bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF SMOKING CESSATION IN MIDDLE-AGED AND OLDER ADULTS WITH SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESSES
Authors: Leutwyler Heather , Hubbard Erin , Bussell Theodore , Zahedikia Negin , Balestra Dennys , Wallhagen Margaret , Okoli Chizimuzo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
People living with serious mental illnesses (SMI) continue to face a disproportionate burden of tobacco-related prevalence, morbidity, and mortality as compared to those without SMI. The risk of mortality related to cigarette smoking among those with SMI is six-times that for persons without SMI. Tobacco use undermines social determinants of health (SDoH) in general and the social determinants of mental health more specifically. Not only does tobacco use exacerbate mental health symptoms, it further impedes mental health recovery by reducing expendable income, sustaining poverty, hindering food security, and limiting job opportunities. Conversely, stopping tobacco use is associated with improved mental health and, possibly, substance use recovery outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the social determinants of tobacco smoking cessation as described by adults with SMI. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 17 middle aged and older adults (mean=52, sd=6.9) with SMI upon completion of a 12-week smoking cessation program. Grounded Theory methodology guided data collection and analysis. Participants described what contributed to their success with smoking cessation or reduction and pointed out how SDoH played a role in the process. Five broad categories of SDoH described were: 1. Support and sense of belonging; 2. Structure and meaningful activities; 3. Employment; 4. Role models; and 5. Access to green space. Our findings illustrate the importance of SDoH in health interventions and are a reminder to consider these SDoH as interventions are tailored to meet the unique needs of people living with SMI.
COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL TREATMENT OF INSOMNIA SLOWS THE PACE OF BIOLOGICAL AGING: RESULTS FROM AN RCT IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Carroll Judith 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Insomnia in late life has been linked to accelerated biological aging, presenting a behaviorally modifiable target to slow the pace of aging. We previously demonstrated that treatment of insomnia in older adults using cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) reduced the expression of the cellular senescence marker, p16INK4a, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Next, we tested whether this treatment for insomnia would alter the biological pace of aging, estimated from the DNA methylation derived DunedinPACE, as compared to a sleep education therapy (SET), an active comparator condition. Participants 60+ years old with insomnia were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial and assigned to CBT-I (n=49) or SET (n=45). Epigenetic data were obtained from DNA extracted from blood collected prior to initiation of treatment (baseline) and again 18-24 months later. A mixed linear models adjusting for age, sex, BMI, and education revealed a significant treatment by time interaction (p=0.003). Receipt of CBT-I was associated with a decline in the epigenetic pace of aging, while those receiving SET had an increase in their pace of aging. Findings indicate that a behavioral intervention to improve insomnia was effective at slowing the pace of biological aging among older adults. Future research will be needed to replicate these findings in other age groups and specific populations with heightened risk for accelerated aging.
IMPROVING NURSING HOME DISASTER READINESS THROUGH IMPLEMENTATION SCIENCE
Authors: Bell Sue Anne , Inloes Jennifer , Wasserman Michael , Donnelly John , Wyte-Lake Tamar 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The new investigation on the state of emergency preparedness in nursing homes from the Senate Finance and Aging Committee Chairs is a call to action. As large-scale disasters continue to become increasingly common worldwide, nursing homes, whose residents are more vulnerable to disaster-related health and psychosocial shocks, and their staff, are carrying progressively more responsibility for healthcare readiness practices. Implementation science is a research discipline that seeks to improve uptake of evidence-based practices, such as healthcare readiness planning, and thus has potential to improve nursing home care delivery during and after disasters. The purpose of this review was to describe the limited field of existing evidence-based strategies in the peer-reviewed literature that seek to advance healthcare readiness in the nursing home setting and illustrate how implementation science can better support healthcare readiness planning for nursing homes. We discuss three main themes: 1) implementation science frameworks can strengthen nursing home staff engagement around healthcare readiness; 2) implementation science can support tailoring of emergency preparedness plans to individual nursing homes’ unique needs; and 3) implementation science can advance the integration of nursing homes into local, state, and federal healthcare readiness planning initiatives. Finally, research is urgently needed to both generate and disseminate implementation strategies that increase uptake of evidence-based health care readiness practices in the nursing home setting.
COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH INTERSECTING SEXUAL, GENDER, RACIAL, AND ETHNIC MINORITY IDENTITIES
Authors: Kim Hyun-Jun , Oswald Austin , Jung Hailey , Fredriksen-Goldsen Karen 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Emerging research shows Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) older adults experience higher prevalence of cognitive impairment when compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers of a similar age. The same is true for racial and ethnic minority older adults when compared to their White counterparts. Little is known about the cognitive health of older adults with intersecting sexual, gender, racial, and ethnic minority identities, highlighting a critical gap in gerontological research that requires further investigation. This study utilizes four time-point data from the first longitudinal study of a racially and ethnically diverse sample of LGBTQ older adults. Multilevel mixed models accounting for intersecting sexual, gender, racial, and ethnic identities were applied to examine subgroup differences in cognitive impairment as well as risk and protective factors after controlling for confounding factors. Black and Hispanic LGBTQ minority older adults (b=5.20, p&lt;.01; b=4.05, p&lt;.01) experience higher levels of cognitive impairment over time when compared to their White LGBTQ peers. Day-to-day discrimination targeting the confluence of sexual/gender and racial/ethnic minority status (b=2.78, p&lt;.05) was positively associated with higher cognitive impairment. Community engagement (b=-.46, p&lt;.05) was negatively associated with cognitive impairment regardless of race and ethnicity whereas network size was exclusively negatively associated with cognitive impairment for Black LGBTQ older adults. The overall findings demonstrate racial and ethnic differences in cognitive impairment among LGBTQ older adults and illuminate the importance of culturally tailored interventions that account for intersectionality, social connectivity, and discrimination to promote cognitive health for specific subgroups.
SEQUENCE ANALYSIS OF CARDIOMETABOLIC MULTIMORBIDITY AND ASSOCIATION WITH SUBSEQUENT DEMENTIA
Authors: Nagel Corey , Allore Heather , Botoseneanu Anda , Kaye Jeffrey , Newsom Jason , Bishop Nicholas , Quiñones Ana 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Sequence analysis is used in the social sciences to examine patterns of events occurring across the life course, but there are few examples of its use in multimorbidity research among older adults. We used sequence analysis to identify longitudinal patterns of cardiometabolic multimorbidity over a five-year period among participants in the National Health and Aging Trends Study (N=5,218). Multimorbidity sequences were constructed using self-reported diagnosis of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and myocardial infarction (MI) assessed annually. Death was included as an absorbing state, yielding a total of 281 distinct sequences. We calculated sequence dissimilarity using optimal matching then used hierarchical clustering to identify seven distinct sequence clusters. The largest cluster (46.2%) was characterized by no baseline cardiometabolic disease and minimal incident disease across the 5-year period. Three clusters were characterized by stable sequences: diabetes (13.1%), heart disease (7.5%), and MI or stroke (7.3%) across the 5-year period. Two clusters exhibited a high rate of incident cardiometabolic disease during the 5-year period, one among persons with no baseline disease (9.6%) and one with rapid accumulation of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (5.3%). Finally, one cluster largely contained persons who died during the study period (11.0%). Compared to those with no baseline and minimal incident cardiometabolic disease, the odds of subsequent dementia were significantly higher among the cluster without prior disease who developed incident cardiometabolic disease (OR= 1.61, 95% CI:1.07,2.43) and the cluster with high cardiometabolic multimorbidity (OR=2.77, 95% CI:1.84,4.18). These findings contribute to our understanding of the impact of cardiometabolic multimorbidity on cognitive health.
DRAWING AS A METHOD TO DETECT SOCIO-COGNITIVE PERCEPTIONS OF HUMAN LONGEVITY IN EARLY CHILDHOOD
Authors: Bishop Alexander , Callaway-Cole Larissa , Grimmett Hailey 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The aim of this investigation was to understand how young children socially and cognitively perceive human longevity through drawing. Data for this study were collected from young children, ages 3 to 6, enrolled in Pre-K and Kindergarten classrooms through a university-supported early childhood education center. Investigators first conducted brief open-ended interviews to gauge participant understanding of the concept of being “old.” Participants were then asked to draw a self-portrait image of what might look like at 100 years of age. Finally, participants were asked to describe their picture as well as share a story regarding the self-portrait image they had crafted. Images were decoded and analyzed relative to depicted content, pattern and position, and color preferences. Findings highlight reliance on internal working models which appear to highlight socially emergent and learned attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes about growing old. Further discussion relative to underlying indication of emotional development will be highlighted.
THE INTERSECTIONAL IMPACT OF RACE AND GENDER ON END OF LIFE
Authors: Suntai Zainab , Noh Hyunjin , Lee Lewis , Bell Gregg , Lippe Megan , Lee Hee Yun 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Over the past few decades, research on quality of life at the end of life has proliferated, with an increased focus on issues of diversity. However, few studies have considered the impact of multiple disadvantaged identities, including the combination of race and gender. This study assessed the intersectional impact of race and gender on four end-of-life outcomes: pain, anxiety/depression, patient autonomy, and overall care quality. Data were derived from the combined 2012 to 2020 last-month-of-life interviews conducted by the National Health and Aging Trends, which is an annual longitudinal panel survey of Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to test the association between the race/gender intersection and each of the four outcomes. Results showed that Black women were the most likely to be in pain, most likely to have a lack of autonomy in decision-making, and the least likely to have excellent or good care at the end of life. White women were the most likely to have had anxiety/depression, followed by Black women, Black men, and then White men. Across all four outcomes, White men were the most likely to have had favorable outcomes, confirming the theory of intersectionality. These results point to a significant disparity in quality end-of-life care for Black women, who have double-jeopardy as a result of their membership in two vulnerable groups. Thus, there is increased need for practice, policy, and research interventions to attain equitable end-of-life care for all individuals.
THE PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF DEMENTIA CAREGIVING IN THE US: FINDINGS FROM THE 2021 BRFSS
Authors: Gaugler Joseph , Lamb Raza , Denno Ben , Baumgart Matthew , Yam Hawking , McGuire Lisa 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
To further elevate dementia caregiving as a public health imperative, representative data that highlights more local variations in dementia caregiving is essential, as such data can better target and tailor services as well as advance policy innovations at the state level. We empirically examined state variations in dementia caregiving in the U.S. by analyzing data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) among the 39 states that used the Caregiver Module in 2021. Prevalence of hypertension among dementia caregivers ranged from a low of 28.7% (CI 16.7-44.8) in South Dakota to a high of 53.6% (CI 43.9-63.1) in Arkansas. The mean hypertension prevalence rate in the 39 states for dementia caregivers was 42.0%, compared with a mean hypertension prevalence rate for non-dementia caregivers of 38.2%. Close to half (44.2%, CI 31.8-56.6) of dementia caregivers in Michigan provide care for 40 or more hours per week. In 35 of the 39 states, at least one-third of dementia caregivers provide care for 20 or more hours per week; in comparison, at least one-third of non-dementia caregivers provide care for 20 or more hours per week in only 7 of the 39 states. The findings illustrate how intensity and the health implications of dementia care vary across states in the U.S. and can help inform more localized programmatic and policy targets to address the public health implications of dementia care.
SAFE AND SENSATIONAL: ASSESSING THE SECURE AND PRIVATE ONLINE DATING WORLD FOR OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Noah Naheem , Das Sanchari 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Online dating applications have become a popular way for people worldwide to meet potential partners, including older adults aged 65 and above. However, using these applications involves revealing personally identifiable information (PII), which raises privacy and security concerns, particularly for older adults who are often the targets of cyberattacks. To address this issue, this paper conducted a literature review of 38 peer-reviewed publications on online dating security and privacy, with a focus on older adults. The review found that while 10 papers evaluated older adults’ cybersecurity issues, and two papers explored mobile security management with adults, no papers explicitly focused on older adults and dating applications. To fill this research gap, this paper conducted an application-level security and privacy analysis of ten popular online dating applications, including Tinder, Grindr, Match, Bumble, OkCupid, SilverSingles, Harmony, EliteSingles, Christian Mingles, and LDS Singles. The study revealed that these applications have concerning data security practices that may affect the privacy and security of users, especially older adults. The paper concludes by providing actionable recommendations for secure and privacy-preserving user experience. For instance, online dating applications should implement secure authentication mechanisms, such as two-factor authentication, and use end-to-end encryption to protect users’ data. Additionally, the applications should enable users to control their data and allow them to choose the information they want to share with others. Moreover, the dating apps should provide clear and concise privacy policies that are easy to understand and readily available to users.
INCARCERATION HISTORY AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH COGNITION AND ISOLATION AMONG OLDER BLACK AMERICANS
Authors: Kahsay Eskira , Sneed Rodlescia , Zhong Chuwen , Mezuk Briana 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Incarceration is a risk factor for adverse health and disproportionately affects Black Americans. Little is known about its implications for later life functioning. This study investigated the associations between incarceration and social isolation and cognition among older Black Americans. Sample included African American and Caribbean Black respondents aged 50+ from the National Survey of American Life, 2001-2003 (N=1,561; 12.6% with incarceration history). Lifetime incarceration history (yes/no) was defined as having been in jail, prison, or juvenile detention. Continuous cognitive score was measured using the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule-II, with higher scores indicating higher cognitive difficulty. Binary isolation was assessed by combining two indicators of frequency of contact and feelings of closeness, for friends and family, using a 4-point Likert scale. Multivariable weighted linear and logistic regressions were fit for the associations between cognitive score and social isolation, respectively. All models adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, poverty, education, marital status, and drug use; model for cognition further adjusted for mental health and traumatic experiences and models for isolation further adjusted for discrimination. Moderation by nativity (U.S. versus foreign born) was assessed using interaction. History of incarceration was associated with worse cognition (β = 0.09, 95% CI: -1.48, 1.66) and higher odds of social isolation for frequency (AOR: 1.48 95% CI: 0.89, 2.46) and closeness (AOR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.52, 2.15). Results not moderated by nativity. Findings suggest contexts surrounding incarceration, like social supports, may be important engagement points for successful transitions and promotion of psychological and cognitive health in this population.
PERCEIVED WORKPLACE AGEISM AND RACIAL/ETHNIC DISPARITIES IN COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING AMONG OLDER WORKERS
Authors: Sahin Duygu Basaran , Heiland Frank , Yin Na , Smith Ryan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Research suggests that discrimination contributes to racial/ethnic disparities in health, but little is known about the role of perceived workplace ageism in this phenomenon. Workplace discrimination threatens a person’s livelihood, self-esteem, and identity. Older workers from racial/ethnic minority groups may experience both race- and age-based discrimination. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, we investigate whether workplace ageism is related to older workers’ cognition and whether the link differs by race/ethnicity. We find that workers who perceive ageism in their workplaces tend to do worse on standard cognition tests than those who do not. For example, the immediate and delayed word recall performance is 13-14% of one SD lower among individuals who report that co-workers pressure older workers to retire before age 65. The relationships are stronger (more negative) for Hispanic workers, but there is no evidence that they differ between Non-Hispanic Black and Non-Hispanic White workers.
PRECARITY AND WORK IN LATER LIFE: EXPERIENCES OF OLDER WORKERS IN UNCERTAIN TIMES
Authors: Halvorsen Cal , Matz Christina , Miller Julie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Employees later in their careers often earn the highest income of their lives, enabling them save for retirement while living in relative comfort. Yet many workers do not experience this late-career economic boost and instead face age bias and discrimination, difficulty finding and keeping work, and social and economic inequalities. Using an intersectionality lens, these difficulties often lead to disparities by race, ethnicity, gender, and immigration status, highlighting the varied socioeconomic experiences of older adults. The economic and social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have often exacerbated these disparities. This symposium will highlight the varied experiences of late-career workers since the advent of the pandemic, with an emphasis on lower income workers and disparities by race and ethnicity. Dr. Choi-Allum will describe the results from a nationally representative survey of 2,000 workers ages 40 and older by AARP, highlighting how perceived age discrimination and the sense of a weak economy is driving uncertainty in finding and keeping paid work. Dr. Carr will identify racial and ethnic disparities in pandemic-related job disruption and its associated financial setbacks using Health and Retirement Study data. Dr. Halvorsen will describe the experiences of older, lower-income, and often immigrant job seekers within the federally funded Senior Community Service Employment Program in Massachusetts. And Dr. Matz will outline research with older adults who live in public housing on how social resources obtained partly through work may buffer financial strain’s impact on health. To conclude, Dr. Miller will place the four studies into the broader socioeconomic context. This is an Aging Workforce Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.
SEXUAL FREQUENCY AND COGNITIVE DOMAINS: EVIDENCE FROM THE NATIONAL SOCIAL LIFE, HEALTH, AND AGING PROJECT
Authors: Shannon Shen 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This research draws upon the life course perspective to examine how sexual frequency is related to different cognitive domains among community-dwelling, partnered older adults. I analyzed data from 1,526 respondents across two rounds of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP). I tested six cognitive domains: temporal orientation, visuospatial skills, attention, language, executive function, and short-term memory. I ran cross-lagged models to test for reciprocal relationships between sexual frequency and cognitive domain performance. Age-stratified results indicate that more frequent sex was related to better performance on temporal orientation, executive function, attention, and short-term memory domains over time for adults aged 75-90, with no significant results for adults aged 62-74. There was limited evidence that cognitive domain performance was related to later sexual frequency for the 75-90 age group. The results highlight nuanced pathways by which sexuality is tied to the health of older adults. Understanding which cognitive domains may be maintained through more frequent sex is informative for health care practitioners who consider sexual activity as a behavior to prevent cognitive impairment.
MUSICAL THEATER AND MEANING MAKING IN A RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Authors: Powers James , Stone Robyn 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
“I think I’ve had it up to here with pickleball…” Thus begins the first song in “Movin”, an original musical written, produced, and performed by members of a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), which addresses themes ranging from dementia, death and widowhood to finding community, purpose, and late-life love. The idea began in informal conversation between two former university colleagues, Philip Sloane (a geriatrician, GSA member, and former CCRC board member) and Hugh Tilson (a CCRC resident, aged 82) about describing the aging experience through song. Hugh gathered a group of fellow CCRC residents, none of whom had professional songwriting or theater experience but several of whom had musical backgrounds or an interest in theater. Meeting regularly over nearly two years, they envisioned, created, and then produced an original musical around the theme of “freshman year in a retirement community.” The final production included 9 cast members, 12 original songs developed by five lyricists and two composers, many production-related volunteers, and a narration to link the songs together. This symposium will describe the process, present and illustrate aging-related themes from the production, place the musical in the context of existing research about meaning-making and the arts in later life, and conclude with a discussion by a senior leader in a major senior housing organization. Presentation about development and production of the musical will include videos of rehearsals, songs from the production, and interviews with performers. Sponsored by the Humanities, Arts, and Cultural Gerontology Advisory Panel