bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ENGAGING STRATEGIES IN CLASSES, COMMUNITIES, AND RESEARCH
Authors: Kemeny Betsy 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Educators can use community engaged learning (CEL), also known as service learning, to empower all ages, bridging both college students and older adults needs. With the wrong approach, service just attached to a course may reinforce negative stereotypes. To assure best practice, educators benefit from CEL competencies to promote positive learning and avoid reinforcing ageism. Competencies, based on a community-engaged taxonomy, include: Reciprocal partnerships, Diversity of interactions and dialogue,​ Community activities, Civic competencies, Critical reflection, and Assessment (Rathlef, 2022; Kecskes, 2015). A complete explanation of each competency will be explained and illustrated. Using the competencies as a framework, two specific programs with college students and older adults were evaluated using both formative and summative measures. One program, a virtual intergenerational interaction, lasted seven weeks. The second program, an in-person program at the University’s equestrian and nature center, spanned five weeks. Pre and post comparisons of civic learning outcomes using CLEO, written reflections, focus group discussion, and partner perspectives were analyzed. Older adults reported some improvement in social interaction and companionship with some expansion in social networks. Students significantly improved civic knowledge outcomes. The students’ written reflections revealed a self-reported change in attitude toward older adults. Students also expressed a shift in their perceptions of future work in a health setting with older adults. Community-engaged learning can empower all ages, but an educator’s attention to the competencies supporting best practice can make a significant difference to the outcome of these efforts.
SENSITIVITY AND SPECIFICITY OF THE MCDR FOR MCI DIAGNOSIS AMONG HISPANIC AND WHITE NON-HISPANIC OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Garcia Patricia , Mendoza Lisandra , Duarte Andres , Padron Dilianna , Marsiske Michael , Fiala Jacob , Duara Ranjan , Rodriguez Miriam 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objective
Greater functional impairment has been associated with higher rates of progression to dementia. Identifying sensitive functional measures that can detect early ADRD have immediate implications for prognosis, especially among ethnically diverse groups who are disproportionately affected. The modified Clinical Dementia Rating scale (mCDR) is a multiple-choice format assessment that assesses the five domains of the Clinical Dementia Rating scale. The current study aimed to compare sensitivity and specificity of the mCDR between White non-Hispanic (WNH) and Hispanic participants.

Methods
The mCDR was administered in the patient’s primary language (English or Spanish) to 101 WNH Cognitively Normal (CN, n=20) and with MCI (n=81) and 159 Hispanic CN (n=32) and MCI (n=127) participants. Sensitivity to MCI diagnosis and Specificity to CN, using the mCDR “mean of means” total score, was quantified via Area under the Curve (AUC) calculated from a Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis.

Results
Among WNH participants, the mCDR score demonstrated 78% Sensitivity and 90% Specificity (AUC = .88; CI95%= .81, .94). Among Hispanics, the mCDR showed 61% Sensitivity and 78% specificity (AUC = .73; CI95%= .64, .83). AUC was significantly worse for Hispanic participants.

Conclusion
The mCDR is a tool that can be used by a trained psychometrist to facilitate focused answers and reduce administration time when assessing clinical functioning among dementia populations. It demonstrated excellent discrimination between CN and MCI among WNHs and acceptable discrimination among Hispanic individuals. Future research should further examine the utility of this tool for Hispanic older adults in early diagnosis of ADRD.
BODY COMPOSITION AND FALL RISK IN MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE CATEGORIES OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN OLDER WOMEN
Authors: Choudhury Renoa , Park Joon-Hyuk , Banarjee Chitra , Thiamwong Ladda , Xie Rui , Stout Jeffrey 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Both physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) have been independently linked with health outcomes in older adults. However, limited research has been done to investigate how different combinations of these behaviors influence their body composition and functional balance. This cross-sectional study examined the associations of mutually exclusive categories of PA and SB with body composition and fall risk in older women. Accelerometer-measured PA (ActiGraph GT9X), body composition (Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) and fall risk data (BTrackS Balance & sit-to-stand) were collected from 91 community-dwelling older women. Participants were grouped into four behavioral categories: active-low sedentary, active-high sedentary, inactive-low sedentary and inactive-high sedentary. Active was defined as ≥150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) per week (inactive: &lt; 150 minutes/week of MVPA) and low sedentary was denoted as residing in the first tertile of sedentary-to-light PA time ratio (high sedentary: residing in the remaining tertiles). Results from linear regression analysis showed that, compared to inactive-high sedentary group, lower body fat mass index (BFMI), higher skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI), lower appendicular fat mass index (AFMI) and higher sit-to-stand (STS) scores were found in both active-low sedentary (BFMI: p=.002; SMMI: p=.017; AFMI: p=.003; STS: p=.014) and inactive-low sedentary participants (BFMI: p=.007; SMMI: p=.014; AFMI: p=.005; STS: p=.031), while active-high sedentary participants only showed lower AFMI (p=.037). Our findings suggest PA interventions integrating approaches for achieving sufficient MVPA and reducing SB concurrently might promote healthy body composition and reduce fall risk among older adults.
TRANSCRIPTOMIC SIGNATURES OF AGING, GENETICS, AND MORTALITY RISK: FINDINGS FROM THE LONG LIFE FAMILY STUDY
Authors: Wojczynski Mary , Glynn Nancy , Raghavachari Nalini 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The Long Life Family Study (LLFS), funded by the National Institute on Aging, is an international collaborative study of the genetics and familial components of exceptional longevity and healthy aging. We phenotyped 4,953 individuals from 539 two-generational families (1,727 proband; 3,226 offspring) at baseline (2006-2009). A second visit (2014-2017) was conducted for 2,904 (478 proband; 2,426 offspring) participants, with a third visit ongoing. The longitudinal, comprehensive in-person visits measured domains of healthy aging, including physical performance, cognition, and blood markers. Extensive genetic analyses were performed using the baseline blood draw, including genotyping with the Illumina 2.5M Human Omni array, linkage analyses with the families, whole genome sequencing using the TopMED protocol, metabolomic assays, and trascriptomics (RNA-seq). Collectively, this symposium will present novel findings that examined differences in gene expression between those of extreme old age compared to younger participants, elucidate potential new genomic regions and variants associated with ankle brachial index, examine rare variants under linkage peaks for perceived physical fatigability, and compare mortality and cause of death between LLFS and the US population. Specifically, Ms. Li will share results on gene expression profiles in aging. Then, Ms. Ressler will share findings on the genetics of ankle brachial index with linkage and association results. Next, Ms. Gay will discuss associations under the linkage peak for perceived physical fatigability. Lastly, Ms. Yao will present mortality and patterns of death in the LLFS. As Discussant, Dr. Nalini Raghavachari from the NIA will provide insights and propose future directions for LLFS.
LINKAGE ANALYSIS OF PERCEIVED PHYSICAL FATIGABILITY IN THE LONG LIFE FAMILY STUDY
Authors: Gay Emma , Santanasto Adam , Lin Shiow (Rosa) , Wojczynski Mary , Glynn Nancy 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Fatigability, whole-body fatigue anchored to specific tasks, is a highly prevalent characteristic in older adults, but the biological mechanisms underlying perceived physical fatigability are unclear. Genetic studies may identify potential biological pathways contributing to physical fatigability. The family study design of the LLFS provides a unique opportunity to explore variants associated with fatigability using whole-genome linkage analysis. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was available for N=2462, 496 families (age 73.6±10.5 years, 54.8% women, 99% white. Perceived physical fatigability was measured with the Pittsburgh Fatigability Scale (PFS, 0-50, lower=less severe). Prevalence of lower PFS scores (&lt;15) was 57.9%. Multipoint linkage analysis employing likelihood-based variance components analyses were performed to identify families and genetic loci showing strong evidence for linkage. Based on linkage analysis results, a series of association analyses were performed in the subsets of linked families for PFS Physical scores. Association analyses were conducted using linear mixed models adjusted for age, field center, principal components and familial relatedness. For all families the LOD was 2.13 at chr17:79,549,108. The HLOD of the top 27 families (n=225) was 8.97. There were 8 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) identified under the linkage peak on chromosome 17. These variants were mapped to 8 different genes involved in regulation of transcription and metabolism, cellular proliferation, signal transduction, protein trafficking, and membrane structure; all important in maintenance of cellular health. Results suggest fatigability in older adults may have multiple molecular etiologies and identified variants may allude to molecular mechanisms to target in future interventions to promote healthy aging.
EFFECTS OF IMPLEMENTING AGETECH TO SUPPORT DEMENTIA CARE IN A RURAL AND NORTHERN SETTING
Authors: Freeman Shannon , Sousa Sarah , Banner-Lukaris Davina , Skinner Kelly 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Older adults wishing to age in northern and rural communities deserve equitable access to technologies that support optimal health, well-being, and quality of life. A new dementia care home opened in a rural and northern community in 2022 with consciously embedded multiple AgeTech solutions to enhance residents quality of life and care. The AgeTech solutions including hydroponic gardening, circadian lighting, and virtual exercise programming, were implementated into the 10-bed facility through a partnership between the Center for Technology Adoption for Aging in the North (CTAAN), health systems leaders, and community partners. The purposeful implementation of AgeTech within the facility through this partnership aimed to enhance the life-skills and living model of care to maximize independence, function, and resident well-being. We conducted a process evaluation assessing data from interviews with facility staff, health systems leaders, and secondary analysis of existing documentation to objectively measure the implementation process and inform a framework for ongoing assessment of AgeTech. Results highlight areas for ongoing technology innovation and inform policy decisions for future initiatives. Informants described the benefits in use of non-invasive circadian lighting technology to support resident well-being by enhancing sleep, rest/activity, reducing behaviours associated with dementia. Technology enhanced environmental well-being and expanded opportunities for residents to engage in meaningful activities. Participants also described the physical and social benefits for residents using individual and social multiplayer modes of exercise technologies. Providing equitable access to services across dispersed and sparse populations is challenging, yet with implementation of AgeTech quality of care can be enhanced.
EXPLORING THE ROLE OF SOCIAL FACTORS AND CHANGES IN RIDE-HAIL (UBER/LYFT) USE AMONG OLDER ADULTS
Authors: Vivoda Jonathon , Grippa Rosa 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Previous research has observed low ride-hail (e.g., Uber) use among older adults and identified some factors related to use. However, uptake of technology changes quickly and pandemic-related factors (e.g., social distancing) may have affected ride-hail use. The Pew Research Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP) datasets include variables related to political and social views, behavior, religion, geography, internet use, and other factors that have not been previously assessed in relation to ride-hailing among older adults. ATP waves from 2015, 2018, and 2021 included questions about ride-hail use, and were assessed in this study. In 2015, 15.4% of all respondents and 4.5% of older adults reported having ever used ride-hailing. In 2018, the numbers had increased to 36.1% overall and 18.1% for older adults. In 2021, participants were only asked about ride-hail use during the past year, with 22.4% overall and 8.7% of older adults reporting ride-hail use. Separate logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with reporting ever using ride-hail services (2018) and having used ride-hailing during the past year (2021), among older adults. Higher odds of reporting any use (2018) were related to living in a metropolitan area, living in the US’s West, attending religious service monthly vs. never, high income, more liberal ideology, female gender, and volunteering. Higher odds of use during the past year (2021) were related to metropolitan area, male gender, more education, Hispanic ethnicity, divorced and single vs. married, unaffiliated vs Catholic religion, less frequent religious attendance, high income, and frequent internet use.
INTERROGATING AGEISM
Authors: Hanes Douglas 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This paper identifies and addresses a puzzle within the conceptualization of ageism. According to the Reframing Aging Initiative, “Ageism refers to stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination directed toward people on the basis of age”; these adversely affect older people’s lives in daily lives, including in employment and healthcare. Yet, unlike other marginalized groups, like people of color and women, older people are not underrepresented in powerful positions nor are they worse off. Indeed, they tend to fare better than the population overall: the mean age of US CEOs is 59 years; US Representatives and Senators are 58.4 and 64.3, respectively. Older Americans are more likely to be homeowners and less likely to be unemployed or food-insecure than the overall population. This paper considers several possible explanations. First, unlike racism or sexism, ageism may not be structural, but personal: present in individuals’ attitudes and interactions, but without population-level effects, codification, or institutionalization. Second, ageism may only hold intersectionally, becoming operational under conditions of structural oppression like racism and sexism. For example, while older US whites have less risk of food insecurity than younger whites, older Black Americans are at greater risk than younger Blacks. Finally, ageism may be mitigated by selective mortality: while older people face ageism daily, not everyone reaches older age. Wealthier people and whites are more likely to live to older age; older people’s greater power and welfare reflect their earlier status. Each option presents benefits and drawbacks; together they allow us to address those whom ageism most harms.
SOCIAL PRESCRIBING FOR THE ARTS: LESSONS FROM ABROAD FOR THE HEALTH CARE OF OLDER AMERICANS
Authors: Gleason Shayna , Shreeniwas Sudha , Birabwa Joy 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Evidence shows the dramatically positive influence of participation in the arts on the health and well-being of older adults (OA). Social Prescribing for the Arts (also called Arts on Prescription or AoP) — in which a professional in a clinical or community setting refers a client to the arts and supports them in accessing arts programming — constitutes one mechanism by which OA may participate in health-promoting arts activities. AoP has been incorporated in other high-income nations including Canada, the UK, and some EU nations. The UK especially has embedded AoP into its healthcare system; however, its universal health insurance program makes its context substantially different from the United States’. This study examined models of AoP abroad and how they could be adapted to the U.S. context for OA. We conducted 25 semi-structured, in-depth interviews with professionals involved in AoP overseas, including physicians, link workers, arts providers, policy experts, and others, as well as 10 interviews with their U.S. counterparts (N=35). Participants were recruited through referral sampling and we intentionally cultivated diversity of role in AoP schemes during recruitment. Transcripts were coded thematically by three team members. Resulting themes included challenges abroad with funding for arts, uneven training among referrers, strain on referrers and arts providers, difficulty reaching the most disadvantaged, skepticism from various stakeholders, the importance of patient involvement in developing a care plan, and a need for open communication between arts providers and referrers. Recommendations for the U.S. include designing and evaluating AoP programs that address these concerns.
LONELINESS AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN OLDER ADULT PRIMARY CARE PATIENTS
Authors: Williams-Farrelly Monica , Schroeder Matthew , Li Claudia , Fowler Nicole 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Loneliness, defined as the perceived discrepancy in an individual’s desired and actual social relationships, is common among older adults. Loneliness among older adult primary care patients is lacking, considering the implications it has on physical and mental health. Our objective was to determine the relationship between loneliness and quality of life (QOL) in older adult primary care patients. Data come from the Caregiver Outcomes of Alzheimer’s Disease Screening (COADS) study, an ongoing randomized controlled trial evaluating benefits and risks of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias screening among older primary care patients and their family members. Loneliness (5-item NIH Toolbox), quality of life (QOL)—as measured by physical and mental health component scores— and depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety symptomatology (GAD-7) were measured among primary care patients aged 65 and older from April 2020 to September 2021. Spearman correlation analyses reveal that loneliness was moderately correlated with mental health (r(601) = -.43, p&lt; 0.001), anxiety (r(601) =.44, p&lt; 0.001), and depression (r(601) = .42, p&lt; 0.001), while weakly correlated with physical health (r(601) = -.15, p&lt; 0.001). After conducting unadjusted and adjusted linear regression models, we found that loneliness was associated with both lower mental (p&lt; 0.001) and physical health component scores (p&lt; 0.001). Furthermore, loneliness remained significantly associated with worse mental health when adjusting for depression, anxiety, sociodemographic characteristics, and comorbidity. Primary care providers should discuss loneliness with their older adult patients and provide resources to help patients develop and maintain meaningful social relationships.
ACCEPTABILITY OF THE CONFIDENCE INTERVENTION: INITIAL RESULTS FROM SATISFACTION SURVEYS AND QUALITATIVE INTERVIEWS
Authors: Mage Susanna , Benton Donna , Meyer Kylie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Evaluation of an intervention’s acceptability with end-users during the pilot stage can identify barriers to future implementation. Determination of acceptability is particularly important for the CONFIDENCE intervention, as there are no rigorously tested financial wellbeing interventions among family caregivers to persons living with dementia. As a part of the CONFIDENCE pilot study, investigators are using survey techniques and qualitative interviews with participants to assess intervention acceptability. Thus far, N=9 caregivers have completed satisfaction surveys and N=3 participated in a Zoom-based, one-on-one interview. Descriptive statistics were applied to evaluate preliminary satisfaction survey data. Interview transcripts underwent preliminary thematic analysis by the first author. The codebook was guided by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA), which posits seven domains of acceptability (e.g., self-efficacy). Results suggest overall acceptability of the intervention. All caregivers who completed the satisfaction survey “Agreed” (3; 33%) or “Strongly agreed” (6; 67%) that they would recommend the CONFIDENCE program to other caregivers. Within specific domains, most caregivers found content easy to understand (8; 89%), easy to access (7; 88%), and convenient to attend (7;78%). The thematic analyses reinforced these findings of acceptability. (“I came into the program right when I needed it.”) Four aspects of the TFA emerged: 1) clear understanding of the intervention and how it works, 2) perception that the intervention was effective in achieving its purpose, 3) confidence in the ability to perform the program requirements, and 4) overall positive affective attitude about the intervention experience. “Every piece of information was helpful,” shared one caregiver.
A BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL APPROACH TOWARD PREDICTING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH KNEE OSTEOARTHRITIS
Authors: Kaushal Navin , Nemati Donya , Best Thomas 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Regular physical activity (PA) is imperative for preventing disability among older adults with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). However, PA is a complex behavior that relies on determinants from biological, psychological and social factors. Identifying determinants that predict PA would be informative for providing support for patients with KOA who are physically inactive. This study aimed to employ a biopsychosocial (BPS) approach to identify the strongest PA determinants among older adults with KOA.
Methods: Adults (age 65+) diagnosed with KOA (n=1,343) from the Osteoarthritis Initiative dataset were included to test the BPS model. Putative BPS determinants from baseline were identified by testing if they correlated with two-year follow-up change scores of accelerometry PA data. Each model factor was tested using ordinary least-squared regressions, and significant determinants were then used for the biopsychosocial model test, which employed hierarchical multiple regression.
Results: Bivariate correlations revealed 21 variables representing biological (n=13), psychological (n=4), and social (n=4) variables that correlated with change in levels of PA. Four significant variables were identified in separate regression models. Testing these predictors using hierarchical regression revealed the strongest determinant to be the 400-meter walk (β =-.26, p&lt;.001), followed by age (β=-.23, p&lt;.001), general health (β=-.15, p&lt;.001), and BMI (β=-.21, p&lt;.001).
Conclusion: The BPS model test revealed 50% of determinants to be mutable (fitness and BMI), and the remaining to be non/less mutable. The 400-meter walk test was the strongest indicator of future PA, suggesting that individuals with KOA who score low on this test could benefit from supported PA programs.