bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
VALUING AND SUPPORTING THE INVISIBLE WORKFORCE OF FAMILY CAREGIVERS
Authors: Reinhard Susan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The 2023 update to the Valuing the Invaluable series estimates the economic value of unpaid, family caregiving in America was $600 billion in 2021. This estimate continues a 25-year trend of increasing economic value for family caregiving, which fills an essential role in the fractured LTSS system. This work also details the diversity of family caregivers and their care experiences, the challenges that caregivers face juggling care with work and child care, and the impact of direct care worker shortages on family caregivers. This symposium showcases the national and state estimates of the economic value of caregiving, details who caregivers are today, what challenges they face, and what policies and practices can support and recognize them and the vital care they provide. Presenter 1 shares an overview of the methodology used in this report and the national and state estimates of the economic value of caregiving. Presenter 2 discusses the increasing generational, racial and ethnic, and sexual identity and orientation diversity of family caregivers today and the challenges specific to different communities of caregivers. Presenter 3 highlights promising policies and practices to support caregivers and details recommendations for building on those promising policies and practices. This is a Family Caregiving Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.
ALASKA NATIVE DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS AND THE INCREASING NEED FOR CULTURALLY SAFE RESOURCES
Authors: Lewis Jordan , Kim Steffi , Asquith-Heinz Zayla , Thompson Lena 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
With the rate of dementia increasing among Alaska Native people and the tribal health system ill-equipped to meet the challenges associated with dementia care, there is an urgent need to better understand cultural perspectives on dementia caregiving and what states and communities can do to support their caregivers. Despite the fact caring for others is a value and cultural practice for Indigenous communities, and caregivers tend to report fewer challenges and barriers related to care, they still experience barriers and challenges. Guided by Kleinman’s explanatory model of illness, a qualitative, the aim of this study was to gain insight on Alaska Native caregiver experiences in caring for someone living with dementia in communities across Alaska. 21 interviews with Alaska Native dementia caregivers in rural and urban communities were completed. Despite being innovative and resourceful in providing care, caregivers reported the high cost of care, inadequate training of health care providers, and the paucity of culturally safe caregiver training, education, and resources are especially concerning and need to be addressed in a timely fashion. Caregivers in this study recommended the development of basic educational materials to be aware of dementia, its stages, and the available supports, as well as caregiver support and respite services. The recommendations from this study focus on outreach and education for caregivers to improve their access to education, training, and support to reduce isolation, increase their dementia knowledge, expand their awareness of ancillary resources, and inform help-seeking decisions.
CAREGIVING INTERACTIONS OF FORMAL CAREGIVERS AND PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF MEASURES
Authors: Paudel Anju , Liu Wen , Jao Ying-Ling , Dasanayake Thakshila , Liao Yo-Jen , Akter Nahida 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
A psychometrically sound assessment of caregiving interactions is essential to collect valid information about the interactions, and to establish interventions to optimize the interactions in dementia care. This review aims to identify measures of caregiving interactions between formal caregivers and persons with dementia and evaluate their psychometric properties. We conducted a systematic review of studies published by February 2023 in four databases— PubMed, PsychINFO, CINHAL, and Web of Science. COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) checklist was chosen for quality appraisal of selected studies. Our search yielded 818 scholarly records and identified five eligible instruments (published in six scholarly records). Three measures assessed interactions between formal caregivers and persons with dementia from both caregiver and person with dementia’s perspectives while one evaluated from the caregiver perspective and the other from person with dementia’s perspective. Additionally, three measures assessed interactions based on observations while other two were based on interviews. Preliminary results showed the Communication Behavior in Dementia (CODEM) as a promising measure with some excellent psychometrics but it needed further testing with larger sample and assessment of responsiveness to change. The remaining four measures (IC-Communication-SR, Coding Scheme for Mealtime Interactions, Montreal Evaluation of Communication Questionnaire for use in Long-Term Care (MECQ-LTC), and Barnards Feeding Scale) had concerns related to low internal consistency, low reliability, and lack of adequate psychometric tests. Overall, this review identified gaps in current measures, suggesting a need to establish psychometrically sound tools to assess and optimize caregiving interactions in dementia care.
BRIDGING THE DIVIDE: REACHING THE POTENTIAL OF TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE OLDER ADULTS’ WELL-BEING AND QUALITY OF LIFE
Authors: Boot Walter 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Existing and emerging technologies hold great promise with respect to improving the lives of older adults, in particular, by supporting and enhancing their independence, productivity, health, safety, social connectivity, and quality of life. Unfortunately, although differences in technology use and adoption between younger and older adults have declined over the past decades, barriers still exist that fully prevent the promise of technology from being realized to achieve these aims. This presentation will provide an overview of the current state of the intersection of aging and technology (nationally and internationally), with special attention to factors such as diversity, disability, and geographic region. Next, I will discuss approaches available to reduce the digital divide. These include changing the person (e.g., changing attitudes and proficiency) and changing the technology (human factors engineering). I will then discuss how a user-centered design process is crucial for the success of technology-based interventions. Without placing the user at the center of the design process, many novel technology solutions will likely fail to reach their potential. Finally, I will conclude with a discussion of if and when the age-related digital divide might close entirely by projecting changes in demographics, technology proficiency, technology proliferation, and technology change into the future.
HOW TECHNOLOGY IMPACTS LONELINESS: PERSPECTIVES OF AFRICAN AMERICAN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Pace Sarah 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The use of information and communication technologies (ICT) has been found to decrease loneliness among older adults by enabling communication with friends and family. Over 25% of older adults experience loneliness, and having a larger social network can reduce this risk (Chawla et al., 2021; Dahlberg et al., 2022). Despite the success of using ICTs and the growing ubiquity of ICTs among people of varying social demographic backgrounds there remains a digital divide, which refers to inequality in terms of access to ICT based on race, age, economic status, or other factors. While ICT use is becoming increasingly common among older adults, few studies have included African American older adults, who are less likely to have access to high-speed internet and computers than their White counterparts. However, African American adults are more likely to use text messages, video and voice calls, email, and social media to stay connected. The proposed research aims to explore the perspectives of African American older adults on how ICT impacts loneliness. Semi-structured interviews will be used to collect data from a purposive sample of about 10 people who meet specific selection criteria. Data will be analyzed using thematic analysis. The results may be useful for gerontological practitioners interested in promoting ICT use as a way to enhance the social well-being of African American older adults. The study could lead to the development of interventions that increase technology adoption and use, ultimately reducing loneliness among African American older adults.
A NOVEL NATIONAL FAMILY CAREGIVER ADVOCACY TRAINING PROGRAM: LESSONS LEARNED
Authors: Donovan Heidi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers recommended 24 legislative or policy changes to improve the national caregiving landscape. With basic training, unpaid family caregivers (CG) can be powerful stakeholder advocates to drive policy change. In collaboration with national caregiver advocacy organizations, the University of Pittsburgh National Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Family Support hosted a Family Caregiver Advocacy Program (FCAP) with the educational objectives of increasing CG motivation, self-efficacy for, and participation in policy advocacy. FCAP is a series of virtual workshops for family caregivers on caregiving-related policies, how laws are written and passed, how caregiver advocates can inform the policy-making process, how to contact and meet with legislators, and how to tell their story to advocate for change. Caregivers (n=68) enrolled in the inaugural FCAP workshops participated over a 3-month period to develop and implement group-selected advocacy products. FCAP participants ranged from 20-29 to 70+ years old, were primarily women (88%) caring for individuals who are aging (65%), have a physical disability (41%), have an intellectual / developmental disability (27%), and / or have a mental illness (27%). This presentation will report on the CG products and outcomes and plans for future iterations of FCAP based on lessons learned.
EXAMINING SOCIOCULTURAL RESILIENCE FACTORS IN WIDOWHOOD AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION AMONG OLDER CHINESE IMMIGRANTS
Authors: Lee Yura , Jiang Yanping 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Loss of a spouse is one of the most stressful life events in later life and often entails significant physical and mental health outcomes for widowed individuals. Although there is growing evidence on widowhood and cognitive function, existing studies have shown mixed results. Little is known about resilience factors that may attenuate the adverse effect of widowhood on cognition among older Asian immigrants. This study explored potential moderators (i.e., social support, acculturation, leisure activities), which may contribute to resilience in the association between widowhood and cognitive function among older Chinese immigrants. The study sample included 2,515 adults aged 60 or older who completed two waves (2011–2013 and 2013–2015) of the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago. Cognitive function was measured by global cognitive function and episodic memory. Widowhood group was categorized into three groups based on the marital status at two waves: 1) married, 2) recently widowed and 3) previously widowed. Linear regression analyses were conducted with interaction terms. Our results show that social support moderated the relationship between widowhood and global cognitive function, and acculturation moderated the relationship between widowhood and episodic memory. Specifically, the findings indicate that adverse effect of widowhood on cognitive function is more pronounced at lower levels of social support and acculturation. This implies buffering roles of social support and acculturation in cognitive health among older Chinese immigrants who experience widowhood. Providing supportive programs and interventions to increase social support and acculturation is suggested to promote cognitive function in this population.
YOU JUST LEARN WHAT TO HOLD ON TO AND WHAT TO LET GO: NARRATIVES OF MINDFUL AGING IN SOUTH ASIAN AMERICAN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Khan Mushira , Basic Ajla 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Mindful Sustainable Aging (MSA) is a multidimensional concept incorporating elements from four prominent gerontological theories – activity theory, disengagement theory, successful aging theory, and gerotranscendence theory (Nilsson et al., 2015). Informed by mindfulness practices, MSA is a holistic approach to supporting healthy aging in the social, physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of life (ibid.). Using MSA as a theoretical framework, this qualitative study explores mindful aging in community-dwelling South Asian American older adults – one of the fastest-growing yet relatively understudied racial/ethnic minority groups in the US. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 South Asian Americans aged 50+ (18 male, 14 female; mean age=63.5 years). Thematic analysis of the interview data showed that aging was accompanied by significant modifications such as adjusting to everyday life after the death of a spouse, perceived loss of role and status in the family, reduced finances, and limited mobility due to emergent health concerns. Yet, participants expressed an overall sense of peace and gratitude, embracing aging as an “inevitable” and “natural” process of discovery and acquiring wisdom. Participants tried to remain connected to their social networks through messaging and video calling apps like WhatsApp, volunteered at local places of worship like temples and mosques, and helped their adult children with childcare and household chores. Limited availability of culturally-appropriate opportunities for active aging was a key barrier to participants’ sense of well-being. These findings suggest that culturally-sensitive, mindfulness-based interventions like gentle yoga or bilingual guided meditations may enhance subjective well-being in this population sub-group.
MULTIDIMENSIONAL AND INTERSECTIONAL APPROACHES TO ACCESSIBLE AND HEALTHY AGING IN DIVERSE POPULATIONS
Authors: Garcia Catherine 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Aging is a complex process that affects different individuals in different ways. To ensure that healthy aging is accessible for all individuals, it is crucial to consider the unique needs of diverse populations through multidimensional and intersectional approaches. Multidimensional approaches recognize that aging is a complex process and that many different factors shape how individuals experience it. Intersectional approaches to aging consider individuals’ multiple identities and social locations, creating unique experiences and needs around aging. When these two approaches are combined, it is possible to create accessible and healthy aging for individuals from all backgrounds. The five presentations in this symposium center on two large and diverse racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. – Vietnamese and Puerto Rican older adults – groups underrepresented in studies of aging. Using data from the Vietnamese Aging and Care Survey (VACS), Miyawaki and colleagues examine the association between disability, chronic disease, and depression. The next set of presentations uses longitudinal data from the Puerto Rican Elderly Health Conditions Project (PREHCO). Quashie and colleagues explore whether neighborhood socioeconomic status moderates the relationship between living arrangements and cardiometabolic disease. Thompson and colleagues examine the relationship between hurricane stressors and cognition. Guinn and colleagues examine whether social support mediates the relationship between hurricane-related stressors and depression. Ballard and colleagues examine how hurricane-related stressors influence perceived stress. Overall, the results from these investigations show a need for authentic community and stakeholder engagement to develop, implement, and create sustainable interventions to promote healthy aging.
DIGITAL DANGERS: TECHNOLOGY-FACILITATED ABUSE AMONG ADULTS AGE 50+
Authors: Bayne Alycia , Mumford Elizabeth , Lancaster Caroline , Sheridan-Johnson Jackie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Older adults (age 50+ years) are adopting new technologies to increase their independence, prevent social isolation, and help them to age in place. However, digitalization introduces new risks for technology-facilitated abuse (TFA). TFA is any form of online abuse including threats, identity theft, financial fraud, among other forms of victimization. Limited research has explored TFA in general population samples among older adults in the U.S. With support from the U.S. Department of Justice, NORC at the University of Chicago conducted a survey of TFA experiences in a nationally representative sample of n=1,011 U.S. adults aged 50 years and older. Latent class analyses were applied to understand the pattern of older adults’ exposure to ten different forms of TFA, resulting in three classes distinguished by the number of different forms of TFA experienced. This session describes findings from the study, such as socio-economic characteristics associated with TFA profiles, the respondents’ relationship to the perpetrator, behaviors taken in response to TFA, and resulting harms. Among key findings are that six in 10 community-dwelling adults age 50+ have experienced at least one form of TFA in their lifetime. The most common forms of TFA experienced were financial abuses and identity theft. Different demographic groups of older adults experienced different victimization patterns. For example, those who identify as LGBQA were at a much higher risk of experiencing TFA. This session concludes with research and education opportunities for preventing TFA across multiple levels among older adults.
CORRELATES OF RETIREMENT EXPECTATIONS AMONG BABY BOOMERS IN US AND SOUTH KOREA: APPLICATIONS OF TREE-BASED METHODS
Authors: Dang Linh , Mezuk Briana 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
75 million US Baby Boomers are expected to retire by 2030. Retirement decisions are a result of a complex interplay of multiple psychosocial factors, including individual (demographics, health characteristics), family (marital status, spousal characteristics), work-related factors (job characteristics, workplace environment), and cultural contexts surrounding retirement. However, traditional regressions of retirement expectations limit the inclusion of a large set of factors and their interactions. This study employed decision trees and random forests to explore the salient psychosocial correlates of retirement expectations among Baby Boomers in two countries that differ in retirement norms and policies, US and South Korea. Sample included adults aged 52-65 from the 2016 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (n=1,192) and the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (n= 766). Expectation (probability) of working full-time for the next 5-10 years was modeled continuously (range: 0-100). Prediction models of expectations included 52 psychosocial factors relating to individual, family, and work characteristics. Mean expectations were higher in Koreans than US adults (71.4% vs. 36.7%). Age, self-reported probability of living to age 75, and work hours strongly predicted expectations in both US and Korean adults. While type of employment, Social Security or private pension benefits, and employment tenure were important predictors in US adults, flexible work arrangements were important in Koreans. Differences in features predicting retirement expectations between the US and Korean adults suggest opportunities for country-specific programs and policies aimed to promote workplace environment and pension benefits for successful retirement planning in the Baby Boom generation.
TRUST AND BETRAYAL TRAUMA IN OLDER ADULT FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION
Authors: Hall LaToya , Lichtenberg Peter , Gomez Jennifer 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Despite a growing body of literature on financial exploitation (FE) and older adults, considerably less research has focused on sub-populations of older adults’ experiences with substantiated financial exploitation, particularly exploitation by trusted others. A 2023 study conducted through Wayne State University’s Successful Aging through Financial Empowerment (SAFE) program used a sample of 95 clients ages 55 and over to examine factors associated with participants’ experiences of substantiated FE perpetrated by trusted others. The SAFE program was created in early 2017 to provide no cost assistance to older adults addressing the financial fall out associated with being financially exploited. The study used betrayal trauma theory (BTT) as a conceptual framework in an attempt to understand how financial vulnerability and mental health are associated with FE committed by trusted others. The study used a cross-sectional design to investigate group differences among 32 (33.7%) older adults who were victims of financial exploitation by trusted others and 63 (66.3%) older adults who were victims of financial exploitation perpetrated by strangers. The group of older adults who were victims of FE by trusted others had lower functional ability scores, higher stress and financial exploitation vulnerability scores and lost more money on average than those victimized by strangers. These results suggest older adults who have been victimized by trusted others are more vulnerable and need more assistance with functional tasks than those victimized by strangers. The present study also supports the notion that BTT provides a valuable framework for understanding vulnerability to various types of FE.
INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS, SOCIAL ISOLATION, AND COGNITION
Authors: Engelman Michal , Moorman Sara 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This symposium considers the cognitive impacts of a spectrum of social relationships, including both intimate partnerships and, in contrast, social isolation. Drawing on rich data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS), the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP), and the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS), the papers showcase empirical linkages between older adults’ cognitive health with a set of exposures including marital status and relationship characteristics, social activities, and a lack of social connections. We begin with papers that examine the impact of particular marital relationship attributes and social behaviors on cognition and health. One paper employs the WLS to explore the impact of concordance and discordance in marital couples’ reports of similarity with and closeness to their spouse on cognition, while the second draws on NSHAP to consider the cognitive consequences of various domains of couples’ sexuality. The third paper uses the HRS to examine couples’ co-trajectories of physical, mental, and cognitive health, focusing particularly on how a spouse’s cognitive decline influences the other partner’s subsequent health trajectory. The fourth paper shifts our attention to variation by marital status in the cognitive impacts of leisure activities via data from MHAS, while the fifth focuses specifically socially-isolated older adults in the HRS and highlights variation in the relationship between social isolation and dementia by race and ethnicity. The symposium will conclude with a discussion of future directions for research on the cognitive consequences of relationships, social connections, and social isolation.