bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
WHEN DISASTER STRIKES: ADDRESSING THE UNIQUE NEEDS OLDER ADULTS FACE IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
Authors: Fazal Amaanali , Lalji Kahir , McMillan Barbara 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Older adults are more at risk for harm in emergency situations (e.g., pandemics, natural disasters, extreme weather events) and often require more assistance in response and recovery efforts. The COVID-19 pandemic and the increase in climate related emergencies has emphasized the critical need to prepare and respond more effectively to the unique needs of older adults in emergency situations. There is much that community-based seniors serving (CBSS) organizations, emergency management professionals, and local governments can do to develop and implement policies, programs, and practices to effectively support the needs of older adults in emergency preparedness and response. In British Columbia, the COVID-19 pandemic and recent extreme weather events (i.e., forest fires, flooding, and heat waves) have prompted the development of an intentional network strategy for emergency preparedness and response. This innovative approach, which is coordinated by United Way British Columbia, has allowed for increased communication, coordination, collaboration, peer learning, and knowledge translation among CBSS agencies, as well as partner organizations, allied professionals, and other stakeholders. This presentation describes our comprehensive approach to supporting communities to understand and address the specific needs of older adults in emergency planning and management, including: 1) community grants and capacity building; 2) tools and resource development; 3) policies and rights-based strategies; and 4) fostering collaboration between CBSS agencies, emergency management professionals, and all levels of government. Examples are also provided illustrating how these approaches have been utilized in British Columbia to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and severe weather events.
GEOGRAPHIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC PREDICTORS OF SELF-RATED HEALTH IN OLDER RURAL AFRICAN AMERICANS
Authors: Mackenstadt Darby , Adams-Price Carolyn , Israel Sarah 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Person-Environment (P-E) fit is a major tenet of environmental gerontology and can predict aspects of physical and mental health. Rural older adults may vary greatly in their P-E fit, but their in-group differences have yet to be explored. The current study examines predictors of self-rated health in middle and older adult African Americans in rural Mississippi. Predictors of self-rated health examined included distance from grocery store, age, education, and income. Participants were 47 African Americans (20 males) over 50 (M = 65.2) who were recruited from two rural, adjacent Mississippi Counties and lived at least five miles outside of a micropolitan town. Consistent with literature on health disparities in African American communities, participants on average rated their health as average to low. Results from a multiple regression model indicate that education and distance to grocery stores are significant predictors of subjective health, where more education and being further from a grocery store predicted higher self-rated health. It appears that within this sample, the further from a grocery store they were, the better the P-E fit. This may be due to an increase in gardening or farming, increased necessity for physical activity, or other aspects of this environment that promote healthy behaviors, despite being further from resources. Future research should continue to pursue aspects that add to P-E fit in rural older adults.
CULTURAL CONSIDERATIONS AND ATTACHMENT TO PLACE FOR RURAL-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Adams-Price Carolyn 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Mississippi is the only state in the United States where the majority of African Americans live in rural areas. African Americans have lived in rural Mississippi for many generations, despite few resources and health inequities. However, it is a mistake to look at older rural African Americans and see only poverty and illness. Previous research by Rowles and others in Appalachia has indicated that older adults tend to be satisfied with homes in impoverished rural areas. This study examined attachment to home and community in older African Americans living in rural parts of two counties in north Mississippi. Participants were 47 African Americans between 52 and 79 (20 male), with a mean age of 65. Phenomenological analysis for attachment to home yielded 6 themes: home as a peaceful/safe place, legacy/historical roots, attachment to natural features, ownership/I’ve made it my own, and everyday functionality. The first two themes (peaceful/safe and legacy/historical roots) were far more prevalent than the theme of everyday functionality; these findings will be discussed in the context of other researchers’ findings on attachment to place in later life. However, although our participants have experienced discrimination in the larger environment, home is for most of them a place of safety, warmth, and meaning. Attachment to features of the land is also important.
INTRODUCING A NEW AGE-BASED DATASET FOR EVALUATING OCCUPATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS ACROSS THE LIFE COURSE
Authors: Chen Qize , Sonnega Amanda , Carr Dawn , Carpenter Rebekah , Cao Katy (Qiuchang) 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The connection between early life career choices and later life outcomes is a topic of interest to gerontology researchers, but research has been limited by data availability. In this paper, we present a newly constructed LHMS-HRS-O*NET linked dataset. The 2017 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) Life History Mail Survey (LHMS) includes information on up to 10 jobs that respondents worked for more than a year. We consolidated this employment history with the biennial HRS Core survey data. Then, respondents’ occupations from the LHMS were mapped to the O*NET 26.1 Database to add information on their exposure to different work contexts, activities, and etc. The final dataset is a panel at individual-year level with annual occupational exposure from the first job after full-time education until the last job people held before 2017. The data covers over 4,000 individuals in the HRS with all O*NET measures available in O*NET 26.1. This presentation will demonstrate how researchers can use these data to calculate the cumulative occupational exposures for any period of one’s career and connect that information to socioeconomic, health, and other outcomes at older ages that are available in HRS. This new data is ideal for studying how full life histories of work are related to differential aging outcomes.
CHARACTERIZING CAREGIVER NEGLECT IN OLDER PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA: OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS AND RISK FACTORS
Authors: Chang E-Shien , Moxley Jerad , Pillemer Karl , Lachs Mark , Rosen Tony , Czaja Sara 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Neglect by caregivers, a combination of behaviors through acts of omission or commission, is one of the most widespread forms of elder mistreatment. Examining varying definitions and thresholds of caregiver neglect may yield insights to inform intervention development. Our data were drawn from 244 dyads of racially/ethnically diverse dementia caregivers (CG) and care-recipients (CR). Informed by prior research, we developed three definitional thresholds of caregiver neglect: (1) CR’s needs were unmet by CG (least restrictive); (2) CR’s needs were unmet by CG and there was no additional informal care (moderate restrictive); and (3) CR’s needs were unmet by CG and there was no additional informal or formal care (most restrictive). Variables selected for multivariate logistic regression models examining predictors of neglect were based on significance in bivariate analysis (p&lt; 0.10). One-week prevalence of caregiver neglect varied according to the three thresholds (43% to 11%). Sociodemographic characteristics of neglect differed across thresholds in bivariate analyses. The caregiver being male (OR=4.1, 95%CI=1.68-10.53) and being African American (OR= 2.12, 95%CI=1.01-4.54) was significantly associated with greater risk of neglect but only in the model predicting the least restrictive neglect. In models predicting moderate and most restrictive neglect, greater CG social support was associated with lower risk of neglect (OR=0.95, 95%CI=0.90-0.99; OR=0.93, 95%CI=0.89-0.98; respectively). Our findings indicate that caregiver neglect was common in our sample and that social support may play a key role in alleviating risk of neglect. Our analysis demonstrates important nuances in predictors of neglect by operationalizing neglect as a multifactorial phenomenon.
RACIAL AND ETHNIC DIVERSITY IN FAMILY CARE INTERVENTIONS: A CALL FOR ACTION
Authors: Meinertz Naomi , Lee Jeong Eun , Gilligan Megan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In the United States, women are disproportionately represented as family caregivers and racial and ethnic minority families experience the challenges of caregiving at greater rates, such as poorer health and psychological distress. Recent research results demonstrate the effectiveness of family care interventions through improvements for caregiver depression, anxiety, and caregiver knowledge; yet most of these programs were developed for and evaluated with White families. The extent to which caregiver support interventions attend to racial and ethnic diversity is inadequate. Limited understanding of intervention results by racial and ethnic subgroups may ultimately further exacerbate disparities across groups by limiting our ability to account for any differences in treatment outcomes. Advances in research on caregiver interventions warrant an examination of the degree to which gender and/or racial differences are considered in the field of caregiver intervention research. Using a combined theoretical lens of symbolic internationalism and gender role theory, we argue for the development of care programs for racially and ethnically diverse family care perspectives. Thus, we conducted a systematic review of caregiver interventions and further explored whether common evidence-based care interventions are efficacious with non-White populations. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of developing targeted intervention programs by reviewing the impact of recently develop programs for specific target populations. This work underscores the gap in current family care interventions and identifies the need for evidence-based family care programs for diverse populations. Our systematic review will further our understanding about disparities in intervention outcomes to develop culturally appropriate interventions.
ONLINE DEMENTIA BOOTCAMP FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Authors: Mastel-Smith Beth , Kimzey Michelle , Garner Jennifer 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Caring for people with dementia requires specialized competencies. Previous education programs had a positive effect on college students’ dementia knowledge, communication skills, empathy for and attitudes towards people with dementia. To prepare high school students to care for people with dementia – whether it be in a professional or personal capacity - a six session online Dementia Bootcamp was created. Topics included dementia overview, prevention, symptoms, and a framework for understanding them, communication, family support, and evaluation. Information was delivered via short didactic instruction, presentations by people with dementia, and experiential activities such as a virtual dementia simulation. Students met with a mentor, a person with dementia, or volunteered at a dementia day program. Parental consent and student assent were obtained for six students who participated in a focus group. The focus group was audio recorded and an interview schedule was used to understand what students learned, their response to online delivery, and recommendations for future offerings. Data was transcribed and verified, coded for categories and themes developed. Increased dementia awareness and knowledge, confidence in the ability to communicate with someone with dementia, how to prevent dementia, improved cognitive empathy and empathic imagination, and reduced stigma were reported. Online delivery was well received; students recommended longer sessions, more engagement with content and each other, and more information about how dementia affects the brain. The program has been integrated into a high-school health sciences curriculum.
INTERGENERATIONAL BONDING: A PATHWAY TO CAREER READINESS IN SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY GRADUATE STUDENTS
Authors: Ghazi-Saidi Ladan , McKelvey Miechelle 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
We present a new experiential learning activity for graduate students in two core courses in Speech-Language Pathology. Speech-Language Pathology is a healthcare profession that provides care to people of all ages, including older adults with language, communication, and cognitive disorders. Students typically find these course contents heavy and have limited opportunity to practice the required skills for their future profession. In this multi-faceted program, we provide cognitive intervention to community older adults via telepractice with an intergenerational approach. Students receive real-life interaction to practice the knowledge and skills learned in their academic program. These interactions provide hands-on experience that facilitates better preparation for their future healthcare career. We measure students’ perception of competency pre and post-intervention. Additionally, we survey alumni and their supervisors on students’ preparedness (required skills) and performance during their clinical internship experience. This intergenerational bonding program creates a fun and enjoyable experience that impacts students’ active engagement with older adults. Students report an easier application of academic material, great ownership of learning, and increased motivation to learn new skills. Further, this real-life, interactive experience will impact their career success as future aging healthcare professionals (SLPs).
IMPACTS OF ACCULTURATION ON HEALTH OF US OLDER CHINESE IMMIGRANTS
Authors: Jiang Yanping , Tang Fengyan , Wu Bei 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Acculturation from Asian- to Western-oriented values and cultural practices is a key aspect of social experience for many Asian Americans. The growing body of literature on this topic shows mixed findings on health impacts of acculturation and is largely relied on cross-sectional studies, preventing to draw definitive conclusions on the health impact of acculturation. The study aimed to examine long-term effects of acculturation on mental, physical, and cognitive health in U.S. older Chinese immigrants. Data were drawn from 2,811 participants (aged from 60 to 104 years) from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago study. Acculturation was measured using a 12-item Acculturation Scale assessing language use, ethnic social relations, and media use. Health outcomes included depression assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, activities of daily living (ADL) assessed using the adapted Katz ADL Scale, and global cognition indexed by a composite score of episodic memory, working memory, executive function, and mental status. Results from latent growth curve models showed that high levels of acculturation were not associated with depression at baseline but predicted a faster decline in depression during the 6-year follow-up. Similarly, acculturation was not related to ADL at baseline but predicted a slower decline over time. Contrarily, acculturation was associated with better global cognition at baseline but was not related to long-term changes in cognition. These results suggest the long-term benefits of acculturation on mental and physical health among U.S. older Chinese immigrants. The health advantages related to acculturation, however, seem not to generalize to cognitive function.
MULTIPLE SEVERE WEATHER EVENTS: ARE OLDER ADULTS MORE VULNERABLE?
Authors: Cherry Katie , Calamia Matthew , Elliott Emily , Bordes Piper , Sampson Laura , Galea Sandro 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Hurricanes and floods have psychosocial consequences for directly and indirectly affected individuals. In August of 2016, historic flooding in Baton Rouge, Louisiana resulted in catastrophic damage across a 22-parish (county) region only 11 years after the 2005 Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the US Gulf Coast. In this study, we compared three groups of mostly middle-aged and older adults on the SF-36 Health Survey Questionnaire: (1) non-flooded (controls), (2) single disaster (flooded in 2016), and (3) double disaster (flooded in 2005 and again in 2016). Results indicated that the groups did not differ in self-reported physical health, although the single and double disaster groups reported worse mental health than did the controls. Correlation analyses revealed that age was positively associated with mental health. State hope was positively associated with both physical and mental health. Implications of these findings for reducing vulnerabilities after multiple disaster exposures are considered.
HEARING AND VISION LOSS: EPIDEMIOLOGIC AND INTERVENTION IMPLICATIONS FOR SOCIAL ISOLATION, LONELINESS, AND MOOD DISORDERS
Authors: Huang Alison , O’Sullivan Roger , Lubben James 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This session will discuss hearing loss and vision impairment as modifiable risk factors for social isolation, loneliness, and mood disorders from both epidemiologic and intervention perspectives. Prevalence of hearing and vision loss is high; two-thirds of older adults have hearing loss and over one-quarter have vision impairment. Hearing loss and vision impairment have been linked to poor cognitive and physical health but remain understudied in the context of social and mental health in large, population-based studies. Research gaps remain in measurement (findings typically based on subjective assessments) and generalizability. This session will investigate associations between objectively measured hearing, vision, and dual sensory loss on social isolation and mood disorders using a sample nationally representative of older adults in the US. This session will also describe potential mechanistic and environmental factors, such as fatigue and exclusion of hearing loss and vision impairment in health care settings that may explain observed associations. Whether treatment of hearing loss and vision impairment is an effective intervention for improving social and mental health is unknown. We will conclude by presenting findings from a randomized controlled trial designed to test whether a hearing intervention consisting of provision of hearing aids and related technologies, counseling, and education could reduce cognitive decline in older adults with untreated hearing loss. We focus on the effect of hearing intervention on social isolation and loneliness, both pre-specified outcomes of this trial. This is a Loneliness and Social Isolation Interest Group Sponsored Symposium. This is a collaborative symposium between the Loneliness and Social Isolation and Sensory Health Interest Groups.
EFFECT OF HEARING INTERVENTION ON LONELINESS AND SOCIAL ISOLATION IN THE ACHIEVE STUDY
Authors: Huang Alison 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Social health interventions in older adults typically have small effect and limited large-scale implementation. Treating hearing loss is a potential intervention, but efficacy is unknown. This study presents baseline associations between hearing loss, loneliness, and social isolation as well as the 3-year effect of a hearing intervention on social health. The Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders Study (ACHIEVE) randomized controlled trial (n=977) tests the effect of hearing intervention (provision of hearing aids/related technologies, counseling/education) vs. successful aging health education control intervention on loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale) and social network characteristics (Cohen Social Network Index) (pre-specified exploratory outcomes) among older adults with untreated hearing loss. Hearing loss was quantified by better ear, speech-frequency pure tone average (PTA). Speech-in-noise recognition and hearing-related quality of life were also measured. Baseline associations between hearing loss and social health outcomes are assessed by robust Poisson regression adjusted for demographic and health characteristics. Three-year hearing intervention effects are assessed by generalized linear mixed effects models. Participants were 70-84 years, 54% female, and 87% White. At baseline, better speech-in-noise recognition was associated with greater social network characteristics (e.g., larger social network size [IRR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.07]). Worse hearing-related quality of life was associated with higher prevalence of loneliness (PR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.20) and smaller social network size (IRR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93, 1.00). Hearing intervention effect results will be available prior to the conference (data collection ends early 2023). Hearing treatment could be an effective social health intervention with greater scalability.
THE ASSOCIATION OF HEARING LOSS AND FRAILTY AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN THE US
Authors: Amezcua Pablo Martinez , Assi Sahar , Zhang Wuyang , Reed Nicholas 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Frailty is common in older adults and increases the risk of functional limitations and death. Hearing loss affects ~2/3 of older adults in the U.S. and is associated with poorer physical and cognitive function and social isolation, which may increase the risk for frailty. We aimed to determine if hearing loss is associated with higher odds of being frail or pre-frail versus robust and if hearing aid use is protective. We analyzed data from 2,361 participants from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHTAS), a U.S. nationally representative sample of older adults, collected in 2021. Hearing was assessed by pure-tone audiometric testing, and we used a speech-frequency (0.5-4 kHz) better hearing ear’s pure-tone average (BPTA) to categorize participants into no hearing loss (BPTA≤25 dB HL), mild (26-40), and moderate or greater (&gt;40) hearing loss. Physical frailty was categorized according to the presence of the frailty phenotype components (unintentional weight loss, exhaustion, low physical activity, weakness, slow walking speed) into robust (0), pre-frail (1-2), and frail (≥3). In our study population (mean age=81, 56% female, 19% Black), there were 1,724 (73%) participants with hearing loss. Using multinomial logistic regression, we found that participants with moderate or greater hearing loss (vs. those without) had higher odds of being frail versus robust (OR=1.82, 95% CI 1.11, 2.99, p-trend=0.016). Hearing loss may be a risk factor for frailty. Future studies on the impact of hearing interventions in preventing and managing frailty will have significant public health and clinical importance.