective social isolation is essential for valid interpretation of group differences among US- and foreign-born adults in aspects of social isolation. Findings show indicators of social network structure and perceived relationship quality may be useful to examine social isolation among older immigrants.
GLOBAL POPULATION AGING AND HEAT EXPOSURE IN THE 21ST CENTURY: IMPLICATIONS FOR LATE-LIFE WELL-BEING AND POLICY
Authors: Carr Deborah , Falchetta Giacomo , Wing Ian Sue , DeCian Enrica 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Climate change has profound consequences for older adults’ well-being. Global increases in the frequency, intensity and duration of extreme heat spells pose the most direct threats, given older adults’ underlying health conditions and reduced capacity to thermoregulate. Individual-level consequences of heat exposure are well-documented, yet gerontological research has paid less attention to older adults’ heat exposure at the population level. World regions with both increasing concentrations of older adults and high temperature extremes are potential hotspots where growing aged populations are at risk of heat-related health threats. We estimate older adults’ current and future heat exposure in six global regions (Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, South America). Analyses use NASA NEX Global Daily Downscaled Product climate data and country-level projections for the size and distribution of the age 65+ population. We focus on measures of cumulative heat exposure (cooling degree days) and acute exposure to heat extremes (95th percentile of daily maximum temperatures). We project that by 2050, populations aged 65+ globally exposed to &gt;1200 cooling degree days will double. We also project that one-quarter of the aged population worldwide (roughly 340 million) will be living in climates with 95th percentile TMax95 &gt; 99.5 F◦, a critical exposure threshold for health. The drivers of this population-level exposure vary by region. Population aging will drive exposure in historically hot regions in Africa and Asia, whereas climate change will drive heat exposure in historically older regions in Europe and North America. These results can inform public policy and local decision-making.
EXPOSURE TO NATURE IS RELATED TO GENERATIVITY, ESPECIALLY AMONG ADULTS WITH LIMITED FUTURE TIME PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Nikitin Jana , Rupprecht Fiona 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Theory and research suggest that connection with nature may promote prosocial and environmentally sustainable behaviors. The first objective of the present study was to replicate this finding in an age-heterogeneous sample of N = 115 participants (Mage = 38, SDage = 17, age range 18-85) who reported their exposure to nature up to eight times a day for seven days. We examined the relationship between nature exposure and participants’ generativity, i.e., the extent to which they care about future generations and are politically, socially, and environmentally engaged. The second goal of the study was to show that this relationship is particularly pronounced among individuals with a shorter future time perspective that is related to remaining lifetime and associated with the choice of more emotionally significant goals that focus on generativity. We therefore hypothesized that nature experiences would be more strongly associated with generativity among adults whose future time perspective is limited. We found that people who were more exposed to nature in their daily lives also reported higher levels of generativity. This relationship was moderated by future time perspective. As hypothesized, the association was stronger among adults with a limited future time perspective. Contrary to the widely held stereotype that it is primarily younger adults who are concerned about climate and the future of humanity, we showed the opposite: People who perceived their remaining lifetime as limited were the ones for whom nature experiences were more strongly associated with concern for the environment and future generations.
EXAMINING DIFFERENCES IN SLEEP QUALITY AMONG CAREGIVERS FOR PERSONS LIVING WITH AND WITHOUT DEMENTIA
Authors: Petrovsky Darina , Geisser Sophia , Luth Elizabeth 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Sleep disturbances among caregivers are linked to increased burden and worse mental health outcomes. Caregivers for persons living with dementia experience more sleep disturbances than non-caregivers. Few studies examine whether sleep quality differs between dementia and non-dementia caregivers. This study analyzes whether dementia caregivers experience worse sleep quality than non-dementia caregivers. Using 2017 National Study of Caregiving, National Health and Aging Trends Study, and time diary interview data, we examined the relationship between caregiver sleep quality (“excellent/very good” versus “good/fair/poor” the previous night) and care recipient’s dementia status (“probable” versus “no”) for 1,374 caregivers in a series of nested multi-variable logistic regression models, controlling for the caregiver and care recipient sociodemographic characteristics, relationship quality, and other controls. Caregivers’ mean age was 62.3 years old (SD=14) and about two-thirds were women (68%), non-Hispanic White (69.4%), and married (66%) Thirty-eight percent cared for persons living with dementia. In the bivariate model, being a caregiver for someone living with dementia was associated with significantly lower odds of reporting “excellent/very good” sleep quality (OR: 0.78, 95%CI: 0.62-0.97, p=0.02). This relationship persisted independent of caregiver and care recipient demographic characteristics. However, caregiver perceptions of the quality of their relationship with the care recipient and the benefits of their caregiving role explained the relationship between care recipient dementia status and caregiver sleep quality ratings (AOR: 0.80, 95%CI: 0.63-1.02, p=0.08). Addressing caregiver burden and relationship quality may help improve sleep quality among dementia caregivers and reduce disparities in sleep quality between dementia and non-dementia caregivers.
CONTRIBUTIONS OF HBCUS TO THE GERONTOLOGY FIELD: DISCUSSIONS OF RELIGION, HEALTH DETERMINANTS, AND BLACK AGING
Authors: Baker Tamara , Washington Tiffany 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Health advancements have allowed older adults to a better quality of life. This however, is not equitably translated to the well-being of older Black adults. To bypass this narrative, actions are need to focus on restructuring fragmented systems that perpetuate health inequities and social injustices. This however cannot be the responsibility of one person, community, or institution, but rather a collective obligation of those willing to service the needs of all older adults. This allows us to not only acknowledge the scholarly work aimed at bettering the lives of our aging communities, but also recognizes the contributions of scholars affiliated with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), through research, policy, community interventions, and scholarly practices. To address this progressive movement, this collection of papers not only acknowledges the contributions of HBCUs to the gerontology discipline, but also to the scientific advancement focusing on the health and well-being of older Black adults. Speaker one will discuss the biopsychosocial determinants of cognitive function of older Black adults. Our second speaker will focus on religious coping and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among older Black individuals. Speaker three will highlight SDoH among older adults within Caribbean societies. The final speaker will discuss the impact and contributions of HBCU’s on an ’aging’ society through data analysis of demographic patterns and historical factors from an Afrocentric and Black perspectives. The discussant will tie together these themes and provide recommendations related to education, scholarly research ventures, particularly as it relates to health outcomes, equity, and collaborating with HBCUs. This is a HBCU Collaborative Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.
CURRENT AND FUTURE SERVICE USE, SATISFACTION, AND NEED FOR SERVICES AS DEFINED BY RURAL AND FRONTIER OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Karlin Nancy 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study focused on differences for current service utilization and satisfaction, along with perceived future service use and need for rural versus frontier residing older adults. A sample of older adults (age 65+), stratified using United States government and State of Wyoming definitions for rural (n=70) and frontier (n=72) counties, were interviewed. Frontier respondents reported less education F (1, 141) = 10.19, p = .002, η2 = .068, monthly income F (1, 141) = 17.03, p = .001, η2 = .108 with fewer financial resources F (1, 141) = 10.32, p = .002, η2 = .069, experience with technology F (1, 140) = 4.53, p = .035, η2 = .032, and potential for telehealth F (1, 140) = 19.27, p &lt; .001, η2 = .112, along with fewer computers F (1, 141) = 11.08, p &lt; .001, η2 = .084, and less access to the internet F (1, 141) = 10.19, p = .001, η2 = .073. Differences were evident for recent use of senior nutrition programs and meal sites, dental care, and senior centers along with future use of senior nutrition programs and meal site location, food related services, hearing and vision clinics, and housing needs. Policy concerns have been identified for the funding of future senior housing, medical care, transportation, and food support in frontier and rural areas.
MAINTAINING BRAIN HEALTH VIA TELEHEALTH-BASED CHAIR YOGA FOR RURAL UNDERSERVED OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Park JuYoung , Wiese Lisa Ann , Holt Janet 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
We conducted a randomized control pilot trial in an underserved, racially/ethnically diverse community, to examine the efficacy of (1) computer literacy training provided by high school students meeting rural older adults in their homes, followed by 2) telehealth-based online chair yoga (OCY) or computer brain games (CBG). First, high school students engaged in a “train the trainer” computer skills course using a previously-tested curriculum designed for the target population. Students mentored the older adults in learning computer skills and to access either the OCY (n = 15) or CBG (n=15), which were randomly assigned. Outcomes measured at pre, post, and three months following the 12-week intervention included computer proficiency, cognitive function, pain levels, and psychosocial well-being. In a linear mixed growth model with random intercepts, there was a significant linear trend in computer-based competency, t(50, 19) = 2.56, p = .013. Computer proficiency (computer basics, Internet and email use, communication, and calendaring) increased significantly in both the OCY and CBG groups. Importantly, there was a significant linear change in pain by group, controlling for age and living alone, F(1, 14) = 6.64, p = .022, η2 = .32 (large effect size). Chronic pain in the OCY group decreased significantly from baseline to 3-month follow-up (18.89 to 11.35) but increased in the CBG group (14.27 to 17.28). Increases in cognitive function increased pre/post t(29) = -2.98, p = .003 (one-tailed). These results are promising for older adults with limited exercise opportunities, who also face cognitive risk exacerbated by elevated pain levels.