bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MULTILEVEL LIFESTYLE INTERVENTIONS ARE NEEDED TO IMPROVE DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Du Yan , Song Lixin , Gonzales Mitzi , Espinoza Sara , Jaen Carlos , Wu Bei , Finley Erin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a major public health concern in older adults. Physical activity (PA) and healthy eating (HE) are two major lifestyle intervention strategies in diabetes self-management for controlling glucose levels, preventing complications, and improving functionality and quality of life. This qualitative study aimed to explore perceived factors influencing PA and HE among predominately Latino older adults with T2D ((age=70.5±4.8; Latinos=73.3%). We conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 community dwelling older adults with T2D at the end of a 12-week pre- and post- study assessing self-monitoring on lifestyles and health outcomes. All interviews were recorded and transcribed. Two researchers analyzed the data independently using a combination of deductive and inductive thematical analysis. Codes were categorized into five themes based on the socio-ecological framework, and sub-themes were identified. The themes included five levels of factors: 1) individual (e.g., knowledge, self-efficacy, self-monitoring, perceived benefits and threats, health status,); 2) interpersonal (e.g., family, friend, health provider); 3) organizational (e.g., availability of physical activity equipment in senior apartments); 4) environment (e.g., culture norms); and 5) policy factors (e.g., health provider, retirement). The factors in one level could influence the factors in another level. Most current lifestyle interventions focus on individual level, and multilevel lifestyle interventions to promote healthy lifestyles, and improve health, independence, and quality of life in older adults with T2D are warranted. The input of additional stakeholders such as family members and community staff need to be accounted when designing multilevel intervention in older adults with T2D.
IMPACT OF MITOCHONDRIAL MALFUNCTION IN AGING IS MEDIATED BY IMPAIRED LYSOSOMES AND ENDOPLASMIC RETICULUM
Authors: Raimundo Nuno 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The hallmarks of aging are well established, and include mitochondrial malfunction, deregulated nutrient sensing, loss of proteostasis, and senescence, among others. While these hallmarks are all part of the aging process, they have typically been studied independently. We have found that mitochondrial malfunction can affect lysosomal activity, impacting nutrient sensing, and our that the crosstalk between mitochondria and other organelles such as endoplasmic reticulum and lysosomes affects cellular senescence, proteostasis and intercellular communication. Chronic mitochondrial malfunction causes perturbations in the lysosomal membrane which affect the function of this organelle as well as the recruitment of folliculin (FLCN) to the lysosomes. FLCN regulates the balance between anabolism (stimulating mTORC1) and catabolism (repressing AMPK). Increased recruitment of FLCN to the lysosomal membrane in cells subjected to chronic mitochondrial malfunction results in hyperactive mTORC1 and inhibition of AMPK signaling, thus aberrantly promoting anabolism under conditions that are not optimal. Furthermore, peroxisomal β-oxidation increases, and expression of proteasome subunits decreases, with consequent perturbation of proteostasis. Overall, the impact of chronic mitochondrial malfunction over lysosomes triggers multiple perturbations in organelles and organelle crosstalk that culminate in aberrant nutrient sensing, metabolic rewiring, proteostasis impairment, senescence and release of sterile inflammation-related proteins to the extracellular medium that denote alterations in intercellular communication. We will build on these findings to explore an overall picture of organelle homeostasis in aging and in age-related diseases.
THE FOXO3 LONGEVITY GENOTYPE ATTENUATES IMPACT OF HYPERTENSION ON CEREBRAL MICROINFARCT RISK
Authors: Allsopp Richard , Kakagawa Kazuma , Masaki Kamal , Morris Brian , Wilcox D Craig , Willcox Bradley 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The G allele of the FOXO3 SNP rs2802292 is associated with human resilience and longevity and has recently been shown to attenuate the impact of hypertension on the risk of intracerebral hemorrhage. We now determined whether FOXO3 G-allele similarly attenuated the impact of hypertension on the risk of cerebral microinfarct (CMI). From a prospective population-based cohort of American men of Japanese ancestry (Kuakini Honolulu Heart Program), age-adjusted prevalence of any (1 or more) CMI on brain autopsies was assessed. Logistic regression models, adjusted for age of death, cardiovascular risk factors, FOXO3 and APOE-ε4 genotypes, were utilized to determine the predictors of any CMI. A potential interaction effect of FOXO3 and hypertension was also analyzed. Among 809 men with complete data, 511 (63.2%) had evidence of any CMI. A full multivariable model demonstrated that body mass index (OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01–1.14; p=0.012) was the only significant predictor of CMI, while hypertension was a borderline predictor (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.00–2.08; p=0.052). A significant interaction between FOXO3 G-allele genotype and hypertension was observed (p=0.02). In the stratified analyses, among the participants without the longevity-associated FOXO3 G-allele, hypertension was a strong predictor of CMI (OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.34–3.77;, p=0.0021), while among those with the longevity-associated FOXO3 G-allele, hypertension was not (OR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.51–1.54; p=0.66). These results suggest that the longevity-associated FOXO3 G-allele attenuated the impact of hypertension on the risk of CMI. More studies of other populations is needed to further validate this interesting relation.
INTERGENERATIONAL HAIKU-MAKING ACTIVITY: CREATING MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS ACROSS GENERATIONS
Authors: Matsumoto Yoshiko , Maeda Harumi , Wan Emily , Bansal Deven , Tayag Paolo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Intergenerational activities rooted in creative arts can improve the social connectedness and quality of life of older people living with cognitive impairment (e.g., Dorris et al., 2022; Ihara et al., 2022). Our study further explores the potential of humanities-based approaches to improve well-being and create meaningful connections across generations. Addressing the increasing concerns of loneliness and social isolation among older people living with cognitive impairment, we carried out a haiku-making activity in which 2-3 older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) interact with 2-3 university students in the creation of haiku poems based on seasonal photos. This Japanese poetic form can be composed using short phrases that describe emotional responses to natural scenes, free from the logical and grammatical constraints of prose. This structure enables a failure-free environment that engages participants in self-expression and imagination. Additionally, haiku’s simple but often unfamiliar format allows all participants to interact and contribute on an even playing field (Author et al., in press). Our analysis of the (1) recorded haiku-making activity sessions, (2) recorded post-session interviews, and (3) completed haiku poems reveals positive impacts of the activity on both the older participants with MCI and the younger participants. Our findings illustrate how haiku-making and haiku-based conversations promote emotional well-being and intergenerational understanding among participants. This study presents a model for how incorporating perspectives from the arts and humanities into gerontology/geriatrics programs can improve quality of life and enhance meaningful social/intergenerational connections across life stages.
NORMATIVE VALUES FOR STRENGTH AND FUNCTION DERIVED FROM THE CANADIAN LONGITUDINAL STUDY ON AGING
Authors: Mayhew Alexandra , So Hon Yiu , Ma Jinhui , Beauchamp Marla , Griffith Lauren , Kuspinar Ayse , Lang Justin , Raina Parminder 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Decreased muscle strength and physical function often precede disability, nursing home admission, home care use, and mortality in older adults. Normative values for commonly used physical performance-based tests are not widely available for older adults but are required for clinicians and researchers to easily identify individuals with low performance. Our objective was to develop normative values for grip strength, gait speed, Timed Up and Go, single leg balance, and five-repetition chair rise tests in a large population-based sample of Canadians aged 45 to 85 years. Baseline data (2011-2015) from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging was used to estimate age- and sex-specific normative values for each of the physical tests. Participants were without disability or mobility limitation (no assistance with activities of daily living or use of mobility devices). Of the 25,470 participants eligible for the analyses 48.6% (n=12,369) were female with a mean age of 58.6 ±9.5 years. Sex-specific 5th, 10th, 20th, 50th, 80th, 90th, and 95th percentile values for each physical performance-based test were estimated. Cross-validation (n=100 repetitions) with a 30% holdout sample was used to evaluate model fit. The normative values developed in this paper can be used in clinical and research settings to identify individuals with low performance relative to their peers of the same age and sex. Interventions targeting these at-risk individuals including physical activity can prevent or delay mobility disability and the resulting cascade of increasing care requirements, health care costs, and mortality.
MUSCLE ACTIVATION VARIABILITY AS A DETERMINANT OF GAIT VARIABILITY IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: LaRoche Dain , Joshi Purnashree 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Gait variability is the step-to-step fluctuations in spatial, temporal, and kinetic gait parameters that reduces the rhythmicity of walking and places older adults at greater risk for falling. Gait variability is influenced by the senses, balance, executive function, strength, and potentially the consistency of neuromuscular activation. The purpose of this study was to test whether older adults with high muscle activation (HMA) variability during walking have greater kinetic, spatial and temporal gait variability than those with low activation variability (LMA). Twenty-seven men and women 65-85 yr walked at normal and maximal speeds on an instrumented treadmill that recorded gait parameters while the electromyogram (EMG) was recorded from vastus lateralis and gastrocnemius lateralis muscles. EMG was recorded over 10 steps and its coefficient of variation was used to identify HMA and LMA groups. Repeated measures ANOVA tested the effects of group (HMA, LMA) and speed (normal, maximal) on gait variability. A significant main effect of speed existed as weight acceptance peak force variability increased 21% (p = 0.014), push off force variability increased 29% (p = 0.015) and step length variability increased 20% (p = 0.02) at maximal speed. A significant interaction existed between speed and group for weight acceptance peak force variability (p = 0.03) as HMA increased 50% while LMA changed little (-4%). Gait variability increased with speed in older men and women, more so for those who exhibit greater muscle activation variability. This suggests the consistency of neuromuscular activation is a factor that affects the rhythmicity of walking.
PERCEIVED BALANCE IS ASSOCIATED WITH SELF-REPORTED FALLS IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Dolan Hanne , Pohl Janet , Pituch Keenan , Coon David 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Accidental falls are a significant health threat among older adults. Approximately 30% of adults age 65 and older suffer one or more falls each year. Most accidental falls are preventable, and older adults’ engagement in fall prevention is imperative. Limited research suggest that older adults do not use the term “fall risk” to describe their risk for falls. Instead, they commonly use the term “balance problems.” The aim of this study was to examine how perceived balance problems is associated with self-reported falls in the past month after controlling for known predictors of falls among older adults. The Health Belief Model and the concept of perceived susceptibility served as the theoretical framework. A cross-sectional secondary analysis using data from a subsample of independently living participants (N = 7499) from the National Health and Aging Trends Study from year 2015 was conducted, with 10.3% of the sample reporting a fall. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the odds of reporting a fall in the past month were 3.4 times (p &lt; .001) greater for participants who reported having a balance problem compared to those who did not. In contrast, fear of falling and perceived memory problems were not uniquely associated with falls. Using a mobility device, reporting pain, poor self-rated health status, depression, and anxiety scores were also associated with falling. Older adults’ perceived balance problem is strongly associated with their fall risk. A focus on balance instead of fall risk may improve older adults’ engagement in fall prevention.
THE FEASIBILITY AND ACCEPTABILITY OF PERTURBATION BALANCE TRAINING IN RURAL COMMUNITIES: A MIXED METHODS STUDY
Authors: Whitten Justin , Graham David , Grocke Michelle , O’Leary Bryant , Riley Julie , Tarabochia Dawn 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Falls are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults. Older adults in rural communities have an elevated risk of falling. Perturbation-Based Balance Training (PBT) is an effective fall-prevention paradigm. However, it’s acceptability and feasibility in community settings is unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of a community-based PBT program to local community-dwelling older adults and practitioners. Nineteen healthy older adults (60+ years) completed a 6-week PBT program, implemented in conjunction with three community practitioners. Measures of balance, balance confidence and fear of falling were assessed before and after training. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed prospectively, concurrently, and retrospectively via field notes, surveys, and interviews within the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. PBT was perceived as effective by older adults. Perceived increases in balance awareness, low burden/opportunity-cost and enjoyment of novel training were identified as facilitators. Notably, participants with poor balance tended to perceive PBT as less acceptable and demonstrated apprehensive and avoidant behavior, reinforcing the importance of comprehensive screening prior to participation in PBT. Practitioners perceived PBT as acceptable, with efficacy, low burden/opportunity-cost, and ethicality being primary facilitators. While the portable nature of the perturbation treadmill increased feasibility in rural communities, cost of equipment and transportation were perceived as substantial barriers to implementation. These results suggest PBT is acceptable in rural communities and demonstrate a need for training modalities that are more feasibly implemented in a community setting. Further investigation of low-tech alternatives such as manual PBT may offer potential solutions.
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN CONTROL AND RESOLUTION OF DAILY STRESS: RESULTS FROM THE NATIONAL STUDY OF DAILY EXPERIENCES
Authors: Cerino Eric , Witzel Dakota , Horowitz Chloe , Almeida David 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Literature identifies perceived control as an important psychosocial resource for healthy aging. How perceived control over aspects of daily life influence the daily stress process, however, remains comparatively less clear. Resolution of daily stressors (e.g., an argument resolved, a leaky pipe fixed) is emerging as a characteristic of the daily stress process crucial for emotional downregulation. Using data from the National Study of Daily Experiences (N=1,766, Mage=56.25, SD=12.20, 57% Female), we examined associations between perceived control over daily stress and the likelihood of stressor resolution. In waves conducted in ~2008 and ~2017, participants reported perceived control over stressors they experience across eight consecutive days (arguments, avoided arguments, work overloads, home overloads, network stressors), in addition to whether the stressful experience has been resolved. Generalized multilevel models adjusted for linear trends across days and waves, as well as number of stressors, sex, education, race, and baseline age. People experiencing greater stressor control were more likely to resolve their daily stressors (OR=1.92, 95% CI: 1.74–2.13, p&lt;.001). Further, individuals were more likely to resolve their stressors on days when they perceived more control over their stressors than usual (OR=1.66, 95% CI: 1.57–1.77, p&lt;.001). This within-person association increased in magnitude across assessment waves (OR=1.21, 95% CI: 1.06–1.39, p&lt;.01), resulting in a stronger association between stressor control and resolution 10 years later (OR=1.89, 95% CI: 1.69–2.12, p&lt;.001). Associations did not depend on baseline age (ps&gt;.05). Results indicate perceived control may serve as a psychosocial resource for promoting resolution of daily stressors as people grow older.
TRAUMA, PERSONALITY, AND DEPRESSION AMONG OLDER ADULTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Zamora Alejandra , Zweig Richard 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Older adults who have experienced early trauma are predisposed to develop mental health problems such as depression, though further evidence is needed to examine the roles of personality traits and interpersonal problems. The current study examined the respective influences of personality traits and interpersonal problems in the relationship between early trauma and depressive symptoms among middle and older adults who had experienced a loss during the COVID-19 pandemic (N=214). Participants were 76% female and ranged in age from 55-84 (Age M= 62.7, SD= 5.89). Twelve participants who endorsed at least adverse childhood experience were interviewed regarding their childhood and pandemic experiences. Categorical analyses found significant differences between individuals with high and low levels of ACEs with regard to neuroticism (d=-.32), depression (d=-.28), and interpersonal problems (d=-.55). High neuroticism and low extraversion were significantly predictive of interpersonal problems (ß= .520, p&lt; .001; ß=-.201, p= .004) and depression (ß = .588, p&lt; .001; ß= -.177, p= .006). Early trauma and interpersonal problems were not predictive of depression after accounting for variance due to personality traits. Moderation analyses were non-significant. Qualitative analyses yielded themes of re-encountering problems faced as children and adaptation or perseverance of strategy. These findings suggest that personality appeared to contribute significantly to depressive symptoms among bereaved older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Early trauma may influence depression in later life with regard to ease of adaptation to contexts and challenges.
EMBOLDEN: CATALYZING RESEARCH FOR OLDER ADULTS THROUGH CO-DESIGNED MOBILITY-PROMOTING INTERVENTION RESEARCH
Authors: Ganann Rebecca , Moore Caroline , Phillips Stuart , Alvarez Elizabeth , Newbold Bruce , Neil-Sztramko Sarah , MacNeil Maggie , Fisher Kathryn 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Mobility and social participation are requisites for optimizing health, independence, and quality of life in older populations. Most mobility-enhancing interventions for older adults have been designed by researchers alone, which often experience implementation challenges and limited effectiveness when translated to real-world contexts. The EMBOLDEN research program aims to i) partner with older adults and service providers to co-design, implement, and evaluate a mobility-promoting intervention and ii) enhance physical and mental health, foster social connections, and support system navigation among older adults living in neighbourhoods with health inequities. EMBOLDEN has completed two phases: (1) intervention co-design based on evidence reviews, environmental scan, qualitative study, and strategic guiding council expertise; (2) a mixed-methods pilot randomized controlled trial. Twenty-seven local older adults (≥55y) and 34 service providers contributed to Phase 1, co-designing an integrated health and social care intervention delivered through collaboration with primary care, public health, and recreation. The three-month community-based program includes a weekly interactive group program of physical activity, healthy eating, socialization, and individual system navigation support. The co-design determined priority intervention features (e.g., addressing social determinants of health, assets-based approaches) and implementation strategies. The pilot study evaluated quantitative and qualitative participant outcomes and experiences and intervention team experiences. The pilot study demonstrated intervention feasibility and acceptability to participants and interventionists, informing a larger pragmatic hybrid implementation-effectiveness trial that is currently underway. EMBOLDEN’s partnership engagement was critical to successfully co-designing intervention research to address identified health, mobility, and social needs of older adults living in neighbourhoods with significant health inequities.
MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN CHARACTERISTICS AND OBJECTIVELY MEASURED PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Cai Yurun , Liu Fangyu , Wanigatunga Amal , Simonsick Eleanor , Ferrucci Luigi , Schrack Jennifer 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Pain is associated with reports of restricted physical activity (PA), yet the associations between multiple musculoskeletal pain characteristics and objectively measured PA quantities and patterns in late life are not well understood. A total of 553 adults (mean age 75.8±8.4 years, 54.4% women) in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) completed pain assessments and subsequent 7-day wrist-worn accelerometry in the free-living environment between 2015 and 2020. Pain characteristics included pain presence in the shoulders, hands/wrists, low back, hip, knees, and feet, pain laterality in each site (no pain, unilateral pain, and bilateral pain), and pain distribution (no pain, single site pain, and multisite pain). PA metrics were summarized into total daily activity counts (TAC), activity fragmentation, active minutes/day, and diurnal patterns of activity. Linear regression models adjusted for demographics and comorbidities suggested that unilateral knee pain was associated with 184,070 fewer TAC/day (p=0.04) and 36.2 fewer active minutes/day (p=0.03) while hand/wrist pain was associated with 24.8 more active minutes/day compared to those without pain (p=0.04). By time-of-day, participants with hip pain had less activity during the morning (6:00am to 11:59am) while those with unilateral knee pain had fewer activity counts during the afternoon (12:00pm to 5:59pm). Analyses stratified by sex showed that these associations were only significant among women. Our study highlights the importance of assessing pain laterality in addition to traditional pain measures (e.g., pain presence) and suggest that pain interferes with multiple aspects of daily activity. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess the temporality of these findings.