bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MULTIDIMENSIONAL EVALUATION OF BIOLOGICAL AGE USING NMR METABOLOMICS AND ANTHROPOMETRY IN 35,541 ADULTS IN MEXICO
Authors: Bello-Chavolla Omar Yaxmehen , Fermin-Martinez Carlos , Fernández-Chirino Luisa , Ramírez-García Daniel , Antonio-Villa Neftali , Núñez-Luna Alejandra , Sánchez-Castro Paulina , Basile-Alvarez Martin Roberto 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Aging occurs across different domains at the individual level, encompassing distinct physiological systems which can be captured using biological age (BA) metrics. Second generation BA metrics are aimed at proxying BA using 10-year mortality risk and include PhenoAge and AnthropoAge. Here, we explored the complementary application of AnthropoAge and an NMR-Metabolomics derived BA measure to explore aging in body composition and metabolic domains in a subsample of 35,541 participants of the Mexico City Prospective Study. Using LASSO Cox regression, we identified 17 metabolites associated with all-cause mortality, in men and 75 in women. We then fitted age-adjusted Gompertz regression models and identified 7 unique metabolites for men and 15 for women. We transformed the results from these regressions to define MetaboAge. Both AnthropoAge (AUC 0.784, 95%CI 0.778-0.790) and MetaboAge (AUC 0.808, 95%CI 0.802-0.814) showed superior performance for prediction of all-cause mortality compared to chronological age (AUC 0.779, 95%CI 0.773-0.786). By regressing AnthropoAge and MetaboAge onto chronological age we obtained acceleration metrics (≥0 defined accelerated aging). By combining acceleration metrics from anthropometry and NMR-metabolomics we identified distinct trajectories of all-cause mortality. Notably, cases with acceleration only in AnthropoAge (HR 1.43, 95%CI 1.33-1.54) and those with acceleration only in MetaboAge (HR 1.86, 95%CI 1.73-2.01) had higher risk of all-cause mortality compared to non-accelerated cases but lower compared to cases with acceleration in both metrics (HR 2.28, 95%CI 2.12-2.45). Multidimensional evaluation of BA may prove useful to capture heterogeneity of aging in diverse populations by capturing aging at distinct physiological domains.
REFERRAL OF ASIANS TO SKILLED NURSING FACILITIES: FINDINGS FROM THE 2019 NATIONAL MEDICARE DATA
Authors: Nguyen Hoang , Li Chih-Ying , Tzeng Huey-Ming , Tahashilder Md Ibrahim , Kuo Yong-Fang 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
A recent study of skilled nursing facilities (SNF) found Asian/Pacific Islanders are the most physically dependent and have the greatest cognitive impairment among all residents. Whether or not this is due to differential referral pattern to skilled nursing facilities is not known. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the 2019 national Medicare data to compare differences in referral to SNF among Asian, Black, Hispanic, and White adults ages 66 years and older following hospitalization for fracture (n=148,493), heart failure (n=377,398), joint replacement (n=509,347), pneumonia (n=258,614), urinary tract infection (n=195,816), or sepsis (n=518.619). Asians had the second lowest rates of SNF referral for all medical conditions examined, except for joint replacement. Hispanic had the lowest rates. For joint replacement, Asians had the highest rate of referral. The SNF referral rates among Asians compared to whites were 70.1% and 71.6% for fracture, 16.4% and 22.4% for heart failure, 16.8% and 21.2% for pneumonia, 30.1% and 34.6% for urinary tract infection (UTI), 29.3% and 32.5% for sepsis, and 32.1% and 23.4% for joint replacement. Asians had significantly lower odds of SNF referrals after hospitalization for fracture (OR=0.71; 95% CI: 0.65-0.77), heart failure (OR=0.51; 95% CI: 0.48-0.54), pneumonia (OR=0.46; 95% CI: 0.42-0.49), UTI (OR=0.59; 95% CI: 0.54-0.63), and sepsis (OR=0.55; 95% CI: 0.53-0.57), but significantly higher odds after joint replacement (OR=1.19; 95% CI: 1.12-1.26) compared to non-Hispanic White adults. The reason for the lower referral rates is unclear but could be from a lack of culturally appropriate facilities. More culturally appropriate facilities are needed.
EMOTIONAL ADJUSTMENTS OF CUSTODIAL GRANDPARENTS LIVING WITH COVID-19: A NATIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Whitley Deborah , Kelley Susan , Fruhauf Christine , Smith Andrea , Hayslip Bert 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Living with COVID-19 demands has created emotional challenges for grandparents raising grandchildren. The aim of this study was to explore the emotional adjustment of custodial grandparents’ caregiving under COVID demands (e.g., masking, hand washing, social distancing) (N=145; age range 30-79 years, Mage = 61.4 years, SD = 8.5). A national sample of grandparents were surveyed using a multi-scale index of psychological distress, reliance on intrapersonal resources during the pandemic, as well as sociodemographics. An initial hierarchical regression analysis of caregivers’ emotional adjustment was conducted, wherein (1) sociodemographic variables were first entered as a set followed by 2) a 17-item measure of COVID demands (alpha = .73), 3) two indices of grandparent intrapersonal resources [resilience and empowerment/social support and religious coping], and 4) two indices of psychosocial stress [parental distress, health, social/emotional and loneliness/parental distress, parent-child dysfunction, difficult child and parenting challenges]. The overall model was statistically significant (F 11, 123 = 22.98, p &lt; .01), accounting for 64% of the variance in grandparent adjustment difficulties. While sociodemographics and COVID demands failed to predict emotional distress, both categories of grandparent intrapersonal resources (p &lt; .01), and both categories of psychosocial stress (p &lt; .01) did so. Subsequent correlational findings indicated that intrapersonal resources (social support and religious coping) mediated the relationship between COVID demands and emotional adjustment. These findings suggest that while grandparent caregivers experienced significant emotional distress during the pandemic, reliance upon the support of others as well as their own intrapersonal resources may be instrumental in managing such distress.
TRANSMISSION OF RELIGIOSITY BETWEEN GRANDPARENTS AND GRANDCHILDREN AS A BASIS FOR ELDERCARE RESPONSIBILITY
Authors: Silverstein Merril , Lee Seonhwa , Harris RianSimone , Zhang Wencheng 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Different branches of research demonstrate that religiosity is effectively transmitted from grandparents to grandchildren and that religiosity strengthens norms of eldercare responsibility. This paper unites these two branches of inquiry by proposing that eldercare norms in emerging adulthood are directly and indirectly formed through an intergenerational religious pathway. Data derive from 149 grandparent-grandchild dyads from the 2021-22 wave of the Longitudinal Study of Generations. Religiosity is defined as a composite consisting of self-assessments of religious importance, religious intensity, and religious service attendance. Eldercare norms are assessed based on an evaluation of the obligation that adult children should have to provide support and care to older parents in six areas of assistance. Intermediate factors include grandchildren’s familistic values and emotional closeness to grandparents. Structural equation modelling was used to examine direct and indirect pathways linking these factors. Results indicate significant continuity in religiosity between grandparents and grandchildren. The impact of grandchildren’s religiosity on their eldercare norms is fully mediated by their familistic values and emotional closeness with grandparents. This analysis reveals that the transmission of religiosity to grandchildren begets eldercare norms through an ideational route of strengthening values of familism, and a personal route of promoting closer, and possibly more empathetic, relationships with grandparents who have or may soon have support needs. Results demonstrate the “hidden” impact of religious orientations of older grandparents on grandchildren and serve as a counterpoint to potentially specious reports about the adverse impact of declining religiosity and weakening intergenerational cohesion on aging families in American society.
A CLOSER LOOK AT OLDER ADULTS AS PEER EDUCATORS IN LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTIONS IN THE US
Authors: Casanova Giuliana , Weil Joyce , Cerqueira Margarida 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Productive engagement in later life refers to paid or unpaid activities that can provide beneficial outcomes for individuals and society. This qualitative study examines the experiences of 17 peer educators, aged 61 to 84 and without cognitive deficits, who teach at three institutions of lifelong learning in Florida, USA. Data were collected through field notes, document analysis, a sociodemographic questionnaire, individual in-depth interviews, and brief interviews with each institution′s director. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the profiles of the peer educators, and emerging themes were identified through thematic analysis of the interview data. Preliminary results suggest that volunteerism and altruism played a role in their decision to become peer educators. Descriptive statistics showed that, on average, peer educators have obtained higher education degrees and have past teaching experience. The study identified several emerging themes related to the experiences of peer educators, including the need for purpose, the value of social connections, enjoyment of their role, and the importance of mutual learning. The analysis also revealed some challenges, including the need for environmental modifications to improve teaching conditions and assistance with marketing to promote classes and increase attendance. Overall, this study provides preliminary evidence to aid in understanding older adults in productive roles and fighting ageism. Identify current gaps in each institution′s approach, capacity to promote their participation and enhance their teaching experience while highlighting their contributions to society.
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY-BASED INTERVENTIONS TO SUPPORT FAMILY CAREGIVERS
Authors: Washington Tiffany , Ruggiano Nicole , Gaugler Joseph 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
There are 53 million family caregivers in the U.S., most of whom experience difficulty coordinating care, health and mental health decline, social isolation, and loneliness. Furthermore, accessing community support services remains challenging. This gap in access can create a significant threat to caregivers’ wellbeing and quality of life. The need to develop innovative interventions to support family caregivers is urgent. This symposium will describe the potential of leveraging emerging technology-based interventions to support family caregivers. Speaker one will outline considerations for design and development of social engagement interventions for caregivers delivered via video-conferencing platforms. Speaker two will describe the development and initial testing of a touchscreen mobile application that supports communication between people living with dementia and their caregivers to promote person-centered care. Speaker three will describe the human-centered design of a digital health solution to improve symptom management in advanced cancer care for older adults, emphasizing specific strategies to incorporate evidence-based principles of digital inclusivity. Speaker four will present findings from a proof of concept study examining the acceptability of a virtual respite program for caregivers of individuals with dementia. Speaker five will explore the potential for crowdsourced mapping technologies to support caregivers of people living with dementia. The discussant will tie together themes, offer recommendations for future intervention research with family caregivers, and discuss implications of emerging technologies on practice, policy, and research.
ENVISION: A DIGITAL TOOL TO IMPROVE SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH ADVANCED CANCER
Authors: Washington Karla , Donehower Allison , Oliver Debra Parker , Benson Jacquelyn , Demiris George 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Hospice is a largely community-based healthcare service provided by an interdisciplinary team of professionals who partner with patients and their family members to control pain and other distressing symptoms commonly encountered at end of life. Research has shown that, despite receipt of hospice care, older patients with advanced cancer experience high rates of symptom distress. This presentation will describe the human-centered design of ENVISION (ENgagement and Visualization to Improve Symptoms In ONcology care), a digital health solution designed to improve hospice symptom management by strengthening patients’ and families’ symptom management self-efficacy and increasing the caregiver-centeredness of communication with hospice teams. Particular emphasis will be placed on design considerations adopted to enhance the digital inclusivity of the tool, resulting from research conducted to address the following research question: To what extent is ENVISION accessible, adoptable, and applicable to the strengths and needs of older hospice patients and their family caregivers? In answering this question, researchers conducted a multi-method qualitative study during which 34 users (including hospice nurses, social workers, physicians, chaplains, and family caregivers) were individually observed using the tool and interviewed about their experiences. Data were analyzed via conventional content analysis. Findings informed recommendations to address both digital and health literacy concerns, simplify data visualizations, and focus more specifically on high-priority symptoms and other wellbeing indicators, resulting in a more digitally inclusive tool with promise to improve the lives of older adults with advanced cancer and the family members who care for them.
DEVELOPING A TOUCHSCREEN COMMUNICATION DEVICE TO EMPOWER PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA AND THEIR CAREGIVERS
Authors: Brown Ellen , Ruggiano Nicole , Allala Sai , Puche Gabriel , Roberts Lisa , Framil C , Munoz Mariateresa , Hough Monica 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
People living with dementia (PLWD) often experience communication deficits that create frustration and challenges to caregiving and clinical care for this population. It also constrains person-centered care. To address communication challenges, an interdisciplinary team developed a mobile communication app that promotes communication by PLWDs about their daily care preferences and experiences. This app, My Person Assisted Touchscreen Interface (My PATI), empowers PLWDs and their caregivers by supporting communication with a fully-customizable platform. This platform allows the PLWD to express preferences for daily activities, such as preferred foods and clothing options. It also enables the PLWD to express their experiences relevant to symptoms of pain, depression, and sleep quality. This presentation will describe a multi-phase Quality Implementation Framework that the research team has applied in developing My PATI to maximize its potential for being adopted into the home and residential care settings and used by multiple caregivers. The presentation will include the My PATI implementation video and foundational research: qualitative interviews with PLWDs, caregivers of PLWD, alpha and beta testing with dyads of caregivers and PLWDs, and extensive assessment and development planning with clinicians, geriatric researchers, computer scientists, and a graphic artist to inform My PATI functions and design. The presentation will also describe the designs of future pilot testing and randomized control trial studies that are planned for 2024.
THE PAID AND FAMILY DEMENTIA WORKFORCE IN THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ERA
Authors: Donelan Karen 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on persons living with dementia and their carers. The early period of the pandemic led to drastic changes in dementia care at home, in healthcare services, community programs, and institutional care settings, with lasting effects (Capstick et al., 2022; Giebel et al., 2022). This symposium describes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a variety of individuals providing care for persons living with dementia through different stages of the pandemic. Our work will be presented within a translational framework and include a discussion of ways of leveraging findings to improve resources for individuals and caregivers living with dementia in the COVID-19 era. Karen Donelan will provide an overview of the dementia workforce and describe study procedures. Michael Vetter will describe findings from a survey study of self-efficacy of dementia caregiving for family caregivers of individuals in community and assisted living facilities (ALF). Inga Antonsdottir will describe survey data on family caregivers in community and ALF – focus on newer experiential members; how lives changed, how COVID impacted them. Esteban Barreto will present findings describing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on frontline staff. Finally, Sarah Bannon will present findings from a qualitative study identifying family caregivers’ impressions of their psychosocial stressors and enacted coping strategies in the post-vaccine era of the COVID-19 pandemic.
IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON FRONTLINE PAID DEMENTIA WORKFORCE STAFF
Authors: Barreto Esteban 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Patients, families and the frontline paid workforce caring for persons with dementia faced dramatic change and high risk in the time of COVID-19 due to underlying vulnerability toward the disease as well as isolation, lockdown, and visitation restrictions. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the paid and informal care workforce caring for persons with dementia at home, in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. This analysis will focus on the impact on paid workers in ALF and SNF.

Methods
We conducted online and paper surveys of 182 workers caring for persons with dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic in several assisted living facilities in New England (n=82) and a large skilled nursing facility in Florida (n=100)

Results
A majority of workers were not married and had less than college level education. 66% knew patients who died of COVID-19; 90% or more said they were exposed to the virus personally. Half reported mild, moderate or severe changes due to the pandemic on their personal access to health care, food security and sleep. Workers in ALF were more likely to report only good or fair personal health status. Most workers indicated they had sufficient education about infection control.

Conclusion
The workforce in long term services and supports has been the slowest to recover from job losses during the pandemic. Further studies are needed to inform the health and social needs of workers caring for persons with dementia.
LESSONS FROM FOUR DECADES IN AGING POLICY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: WHAT A LONG FINE TRIP IT’S BEEN
Authors: Wilber Kathleen , Henke Maria , Jacobson Mireille 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Aging policy has come a long way over the last four decades. Building on the history of leadership in policy and aging at the University of Southern California’s Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, we offer six lessons from the intersection of policy, practice, and research for researchers and for those interested in careers as policy gerontologists. Lessons include: 1) Researchers must communicate scientific truths clearly, humbly, often, relevantly, and broadly to a wide array of key stakeholders; 2) To continue to build the bench for the next generation of leaders, interested educators should convene to plan a Policy Leadership Program 2.0. 3) Researchers and practitioners should remember: If everything is going according to plan, something is wrong; 4) Those considering policy research, program development, or program evaluation should recognize that it can be funded by a variety of sources with different strengths and constraints; 5) Given a host of innovative ideas, perspectives, programs and services, in the aging policy space, evaluators and researchers will learn far more from those doing policy and practice work than they can ever hope to repay; 6) Progress is not linear nor does it consistently advance in the hoped for direction. It requires patience, persistence, and stamina.
IT WORKS FOR US: BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN EDUCATION, PRACTICE, AND POLICY IN GERONTOLOGY AT MIAMI UNIVERSITY
Authors: Kinney Jennifer , Abbott Katherine , McLaughlin Sara , Janssen Leah , Applebaum Robert 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
We describe a unique and successful partnership between the Department of Sociology and Gerontology and the Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. This partnership concurrently facilitates research that informs aging policy and gerontological training for students. After a brief description of the partnership, examples of current research that contributes to public policy at the federal, state, and local/provider levels are presented, along with students’ roles in these efforts. Next, we share factors that contribute to our success (e.g., attracting students from diverse backgrounds, using a shared mentorship model) and challenges (e.g., that research and policy move at different paces). We conclude with a look to the future, specifically, the need to engage students in our academic programs, maintain our long-standing relationships, and build new, cross-organizational ties so that future gerontologists will continue our mission of doing work that positively impacts older people.
UNDERSTANDING AGE DIFFERENCES IN GRIEF SUPPORT NEEDS: RESULTS FROM A COMMUNITY-WIDE SURVEY
Authors: Collins-Pisano Caroline 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Experiences of grief and bereavement differ across the lifespan. As such, needs for community grief services may vary based on age. This presentation outlines age differences found in the community-wide survey conducted during the Exploration and Preparation phases of the EPIS framework. A total of 668 community members within an age range of 18-65+ completed the survey. The majority of participants were 18-29 (n = 358, 54%), 28% were 65 or older (n = 186), 11% ages 50-64 (n = 71), and 8% ages 30-49 (n = 52). Survey results revealed both age differences and similarities in experiences of loss, participation in past grief services, likelihood of participating in future grief services, and barriers to participating in services. Respondents aged 65 or older experienced significantly greater lifetime loss compared to other age groups, with 100% reporting having experienced the death of someone significant to them. Yet, older adults and adults aged 30-64 reported similar rates of participation in past grief services. However, while older adults shared the least barriers to participating in grief services, they reported similar likelihoods of participating in a variety of future grief services as adults aged 30-49 or 50-64. The survey demonstrated that while older adults experienced the greatest amount of loss, they did not report the highest overall likelihood of utilizing grief services. Rather, each age-group presented a distinct and nuanced hierarchy of preferred grief services and needs, the details of which will be explained further in this presentation.