bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THE EFFECTS OF LATE-LIFE RELOCATION ON ANXIETY AND PERSONALITY TRAITS: EVIDENCE FROM CHINA AND EUROPE
Authors: Sun Yang , Wrzus Cornelia , Lv Shao-bo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Later-life relocation has been identified as an important life event that affects the living environment, social relationships, and daily routines of older adults with subsequent effects on mental health and personality. We explored the impact of relocation on anxiety and personality traits in older adults from China and Europe in two separate studies., In study 1, we administered the questionnaire to 301 Chinese older adults (Mage=69.51, SD=5.02) who experienced involuntary rural-urban relocation, with 61.8% of them reported severe to extremely severe anxiety. Excessive reassurance-seeking and concomitant negative information bias were processes that contributed to increased anxiety among relocated older adults, which was particularly detrimental for those adults who were otherwise resilient. In study 2, we investigated the differences in personality traits between older adults who moved to nursing homes and those who lived in private housing using data from Wave 7 of the European Health, Ageing and Retirement Survey (SHARE). Reports from a total of 4829 older people living in nursing homes (NNH= 360) and private housing (NPH=4469) were included in the finally analysis. Our results showed that older people who relocated to nursing homes had lower extraversion and conscientiousness, and higher neuroticism. Additionally, older adults’ age, gender, health problems, physical activity, community size, and national socio-economic status partly explained personality differences between older adults who relocated and who stayed in their homes. Our findings underscore the importance and necessity of studying advantageous and detrimental effects of late-life relocation, and provide new directions and ideas for future research.
THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA COMMUNICATION IN THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN WIDOWHOOD AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS
Authors: Kim Nahyun , Kim Youjin , Cho Hyeonji , Kim Kyungmin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Losing a spouse is one of most painful experiences in adulthood; widowed adults often suffer from psychological difficulties. Scholars have examined how social support from close relationships such as family members and friends plays a protective role in the context of spousal loss. Given that the use of mobile technologies and internet became an important way to engage with social relationships, it is crucial to investigate the role of social media communication in the bereavement process. This study examined the moderating effects of social media communication in the association between widowhood and depressive symptoms, comparing different types of social media communication—chatting/messaging (e.g., iMessage), social media (e.g., Facebook), video-sharing (e.g., YouTube), and online community platforms (e.g., forums). From the 2021 Korea Social Integration Survey, we analyzed a sample of 5,238 respondents (aged 40+) who were ever-married. Our regression models showed that widowed respondents (9.79%) were likely to have more depressive symptoms (B = 0.19, p &lt; .001) than non-widow(er)s; all types of social media communication were associated with fewer depressive symptoms, regardless of widowhood. We also found that two types of social media communication moderated the association between widowhood and depressive symptoms; such that widowed respondents who used social media (B = -0.08. p =.002) and online community platforms (B = -0.05. p = .038) more frequently had fewer depressive symptoms, compared to their counterparts. Our findings highlight the importance of examining social engagement via information and communication technologies and the potential mechanism contributing to widowed adults’ well-being.
WECHAT SOCIAL MEDIA USE AND DEPRESSION AMONG CHINESE OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Wen Wan , Mejia Shannon 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Impairments in health and mobility, the loss of a partner, and geographic relocation increase the risk of social isolation and depression in older adulthood. As the world’s most populous country, China faces a rapidly aging population, and Chinese society recognizes the potential of the Internet as a measure to reduce depression and promote well-being among older adults. WeChat is the most used social media among Chinese older adults, who use it to connect with social partners and exchange information by reading and posting messages. However, previous research only identified a correlation between WeChat use and lower depressive symptoms but failed to uncover the causality between them. This paper used data from the 2018 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study and adopted an instrumental variable (IV) and the two-stage least squares model to strengthen causal inference. The principle is using an IV, which is correlated with WeChat use but not influenced by depressive symptoms, to replace WeChat use in regression. There were 1,680 participants (mean age 73.03, 55% male), 3% of whom reported use of WeChat in the past two years. Regression results suggested that WeChat use did not lead to lower levels of depression among older adults; instead, only non-depressed older adults would use WeChat. Further analysis showed WeChat use could promote older adults’ communication with family members and social activity engagement. Although there is no solid evidence of WeChat’s effect on depression, it does provide some benefits and still holds the potential to promote the well-being of older adults.
DIGITAL SKILLS, STEM OCCUPATION, AND JOB AUTOMATION RISK AMONG THE OLDER WORKERS IN THE US
Authors: Yamashita Takashi , Narine Donnette , Chidebe Runcie , Cummins Phyllis , Kramer Jenna , Karam Rita 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Rapidly advancing technologies are replacing human labor. Particularly, occupations with more routine tasks, such as sales and simple food preparations, are known to be at a higher risk of job automation than those with non-routine tasks, such as STEM occupations (e.g., engineering, health care). Additionally, an aging workforce generally faces higher job automation risks due to skill obsolescence and lower digital skills than younger counterparts. A better understanding of the associations between job automation risk, digital skills, and STEM (vs. non-STEM) occupations can facilitate preparations for continuing job automation and population aging. We analyzed a nationally representative sample of middle-aged and older U.S. workers aged 50 to 74 (n = 1,570) from the 2012/2014/2017 Program for International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) restricted-use-file data. The estimated job automation risks (i.e., % of jobs to be automated in the next decades) by occupation were derived from the previous studies. PIAAC digital problem-solving skills proficiency (0-500 points) was assessed based on a series of practical digital tasks (e.g., sorting emails by responses in an application). Results of the survey-weighted linear regression showed that the greater digital skill proficiency (b = -0.04, p &lt; 0.05) and STEM occupations (b = -17.18, p &lt; 0.05) are associated with lower job automation risks, even after adjusting for a series of demographic, socioeconomic and civic engagement characteristics. Education and labor policy interventions to promote digital skills among older workers and non-STEM workers may better prepare the aging workforce for the future labor market in the U.S.
CONNECTING LIFETIME EXPERIENCE OF MISCARRIAGE TO POSITIVE LIFE EVALUATION AMONG WOMEN AGING-IN-CUSTODY
Authors: Barnett Brianna , Minet Hailey , Bishop Alexander , Randall Kevin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study assessed the interconnection between miscarriage, forgiveness, and social provisions on positive valuation of life among N = 157 older women (45 years and older) under correctional custody in Oklahoma. Based on the Model of Developmental Adaptation, path analysis was conducted positing valuation of life, the developmental outcome, regressed on the proximal influence of socio-emotional support and forgiveness and the distal lifetime report of miscarriage. Endogenous measures were controlled for age, race, marital status, education, and crime type. Using Mplus 8.8 and an estimator (MLR) that provides parameter estimates and a chi-square test statistic robust to non-normality, the model fit well with a non-significant chi square test statistics and significant parameter estimates. For these women, 40.5% of the variation in positive valuation of life was explained, primarily by socio-emotional support. Miscarriage had a significant positive association with socio-emotional provisions (β = .15, p &lt; .05) but not forgiveness. Meanwhile, forgiveness had a significant direct association with positive valuation of life (β = .46, p &lt; .001). A significant indirect effect emerged for miscarriage on positive valuation of life through socio-emotional support (.047, p =.035, one-tail test). Results suggest that older incarcerated women with a reported history of miscarriage achieve a positive life outlook to the extent they feel emotionally supported. Greater engagement in forgiveness also appears to contribute to a positive life perspective. This has implications relative to how correctional counselors, social workers, and case managers offer services to support older incarcerated women with a reported history of miscarriage.
IN-HOSPITAL INSTRUMENTAL CARE PROVIDED BY FAMILY AND STAFF AND HOSPITALIZATION OUTCOMES OF OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Shulyaev Ksenya , Gur-Yaish Nurit , Shadmi Efrat , Zisberg Anna 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Most of hospitalized older adults receive instrumental care (such as help with dressing, bathing, eating) from hospital staff and family members. Current study explored effect of family and staff involvement in this kind of care on hospitalization outcomes. Study sample included 615 acute hospitalized older adults (Age 77.6± 6.7, females 44.3%). Data about patients’ independence in Basic Activity of Daily Living (BADL), level of depression and anxiety was collected twice: at admission to hospital and at discharge. Sociodemographic (age, sex, family status and number of children) and health (severity of illness, comorbidity, length of stay and cognitive status) characteristics, were collected at admission and from medical records. Involvement of family and staff in instrumental care during hospitalization was reported by patients at discharge. The multivariate regressions, which included all the covariates mentioned above, revealed that instrumental care provided by family and by hospital staff significantly predicted hospitalization outcomes, yet in opposite directions. Specifically, family involvement in instrumental support was associated with lower BADL recovery (β=-.36, p&lt;.001), as well as increased depression levels (β=.13, p=.002) and anxiety (β=.17, p&lt;.001). In contrast, instrumental care provided by staff was associated with better BADL recovery (β=.24, p&lt;.001), as well as decreased depression (β=-.21, p&lt;.001) and anxiety (β=-.11, p=.013). These findings highlight the importance of effectively balancing family and staff involvement in instrumental care to optimize patient recovery, improve patients’ outcomes and ensure that they receive the best possible care during their hospital stay.
ACCEPTABILITY OF A REMINISCENCE THERAPY TABLET APP: IMPACT ON RESIDENTIAL CARE STAFF OF PERSONS LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Orsulic-Jeras Silvia , Cordell Ashlee , Powers Sara , Ejaz Farida , Sanders Lisbeth 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
With dementia prevalence rapidly on the rise and no viable pharmacological treatments currently available, the development of accessible, efficacious, and low-cost non-pharmacologic interventions for persons living with dementia (PLWD) has become critical. Reminiscence therapy (RT) and life story can be built into residential care provision to provide person-centered solutions that elicit conversation, engagement, and socialization with staff. RT tools can also help inform care staff about residents’ lives and preferences to provide higher quality and meaningful interactions. This paper details the development and evaluation of LifeBio Memory, a tablet application designed to record the life stories and care preferences of PLWD in residential care communities. Care staff (n = 60) from 10 communities in Ohio, including memory care, assisted living and nursing homes, were trained to implement LifeBio Memory in their organizations. A pre-post design was used with staff, mainly comprised of life enrichment, administration, social work, rehab, and direct care staff. Outcomes presented include but will not be limited to: 1) acceptability, feasibility, and satisfaction with the tablet app, 2) staff knowledge of resident care preferences and interests, 3) utilization of person-centered care practices, 4) quality of communication between the resident and themselves and other staff, 5) their current understanding of that resident’s life history, and 6) level of tension and frustration with the resident. Discussion will focus on the need for sustainable RT interventions that promote person-centered care for PLWD and ways in which technological advancements can be integrated into residential care staff workflow.
ADAPTING AUTOETHNOGRAPHY TO EXPLORE CULTURAL AND GENERATIONAL DIFFERENCES ON AGING
Authors: Hossain Mohammad , Pope Natalie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This presentation uses adapted autoethnography to explore cultural and generational differences on aging identity and care for older adults. Our presentation is based on an oral history of Virginia Bell, a gerontological social worker and dementia expert who developed an innovative model of dementia care known as the Best FriendsTM approach (Bell & Troxel, 2012; 2016). Through several in-depth interviews, this oral history project created space for conversation across generations – discussions between two cisgender white women, both social workers and gerontologists. At age 98, Bell reflected on people and experiences that shaped her perspective on caring for people with dementia from a person-centered, relational approach. The interviewer, in her mid-40s, assumed a co-interpreter role with Bell, documenting her childhood and formative years, as well as what informed her approach to caring for people with dementia. In this presentation, we bring a third voice into the conversation. During data analysis, a first-year graduate student was invited to help code and analyze Bell’s interview transcripts. As a novice gerontologist and social worker from Bangladesh, this cisgender male in his 40s shares his reactions to Bell’s oral history interviews. Specifically, this autoethnography-inspired presentation examines cultural and generational differences on aging identity and cultural norms on care for older adults. We compare and contrast the personal/ professional experiences of Bell and this Bangladeshi student while situating their reflections in extant literature. This project highlights the utility of autoethnography to systematically analyze individuals’ experiences with aging embedded in a larger social and cultural context.
PROMOTING HONG KONG ADULTS TO AGE WELL: INTERVENTION EFFECTS ON AGING PREPARATION ACROSS FOUR DOMAINS
Authors: Lin Hongmei , Leung Verona Ji Ying , Yue Courtney Sen Yee , Fung Helene 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Preparations for old age benefit physical and psychological health in later life. The population in Hong Kong has the longest life expectancy in the world. However, Hong Kong residents prepare less for their old age than their counterparts in the US and Europe. Hence, an evidence-based intervention program was developed to improve old-age preparation in Hong Kong. The program aimed to comprehensively cover the preparation for old age by involving four domains (finance, health, social relationship, and leisure activity). Specifically, the program started with four workshops where participants learned from experts on how to prepare for old age in four domains. Then, participants were grouped according to their domains of interest, and guided planning was provided to empower them to hold their old age-preparation activities for six months. A tracking survey was conducted every two weeks during the period. Finally, 140 adults (31 males; 45-83 years of age, Mage = 65.21, SD = 7.52) finished the intervention program. Findings showed that participants increased their levels of self-control, readiness for, and satisfaction with aging preparation in three domains (all except finance) after joining the workshop. After six months of intervention, a reduction in anxiety and an improvement in meaningfulness were also found in all four domains. These findings suggest that the intervention program motivates individuals to engage more in age-related preparatory behaviors across domains. This has practical implications for training old-age preparation.
THE SOCIOLOGY OF AGING AND SOCIAL GERONTOLOGY: CRITICAL TENSIONS AND NECESSARY DISTINCTIONS
Authors: Higgs Paul , Gilleard Chris 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This paper argues that the sociology of ageing has been diverted from developing a clearly sociological approach to ageing and old age by its entanglement with social gerontology. Dominated by social and health policy and advocacy on behalf of older people, the sociological analysis of later life has taken second place. The rise of critical gerontology and cultural gerontology have put further distance between sociology and the sociology of ageing. The changes to ageing and old age challenge the residualisation of ageing within the wider sociological community and set up new tasks for a sociology of ageing which resonates with contemporary later life. We argue that to achieve those tasks requires not only separating the sociology of ageing from social gerontology, but also employing contemporary sociological theory can enable the sociology of ageing to move beyond the ‘problem’ of old age. This involves an analysis of the social structural dimensions of contemporary ageing, its symbolic representations and the embodied and agentic experiences of people becoming older. We conclude that a re-envisioned sociology of ageing can also better equip social gerontology with more effective tools to understand the ‘new ageing’.
USING INERTIAL MEASUREMENT UNITS (IMUS) TO DETECT MOBILITY DECLINES IN MIDDLE-AGED INDIVIDUALS
Authors: Davis Elsa , Periassamy Mithran , Stock Braden , Altenburger Peter , Ambike Satyajit , Haddad Jeffrey 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Valid and reliable assessments of mobility are routinely used in clinics to track patient progress, assess the need for assistive devices, and predict risk of falling. These tests require patients to perform tasks that span varying degrees of difficulty so that therapists can observe changes in mobility and balance that can occur as a function of age and neurological disease. Evidence suggests that subtle gait changes which begin in middle-age can predict the future onset of mobility difficulties. However, standard clinical tests which rely on visual observation are designed to capture easily observable balance and gait problems in patients, rather than small changes that begin in middle-age. In this study we examined mobility changes that occur as a function of age using a common clinical test, the Functional Gait Assessment (FGA). Both middle aged (n=8) and young adult (n=12) participants completed the FGA while wearing small sensors, called inertial measurement units (IMUs). IMUs were placed on each ankle and the trunk to capture subtle differences in gait patterns. Participants also completed a health history questionnaire. Preliminary data suggest gait variability was increased in middle-aged adults (especially towards the end of the gait cycle), in the more difficult tasks. Subtle changes in gait velocity and leg acceleration during the swing phase of gait also appears to emerge by middle-age. Using IMUs to capture changes in gait patterns of middle-aged participants may help to identify those who are at future risk of having mobility difficulties and significant health risk.
FEELING VALUED IN OLD AGE: A QUALITATIVE EXPLORATION OF THE SOCIAL STATUS IN LATER LIFE
Authors: Kuball Tim , Hohaus Chiara , Jahn Georg 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Subjective social status describes a person’s self-assessed position in a social hierarchy and is an important determinant for mental and physical health. One’s perceived position is dynamically changing across the life-span. Individuals attempt to achieve and preserve status in their social environment. Negative age stereotypes are fueled by and contribute to the attribution of lower social status to older adults. However, little research relates to how status changes and potential status losses are subjectively perceived in older adulthood. In the present study, we used semi-structured interviews to qualitatively identify factors contributing to older adults’ experienced and anticipated status developments. In addition, resources and strategies that are used to maintain relative social status in old age were openly explored. Our sample of 14 East German citizens (mean age = 73.85, range: 67–81 years) reported a highly differentiated understanding of status that included not only socioeconomic factors but also social participation. Experienced changes in status were connected to societal upheavals and retirement. Autonomy and health were reported as important prerequisites for relative status-level preservation. Furthermore, new personal freedoms after retirement entailed empowering opportunities via engagement and other leisure activities for many respondents. Findings implicate that status development in old age may diverge from societal and loss-oriented status expectations if structural support for individual social participation is enabled. In our discussion, we reflect on suitable methodology for studying the construct of social status in old age.
GRATITUDE, RELATIONSHIP QUALITIES, AND LIFE SATISFACTION IN LATE LIFE
Authors: Richards Nicole , Zhou Zexi , Fingerman Karen 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Gratitude is associated with better well-being. The Find, Remind, and Bind Theory suggests gratitude may support relationships with greater affection and less conflict, contributing to well-being. This study evaluated gratitude, relationship qualities with social partners, and their association with life satisfaction in late life. We leveraged data from the Daily Experiences and Well-being Study. Older adults aged 65-92 (N = 316, Mean age = 74.03) completed measures of trait gratitude and life satisfaction. They also listed their close social partners and rated their affection and conflict with the 10 closest partners. Linear regression models indicated that older adults who reported higher gratitude also experienced higher levels of life satisfaction. Older adults who rated greater affection in ties to close social partners also experienced higher levels of life satisfaction; conflict was not associated with life satisfaction. We also found moderating effects; less affection with social partners was associated with lower life satisfaction only among older adults with lower gratitude levels. Older adults with higher gratitude levels reported high life satisfaction regardless of affection. Low conflict with social partners was associated with greater life satisfaction for older adults with higher gratitude levels, but participants who experienced high conflict with social partners reported less life satisfaction, regardless of gratitude level. In sum, associations between gratitude and well-being are complex. Gratitude may play a protective role for life satisfaction when older adults navigate their social world without much affection from partners but may be less effective in high conflict contexts.