bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CONCURRENT VISION AND HEARING IMPAIRMENTS, SOCIAL ISOLATION, DEPRESSION, AND ANXIETY: FINDINGS FROM THE NHATS
Authors: Xu Shu , Huang Alison , Zhou Yunshu , Ehrlich Joshua 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Sensory impairments are contributors to poor health for older adults, and the likelihood of having more than one sensory impairment increases with age. There has been little research on population-level associations of visual and hearing function with social and mental health. This study examined the associations between objectively measured hearing and vision impairment, social isolation, depression, and anxiety among older US adults. Using nationally representative data from the 2021 National Health and Aging Trends Study, we conducted cross-sectional analysis among adults aged &gt;70 (n=2,520). Visual impairment (VI) was defined as distance (&lt;20/40), near (&lt;20/40), and/or contrast sensitivity (&gt;1SD below mean) impairment. Hearing impairment (HI) was defined as a better ear pure-tone average &gt;25 decibel hearing level. Respondents with VI and HI were identified as having dual sensory impairment (DSI). Social isolation was assessed by living arrangement, core network size, religious attendance, and social participation. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured with the PHQ-2 and GAD-2, respectively. Weighted sample characteristics showed that 25.53% of older adults had DSI. Logistic regression analyses revealed that, compared to those without HI or VI, older adults with DSI were more likely to report social isolation (OR=1.71, 95% CI=1.12-2.60), have depression (OR=4.57, 95% CI=2.34-8.92), and anxiety (OR=2.65, 95% CI=1.36-5.17). Associations with DSI were stronger than for single impairments. All models controlled for age, gender, education, race/ethnicity, marital status, number of chronic conditions. Findings suggested that older adults experiencing DSI are at greater risk of having social isolation and emotional distress.
PATTERNS OF SELF-EMPLOYMENT AND HEALTH TRAJECTORIES IN LATER LIFE: EVIDENCE FROM CHINA
Authors: Chen Yu-Chih 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Self-employment is a major form of work among older adults, yet most research has focused on its antecedents, with a focus on developed countries. Additionally, the impact of self-employment on health and well-being remains understudied. This study extends the current literature by investigating self-employment in China, a country with a unique self-employment landscape encompassing both agricultural and non-agricultural types. Using data from the 2011-2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, this study investigated the impacts of self-employment on physical, mental, and cognitive health among 5,492 older adults. Latent class analysis was used to identify self-employment patterns. Multilevel models were employed to assess the associations between self-employment patterns and health outcomes, adjusting for baseline health conditions. Results showed that three patterns of self-employment were identified: consistently self-employed, wage worker, and switchers who transitioned between self-employment and wage work. Compared to wage workers, self-employed individuals and switchers have lower self-rated health and life satisfaction. No significant differences were found in depressive symptoms and cognitive scores. Notably, such effects were stronger for agriculture self-employment than the non-agriculture self-employment. The study highlights that most older Chinese are pushed into self-employment, which can adversely affect their health outcomes. Structural efforts to support older adults to stay engaged at work, such as age-friendly job redesign, anti-ageism measures in the workplace, or pension reform, would promote health and economic well-being among older adults in China.
GSA JOURNAL EDITORS PANEL: WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I PRESS SUBMIT? UNDERSTANDING THE JOURNEY OF A MANUSCRIPT
Authors: Kelley Jessica 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
You have finished your great manuscript. Formatted it. Wrote the cover letter. But what happens after you press the “Submit” button? This moderated panel of Editors-in-Chief of five of the GSA journals will talk about all aspects of the review process that lead to a final decision. We will cover topics such as how reviewers are selected, top reasons a manuscript may be rejected without review, and review timetables. We will discuss how Editors use the reviews to make a decision, including how they deal with reviewers who may disagree with each other, or a case where an Editor may disagree with a reviewer. Following the moderated discussion, we will have plenty of time for audience questions.
INTERDISCIPLINARY WELLNESS CLINIC SERVICES PROVIDED TO RESIDENTS IN LOW-INCOME SENIOR HOUSING
Authors: Klinedinst Jennifer , Resnick Barbara , Holmes Sarah , Brandt Nicole 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
To date a total of 15 visits have been made to the four senior housing communities participating in the Interdisciplinary Wellness Clinic program. Flyers are sent to the housing property managers and posted on a community bulletin board so that residents can sign up for services as they want. In addition, residents are free to walk in to the clinic during the hours we are present. At this point in time, a total of 190 residents have been evaluated, averaging about 15 residents per clinic which runs from 1 to 4pm. The majority of residents have been seen once, but 4 have been seen twice, 8 were seen 3 times, and 3 were seen 4 times. The average age of the residents attending the clinics is 77 years old, and the majority are women (91%) and nearly one-third were people of color (30%). During the visits, we have provided blood pressure checks, immunizations (flu, COVID-19 booster, Shingrix), completed Medical Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment, reviewed overall health status and health behaviors (e.g., smoking, exercise, immunizations), completed medication reviews, evaluated hearing and removed cerumen, and evaluated and addressed foot care (skin and nails) and completed Annual Wellness Visits for the residents. A number of emergency home visits and evaluations have also been provided to determine the appropriateness for an emergency room transfer or a need to intervene and call the individual’s outside primary care provider.
PREVENTING ELDER MISTREATMENT THROUGH A CAREGIVER-FOCUSED INTERVENTION: THE COACH PROGRAM
Authors: Wilber Kathleen , Rowan Julia , Yonashiro-Cho Jeanine , Mosqueda Laura , Hou Anthony , Gassoumis Zach 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Elder mistreatment has negative implications for individuals, families, communities, and society as a whole, yet little research exists on interventions or prevention approaches. This study reports on the results from the pilot test of an elder mistreatment prevention program. The Comprehensive Older Adult Caregiving Supports (COACH) program was developed as a strengths-based person-centered caregiver support intervention, built on evidence-based prevention approaches used in other types of family violence. In a double-blind randomized controlled trial, family caregivers (n=80) of older adults aged 65 and older who were members of Kaiser Permanente completed surveys at baseline, post-test, and three-month follow-up. The primary outcome was elder mistreatment; additional proximal outcomes were caregiver burden, quality-of-life, anxiety, and depression. All analyses were conducted using nonparametric tests. The treatment group had no mistreatment at 3-month follow-up, a significantly lower rate than the control group (treatment=0%, control=23.08%, p=0.010). Among the proximal outcomes, a significant difference in social quality-of-life was seen at post-test but did not persist to the 3-month follow-up. No further proximal outcome effects were detected. This pilot program offers a promising model to reduce elder mistreatment and its resultant impacts on the health and well-being of both caregivers and the older adults they care for. In helping to ameliorate mistreatment, COACH supports individuals providing crucial care to older adults with chronic health conditions and reduces the burden of addressing this complex condition for an already strained geriatric health and social service delivery system.
IS HOME HOSPICE THE “GREAT EQUALIZER?”—ADDRESSING EQUALITY AND EQUITY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Moreines Laura , Boafo Jonelle , Franzosa Emily , Kim Patricia , Schulman-Green Dena , Aldridge Melissa , Brody Abraham , David Daniel 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
COVID-19 illuminated many of the inequities that exist in the current healthcare system, especially for those who are most vulnerable and facing the end of life. Social determinants of health (SDOH) directly and indirectly influence access to the quality of care received by patients enrolled on the hospice benefit. We interviewed 20 interdisciplinary providers (nurses, managers, administrators, physicians, medical directors, social workers, and clergy) between September 2022 and January 2023 from three healthcare organizations that provided hospice care to older adults and their caregivers in NYC regarding their perceptions of the impact of SDOH on the delivery of hospice care during the pandemic. We then conducted rapid analysis of their responses. Findings emerged around three salient themes: 1. “I provide equal care to everyone” (Some providers recognize SDOH result in inequities within hospice, whereas others perceive hospice as an equalizer of care); 2. “They’re going to kill us” (Describing barriers that challenge hospice enrollment and continued access to care); and 3. “We’ve got to do better” (Addressing inequity through organizational and community programs that address barriers and improve access to hospice). Overall, we learned that SDOH must be addressed in a proactive rather than a reactive way to ensure hospice access. Systemic, rather than individual approaches were needed to overcome existing barriers exacerbated by the pandemic. To this end we will discuss lessons learned and strategies for program development and equitable delivery of home hospice care.
ASSOCIATIONS OF VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS AND OCULAR DISEASE WITH BRAIN VOLUMES AND DEMENTIA IN UK BIOBANK
Authors: Ferguson Erin , Buto Peter , Thoma Jingxuan Wang Mary , Casaletto Shea Andrews Kaitlin , Choquet Tom Hoffmann Helene , Yaffe Kristine , Glymour M Maria , Brenowitz Willa 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Visual impairments and ocular diseases are emerging potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia, however, causal relationships are poorly understood and vision impairment may also impact dementia evaluations. Few studies have examined associations of multiple measures of visual impairments with markers of neurodegeneration. We investigated associations of visual acuity and history of ocular diseases with dementia and brain MRI outcomes. UK Biobank participants aged 40-70 without dementia at assessment (n=496,938) self-reported history of cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration Subsets had visual acuity exams and refractive error measured by autorefractor (n=117,163) and brain MRIs (n=33,923). In cox proportional-hazard models adjusted for demographics and other health conditions, history of cataracts was associated with higher risk of all-cause dementia (HR:1.19: 95%CI: 1.09-1.31) but other eye conditions were not associated. History of cataract was associated with significantly smaller total gray matter volume (β=-2483 mm3, 95% CI: -4225 to -741) but not an AD brain signature based on cortical thickness. Worse than 20/40 visual acuity was associated with dementia (HR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.11-1.77) but myopia defined based on refractive error was not, and neither were associated with total or regional volumes on brain MRI. History of cataract and binary 20/40 vision are associated with dementia risk. Our results suggest that cataract, but not myopia, may increase risk of neurodegeneration independent of typical AD, but more investigation is needed.
MEETING THE CHALLENGE OF AGE-INCLUSIVE EDUCATION: FOCUS GROUP PERSPECTIVES
Authors: Whitbourne Susan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Through a series of 16 virtual focus groups involving a national sample of 78 faculty, staff, and students, a set of challenges and related strategies for meeting those challenges were identified based on the ICCS responses from campus constituent groups of faculty, staff, and students. Qualitative analysis of focus group transcripts in the areas of teaching/learning, personnel, and student affairs produced 969 strategy statements that were then collapsed into thematic groupings based on the challenges they were intended to address. Major challenges and their relevant areas included the following: Long-term employees often feel undervalued (personnel), non-traditional age and older students often feel that career services do not meet their needs, and non-traditional age and older students often feel excluded or disregarded in the post-secondary classroom. Focus group members suggested strategies in the area of personnel that included greater recognition of accomplishments of long-term employees. In student affairs, they suggested such strategies as providing more resources for advising and career services. Teaching and learning strategies included incentivizing faculty to develop age-inclusive practices and promoting age-friendly classroom and course offerings. These findings suggest ways for campuses to enhance age-inclusive practices through specific actions, but their feasibility and impact remain necessary to evaluate.
GROWING OLD IN CHINA: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE PILOT STUDIES
Authors: Lobanov-Rostovsky Sophia , He Qianyu , Chen Yuntao , Curry Natasha , Brunner Eric , Liao Jing , Hemmings Nina , Venkatraman Tishya 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Between 1970 and 2020, there was a three-fold increase in China’s ≥65 population, compared to less than a doubling in UK. This rapid-ageing demographic has led to a rise in age-related disabilities. At the same time, internal migration and declining fertility have shaken traditional models of care. An important policy response is to pilot differing long-term care insurance (LTCI) systems, with the aim of establishing equitable care for all. Strengths and limitations of the first set of pilot studies have been identified. In 2020, a second set of 34 pilot studies was introduced. Following PRISMA guidelines, we undertook a systematic review of literature published since introduction of the second pilot phase, to answer the question: ‘what are the key challenges to China achieving an equitable nationwide long-term care system for older people?’. Records were eligible for inclusion if published between June 2020 and June 2022 in Mandarin or English. 42 studies (n=16 Mandarin) were included. Four themes emerged: poor quality of service provision, widespread preference for family care, inequitable distribution of cost burden, and varying LTCI eligibility. Key recommendations included increasing salaries to attract and retain staff, mandatory financial contributions from employees and a unified standard of disability with regular assessment. Strengthening support for family caregivers and improving smart care capacity can support preferences to age at home. Our systematic review highlighted significant challenges in provision of equitable care which suits preferences of its users. China’s LTCI pilots will provide useful lessons for other middle-income countries with rapidly ageing populations.
SLEEP DISTURBANCES IN RACIAL/ETHNIC DIVERSE MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER ADULTS: FACTORS RELATED TO SLEEP DISTURBANCES
Authors: Gamaldo Alyssa , Sardina Angie , Mogle Jacqueline 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Complaints of poor sleep health is a prevailing U.S. public health issue. Although complaints of sleep disturbances is common in U.S. adults, prior research has indicated rates of sleep disturbances tend to vary across racial/ethnic groups. These cross-racial/ethnic comparison approaches may be limited, however, in identifying specific and unique sociodemographic and health factors related to sleep disturbances within racial/ethnic groups. The current study explored two specific aims. The first aim was to explore racial differences in self-reported sleep disturbances. The second aim was to explore sociodemographic and health factors related to sleep disturbances within racial/ethnic groups. A sample of U.S. adults (N=521; age range=40-92) were surveyed via Qualtrics Software (December 2022). Sleep disturbances was measured by the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) questionnaire. Surveys were also collected on sociodemographic (e.g., age, monthly household income, education years, food insecurity, income changes due to COVID-19) and health (e.g., cognitive function, depressive symptoms, well-being, physical functioning, bodily pain, physical health conditions, and loneliness) factors. A univariate analysis of variance revealed non-significant racial/ethnic group differences in sleep disturbances (p &gt; .05). However, bivariate correlations stratified by racial/ethnic groups suggested unique sociodemographic and health factors related to sleep disturbances within each racial/ethnic group. These findings contradict prior research of significant racial/ethnic group differences in sleep disturbances. Conversely, the findings support further investigating unique biopsychosocial factors associated with sleep health within racial/ethnic groups, which may provide meaningful information that may not be detected with cross-racial/ethnic comparison approaches.
ASSOCIATIONS OF PLASMA GDF15 WITH PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE AND COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: He Lingxiao , de Barreto Philipe Souto , Sánchez Juan Sánchez , Rolland Yves , Guyonnet Sophie , Parini Angelo , Lucas Alexandre , Vellas Bruno 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) has been associated with several age-related disorders, but its associations with functional abilities in community-dwelling older adults are not well studied.

Methods
The study was a secondary analysis on 1096 community-dwelling older adults (aged 69 to 94 years) recruited from the Multidomain Alzheimer’s Preventive Trial. Plasma GDF15 was measured one year after participants’ enrolment. Annual data of physical performance (grip strength and short physical performance battery [SPPB]) and global cognitive functions (mini-mental state examination [MMSE] and a composite cognitive score) were measured for four years. Adjusted mixed-effects linear models were performed for cross-sectional and longitudinal association analyses.

Results
A higher GDF15 was cross-sectionally associated with a weaker grip strength (β = -1.1E-03, 95%CI [-2.0E-03, -1.5E-04]), a lower SPPB score (β = -3.1E-04, 95%CI [-5.4E-04, -9.0E-05]) and worse cognitive functions (β = -2.4E-04, 95%CI [-3.3E-04, -1.6E-04] for composite cognitive score; β = -4.0E-04, 95%CI [-6.4E-04, -1.6E-04] for MMSE). Participants with higher baseline GDF15 demonstrated greater longitudinal declines in SPPB (β = -1.0E-04, 95%CI [-1.7E-04, -2.0E-05]) and composite cognitive score (β = -2.0E-05, 95%CI [-4.0E-05, -3.6E-06]). The optimal initial GDF15 cutoff values for identifying participants with minimal clinically significant decline after one year were 2189 pg/mL for SPPB (AUC: 0.580) and 2330 pg/mL for composite cognitive score (AUC: 0.587).

Conclusions
Plasma GDF15 is cross-sectionally and longitudinally associated with lower-limb physical performance and global cognitive function in older adults. Circulating GDF15 alone has limited capacity of discriminating older adults who will develop clinically significant functional declines.
ATTITUDES TOWARD ADVANCE DIRECTIVES AMONG OLDER SOUTHEAST ASIAN AMERICANS
Authors: Wang Kaipeng , De Fries Carson , To My Ngoc , Sun Fei , Wu Bei , Levkoff Sue 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Advance directives (ADs) are legal documents that enable individuals to communicate their end-of-life care preferences in advance. AD completion is associated with decreased likelihood of unwanted medical interventions, healthcare costs, and decisional burden for family members. Compared to older Americans in general, older Asian Americans are less likely to complete ADs. While research focusing on ADs among Asian Americans has grown, few have investigated attitudes toward ADs among older Southeast Asian Americans (SEAAs). The study addresses that gap by examining factors associated with attitude toward ADs among older SEAAs. Using convenience sampling from 12 community partners and snowball sampling, we recruited 251 participants aged 55 and older who self-identified as Vietnamese (n=113), Filipino (n=100), or Indonesian (n=38) Americans. Through online or in-person questionnaires, participants completed the Nolan and Bruder’s Advance Directive Attitude Survey, which measures attitudes toward ADs. Responses are rated on a 4-point Likert scale, with higher scores indicating more positive attitudes. In general, Indonesian (mean=3.40, SD=0.55) and Filipino (mean=3.40, SD=0.68) Americans expressed significantly more positive attitude toward ADs than Vietnamese (mean=3.15, SD=0.56) Americans. Results of ordinary least squares regression showed that family cohesion, expectation of intergenerational support, depression, and resilience were positively associated with attitude toward ADs, whereas death anxiety was negatively associated with attitude toward ADs. By enhancing understanding of SEAAs’ attitudes towards ADs, these results can inform culturally appropriate interventions to improve AD implementation among SEAAs and contribute to broader awareness of and access to end-of-life care services in this population.
LONGITUDINAL METHODS FOR ASSESSING PROGRESSION OF MULTIMORBIDITY AND RELATED HEALTH OUTCOMES
Authors: Bishop Nicholas , Nagel Corey , Botoseneanu Anda , Allore Heather , Newsom Jason , Dorr David , Quiñones Ana 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The growing body of longitudinal research on multimorbidity (≥ 2 chronic conditions) has identified that multimorbidity progression in mid and late life is associated with change in other health domains (e.g., mobility limitations) and can have far-reaching effects on person-centered outcomes such as health-related quality of life. Several increasingly accessible quantitative methods can be applied to the longitudinal study of multimorbidity and related health outcomes, but there has been relatively little work describing and synthesizing the merits and limitations of methods available for this purpose. We will discuss the application and limitations of popular longitudinal methods that can be applied to the study of change in multimorbidity and associated health outcomes. We will consider overarching issues in the longitudinal study of multimorbidity including operationalizing multimorbidity, data-related concerns such as measurement invariance, and choice of time scale (i.e., change in age or calendar time). We will then cover methods aligned to four specific research objectives: 1) examining individual change in multimorbidity, 2) identifying population sub-groups that follow similar trajectories of multimorbidity progression, 3) understanding when, how, and why individuals/groups shift to more advanced stages of multimorbidity, and 4) examining the co-progression of multimorbidity with key health domains over time. This work will help establish a common language for assessing longitudinal changes in multimorbidity, inform research that can fill gaps in our knowledge regarding multimorbidity progression and critical periods of change, and support the identification of groups that experience divergent rates and etiological pathways of disease progression.