bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
YES! YOU CAN DO DAILY DIARY RESEARCH WITH DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS!
Authors: Winstead Vicki , Pickering Carolyn , Winstead Vicki 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Successful recruitment and retention of dementia caregivers for intensive research protocols such as daily diary research is thought to be hindered by factors that include having limited time and the stress in dementia caregiving. Knowing why caregivers participate and what keeps them motivated to comply in daily diary research is crucial in understanding the experiences of dementia caregiving for the purpose of developing and ensuring successful interventions. The purpose of this symposium is to present data from three online micro-longitudinal daily diary studies on caregiving and dementia that inform successful practices in recruitment, compliance and reducing missing data in dementia caregivers. Each of the studies required daily participation ranging from 1) four daily diaries each day over 8 consecutive days, 2) 21 consecutive days of diaries once per day, and 3) three different data collection points of 21 consecutive days over one year. The symposium includes three papers that address the following areas: 1) Identifying factors that motivate dementia caregivers to participate in research for the purpose of developing relevant and meaningful recruitment materials. 2) Describing and predicting “missingness” within diary research, and 3) Effective strategies that are intentional in promoting high levels of compliance in completing diaries. Discussion will include ways to enhance recruitment materials that are congruent with caregivers’ motivations to participate, how strategies were used in each of the three studies for compliance in completion of daily surveys and retention and provide evidence that caregivers do take the time to participate in intensive research protocols.
THE ROLE OF SOCIAL SUPPORT AND SELF-EFFICACY ON HOPEFULNESS IN LOW-INCOME OLDER ADULTS AGED 50 AND OVER
Authors: Kwon Soonhyung , Benoit Ellen , Windsor Liliane 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Social support and self-efficacy play a significant role in improving positive psychological well-being in marginalized older adults. However, to date, there are few studies on identifying the relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined the effect of social support and self-efficacy on hopefulness in marginalized low-income older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
This study used baseline data from a clinical trial designed to increase COVID-19 testing in Essex County, NJ. The dataset involved participants aged 50 and over. We conducted: 1) cross-sectional descriptive/frequency statistics to understand the sociodemographic characteristics, 2) multivariate linear regression to investigate the direct relationships between social support subscales or self-efficacy and hopefulness, and 3) mediation analyses to examine the mediating role of self-efficacy in the relationship between social support and hopefulness.

Results
After adjusting for covariate variables, social support subscales (emotional/informational social support: b = 0.20, p &lt; 0.05; tangible social support: b = 0.13, p &lt; 0.05; affectionate social support: b = 0.17, p &lt; 0.05; positive social interaction social support: b = 0.15, p &lt; 0.05) and self-efficacy (b = 0.55, p &lt; 0.001) were significantly associated with hopefulness. The indirect effect of social support via self-efficacy was positive and statistically significant (Effect = 0.14, Bootse = 0.04, BootLLCI - BootULCI = 0.06 - 0.23)

Conclusion
Self-efficacy mediated the relationship between social support and hopefulness in marginalized older adults aged 50 and over. Further research needs to identify the various facets of positive psychological well-being using longitudinal data and larger sample size.
AGING WELL, AGING DIFFERENTLY: A COMPARISON BETWEEN LIFE PLAN COMMUNITY RESIDENTS AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE
Authors: Mertz Laurel , Smith Jennifer , Lehpamer Nicole , Basic Ajla , O’Brien Catherine 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Residing in Life Plan Communities (or Continuing Care Retirement Communities) may have benefits to well-being due to greater access to wellness programs and services. The purpose of this research was to examine changes in health and wellness between Life Plan Community residents and older adults residing in the community at large over five years. Data included 1,729 residents (69% female, mean baseline age = 81.64) who participated in Years 1 and 5 of the Age Well Study, and 427 older adults (50% female, mean baseline age = 80.78) residing in the community at large who participated in multiple waves of the Health and Retirement Study. The community-at-large group was proportionally sampled to be similar to the residents on age, income, and race/ethnicity, and both groups completed the same measures of health and wellness at each time point. Data were analyzed using multilevel models controlling for age, gender, income, education, and marital status. Compared to the community-at-large older adults, residents tended to exhibit better physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and vocational wellness in Years 1 and 5, but lower spiritual wellness in Year 5. When comparing Year 1 and Year 5, both groups reported similar changes over time on physical and vocational wellness measures. Community-at-large older adults tended to report more favorable changes in emotional and spiritual wellness, and residents showed more favorable changes in social and intellectual wellness. Although effects of the pandemic should be explored further, these findings have implications for supporting aging well in different types of residential settings.
ASSOCIATIONS OF HOME ENVIRONMENT AND UNMET CARE NEEDS AMONG LOW- AND MODERATE-INCOME OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Okoye Safiyyah , Samuel Laura , Fabius Chanee , Pollack Craig , Gitlin Laura , Szanton Sarah L , Wolff Jennifer 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The home environment is an increasingly important setting for long-term services and support. However, more information is needed about the relationship between the home environment and adverse consequences due to unmet needs (i.e., going without assistance with everyday activities such as eating or bathing) among older adults. We draw on information from N=4,898 low and moderate-income (annual income &lt;$60,000) community-living respondents to the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). Two aspects of the home environment were directly observed by NHATS interviewers: home disorder (six items, including flooring problems, tripping hazards, pests) and home disrepair (five items, including missing siding and broken steps). NHATS asked participants who reported a disability whether they experienced one of seven adverse consequences (e.g., going without eating) due to no one being there to provide help or the activity is too difficult for them to complete on their own. About half of our sample (48.5%) reported a disability. We found home disorder and disrepair more prevalent among older adults with disabilities than those without (36.2% v. 28.1% and 18.2% v. 15.0%, respectively). Among older adults with disabilities, the presence of any home disorder and any home disrepair were associated with higher odds of experiencing an adverse consequence of an unmet care need in unadjusted analyses (home disorder: OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.11, 1.60; home disrepair: OR 1.16; 95% CI 0.90, 1.50). Findings show an association between home environment and unmet care needs and can signal the need to target housing-related risk factors in future interventions.
HEALTH AND FUNCTION FROM MID LIFE TO LATE ADULTHOOD: FINDINGS FROM THE STUDY OF WOMEN’S HEALTH ACROSS THE NATION (SWAN)
Authors: Karvonen-Gutierrez Carrie , Woods Nancy Fugate 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Midlife (age 40-64) is characterized by physiologic, psychosocial and situational change, and a time when women experience the seminal endocrinological event of menopause. From a lifecourse perspective, understanding the relationship between midlife and older adult health is critical, particularly for identifying modifiable factors in midlife that impact later life health and functioning. Previous research has demonstrated that midlife health and functioning is dynamic and thus potentially amenable to intervention, though there remain crucial gaps in our understanding of this period. The Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN) is an observational multi-racial/ethnic (White, Black, Chinese, Japanese, Hispanic) longitudinal study of 3,302 women recruited in 1996 from 7 sites in the United States (Boston, MA; Newark, NJ; Pittsburgh, PA; Detroit-area, MI; Chicago, IL; Oakland, CA; Los Angeles, CA). Over the past 27 years, women have participated in up to 17 near-annual study visits, spanning from midlife (age 42-52 years at baseline) to later life (age 69-79 years). This symposium features new science from SWAN including: an examination of rate of change in depressive symptoms across the menopausal transition (Avis); the impact of impaired glucose levels in midlife on muscle quality and power (Leis); the importance of sleep regularity for cognitive function (Derby); and the association of urinary incontinence with disability (Dugan). The symposium provides information regarding data and biospecimen access for investigators interested in using SWAN resources (Brooks). The Discussant will consider the implications of studying midlife health and function in relation to health and well-being in late adulthood.
LATENT CLASSES OF RESILIENCE IN A NATIONWIDE SAMPLE OF AMERICAN ADULTS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC: THE ROLE OF AGE
Authors: Chepkorir Joyline , Hladek Melissa , Huang Jing , Pavlovic Noelle , Phan Phillip , Gross Alden 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Intra-individual coping and responses to stressors vary across people, influencing health outcomes. We aimed to identify distinct subgroups, using latent class analysis, of resilience based on coping resources and responses to COVID-19 using data from a nationally representative sample of American adults (N=3,640), including 2,507 younger (age&lt; 65 years) and 833 older adults (age≥65 years). Data were collected in June 2020, after the first three months of COVID-19 lockdown. We identified sub-groups of resilience based on 11 self-reported coping resources and responses: pain, trauma, depressive and anxiety symptoms, alcohol, drug and food usage, coping resources, social networks, perceived cognitive deficit, and loneliness. Using conventional fit criteria (AIC, BIC, LMR-LRT, BLRT), we identified four latent classes: Low mental/physical resilience (N=187, 5.6%), Low mental resilience (N=432, 13.0%), Low social resilience (N=832, 25.0%), and High resilience (N=1888, 57%). While the first resilience class showed the poorest coping in all measures, the fourth class displayed good resilience qualities across all responses. Low mental resilience was characterized by high anxiety and depression, while the Low social resilience class was characterized by relatively poor social networks. Adults in the High Resilience class were on average 54 years old while adults in the low resilience class were considerably younger (average 33 years old, p&lt; 0.001). Understanding patterns of resilience, especially by age strata, may help identify and support those who have an increased risk for poorer outcomes and may guide the development of individual- and population-level interventions to promote adaptive coping in the event of such a global stressor.
FORETHOUGHT OR AFTERTHOUGHT? THE FUTURE OF GERONTOLOGICAL EDUCATION
Authors: Masters Julie , Staley Mark , Karasik Rona 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The increasing population of older adults would suggest a comparable increase in the demand for gerontological education. The current workforce shortage and number of Gerontology programs that are struggling and/or closing, however, suggest this is not necessarily the case. Bass and Ferraro (2000) reported over 1,000 gerontology/aging or related programs in operation. Today, there are 537 programs in gerontology and/or aging including 31 Associate degrees; 185 Minors; 79 Undergraduate and 92 Graduate Certificates; 43 Majors; 57 Masters; and 16 doctoral programs (University of Nebraska Omaha, 2023). Many interrelated factors have been suggested to account for the decline. From an economic point of view, these factors are thought to include: decreasing enrollments in and revenue generation from gerontology programs; demographic shifts away from traditional age college students; and decreasing interest and value of higher education overall. From a pedagogical point of view, this might reflect a return to individual courses and programs ensconced in more traditional disciplinary approaches (e.g., family studies, psychology, and sociology). Pervasive ageism has also been thought to be an underlying societal factor. While none of these factors are easily remedied, understanding their impact is an important first step. GSA programming such as Ageism First Aid and Reframing Aging Initiative are taking the next Herculean step in tackling societal ageism. This presentation focuses on reframing the value of gerontological education to students, employers, and policymakers– moving it from an afterthought to a prioritized strategy for addressing the mounting demand for aging services and service providers.
AGE DIFFERENCES IN EMOTION UTILITY KNOWLEDGE: COMPARING DISCRETE VERSUS DIMENSIONAL MODELS
Authors: Kravljaca Nikolina , Stanley Jennifer , Allard Eric 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Do young and older adults have the same metacognitive schema for emotional utility? We examined young and older adults’ knowledge of which emotion would be best for achieving a goal (e.g., anger for confrontation). We captured responses using both a discrete emotions framework (e.g., happy; Ekman 1992) and a dimensional/circumplex model approach (e.g., arousal and valence; Russell, 1980) to determine which framework is most useful for understanding age differences in utilitarian emotion knowledge. Seventy-five young and 66 older adults indicated the most useful emotion when playing video games associated with different goals (Approach, Avoid, Confront, Analyze). Participants were asked to rate discrete emotions as well as identify the best combination of preferred valence and arousal on an affect grid. Two separate mixed-design ANOVAs were conducted for discrete emotion and dimensional ratings. Young and older adults exhibited similar preferences for both the discrete and circumplex model and chose the emotion with the most expected utility for each goal (e.g., happy for approach). One interesting age difference emerged where young adults endorsed the expected utilitarian emotion of sadness for the analyze goal to a greater extent than older adults. For the affect grid ratings, age differences were driven by arousal but not valence. We discuss how a discrete emotions approach may allow some clarity and a common language for interrogating the role of aging in utilitarian emotionality but may lack the nuance provided by the circumplex model.
OLDER ADULT PERCEPTIONS OF HEALTHY AGING MEASURES
Authors: Rule Payton , Allemand Mathias , Hill Patrick 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Little is known about how lay older adults view measures commonly employed to assess healthy aging. This study examined older adults’ perceptions of scales capturing psychological wellbeing, psychosocial factors, and physical health. Participants (n = 60 US adults; MAge = 65.49, 41.18% Female, 94.12% White) were asked to rate how easy each measure was to understand and interpret on a scale of 1 (Not easy at all) to 7 (Very easy). In addition, they were asked to identify any items with which they had difficulty responding. Finally, participants provided opinions of whether these scales fully addressed their perspective on healthy aging, or if additional components were needed. Results showed that, on average, participants rated the aging-related outcomes measures as easy to understand and interpret (M = 6.14). Older adults rated measures related to physical health and health behaviors as the easiest to use (the PROMIS Health Measure (M = 6.47) and the Good Health Practices Scale (M = 6.49)), while measures that capture future planning were the most difficult to comprehend and interpret (the Consideration of Future Consequences Scale (CFC; M = 5.19) and the Goals Related to Healthy Aging Scale (M = 5.73)). While participants generally reported satisfaction with the comprehensiveness of the measures, some (22%) felt that these measures did not fully capture the social aspects of aging. Future measurement development may benefit from older adults’ input to increase their utility and better capture the experiences of older adults.
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN PSYCHOLOGICAL OUTCOMES OF DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS
Authors: Roden Elena , Falzarano Francesca 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Substantial research has been conducted on the high prevalence of anxiety and depression among dementia family caregivers. Stressors, such as financial hardships related to costs of care and feelings of role captivity, can exacerbate adverse mental health outcomes. However, there is limited literature focused specifically on gender differences in the caregiving stress process. Using data from a mixed-methods study of 46 dementia family caregivers between the ages of 23-96, the purpose of this study was to examine gender differences in self-reported caregiving stressors (e.g., cost of care, care intensity) and psychosocial outcomes including depression and anxiety. Results showed that compared to females, male caregivers reported greater costs of care, greater feelings of role captivity, higher frequency of assistance with medical/nursing tasks (p=.01) and activities of daily living (ps range from .01-.04). Male caregivers also reported significantly greater distress related to care tasks (p=.04), as well as higher levels of depression (p=.02) and anxiety (p=.05). These findings provide insight into how the informal caregiving experience can vary by caregiver gender and potential factors contributing to these differential outcomes. The data establishes the importance of considering demographic characteristics in providing needed resources to dementia family caregivers.
IRRATIONAL FALL RISK APPRAISAL GROUP CHARACTERISTICS IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Rossler Aleatha , Thiamwong Ladda , Stout Jeffrey , Loerzel Victoria , Ng Boon Peng 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Approximately 43% of older adults are affected by fear of falling (FOF). A portion of those affected by FOF have irrational fall risk appraisal (FRA) which means they have a high FOF despite normal balance. This secondary analysis aimed to examine the 18% of the 124 study participants living with irrational FRA from the RO3AG06799-0 data source. Descriptive statistics were used to examine characteristics of older adults with Irrational FRA. Spearman Rho and linear regression were used to evaluate factors (age, sex, race, education, financial status, living situation, fall history, depression symptoms, anxiety, hand grip strength, balance, and fear of falling) associated with Irrational FRA in older adults. Of the 22 participants with irrational FRA, 20 were female, 70% were aged 70 or above (average age 74), and 72% were white (25% Asian, AA, and Hispanic). 77% had anxiety symptoms, with 50% having high anxiety scores, and 32% had depression symptoms. 40% lived alone, 45% had no prior falls, and 70% had low hand grip strength. 23% had inadequate financial means, and 72% had a college education or higher. Statistically significant correlations were found between the FES score and age (p=.044), who the participant lived with (p=.033), and balance (p=.042). Regression analysis showed predictors of FES score in this group to be anxiety (p=.042) and who they live with (p=.024). This study provides valuable insights into the demographic and clinical characteristics of older adults with irrational FRA and highlights the role of anxiety and living status in predicting FOF.
PREDICTORS OF MAXIMUM STEP LENGTH IN OLDER ADULTS: ROLES FOR STRENGTH AND ACE GENOTYPE
Authors: Goldberg Allon , Norris Hayden , Garber Johnathon , Burkhardt Summer , Little Natalie , Sucic Joseph 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Deficits in step length, assessed clinically by the maximum step length (MSL) test, are associated with poor balance and falls, in older adults. Determining predictors of MSL would facilitate targeted interventions to improve balance and reduce falls in older adults. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) insertion/deletion polymorphism genotypes interact with strength to predict stepping speed, but the interplay between ACE genotype, strength and MSL is unclear. Our objective was to determine whether strength and ACE DD genotype, through main effects or interactively, are associated with MSL, in older adults. Adults (N=103, female=58.2%, mean age 72.1 years, range 65-85 years) provided demographic, health and balance confidence information, completed grip strength and MSL testing, and provided saliva for genotyping. Multiple regression determined variance in MSL explained by strength, DD genotype (present/absent), and strength x genotype interaction, while controlling for covariates (age, sex, self-rated health and balance confidence). Covariates (model 1) explained 47.7% of MSL variance, while adding grip strength (model 2) explained additional 9.7% of variance. Adding DD genotype (model 3) explained .2%, while adding a strength x genotype interaction term (model 4) explained additional 3.4%, of MSL variance. The final model explained 61% of the variance in MSL (p&lt;.001). DD genotype did not independently predict MSL (β=-.053; p=.421), but was interactively with strength, a significant predictor (β=.216; p=.005) of MSL. Strength was a significant predictor (β=.264; p=.003) of MSL, and as a modifiable physiological factor should be a focus of rehabilitation interventions to improve MSL and reduce falls risk in older adults.
PERSON-CENTERED COMMUNICATION AND APATHY IN NURSING HOME RESIDENTS WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Jao Ying-Ling , Liao Yo-Jen , Berish Diane , Mogle Jacqueline , Kales Helen , Boltz Marie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Apathy is prevalent in dementia and is associated with poor health outcomes. Communication is fundamental for daily caregiving activities. Person-centered communication has positively impacted some neurobehavioral symptoms, but its impact on apathy remains unclear. This video observation study examined the association between healthcare workers’ use of person-centered communication and apathy in nursing home residents with dementia. Three videos, three to ten minutes each, were recorded for each resident to capture daily caregiving interactions. Healthcare workers’ communication was transcribed and segmented into phrases. Communication was coded phrase-by-phrase via video observations using the Person-Centered Behavioral Inventory. Communication was categorized as none, person-centered, non-person-centered, or others. Apathy was coded second-by-second via video observations using the Person-Environment Apathy Rating. Concurrent correlations and ANOVA were used for analysis. A total of 17 residents with dementia and apathy and 21 healthcare workers (e.g., certified nurse assistants, activity staff, and nurses) were recruited from three nursing homes. Results showed that caregiver communication approach had widely mixed correlations with second-by-second apathy scores across all videos (averaged r=0.09, range: r=-0.18 to r=0.54). Further ANOVA analysis showed that using person-centered communication, as compared to other communication approaches, had mixed associations with apathy; 19.6% showed significantly lower apathy, 35.7% showed significantly higher apathy, and 44.6% showed no significant associations. Overall, healthcare workers’ communication approach can potentially impact apathy for residents with dementia. Future research that examines the sequential associations between communication and apathy is needed to guide intervention development to reduce apathy and improve dementia care in nursing homes.