bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THE STATE OF THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
Authors: Boot Walter 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Over the past few decades, the age-related digital divide has narrowed. For example, since the year 2000 in the United States, the percentage of older adults (65+) online has increased dramatically from 14% to 75%. However, compared to the 96% of individuals 50 to 64 years of age online, this still represents a substantial divide. Similar trends are observed in terms of social media usage and smartphone adoption, and even for older adults who own a smartphone, on average, smartphone proficiency can be substantially lower relative to younger people. This divide can put older adults at a substantial disadvantage and lock them out of the many benefits of existing and emerging technologies. This session will tackle issues surrounding the age-related digital divide. S. Cotten will provide a broad overview of the digital divide and theoretical perspectives that can help explain it. J. Chung will describe how the digital divide impacted social connectivity during the pandemic in low-income communities. S. Pace will discuss African American older adults, ICT use, and loneliness. S. Zhang will discuss attitudinal contributions to technology use and adoption relevant to the digital divide. Finally, W. Boot will discuss technology access and adoption and intersectionality and will discuss potential solutions to close or eliminate the gap in technology adoption and proficiency between younger and older people.
THE INCREASING INVOLVEMENT OF AAAS IN ADDRESSING THE HOUSING NEEDS AND HOMELESSNESS OF OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Graham Robert , Karmacharya Isha , Wilson Traci , French Molly 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
While services addressing the housing needs and homelessness of older adults are not a core service of the OAA, the Aging Network is adapting to the levels of growing housing insecurity facing older adults. The need for affordable and accessible housing has increased in recent years. In the 2019 National Survey of AAAs, 30% of agencies reported a desire for training and technical assistance on better addressing housing/homelessness issues; by 2022 that interest increased to 46% of agencies. Further, 81% of AAAs said that they are now providing one or more housing/homelessness programs and services. AAA involvement in housing and homeless programs and services may range from providing home modifications, supportive housing, or even owning senior housing. Community partnerships play a critical role in meeting the housing needs of older adults. This presentation shows how AAAs have adapted to address these needs, including programs, services, community partnerships, and advocacy efforts.
GRANDPARENTS’ ACTIVITY ENGAGEMENT WITH GRANDCHILDREN AS A FUNCTION OF CAREGIVER STATUS
Authors: Stephan Abigail , Chan Athena Chung Yin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Though the grandparent population varies across virtually all sociodemographic characteristics, caregiver status (i.e., whether grandparents are raising grandchildren), may be most salient in how grandparents engage in activities and perceive their roles in relation to their grandchildren. Informed by the bioecological process-person-context-time model, this mixed-methods study explores how activity engagement varies by caregiver status and whether activity engagement with grandchildren is related to grandparents’ perceived roles. A convenience sample of 86 mid-life and older adults (Mage=65.12 years, range=42-82) completed an online survey with open- and closed-ended items related to their grandparenting experience. 22% of grandparents self-identified as grandparent caregivers (GC), or those who have been raising their grandchildren for six months or longer; the remaining 78% self-identified as non-caregiving grandparents (NCG). Comparative analyses did not yield statistically significant results, revealing GCs and NGCs largely engaged in similar activities with their grandchildren. However, activity engagement intervals differed by group (i.e., daily basis for GCs vs. weekly or monthly basis for NGCs), and a greater proportion of NCGs reported digital activity engagement with their grandchildren. Both GCs and NGCs identified their roles as emotional supporters to their grandchildren, though GCs also identified with instrumental roles (e.g., surrogate parent, anchor, financial supporter). These findings shed light on the connection between self-reported activity engagement and subjective role perceptions across just one sociodemographic characteristic—caregiver status—and suggest both groups share a similar grandparenting foundation, with an additional, “dual-roles” component for GCs. Implications for future research and practice will be discussed.
RACIAL/ETHNIC DISPARITIES IN HEALTH: THE ROLE OF PHYSICALLY DEMANDING WORK
Authors: Park Sung , Pebley Anne , Goldman Noreen , Pratt Borianna , Sheftel Mara 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Work is an important contributor to racial/ethnic health disparities. Because older-age functional limitations are associated with accumulated physical wear and tear, investigating work-related mechanisms that differentially expose Black and Hispanic Americans to difficult work conditions over time is an important step towards understanding these disparities. Using data on lifetime work histories, this study investigates the role of accumulated years of physically demanding work (PDW) in young and middle adulthood on the number of functional limitations at age 60 (FL60). It also assesses whether cumulative PDW accounts for the observed racial/ethnic differences in FL60 among U.S.-born Black, Hispanic, and White respondents. Results show cumulative PDW is strongly associated with FL60 and that it accounts for a part of the racial/ethnic gap in FL60 in the presence of extensive control variables. The findings illustrate the importance of work as a dynamic process that ultimately influences the health of a diverse, aging population. Policy implications are addressed.
DYADIC LONELINESS, AGE, AND COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING AMONG MID-LIFE AND OLDER BLACK COUPLES
Authors: Stokes Jeffrey E , Farmer Heather 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Cognitive health is a growing concern for the older Black population, whose risk for dementia is about twice that of White older adults. Moreover, close relationships, such as marriage, are critical for well-being in later life. Within older adults’ marriages, loneliness has been linked with individuals’ own and their partners’ mental, physical, and cognitive health. Yet little research has examined these relationships within the older Black population, and even less work has situated Black older adults within a relational, dyadic context. Lastly, research is needed on the circumstances under which partners’ loneliness may be influential for cognition, including potential variation by individuals’ age or their own level of cognitive functioning. This study used longitudinal dyadic data from the Health and Retirement Study (2010-2016; n=1,270 participants from 635 couples) from both partners in opposite-sex midlife and older married couples where at least one partner reported being Black or African American. Lagged dependent variable (LDV) structural equation modeling (SEM) addressed our research questions. Results indicated that (1) loneliness was not associated with participants’ own cognitive functioning 4-years later, yet (2) husbands’ loneliness was associated with worse cognitive functioning 4-years later for wives who had high baseline cognitive functioning themselves, and (3) wives’ loneliness was associated with worse cognitive functioning 4-years later only for oldest-old husbands. Findings indicate that loneliness has dyadic consequences for cognitive functioning among older Black couples, but that context is crucial for determining which older partners are at greatest risk of experiencing harmful cognitive repercussions from a partner’s loneliness.
A WEAK ECONOMY AND AGE DISCRIMINATION DRIVES JOB UNCERTAINTY AMONG OLDER WORKERS
Authors: Choi-Allum Lona 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Older workers have experienced disruptions in the workplace over the past five years, with recent studies showing that a reduction in hours as the most commonly cited reason. Not surprising, the COVID-19 pandemic was a primary contributor, leading to reduced hours or leaving a job involuntarily (laid off or fired). The AARP Value of Experience survey sought to understand the experiences of 2,000 workers ages 40 and older, weighted to be nationally representative by gender, race/ethnicity, age, income, and other variables. Results showed that a weak economy is the main driver of why older workers anticipate losing their job within a year. Those under 50 (37%) are just as likely as those ages 50+ (34%) to say that they could lose their job due to a weak economy. When asked how confident those in the labor force are in finding a new job within three months, one in four workers say they are not confident while nearly half of those who are looking for a job say the same. Those age 50+ (29%) are more likely than those under age 50 (14%) to report low confidence in finding a similar job within three months. The main reasons for low confidence include age discrimination and a weak economy. Workers ages 50+ (40%) are twice as likely as those under age 50 (19%) to say age discrimination is a factor in not being able to find another similar job. This study highlights the perceived difficulties that older workers face in continued employment.
LOW SENSORY RESPONSIVENESS IS ASSOCIATED WITH ACCELERATED AGING IN MID LIFE
Authors: Asher Merav , Agmon Maayan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The rate of aging is affected by genetic, behavioral, and emotional mechanisms; one possibly additional mechanism is the ability of the nervous system to sense and react appropriately to stimuli. This ability, called sensory responsiveness, may be a factor in shaping the aging mechanism and could be used as a marker of aging. The aim of this study was to examine the association between sensory responsiveness levels and rate of aging in midlife. A total of 97 participants born between 1974-1976 (age 45.63±0.67 at end point, 46% women) were included. Biological age was estimated at age ~32 and ~45 using the Klemera-doubal method and a set of biomarkers. Rate of aging was calculated by the difference in estimated biological age scores divided by passing years, reflecting temporal change in biological age. Sensory responsiveness was evaluated using the Sensory Responsiveness Questionnaire Scale, identifying high or low sensory responsiveness subtypes. We found that low sensory responsiveness was positively associated with rate of aging while controlling for chronological age, social engagement, and physical performance (linear regression, r=0.211; p=0.038). High sensory responsiveness subtype was not significantly associated with rate of aging (linear regression, r=-0.02; p=0.843). To conclude, low sensory responsiveness subtype may have a significant role in identifying the rate of aging in midlife. These findings highlight the importance of sensory responsiveness evaluations as a marker for rate of aging and the need for interventions focusing on sensory responsivity difficulties, as a mean of supporting healthier aging.
RURAL–URBAN DISPARITIES IN COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE IN BRAZIL AND MEXICO
Authors: Goncalves Natalia Gomes , Avila Jaqueline , Bertola Laiss , Obregon Alejandra , Ferri Cleusa , Wong Rebeca , Suemoto Claudia 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Latin America (LA) has the highest dementia burden globally among people 60 years or older, with a prevalence of 8.5%. However, there is little evidence of the disparities in cognitive performance in rural and urban areas in LA. We use nationally representative data from the two largest countries in LA, Brazil and Mexico, to assess if rurality is associated with cognitive impairment, and assess how education and country modify this relationship. The sample included 9,412 participants from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI) and 14,779 participants from the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS). Participants were classified as cognitively impaired or not impaired using cognitive performance scores and a regression-based approach. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between rural/urban residency and cognitive function. The modifying effect of education and country was investigated by adding an interaction term in the fully adjusted model. ELSI participants had a mean age 62.5±9.8 years, 54% were women, 13.3% were illiterate, and 6% had cognitive impairment. MHAS participants from had a mean age 64.8±9.7 years, 55% were women, 18% were illiterate, and 5% were cognitively impaired. In Mexico, those living in rural areas were more likely to have cognitive impairment than those in urban areas (OR=1.43, 95%CI=1.20;1.71), but this difference was not seen in Brazil (OR=1.10, 95%CI=0.87;1.36). The three-way interaction of rurality with country and education showed that rural residents of Mexico had lower odds of cognitive impairment compared to rural residents of Brazil with the same level of education (p&lt;0.001).
THE EFFECT OF AGE ON EMOTION REGULATION PATTERNS IN DAILY LIFE: FINDINGS FROM AN EXPERIENCE SAMPLING STUDY
Authors: Mikkelsen Mai , O’Toole Mia , Elkjær Emma , Mehlsen Mimi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The aim of the present experience sampling study was to examine how age affects emotion regulation patterns and their impact on well-being in daily life. A sample of 406 adults (age range: 18-81, 62.8 % female) were prompted five times a day for seven days to rate their momentary emotions, emotion regulation strategy use, and emotion regulation strategy effectiveness. Based on these ratings, indicators of emotion regulation variability and differentiation were calculated. Well-being outcomes included daily positive and negative emotions as well as symptoms of anxiety and depression assessed at baseline. The findings revealed reduced emotion regulation variability with age and a negative association between emotion regulation variability and well-being. There was no effect of age on emotion regulation effectiveness or differentiation. Emotion regulation effectiveness was associated with more positive and less negative daily emotions, and this association was stronger for young adults than older adults. The findings may indicate that older adults rely on a smaller set of effective emotion regulation strategies that are adapted to their specific context and resources, leading to reduced variability in emotion regulation and ultimately greater well-being. Concerning emotion regulation effectiveness, the findings suggest that effectiveness is less important for well-being in daily life for older adults, possibly because well-being is determined by other factors (e.g., less frequent and more predictable stressors) in older age.
CELLULAR IMMUNE AGING AND PHYSICAL DISABILITY: RESULTS FROM THE HEALTH AND RETIREMENT STUDY
Authors: Noppert Grace , Duchowny Kate 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Given long-standing inequities in physical disability, we leveraged data from the nationally-representative Health and Retirement Study to investigate gender differences in the association between advanced immune aging and physical disability. Among women, we found a one standard deviation increase in the CD8+:CD4+ ratio, a marker of advanced immune aging, was associated with a 24% greater prevalence of ADL disability (PR= 1.24, 95% CI: 1.23, 1.25). No association was observed among men. Results suggest that among women, advanced immune aging may serve as a salient risk factor in shaping physical disability.
ESTIMATING THE EFFECTS OF A POTENTIAL VACCINE FOR CYTOMEGALOVIRUS ON DISABILITIES AMONG OLDER ADULTS IN THE US
Authors: He Yuelin , Faul Jessica , Duchowny Kate , Li Chihua , Stebbins Rebecca , Noppert Grace 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection has been identified as contributing to the development several aging-related diseases, such as disabilities. However, the development of CMV vaccines has been slow, particularly of those targeting older individuals. With few studies that have investigated the potential effects of a CMV vaccine on disabilities among older adults, we aim to study such effects on mobility disabilities by tasks. We use longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) from 2016 to 2020 to quantify what proportion of disabilities could be prevented in the United States with a viable CMV vaccine. The analytic sample includes N=5,855 individuals aged 65 or above. Under the assumption that a hypothetical vaccine would shift CMV levels from seropositive to seronegative, we construct a binary indicator based on the continuous IgG antibody measure of serum CMV. Using a novel logistic regression-based approach that allows adjustment for continuous age, we estimate attributable fractions (AF) to seropositive CMV levels for five dichotomous outcomes about difficulty with activities of daily living (ADLs), including walking across a room, dressing, bathing, eating, getting in and out of bed, and using the toilet, and stratify the analyses by sex and race/ethnicity. The findings will implicate the potential impact of a vaccine for CMV on mobility disability in older adults, laying the groundwork for future studies to examine the impact of vaccines on disabilities at different time points with varying efficacy levels among the elderly.
MULTIFACETED LINKS BETWEEN SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS AND THE DISABLEMENT PROCESS IN LATER LIFE
Authors: Zhang Yuan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
While a negative association between social relationships and physical limitations or disability has been reported persistently, the possible reciprocal relationships and pathways through which social relationships affect physical function and disability remain to be explored. This study used longitudinal data from the US Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) to examine the multifaceted links between different dimensions of social relationships and physical limitations/disability among older adults in the US. We used Structural Equation Models to explore pathways between social relationships and physical limitations in the HRS and longitudinal residual change models to examine the effects of social relationships on changes in physical limitations between two waves in NSHAP. Results show that for men, greater social integration may lower subsequent physical limitations, whereas, for women, social support may prevent declines in physical function. For both genders, greater physical limitations and disability significantly lower subsequent social integration. This work tested the potential causal benefits of the social relationship hypothesis and selection processes and incorporated different aspects of social relationships. As such, our findings advance the explanations of the association between social relationships and later-life health and help better understand the determinants of the disablement process.
USING TRANSDISCIPLINARY CO-PRODUCTION TO GAIN INSIGHTS INTO SPATIAL JUSTICE AND AGE-FRIENDLY CITIES
Authors: Doran Patty 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Globally, a popular policy approach to address the two interrelated challenges of population ageing and urbanisation has been to adopt the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly City framework, a model that can help to identify and address barriers to the well-being and participation of older people. This paper reports early findings from the ‘Ageing in Place in Cities’ project. The research was conducted from a critical gerontology perspective and embedded a spatial justice perspective by centring the concepts of equity, diversity and co-production in our underpinning theoretical framework. Discussing findings from seven case study cities (all who were early adopters of the Age-Friendly Cities framework), this paper discusses how a transdisciplinary co-production approach has been used to gain greater understanding of age-friendly initiatives in each city. Using mixed methods, we first developed descriptive profiles for each city using both census and other local demographic data to explore how the populations have changed over time, and narratives and policy documents detailing the initiatives used to support ageing in place. Second, we conducted semi-structured interviews with a variety of actors in each city to examine how the cities delivered age-friendly change. We integrated the data using a comparative case study approach to draw out insights across the cities. Our findings reveal the role of key leaders and stakeholders in age-friendly cities and will be of interest to policy makers and academics interested in population ageing and urban change. Further, our transdisciplinary co-production methods present a novel approach to conducting age-friendly research.
ESTIMATION OF WORKING LIFE EXPECTANCY: APPLICATION OF A MULTISTATE MARKOV MODEL
Authors: Chungkham Holendro Singh 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Longer life expectancy in Western countries has led to concerns about sustainable workforces amid the rising costs of securing aging populations. Retirement age is no more a good indicator of the end of the working life, because many older workers move in-and-out of workforce. A more useful measure is working life expectancy (WLE), which is the expected number of remaining years from a given age that a person will work. This measure considers transitions across different employment states. The method adopted for estimation of WLE is along the same line to estimate health expectancy (HE) based on cross-sectional data without considering transitions in different states of work over time. A better approach is based on multi-state survival models considering transitions among states over time using longitudinal data. These models assume a Markov Process to estimate transition probabilities. WLE is the weighted sum of duration of stay in a state weighted by the transition probabilities. The method adopted in IDEAR consortium is a multistate survival model assuming a first-order Markov process in continuous time to estimate transition probabilities. Transition probabilities are estimated by the msm package. This model takes care of interval censoring where the exact dates of transitions from one state to another is not known. WLEs are estimated by using the package elect (van den Hout, 2019) incorporating age as a time dependent variable by using a Gompertz model instead of the exponential model. The method is demonstrated to estimate WLE using Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health (SLOSH).