bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IMPACT OF AN INTERDISCIPLINARY CLASS ON FIRST-YEAR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES TOWARD AGING
Authors: Picchiello Matthew , Agran Dylan , Chung Tim , Carpenter Brian , Stark Susy , Morrow-Howell Nancy 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Undergraduate classes on aging have the potential to challenge ageist beliefs and alter students’ academic and career trajectories. For the past eight years, we have led an introductory, interdisciplinary class on aging, bringing first-year students and older adults together to discuss various facets of aging and share their perceptions and experiences. Both prior to and after the class, students in the class (n = 494), and a group of their age-matched peers not enrolled in the class (n = 620), completed an online survey measuring attitudes and knowledge about aging and older adults. Repeated measure analyses revealed significant group-by-time interactions across several measures. While students who were not in the class did not show statistically significant changes across measures, students in the class displayed statistically significant increases in knowledge about aging, F(1, 760) = 108.133, ηp2 = 0.125; decreases in aging related anxiety F(1, 766) = 51.947, ηp2 = 0.064; and more favorable expectations about their own aging, F(1, 627) = 45.598, ηp2 = 0.068. Moreover, students in the class endorsed fewer ageist beliefs over time, F(1,768) = 135.313, ηp2 = 0.15, all p’s &lt; 0.05. Despite these promising changes, overall intent to engage in an aging-related career did not statistically change across groups, F(1, 113) = 2.948, p &gt; 0.05. Results suggest that exposing students to information about aging in an intergenerational classroom has the potential to mitigate biases against older adults, though challenges remain in maintaining student interest in aging-related careers.
MEDICAL STUDENT MOTIVATIONS TO STUDY GERIATRICS AS MEDICAL SPECIALTY IN ECUADOR: A QUALITATIVE APPROACH
Authors: Cifuentes Daniela Belen Sosa , Guillemot Jonathan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Due to a lack of interest in becoming geriatricians in the medical student community and despite studies showing geriatrics as one of the most fulfilling medical specialties, Ecuador, like many countries globally, lacks geriatricians. Although there are insufficient well-established institutions training geriatricians, the issue essentially lies in the lack of student vocations. We conducted a qualitative and participatory study to identify and describe the motivations and barriers associated with medical students’ interests in becoming geriatricians in Quito, Ecuador. Qualitative interviews between medical students after interviewing technique training were conducted. Audio recordings were transcribed and coded, and then analyzed for patterns. Thirty-two students were interviewed, none of which considered geriatrics as their first medical specialty option, and two of which considered the possibility of such a choice, but not as a first option. Among the most significant patterns associated with disinterest in geriatrics was the lack of exposure as well as a general ignorance of the lives of older adults beyond direct relatives. While most participants recognized the fundamental importance of the specialty, barriers appearing unsurmountable emerged: patterns of gerontophobia as well as thanatophobia were strong hurdles, combined with the perception of an emotional toll associated with the care of older adults. This joined with the view that physicians could not be fulfilling their purpose of “saving lives” in the context of geriatrics. As the Global South ages, universities must improve student exposure to older adults and the professions associated with their care as a first step towards promoting new vocations.
NOW SHOWING: THE USE OF FILMS IN ADVANCED GERONTOLOGY COURSES
Authors: VanderWerf Jessica , Greenberg Phyllis , Karasik Rona 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
While the use of films to teach about aging and older adults is not new, current movies and the students who view them are ever-changing. So too are the learning goals and practices for incorporating media into the advanced gerontological classroom. The current undertaking considers the unique aspects of employing movies (including documentaries and international films) and builds on previous works (Cohen-Shalev & Marcus, 2007; Karasik & Hamon, 2014; Markson & Taylor 1993) with an eye toward the more advanced pedagogical goals of upper level undergraduate and graduate courses. This poster focuses on challenges associated with including film in both traditional and emerging classroom delivery formats (e.g., face to face, hybrid, on-line). A matrix of current aging-themed films is provided, along with strategies for successful applications in upper level and graduate courses. Karasik and Hamon (2014) explored the use of popular film in introductory gerontology courses, creating a detailed matrix of films spanning 1951 - 2012. In addition to film descriptions and ratings, the matrix identified content in the following topical areas in (ageism/stereotypes; cognitive impairment; death & dying; diversity; family relationships; health & wellness; sexuality & intimacy; and work & retirement). The current presentation builds on Karasik & Hamon’s work by developing a companion matrix of films including feature films from 2012- 2023 , as well as documentaries and international films across the same time period. In addition to the newly created companion matrix, there are examples of activities and assignments that incorporate movies into the gerontological classroom.
CONNECTING THE HEALTH CARE WORKFORCE THROUGH A VIRTUAL LEARNING COMMUNITY
Authors: Howe Judy , Gottesman Eve , Dorisca Eugenia , Shichijo Yuka , Ko Fred 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for online and virtual educational opportunities and resources. While many healthcare organizations, hospitals and academic medical institutions were forced to quickly pivot from face-to-face training modalities, the Virtual Learning Community (VLC) of the Geriatric Scholars Program, was ahead of the curve. Established in 2014 by the VA Geriatric Scholars Program and the VHA’s Office of Rural Health, the VLC is the primary outlet for information on geriatrics and gerontology for healthcare professionals and staff. The VLC provides webinars, discussion forums, case studies, continuing education accredited programs, and resource materials on a myriad of topics related to aging. During the pandemic, the VLC provided up-to-date information on COVID and continued to augment its virtual offerings, which was vital to providers and staff working remotely. The VLC currently has approximately 5,000 registered users, with 1700 users registering since the pandemic began in March 2020. Many of these users come from rural and highly rural areas, where there is often a lack of geriatric knowledge and expertise. The presentation will present findings about the connections and impact made possible by a pre-existing web-based virtual learning community.
AGING AND MENTAL HEALTH DURING AND AFTER THE PANDEMIC. AND OLDER ADULT SPECIALTY PSYCHOTHERAPY CLINIC FINDINGS
Authors: Hernandez-Tejada Melba , Little Deborah , Desrochers Madeleine , Butte Sarly , Acierno Ron 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
A specialty clinic addressing psychological trauma secondary to elder abuse opened a few months before the pandemic began. The aim was to provide evidence-based psychotherapy for post-trauma psychological sequalae. We leveraged technology in the form of home-based telemedicine, to deliver effective treatment directly into older adults’ homes. We here present psychotherapy retention rates and clinical outcomes of this endeavor. Method: single arm, repeated measures, clinical series case study design. Outcomes: treatment initiation and completion rates; standardized measures of PTSD (PCL5), depression (PHQ9), anxiety (GAD7) and sleep (PSQI) collected at pre- and post-treatment. Results Prior to implementing this specialty clinic, the larger clinic within which it was housed saw approximately 2 older adults per year. Tailoring the program to older adults resulted in an annual census of over 100 per year. Analysis of current data indicates excellent completion rates for evidence-based psychotherapy (above 75% compared to 60% of younger patients) and clinical improvements across symptom areas in excess of one standard deviation. Discussion The success of this specialty trauma clinic for older adults experiencing violence was enhanced by a pre-pandemic decision to use telemedicine to increase reach and ease of accessing care. Initial results indicate that televideo technology was well received, was used by older adults and implemented before and during the pandemic with no issues, even for cases of severe trauma reactions such as PTSD and depression in older adults.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF A PERSONALIZED MUSIC INTERVENTION FOR NURSING HOME RESIDENTS WITH DEMENTIA
Authors: Conard Ryan , McCreedy Ellen , Dionne Laura , Mor Vincent 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Music offers a promising non-pharmacological alternative for managing behavioral dysregulations in people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias (ADRD). Using data from an embedded, pragmatic trial (ePCT) of a personalized music intervention for nursing home (NH) residents with ADRD, we examined resident and NH characteristics associated with exposure to the intervention and dose of music received. Participants were enrolled from 54 NHs (27 treatment, 27 control) between June 2019 and February 2020. The intervention was resident-preferred music delivered at early signs of agitation. Intervention dose was calculated by multiplying song duration and number of plays, averaged over days exposed. Facility and resident-level characteristics were identified using the Minimum Data Set and the Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reports. A mixed-effects hurdle model was used. 483 residents participated (67.7% female, mean age 79.8±12.2 years). Female residents (p=0.04) taking antipsychotic medications (p=0.06) were more likely to receive the intervention, as were residents from NHs with greater nursing involvement (p=0.02). Residents with greater health instability received a greater dose (p=0.04). In this ePCT of a personalized music intervention, NHs with more nursing engagement had greater use of the intervention and appropriately chose residents with antipsychotic use to participate. After adjusting for initial selection, staff used the intervention more frequently with residents who had a higher likelihood of death in the next six months, potentially indicating the beneficial use for comfort at the end of life. Our findings offer insights into future tailoring of personalized music interventions to increase the likelihood of successful implementation.
OLDER AGE IS ASSOCIATED WITH TEMPORAL DISCOUNTING OF TIME USE BUT NOT MONETARY REWARDS
Authors: Shavit Yochai , Anderson Brett , Carstensen Laura 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Age differences in temporal discounting have long puzzled researchers. Although older adults tend to prioritize the present over the future due to more limited time horizons compared to younger adults there is no evidence for an age association with temporal discounting of monetary rewards. Socioemotional selectivity theory posits that as time horizons become more limited goals related to emotional meaning are prioritized over future-oriented goals because they are realized in the present, leading older adults to place more value on experiences than younger adults. A small body of evidence showing age-related preferences for small, immediate, rewards in emotionally meaningful domains is consistent with SST. However, prior studies used hypothetical tasks with vague trade-offs, limiting their interpretability and generalizability. In the present study, we developed a novel paradigm to examine age differences in temporal discounting of rewards related to emotional experience in a controlled environment. 120 participants, aged 22-96 years, came to the lab and made a series of choices indicating if they would prefer to replace 5 minutes of boring tasks with an emotionally meaningful variant of the task today, or a larger amount of time in their next visit in six months. Participants then made similar choices about the timing of receiving comparable monetary rewards. We hypothesized that in contrast to monetary rewards, older adults are less likely than younger adults to wait for rewards related to emotional experiences because time becomes increasingly valued as it grows scarce. Findings support the hypothesis and highlight the role of perceived time-horizons.
THE LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BMI AND COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE: A CROSS-LAGGED PANEL ANALYSIS
Authors: Fiscella Andrew , Andel Ross 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
While obesity has traditionally been associated with negative outcomes, an obesity paradox has been observed which suggests that older adults may show some benefit from having a higher weight. This longitudinal study examined the association between body mass index (BMI) and episodic memory performance. Data from 14,639 participants collected as part of the Health and Retirement Study were used in a 10-year random intercept cross-lagged panel analysis. BMI was used to measure obesity while T-scores from tests of immediate and delayed recall were used to represent episodic memory performance. Initially, a higher BMI was associated with lower episodic memory scores in the following wave (β= -.132, p&lt;.001), but this association became positive over time (β=.142, p&lt; .001) with higher BMI related to better episodic memory scores, even after accounting for demographic and health covariates. The association between BMI and episodic memory over time was stronger in older adults (β=.068, p&lt;.05) than middle-aged adults (β=.020, p=.533). Additionally, while episodic memory scores were not significantly associated with BMI at the next wave for middle-aged adults (p=.283), they were for older adults (p&lt;.05). These findings provide support for the obesity paradox and are consistent with previous studies employing more traditional longitudinal designs. The results of this study raise questions as to what is behind the association between episodic memory and BMI and why it appears to trend positively in older adulthood. Further studies are needed to examine potential causal mechanisms.
WITHIN-PERSON ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN MARITAL DISSOLUTION AND SUBSEQUENT COGNITIVE FUNCTION IN MIDDLE AND LATER LIFE
Authors: Tucker Julia , Han Sae Hwang 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In light of the growing burden associated with cognitive impairment and dementias on families and society accompanied by the dramatic shifts in late-life family demography, there is growing literature focusing on the relationship between marital biography and cognitive outcomes in middle and late adulthood. This study aimed to contribute to the literature by examining within-person linkages between cognitive outcomes associated with two forms of marital dissolutions experienced in later life—divorce and widowhood. Framed around the key concepts of the life course perspective, we examined within-person changes in cognitive function associated with divorce and widowhood transitions in middle and late adulthood. Drawing from 11 waves of longitudinal data from the Health and Retirement Study (1998-2018), we followed over twenty-three thousand married individuals 50 and older over the study period that spanned nearly two decades (person-wave observations N=128,033). Cognitive function at each wave was evaluated using a modified version of the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (m-TICS). Research aims were addressed using within-between random effects models that yielded within-person estimates unconfounded by person-level characteristics. Approximately 4.4% and 17.7% of the study sample experienced divorce and widowhood transitions during the observation period. The model results indicated that divorce transitions were unrelated to changes in cognitive function. Cognitive outcomes associated with widowhood transitions were heterogeneous for women and men, where women who transitioned to widowhood experienced increases in cognitive function, whereas men experienced reductions in cognitive function. These findings are discussed in the context of implications for practice and policy.
EVALUATING THE ACCEPTABILITY AND PRELIMINARY EFFECTS OF EMPOWER@HOME FOR GERIATRIC DEPRESSION
Authors: Kayser Jay , Turner Skyla , Zheng Chuxuan , Ash Samson , Xiang Xiaoling 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy is a cost-effective strategy for meeting older adults’ increased mental health needs, but few existing programs are designed for older adults. Our team developed Empower@Home using user-centered design and community-engaged approaches. This poster presents results from year 1 of our ongoing uncontrolled trial (NCT05384704). Participants were recruited from a research volunteer registry, and community agency referrals. 104 adults 50+ (M=63) consented and started the intervention in 2022, of which 96 completed the post-test and a 10-week follow-up (93% retention rate). Items from the Modified Treatment Evaluation Inventory showed high satisfaction and acceptability. For example, 95.5% agreed that the program was “an acceptable way of dealing with depressed moods,” and 96.8% agreed that they “would recommend this program to others who experience depressed moods.” Adherence was high, with an average of 8.5 sessions (out of 9 total) completed (n=103). Among those who completed the post-test (n=96), all but one finished the entire program. Intention to treat analysis showed a significant within-group moderate reduction in depressive symptoms as measured by the PHQ-9 from pre to post-test (cohen’s d=.75). This effect size was large among those with a pre-test PHQ-9 score of ≥10 (cohen’s d=1.31). The treatment effect was largely maintained at the 10-week follow-up. Significant improvements in post-test were also observed for secondary clinical outcomes, including anxiety (GAD-7), social isolation (DSSI), loneliness (PROMIS), Anger (PROMIS), and sleep quality. Empower@Home is an acceptable and potentially effective program for treating depression in older adults.
HEALTH-RELATED ANXIETY, DOCTOR–PATIENT RELATIONSHIP, AND COMMUNICATIONS IN LATE LIFE
Authors: Dahal Poshan , Kahana Eva , Zhou Nan , Zhao Yuanchang , Burnham Dyanna 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The relationship and communication between doctor and patient have important implications for the quality of health care received in old age. However, their role in health-related anxiety among older patients has received limited attention. In this paper, we explored the association between doctor-patient communication and doctor-patient relationship with health-related anxiety among 661 independent, retirement community-dwelling older adults. The mean age of the respondents was 77.81 years, and the majority (60.54 percent) were women. Our findings show a negative association between health–related anxiety and the doctor-patient relationship (b=-11, p&lt;.05). We also found a negative association between satisfaction with communication and health-related anxiety (b=-.09, p&lt;.05). The relationship between health-related anxiety and doctor-patient relationship and doctor-patient communication remains even after controlling for covariates. Older adults who reported better communication and relationship with their physician had lower health-related anxiety. Compared to Blacks, Whites had significantly lower health-related anxiety (b=-.80, p&lt;.05). For every additional chronic condition, health-related anxiety increased by 0.22 (p&lt; 05). Gender, education, and age, however, were not associated with health anxiety. Overall, our findings support the hypothesis that better doctor-patient relationships and communication are associated with lower health-related anxiety among community-dwelling older adults.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MEDIA IMAGE, PERCEIVED AGE STEREOTYPE, AND AGING ANXIETY IN KOREAN OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Kim Miri , Chung Soondool 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between media image, perceived age stereotype, and aging anxiety in older adults in South Korea, in order to gain a better understanding of the psychosocial and financial-related anxieties faced by older adults in later life. Given that South Korea is projected to become the most aged nation in the world within 50 years, studying aging anxiety in this context is particularly important. A total of 600 older adults from 65 to 84 years of age were analysed using structural equation modelling and bootstrapping method, using a cross-sectional, secondary data from OO Research Institute of South Korea. The findings indicated that media image was positively correlated with perceived age stereotype (β=.380,p&lt;.001), aging anxiety on financial factors (β=.145,p&lt;.001), and aging anxiety on psychosocial factors (β=.136,p&lt;.01), while perceived age stereotype was correlated with aging anxiety on psychosocial factors (β=.205,p&lt;.001). In terms of indirect effects, perceived age stereotype mediated the relationship between media image and aging anxiety on psychosocial factors (95% CI: 0.034 to 0.121). The results suggest that older adults who encounter more negative images of old age and aging in the media are more likely to develop perceptions of age stereotype, which in turn increases their aging anxiety on psychosocial factors. Practical implementations are suggested to reduce aging anxiety. The study’s findings have implications for reducing aging anxiety and understanding the experiences of older adults in the era of population aging.
EMPLOYMENT AND LIFE SATISFACTION IN LATER LIFE: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF SUBJECTIVE EXPECTATION
Authors: Song Si Young , Choi Bomi , Park Hayoung , Kang Miseon 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Although the productive aging framework has been emphasized to promote active roles such as employment to improve psychological well-being in later life, the mechanisms that explain the association between employment and life satisfaction remain unclear. Therefore, this study sought to examine the mediation role of subjective expectation about future living standards in the association between employment and life satisfaction among older Korean adults. The data was the 8th wave (2020) of the Korean National Longitudinal Study on Aging, and the sample included 4,238 older Korean adults aged 65 or above. Employment was coded as 0 when they are not working and 1 when working. Life satisfaction was measured by overall quality of life on a ten-point scale. Subjective expectation, the mediating variable, was measured by the subjective evaluation of future living standard on a ten-point scale (e.g., “I think my standard of living will get better in the future”). PROCESS MACRO model 4 in SPSS 26.0 were utilized to test indirect and direct effects while gender, education level, household income, and presence of spouse were controlled for. As a result, employment had a direct effect on life satisfaction and indirect effects were also significant, indicating employment contributes to a higher level of life satisfaction through higher subjective expectation. The findings revealed that the mechanism between employment and life satisfaction among older adults can be explained through subjective expectation, indicating the importance of considering beneficial effects of employment that enhance psychological well-being when developing intervention programs for older adults.