bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LATENT CLASSES OF MULTIMORBIDITY AND ASSOCIATED CARE-RECEIVING CHARACTERISTICS FOR US OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Liu Mona , Nagel Corey , Chen Siting , Kaye Jeffrey , Allore Heather , Quiñones Ana 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Older adults with different multimorbidity combinations require different intensities and types of care. This study aimed to identify subgroups of older adults based on their empirically-determined multimorbidity patterns, and used these to compare their care-receiving characteristics. Data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) in 2011 were utilized and ten chronic conditions were included to estimate latent classes among 7,532 individuals. A four-class solution was selected based on fit indices resulting in a relatively healthy (30%), cardiometabolic (25%), musculoskeletal (24%), and multisystem (21%) classes. The median number of caregivers was 2 for the multisystem class and 1 for the remaining three classes. Average total hours of care per month were 109.07 (SD=209.09), ranging from 94.43 (SD=168.71) for the relatively healthy class to 171.87 (SD=225.72) for the multisystem class. In assessing ADL and IADL domains of care received, the musculoskeletal class had the smallest proportion of people requiring care in all domains except for getting outside, dressing, and money management, even compared with the relatively healthy class. Substantially more people in the multisystem class required care in all domains except for money management. Sensitivity analysis using data from the refreshment cohort (NHATS 2015) corroborated the results. Results highlighted different care needs among persons with distinct combinations of multimorbidity, especially the vulnerability among people with multisystem multimorbidity and their caregivers. In addition, the findings called for further investigation into older adults characterized by musculoskeletal conditions to discern whether they had fewer care needs or more unmet needs.
NEIGHBORHOOD COHESION MODERATES THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN DEMENTIA STATUS AND SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING
Authors: Yoon Dokyung , Crimmins Eileen , Ailshire Jennifer 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Neighborhood social cohesion may act as a protective factor against the negative effects of certain stressors associated with dementia status on subjective well-being. The current study aimed to investigate the moderating effect of neighborhood social cohesion on the relationship between dementia status and subjective well-being among older adults. The status of dementia was classified as either probable or possible, or as not having dementia. Data were drawn from the 1st round (2011) of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), a panel study of nationally representative Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older. The sample consisted of 5,407 community-dwelling older adults. A linear regression model indicated that dementia status was associated with a lower level of subjective well-being (b = -2.34, p &lt; .001), while neighborhood social cohesion was associated with a higher level of subjective well-being (b = 1.04, p &lt; .001). Furthermore, neighborhood social cohesion moderated the association between dementia status and subjective well-being (b = .67, p = .003). In older adults with probable or possible dementia, the relationship between neighborhood social cohesion and subjective well-being was observed to be stronger, as evidenced by a steeper slope. The findings of this study contribute to the growing body of evidence that emphasizes the crucial role of ties within one’s neighborhood in influencing subjective well-being. Building strong communities of individuals who rely on and trust one another may help alleviate the negative impact of probable or possible dementia on subjective well-being.
SOCIOECONOMIC FACTORS AND LATER LIFE OUTCOMES IN UNEXPECTED DEMENTIA TRAJECTORIES
Authors: Yang Yulin , Luth Elizabeth 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Dementia’s uncertain trajectory may complicate its relationship with social determinants of health—race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status—and put individuals who experience unexpected dementia trajectories (e.g., probable dementia at one point, no dementia at a future point) at increased risk of poorer outcomes. This study identifies dementia trajectories in longitudinal survey data, their association with socio-economic factors, and their relationship with later life outcomes. We analyzed weighted data for 9740 adults aged 65+ participating in ≥3 waves of the 2004-2016 Health and Retirement Study. After identifying 5 dementia trajectory patterns, we analyzed the association between sociodemographic factors and dementia trajectories using multinomial logistic regression. We analyzed the relationship between dementia trajectories, socio-economic factors, and three later life outcomes (hospitalization, nursing home admission, and advance care planning) using logistic and multinomial logistic regression. A small percentage (2.2%) of respondents reported an unexpected dementia trajectory. African American and Hispanic respondents and those with lower socioeconomic status had increased risk of unexpected dementia trajectories (vs. no dementia) (e.g., African American RRR: 3.67, 95%CI: 2.30-5.86, p= 0.000; Hispanic RRR: 1.89, 95%CI 1.08-3.30, p=0.26). Older adults with unexpected dementia trajectories had increased risk of nursing home admission (RRR: 4.13, 95%CI: 1.53-11.16, p=0.005), but not hospitalization or advance care planning. Policy and measurement development should proactively address systemic inequities linked to race, ethnicity and socioeconomic status that emerge in and result from dementia trajectory assessments and lived experiences. Interventions should attend to the needs of individuals with unexpected dementia trajectories with respect to institutionalization.
THE IMPACT OF ADS CLOSURES DURING COVID-19 ON PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA AND THEIR CAREGIVER
Authors: Girling Laura , Tucker Gretchen 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Adult Day Services (ADS), community-based programs that provide supervision, social support, and/or assistance with daily activities for clients, either temporarily or permanently terminated in-person services. Such closures left vulnerable older adults with dementia without vital services. To date, there is limited information exploring the nuances and impact of ADS closures on individuals with dementia and their care providers. To address this knowledge gap, data were drawn from an interview-based NIH-funded protocol that evaluated the experiences of informal and formal dementia care providers during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were filtered by the subsample (n=25) who provided care to an individual with dementia who participated in an ADS program. Analysis focused on all data coded “ADS,” which encompassed discussion pertaining to adult day programming. Content analyses indicated a range of themes including 1.accelerated cognitive and psychological decline, 2.engaging is precarious conduct, 3.increased caregiver burden (financial, physical, emotional), and 4.premature transitions to institutional care settings. Despite well intentioned efforts to shield the older adult population from harmful exposures during the height of the pandemic, ADS closures (both permanent and temporary) negatively impacted the health and welfare of an already vulnerable population and their caregivers. Findings add to the ongoing literature suggesting ADS and analogous supports should be classified as essential services and not face closure mandates during similar public health emergencies.
AGE DIFFERENCES IN PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AFTER MULTIPLE DISASTER EXPOSURES: EFFECT OF NEGATIVE COVID-19 IMPACTS
Authors: Chen Zhirui , Cong Zhen 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study examined how older adults differed from their younger counterparts in psychological distress following exposures to tornadoes and the COVID-19 pandemic; and how the multidimensional negative COVID-19 impacts contextualized the above age differences. Data used were from a two-wave panel study of tornado victims during the COVID-19 pandemic (N = 554). Latent class analysis was first conducted to explore the underlying patterns of negative COVID-19 impacts at T1 (October 2020-August 2021). Negative binomial regressions were performed to examine the age differences in psychological distress at T2 (May-August 2022), as well as the moderating effect of the identified latent classes, with baseline psychological distress and covariates controlled. Three latent classes were identified: class 1 “low overall impacts” (39.24%), class 2 “moderate overall impacts with high emotional distress” (47.71%), and class 3 “severe overall impacts” (13.05%). Individuals aged 65+ reported lower psychological distress at T1 relative to those aged 18-34, 35-49, and 50-64, and their advantages in mental health over people under 50 can be maintained over time. However, compared to people aged 18-34, 35-49, and 50-64, those aged 65+ reported the greatest increases in T2 psychological distress if they had experienced moderate or severe overall COVID-19 impacts at T1. These findings highlighted the resilience and vulnerability of older adults in post-disaster recovery. As the frequency and intensity of cumulative disasters increase across the globe, there is a pressing need for mental health interventions that are tailored to multi-disaster scenarios and age-related differences in long-term disaster recovery.
GRIEF FOLLOWING A COVID-19 DEATH
Authors: Thomas Karuna , Pachana Nancy , Silverstein Hannah , Kanofsky Chayna , Cho Hyun Jin , Carpenter Brian 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The large number of deaths due to COVID-19 has resulted in a similarly high number of people experiencing grief. Attending to the needs of grieving individuals will be a critical public health issue for years to come. Moreover, the circumstances surrounding many COVID-19 deaths may contribute to more severe and protracted grief. The aim of this qualitative study was to learn about the social and psychological experiences of pandemic-related grief. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with individuals who had lost someone close to them to COVID-19 (N = 25). Interview questions addressed circumstances surrounding the death, rituals and memorializations undertaken, and subsequent emotional consequences. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes and patterns. Participants described their grief as being highly personal and unique and only understood by others who had experienced a similar loss from COVID-19. They expressed significant distress at the circumstances surrounding the death, with many not having an opportunity to say goodbye. Their distress was amplified by a lack of closure due to limited rituals allowed during the pandemic. Participants also reported feeling invisible in their experience of loss and grief as they reflected on the overwhelmed healthcare systems during the height of the pandemic, comparison to the type of experience they would have had were it not for the pandemic, as well as feeling the world had moved on once pandemic restrictions were lifted. Taken together, these findings suggest unique grief experiences with COVID-19 and the need for targeted interventions from mental health practitioners.
RACIAL/ETHNIC DIFFERENCES IN IMPACTS OF COVID-19 ON PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Kim BoRin , Shin Esther , Baek Jihye 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Covid-19 caused challenges to psychological well-being among older adults, but the impact may differ across various populations. The purpose of this study is to investigate racial/ethnic differences in psychological well-being among older adults during the first year of the pandemic, particularly focusing on mediating effects of different types of social support. Data came from the 2021 Health and Retirement Study (HRS), which includes a nationally representative sample of older Americans. Our sample was restricted to the respondents aged 65+ who participated in the 2021 HRS Perspectives on the Pandemic that focuses on the first-year pandemic experiences (N=4,656). We compared four racial/ethnic groups including white, black, Hispanic, and others. Psychological well-being was measured by the 12 questions on participants’ feeling during the first year of the pandemic (e.g., distressed, afraid, worried). Three distinct groups of help-receiving patterns were identified by latent class analysis: 1) no help, 2) intense help from kids, and 3) moderate help from diverse social relationships. Frequencies of in-person and not-in-person contacts with children or family were also included in our analysis. We found that Hispanic’s psychological well-being was the most negatively impacted by the pandemic (Coef.=0.687, p&lt;.05) even after controlling for socio-demographic characteristics, physical and mental health. Our mediation analysis demonstrated that intense help from kids and less in-person contacts negatively mediated the association between Hispanics and their psychological well-being. This study shows that older Hispanics who had been known for strong family ties and support are at risk due to restricted social contacts during the pandemic.
RUMINATION IN DYADS DURING TIME OF UNCERTAINTY—DAILY LIFE ASSESSMENTS AFTER THE ONSET OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Garza Elizabeth Zambrano , Murphy Rachel , Ashe Maureen , Madden Kenneth , DeLongis Anita , Gerstorf Denis , Hoppmann Christiane 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Rumination involves repetitive, self-oriented, negative thinking and is known to be detrimental to psychological well-being and health. However, little is known about the extent to which rumination is associated with well-being and health in close relationship partners in older age. Additionally, the pandemic was a time that was characterized by high stress, making it an important context to study rumination. Using daily diary data from 140 Canadian older adults plus a close other of their choice (59% spouses, M = 66.72 years, SD = 13.01 range: 18-87 years, 88% White, 62% women), this project builds on past evidence examining daily life rumination dynamics and extends it to a dyadic perspective beyond couples. For ten days, both dyad members provided evening ratings of daily rumination and affect quality. Multilevel models replicate individual level evidence that higher daily rumination was associated with more daily negative affect and less daily positive affect. Importantly, we also found partner effects such that more close others’ rumination was associated with elevated actors’ negative affect (b = 0.03, p = .038) and reduced actors’ positive affect (b = -0.04, p = .023), suggesting that it is not only one’s own rumination that relates to daily well-being, but also that of a close tie. Findings demonstrate the utility of taking a dyadic perspective on what is typically conceived as an individual-level phenomenon.
THE IMPACTS OF AGE AND PREPARATION INFORMATION ON PREPAREDNESS FOR PANDEMIC: A LATENT CLASS ANALYSIS
Authors: Chen Zhirui , Cong Zhen 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study examined the age differences in perceived and actual preparedness for a pandemic, as well as the moderating effect of preparation information. Data used was from 2021 FEMA National Household Survey (N = 6,305). Latent class analysis was first conducted to explore the typologies of the information respondents received about how to prepare for a pandemic based on eight indicators (e.g., basic survival, planning/preparation, testing, vaccines). With the adjustment of sample weights, four latent classes were identified: class 1 “insufficient information”, class 2 “information emphasizing disaster preparedness”, class 3 “information emphasizing disease preparedness”, and class 4 “comprehensive information”. Subsequently, the results of logistic regression and Poisson regression using sample weights showed that compared to those aged 60 and older, people aged 18-39 and aged 40-59 tended to perceive a lower level of preparedness but were more likely to engage in actual preparedness activities for a pandemic. Relative to those in “insufficient information” class, people in “information emphasizing disease preparedness” class and “comprehensive information” class were more likely to perceive a higher level of preparedness and take actual preparations for a pandemic. In terms of the interactions between age and preparation information, the gap narrowed between people aged over 60 and their younger counterparts in taking actual preparations if they were in “comprehensive information” class. These findings highlighted the age patterns in pandemic preparedness and the impacts of different preparation information strategies, which provided imperative implications for disaster preparedness education and communication campaigns.
UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE USE OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES BY OREGON ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENTS
Authors: Kim Minju , Tunalilar Ozcan , Carder Paula 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
COVID-19 has affected many aspects of daily life, including transportation. This study aims to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of transportation services by residents of assisted living communities in Oregon. Primary data about transportation service availability and use were collected from 721 AL communities using mailed questionnaires, before (winter of 2020) and during the pandemic (winter of 2022). To identify the impact of the pandemic on transportation use, we estimated a series of logistic regression models for trip purposes: medical appointments and social activities. Results show that the pandemic profoundly impacted transportation services, especially provided transportation services for access to social activities decreased from 77% to 68%, whereas access to medical appointments had not changed. The use of virtual visits allowed residents to remain connected with their loved ones while minimizing the risk of exposure to the virus. The findings of this study can help policymakers and transportation providers understand the impact of the pandemic on the mobility of individuals in community-based care settings. The results can also inform the development of strategies to improve transportation services and ensure the mobility of residents after the pandemic. Ultimately, the study can contribute to enhancing the overall quality of life for individuals in community-based care settings in Oregon.
APPLYING THE THERAPEUTIC LANDSCAPE MODEL TO IRISH MEN’S SHEDS
Authors: Heinz Melinda , Houghton Frank 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Gesler’s (1993) introduction of the therapeutic landscape model considers whether environments positively contribute to the wellbeing of users of the space. The model includes both inner/meaning components that consist of 1) natural setting, 2) built environment, 3) sense of place, 4) symbolic landscape and 5) everyday activities and outer/society components of 1) beliefs and philosophies, 2) social relations/inequality and 3) territoriality. The purpose of this study was to explore how environments that older adults are engaged in (e.g., Irish Men’s Sheds) exemplify characteristics found in Gesler’s therapeutic landscape model. Interviews with Men’s Sheds participants aged 65+ (N = 37) were conducted in County Limerick, Ireland. After transcription, Braun and Clarke’s (2020) intuitive 6-step process for thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. Interviewee transcripts revealed that the social relations/inequality component of the therapeutic landscape model was most evident in the narratives. The men explained that it was important to create an inclusive space for all men to feel welcome and valued. For example, a participant said, “Some [members] are living on their own, maybe they’re lonely and they feel kind of unwanted…so, the shed has made a difference to them.” Another participant commented, “Every time someone walks into the gate, you’re enthusiastic that they’re here and you try to welcome them, but then you see what they have to offer. Everybody has something.” Future research should investigate how other environments that older adults engage in, embody components of Gesler’s therapeutic landscape model.
BACKWARD WALKING SPEED: A NOVEL MOBILITY MEASURE FOR YOUNGER AND OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Popelsky Braden , Ylitalo Kelly , Hockett Samuel 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Mobility is fundamental to healthy aging. Forward walking speed (FWS) is a well-established measure of mobility, physical functioning, and fall risk but fewer studies have assessed backward walking speed (BWS). This study explored the relationship between FWS, BWS, and fall-related factors. Independently ambulatory, community-dwelling young adults (n=20; age: 22.9 years ±1.6) and older adults (n=19; age: 70.2 years ±6.2) completed forward and backward walking assessments on a 3.9 meter long instrumented pressure mat. Paper surveys assessed sociodemographic characteristics, fall history, and fear of falling using the Falls Efficacy Scale – International (FES). FWS, BWS, and directional difference percent change ((FWS-BWS/FWS)*100) were compared using independent sample t-tests, and simple linear regression was used to model the relationship between mobility measures and fear of falling. In the total sample (n=39), 23% of adults reported a fall in the previous 12 months. Compared to older adults, young adults exhibited significantly faster FWS (138.3 cm/sec ± 16.5 vs. 119.3 cm/sec ±23.4; p=0.006) and BWS (82.6 cm/sec ±18.2 vs. 63.8 cm/sec ±20.7; p=0.005). Males displayed a significantly lower mean directional difference percent change (39.4 ±11.4 vs. 47.4 ±11.1; p=0.034), than females. Among older adults, BWS was strongly and negatively correlated with FES scores (r=-0.58; p=0.009). BWS explained a greater proportion of variance in fear of falling compared to FWS (33.93% vs. 24.84%). BWS and directional difference in walking speed may be novel measures of physical functioning. Prospective studies should consider assessing BWS with future fall risk among older adults.
AGE DIFFERENCES IN PRIOR EXPERIENCES USED TO COPE WITH COVID-19 STRESSORS
Authors: Kurth Maria , Igarashi Heidi , Aldwin Carolyn 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Despite increased physiological vulnerability to COVID-19 (CDC, 2022), older adults reported fewer mental health consequences than younger adults (APA, 2022). The ability to draw upon prior experiences may be a source for enhanced well-being in late life (Aldwin & Igarashi, 2016; Charles, 2010). Older adults reported various prior experiences and resources for coping with the COVID-19 pandemic (Galcia et al., 2021; Herron et al., 2021), but age differences were not examined. We collected online surveys from adults 50+ (N = 235; Mage = 71.35, SD = 7.39; 74% female; 92% White) between 04/28–05/04/2020. A directed content analysis guided application of pre-existing (Aldwin et al., 1996b) and novel codes to the 60% who responded to an open-ended question of which prior experiences informed coping with COVID-19 pandemic problems. The final coding scheme had 13 codes (Kurth et al., 2022; Krippdendrof ∝ = .82) grouped into three categories: similar experiences, adversity across the lifespan, and personal resources. No age differences emerged in likelihood of providing any of these responses between the midlife (51 – 64; n = 35), young-old (65 – 74; n = 141), and old-old groups (75+; n = 57). Further, there were no age differences in providing a response that fell into the similar experience, adversity across the lifespan, or personal resource categories, supporting the age and well-being hypothesis. Findings suggest that even when exposed to a chronic and uncontrollable stressor, older adults leveraged their advantage of past experiences and accumulated resources to inform coping strategies.